In the morning, as soon as Nicole finished her breakfast, she returned to her makeshift bonfire to try drying the grains again. This time, she pced them higher than yesterday.

  Cool, now I just need to count how long it takes for the grains to dry enough to be turned into flour.

  While waiting, Nicole looked around. Though many people gnced at her as they passed, no one paid much attention. Everyone seemed preoccupied with their own tasks and worries. But then, she heard a familiar voice behind her.

  "Hey, Nicole! How are you?"

  As Nicole turned around, she saw Pock, the farmer she had worked for.

  "Oh, hello, Pock. Do you need something?"

  "Don’t worry, I just saw you and thought I’d say hello. But now that I think about it, I still haven’t paid you for your work. Have you decided what you want? Though it’s not like I have much to offer, heh."

  Oh, right. I completely forgot about that. Hm, what would I need? I don’t think he has any power-up fruits or meat he could share—he’s just an ordinary farmer, after all. What else could I ask for?

  Wait a minute! I totally forgot about the idea of making soap—or at least shampoo. Shit, I hope my memory doesn’t fail me. If I remember the DIY videos correctly, it’s animal fat and some kind of water with wood ash mixed together. But I don’t think Pock has either...

  "Pock, listen. I have no idea what to ask for. Could you just give me something you think might be useful?"

  "Hmm, let me think. If you want, I could get you a few vegetables from the field. What do you think?"

  Man, and what am I supposed to do with those? The breakfasts and dinners might not be the tastiest, but they’re enough for me. Plus, with the meat Soi keeps at home, I think she’d share if I needed more food.

  "Eh, to be honest, I’m not sure I need those."

  "Then how about some milk? Though you’ll have to do the milking yourself."

  Hm, milk? That’s more interesting. I could try adding it into the bread or whatever I end up making. Though first I need to do a test batch to be sure it’s doable.

  "Great, I think that’ll do. I’ll come by ter."

  "Perfect. I’ll be waiting then."

  With that, Pock left, and Nicole turned back to her task.

  Right, the grains!

  She gnced at the cy pte. The grains’ golden-yellow color had darkened into a more amber-like shade.

  I think that’s enough. Better not risk burning them again.

  Back at the hut, Nicole pced the pte on the table. Holding a rock, she started grinding the grains in circur, crushing motions. It took her some time, but eventually the grains turned into flour. It was the same amber color and now had a nutty smell.

  Great, that should be good enough. From what I remember, just water is enough to make dough. A bit of salt would help too, though I’m not sure if the natives even know what salt is.

  Looking around, she suddenly realized Soi had taken the bag with the water-storing pnt.

  Ah, shit. Should I ask around for a few cups of water? I don’t want anyone asking for favors in return... Wait. I’m a fucking genius! I need water AND salt—ocean water has both!

  One quick trip to the beach ter, Nicole returned and pced two cups of ocean water next to the pte of flour.

  Cool, now I just have to mix them until it becomes dough. Or at least I hope it works like that.

  She poured water into a rger cy pot and added half the flour.

  Let’s save some of the flour in case I mess this up.

  At first, she shook the pot in circur motions to mix the ingredients, then started kneading by hand until the dough turned into a sticky, dark amber-colored mass.

  She took it out of the pot, pced it on the table, and began kneading it again. After around 10 minutes, she had a smooth, round ball in her hands. She tore it into four smaller pieces and formed ft circles.

  Finally, I’m done with it. Now the easiest part.

  Using leftover wood and sticks she had gathered earlier, Nicole built a small bonfire in front of Soi’s hut. She constructed two rock columns and pced the pte with the dough above the fire.

  It took around 7 minutes per side to cook. By the time she was finished, it was noon.

  The smell of freshly baked bread filled the air, and many Torakai people gnced at her with interest as they passed. She put the fire out and left the ftbreads to cool. They were round, about one and a half centimeters tall, and a dark ember color.

  Well, it may not be perfect, but I’m sure it’ll blow their minds.

  When Nicole raised her gaze, she noticed a group of people already gathered around her. Their cat tails swayed from side to side.

  And here come the victims of my little pn, hehe.

  She pointed at the group and said loudly:

  "Hm, are you guys interested in this unique food, made in a way you can’t even imagine? Come closer!"

  As expected, the group stepped forward, and more passersby began to join them. One of them, a young man, asked:

  "It smells so good! But what is it?"

  Nicole smirked.

  "It’s ftbread! You’ve never tasted anything like it in your life! And now’s your chance—unless you’re too scared!"

  She picked up one of the ftbreads. It was still warm and about the size of her palm. She tore off a piece and pced it in her mouth.

  Well, to be fair, it’s the worst pastry I’ve ever eaten—way too salty and not much fvor. Though there is a bit of a nutty aftertaste at least.

  "Which one of you dares to try it?"

  Suddenly, a familiar face appeared. It was Dels—the guy who had tried to bckmail her earlier.

  "What if it’s poisonous? Maybe you’re a mad bitch trying to harm innocent people! How can you guarantee this... thing is safe to eat?!"

  His words caused a wave of whispers to ripple through the group of Torakai.

  Tch, fucking brat. But he’s got a point. What if Goldmanes really are dangerous? But I’ve spent way too much time on this to back off now.

  "You saw me eat one. I’d be in the same danger as anyone else. Go away, you’re not getting any anyway."

  "Hey, what’s going on?"

  Everyone turned to look at Soi, who was pushing through the crowd blocking the path to her hut.

  Finally, she’s here. A bit early, but she’ll make that idiot back off.

  "Hey, Soi. Come here."

  Nicole handed her one of the ftbreads.

  "Oooh, what’s this? It’s warm and smells great!"

  "You asked why I was gathering Goldmanes. This is what I made with them. And as promised, you’re the first to try it. Eat up."

  Nicole turned to the crowd.

  "You may not trust me, but I think you can trust Soi."

  Soi took a bite, and her eyes sparkled. She quickly devoured the rest.

  "It’s so cool and tasty! A bit strange and unusual, but I like it!"

  The crowd began whispering again, now in an excited tone. Nicole grinned at Dels, who scowled, spat on the ground, and walked away.

  "Now, listen! I have two more left. I’ll tear one into four smaller parts, so four of you can try it. But who will it be...?"

  Now I just need to wait a little. Hehehe.

  "You’re lucky—I’m giving it away for free today."

  At those words, the crowd began loudly arguing over who should get a piece. Curious bystanders joined the scene.

  Pointing to the crowd, Nicole made her selection.

  "Alright, alright, calm down! Since you can’t decide, I’ll choose. You—big guy with a spear! Lady with blonde hair! That elderly man over there!"

  Then she pointed at a young girl she recognized as the one carrying Ironhide fur earlier.

  "And the st one—you, girl. Come here and get your free ftbread piece."

  The chosen ones stepped forward and received their pieces. As they tasted them, the crowd could tell from their faces that they liked it.

  Perfect. I wasn’t sure everyone would enjoy it, but they did.

  "Now, listen everybody! If you want to try this delicious food, bring me lots of Goldmanes! Anyone who brings at least twenty gets one of these tasty things for free!"

  If I counted right, it takes about ten Goldmanes to make one ftbread. With ten left, I can make one free and one for sale. Perfect.

  "Now move on. You can start bringing me Goldmanes tomorrow. For now, get back to whatever you were doing."

  The vilgers slowly dispersed.

  Nicole took a deep breath.

  Okay, one st thing for now.

  "Nicole, that was so cool! I’m lucky my mentor let me come home early today! And even luckier to have you!"

  Soi looked like she was about to start jumping around in happiness. Nicole patted her head gently.

  "I’m gd you liked it. But I still have one thing to do."

  She picked up the cy pte with the st ftbread.

  "Do you know where Pock lives? One of the farmers?"

  "Hm? Of course I do! Are you going to give it to him? Why?"

  Nicole smirked.

  "You’ll see."

  "You said that earlier with the Goldmanes. Maybe you’ll do something even better next time! Alright, let’s go."

  Soon, they stood in front of a wooden hut, more or less the same as the others.

  "Thanks, Soi. You can go home—I think I’ll remember the way now."

  "Well, have fun!"

  With that, Soi wandered off. Nicole knocked gently but firmly.

  After a few seconds, the door opened. She saw a woman—the one who had recommended Nicole ask about work in the Usa fields. She looked about 40 years old and had bck hair tied into two thin braids. She wore the same kind of clothing as every other vilge woman: a leather chest cover and loincloth.

  "Oh, hello. You’re Pock’s wife, right?"

  "Uh, wife?"

  Oh, fuck. Really? Makes sense, I guess. Their whole society seems more sexually open - they might not even have marriage.

  "Forget it. Uh, is Pock here?"

  "Right. Come in, come in."

  The woman stepped aside, and Nicole entered. The inside looked simir to Soi’s home - just one room, with a table, a bed, and some cy pots lining the walls.

  The woman approached Pock, who was sitting on the bed, and sat down next to him.

  "Darling, a girl came to see you."

  Pock turned to Nicole.

  "Oh, hey. You need something? Or are you here for the milk?"

  Nicole stepped forward and pced the pte in front of them.

  "Try this. It’s something I made - I’m sure you’ll like it."

  Pock took the ftbread and sniffed it.

  "Hm, interesting. I’ve never seen anything like this."

  He tore it in two and handed one piece to the woman. After they both ate, Nicole asked:

  "So, what do you think?"

  "It’s... unique. Has a strange aftertaste. Makes me want to drink water after eating it."

  Looks like they really don’t know what salt is.

  The woman nodded in agreement.

  "I agree. But I can't say I dislike it either."

  "Great. With milk, it'll taste even better. So, how about a partnership? I’ll make the ftbreads and add milk to part of the batch. The ones with milk will be worth much more. I’ll give you every third milk-infused ftbread in exchange for the milk you provide. You can eat it or trade it. What do you think?"

  "Well, it’s certainly an interesting idea. What do you think, Rora?"

  The woman nodded again.

  "I don’t see why we shouldn’t accept the offer. Just… I don’t know how much milk we’ll be able to produce long term. You know how it is sometimes..."

  "What’s wrong? Did something happen with the animals you milk?"

  At that, the Torakai pair turned and stared at Nicole.

  Huh? Did I say something weird?

  "You know," Rora said coldly, "it’s not nice to call people that. I thought you were better mannered, girl."

  Meanwhile, Pock took a deep breath.

  "Uh, Nicole… I know you’re not from here, and I guess you don’t know... We milk people."

  Oh fuck.

  Nicole instantly felt like an idiot.

  Of course… Soi produced a bit of milk too. I should've connected the dots. Wait. Earlier, Pock said I’d have to do the milking myself… Uhhh. Okay, calm down, Nicole. It’s probably not that bad, right?

  Only now did she notice that Rora had a surprisingly full chest—round and perky for a woman in her forties.

  Hah, with those milkers, this might not be so bad.

  "I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it disrespectfully. Where I come from, breast milk is usually only used to feed little kids, and when we say 'milk,' we mean what comes from animals."

  "Oh, I understand. Don’t worry about it," Rora said, more warmly.

  Fuck, that was embarrassing as hell.

  "So, what’s the issue with the milk production?"

  "You see," Rora replied, "there’s less and less of it. We think it's because of my age. But I’m sure there’s still enough—for now."

  "If you say so. Well… when could I come get the milk?"

  After exchanging gnces, Pock answered.

  "I mentioned earlier you’d have to do the milking yourself. What I meant is… we’ve noticed the milk comes easier and faster when Rora and I are being, uh, intimate. But her doing it alone—or with my help—doesn’t work that well. So..."

  The silence that followed said everything.

  Ugh, is he serious? I expected milking a woman to be awkward enough—but while they’re having sex? That’s... even more fucked up.

  Nicole took a deep breath before answering.

  "That’s... unexpected. But if it makes the job faster, I guess it's fine. When would be a good time?"

  "If you’re not in a rush, we could do it right now."

  Man, I thought I’d at least have a day to come to terms with the fact I’m going to milk a woman. Eh, on the other hand, I can test the ftbread with milk sooner.

  "Alright. Let’s start, then."

  Pock got up and pced a cy pot in front of Nicole. Meanwhile, Rora quickly undressed, followed by Pock. They acted like it was as routine as eating breakfast.

  Damn, why is every dick I’ve seen on this isnd bigger than the ones on Earth? It's like I’m in some kind of porn.

  Rora got on all fours, arching her back, ass in the air. She licked her lips and looked at Nicole.

  God, this is so fucking awkward.

  Nicole's gaze drifted down to Rora’s ample chest, swaying slightly.

  Pock got behind Rora, caressed her for a few seconds, and slowly pushed in. Nicole didn’t saw that though—she was seated to Rora’s side.

  Well, time to start, I guess.

  She pced the pot under Rora’s chest and gently grabbed one of her breasts.

  "Please let me know if I’m doing something wrong."

  "O-Of... Ahh, fuck... course... Don’t worry, girl," Rora moaned between gasps.

  The couple picked up their pace, the room filling with the wet sound of skin against skin. Nicole felt her body react involuntarily to the lewd scene.

  Fuck, not now. Focus on the task.

  She began kneading the breast, working it up and down. With each motion, a small stream of white milk dripped into the pot.

  "Nngh..."

  Not long time after, Rora climaxed, with a moan louder than the ones before. At the same time, the milk flow surged, pouring several times faster than before for a few seconds.

  "Oh yes, that was so good, darling..."

  Rora panted hard. The couple paused for a moment while Nicole continued to milk the now-less-productive right breast. The pot was halfway full. She shifted to the other side and began on Rora’s left.

  The pair resumed, and Nicole got back to work.

  My arms are starting to get tired. And it’s getting harder and harder to ignore them.

  Soon, Rora climaxed again, and once more, the milk gushed out in greater volume. Afterward, the woman got up, exchanged a few kisses with Pock, and dressed casually—as if nothing unusual had happened. Meanwhile, Nicole was left sitting on the floor, a little drained.

  I hope Soi’s in a good mood today. Otherwise, I’ll have to handle this pent-up horniness myself. Maybe she has some toys I can borrow...

  "How do you guys go two rounds and not look tired at all?"

  Pock smirked.

  "Well, we’ve had 27 eclipses of nearly daily sex—and a little help from Toraqui every eclipse. Oh, right. Toraqui’s like our tribe's celebration. Lots of food, and, well, most of us end up fucking all day too."

  Cool… but what the fuck does he mean by 'eclipses'?

  "I see. But what exactly are 'eclipses'? Where I come from, it’s when the moon covers the sun, and it creates this cool light effect."

  "Hm, interesting. It’s the same here. But it happens once every 365 days, and we use it to measure time. Also, whenever an eclipse occurs, a powerful creature appears somewhere on the isnd. Each tribe sends its best warriors to hunt it first."

  Okay, I’ll have to start saying 'eclipses' instead of 'years.' Damn, saying 'I’m 23 eclipses old' sounds kinda dumb.

  "Well, I don’t want to intrude on your life, so I should go now."

  As if everything that just happened wasn’t an intrusion, hah.

  "Of course. Come back if you need more. And bring those things you came with, too."

  Nicole picked up the pot and headed out.