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Night had fallen, and a grand banquet was underway within the tribe.
Babel began introducing the important figures of the tribe to Jeht.
First was Yuften, the man in charge of raising Spinocrocodiles. Though he was somewhat short, his muscles were solid and powerful.
Whenever Yuften opened his mouth to speak, he tended to stutter, yet the moment the topic turned to his Spinocrocodiles, he would push through that stutter with all his strength, eager to explain their purpose.
These Spinocrocodiles were a vital source of meat for the tribe and one of the guarantees of their continued survival.
Next, Babel pointed toward Masseira and his adopted daughter, the Falcon "Tadhla," who stood not far away.
As one of the tribal elders, Masseira held considerable authority.
However, to Lumine and Paimon's surprise, Tadhla merely showed her face before immediately withdrawing, full of vigilance toward everything around her, radiating an unapproachable aura.
After that, Babel introduced Jeht to Aderfi, the one responsible for handling the tribe's business with the outside world.
Aderfi was quick-witted and skilled in communication, procuring resources and goods the tribe needed.
Lastly, Babel introduced her adopted son—the overly muscular, almost bloated-looking man standing in a corner, "Azariq."
Although Lumine and Paimon didn't quite understand why someone as young as Babel already had an adopted son, they chose not to ask out of respect for tribal customs.
Shao Yun looked at "Azariq," thinking to himself, So this is Babel's lover? Is it just the clothes making him look so bulky? Even in that regard he doesn't seem impressive…
What does Babel even see in him? His status? His usefulness? …Possibly.
However, the true nature of their relationship was known to no one within the tribe. That night, when Shao Yun lodged there, he had heard it purely by accident.
After all, no one from the tribe would dare wander around in front of the Matron's room in the middle of the night.
As for Shao Yun—well, that was simply because it was his first time there and he didn't know where the toilet was…
…
When the banquet was about to end, Babel took Jeht by the hand and led her toward her own room.
As the Matron, Babel possessed high authority and status. She had personally renovated one of the ancient rooms within the canyon ruins, making it her own private chamber.
Jeht looked around Babel's bedroom with deep curiosity. While it wasn't luxurious, compared to the simple tents the other tribespeople lived in, this room was unquestionably far superior.
Just as Jeht was engrossed in examining everything, Babel spoke softly: "Jeht, from this moment on, you are officially one of our tribe. There are some things I must speak with you about alone."
Hearing this, Jeht's heart tightened. She realized the Matron was about to tell her something of great importance.
She quickly withdrew her smile, straightened her posture, and asked seriously, "What is it? Mommy Babel, please enlighten me!"
Since Shao Yun was present—and given they had only just met—Babel did not reveal her serpent-hearted nature.
Instead, she appeared as kind and gentle as a loving mother, speaking patiently.
"Living in the desert is nothing like the rainforest beyond the sandstorm wall—it is harsh, and you must be mentally prepared."
Jeht nodded with determination. "I understand. Ever since I can remember, I've lived in the desert. There is nothing about its cruelty I do not know. Mommy, you don't need to worry about me."
When Jeht mentioned she had grown up in the desert, Babel froze for a moment before saying, "I didn't expect that. I thought you were a desert dweller raised in the rainforest…"
Realizing the topic was drifting, Babel quickly pulled herself back on track.
"All right, let's return to the point. Though living within our tribe is far better than roaming the desert alone, maintaining its operations and ensuring its growth requires everyone to give their utmost effort…"
Here, Babel paused, watching Jeht's expression, and added, "Simply put, everything must be prioritized for the tribe's benefit."
"It may sound heartless, even cold, but it is the key reason we have survived in such an unforgiving land."
This speech was, in truth, a subtle test—Babel wanted to gauge Jeht's mindset in order to adjust her plans accordingly.
Jeht straightened her back without hesitation. "Don't worry, Mommy Babel, I understand! I may not be very old, but my father taught me a lot about combat. I'll contribute everything I can to the tribe!"
Seeing Jeht so innocently pledge her loyalty, Babel quietly rejoiced, though her face remained gentle and motherly.
"My dear Jeht, you're like a lively little antelope."
"But for now, our tribe doesn't need you to contribute anything great right away."
"So, first take your time to get used to life within the tribe. As for your future duties or assignments… hmm, we'll decide those later."
Though her words sounded soft and considerate, Babel's mind already had a plan.
Since Jeht seemed obedient for now, Babel intended to assign her a simple task first—just to observe her capabilities.
If Jeht proved to be unimpressive, she would simply marry her off to some tribal youth.
But if her combat ability was strong, Babel would train her to become a "Falcon," or perhaps even…
At that moment, Jeht hesitated slightly, then asked cautiously, "Um… Mommy Babel, there's something I've really been wanting to ask you."
Hearing this, Babel reined in her drifting thoughts and asked with interest, "Oh? What is it? Tell me."
Jeht took out an old but well-preserved notebook—the relic left behind by her late mother.
Holding it tightly, she slowly raised her head and said, "Mommy Babel, have you ever heard of the [Eternal Oasis]?"
Babel instinctively reached out to take the notebook.
But the instant she heard the words "Eternal Oasis," she froze.
Beneath the golden-brigade eyepatch, her eyes sharpened like a venomous scorpion, gleaming with cold greed.
Originally, Babel had seen Jeht as nothing but an ordinary tool.
But the moment Jeht revealed this precious information, her view changed completely.
She realized that this girl—this traitor's and outsider's bloodline—was far from simple, and worthy of far greater investment.
…
After the welcoming banquet ended, Babel arranged lodging for Shao Yun, Lumine, Paimon, and Jeht—two desert tents pitched within the canyon ruins.
The two tents stood very close together, almost touching.
During the banquet, Babel had introduced many tribe members to Jeht. It had tired her brain out, so the moment she entered the tent, she collapsed onto the bed and fell fast asleep.
Meanwhile, inside the tent assigned to Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon…
Shao Yun lounged comfortably on the double bed Babel had arranged, watching Lumine deep in thought. "So, are we heading to Fontaine next?"
"If we head straight north from here and move fast enough, we could reach the coastline in about two days."
Lumine furrowed her brow, pondered for a while, then shook her head gently. "Hmm… I think we should wait a few days before deciding."
Seeing Lumine still intent on eating sand in the desert, Shao Yun couldn't help but sigh helplessly.
"Jeht has found a place where she belongs, and everything seems settled now. Shouldn't we focus a bit more on our own matters?"
In contrast to Shao Yun's indifference, Lumine was like a curious cat, certain things were not yet over.
"I have a strong feeling deep inside—Jeht returning to the tribe is definitely not as simple as it looks."
Realizing he couldn't persuade Lumine, Shao Yun let out a resigned sigh, flopped backward onto the bed, and muttered,
"Fine, do whatever you want."
"Babel said it herself—we're honored guests here. We can stay as long as we like. Whenever you and Paimon want to leave, we go."
With that, Shao Yun closed his eyes, giving up on further discussion.
With him around, if that serpent-hearted beauty Babel dared to try anything, Shao Yun would make her understand what real de-camping meant.
Seeing Shao Yun already lying down, and noting it was getting late, Lumine removed her boots and lay down beside him to sleep.
As for Paimon—Babel had somehow prepared a baby crib for her…
It seemed even in the desert, Paimon could not escape the curse of sleeping in a baby bed…
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