Extreme Cold Era: Shelter Don't Keep Waste
Chapter 106: The Bear by the River

Chapter 106: Chapter 106: The Bear by the River

Early the next morning, the old butler who came to help Perfikot pack up the tent naturally saw Perfikot’s inflatable mattress. He was quite amazed but quickly understood the principle behind it.

This led the old butler to praise, "Using air for support to replace the filling inside the mattress—it’s really a genius idea! If we had such things during wars in the past, we wouldn’t have been woken by the cold while sleeping on the ground."

"Fu Grandpa, did you ever get woken by the cold while sleeping on the ground?" Perfikot asked as she combed her hair. Though her hair was of good quality, a night’s sleep had left it quite tangled.

As he helped Perfikot pack up her belongings, Foster also answered her question: "There were a few times while fighting alongside the master. We launched offensives in winter when the weather was extremely cold, but the army’s logistics were nowhere near as good as they are now. We had to sleep directly outdoors, even the master only had two blankets.

Almost every day, soldiers caught colds or came down with typhoid, resulting in severe reductions in the troops. At that time, the strategists and other generals suggested he retreat and resume the offensive in spring.

But the master was too stubborn, insisting on attacking despite the enormous non-combat attrition and opposition from everyone, including suffering severe frostbite himself. Yet, he ultimately won the battle and earned the baron title."

"Sounds like a stubborn old man who wouldn’t admit defeat." Perfikot shook her head and tied her hair into a ponytail. This simple and convenient style also prevented her hair from getting caught on things outside.

Foster organized all the belongings together and, under Perfikot’s guidance, released the air from the inflatable mattress and rolled it up.

While doing all this, he didn’t forget to respond to Perfikot’s words: "Indeed, the master was a stubborn old man, but he truly loved you dearly. When you were born, the entire manor could hear his laughter; he almost constantly wanted to hold you!

I never saw him so happy when the two young masters were born. Sadly, the master wasn’t able to watch you grow up.

However, if he could see all that you have done today, he would certainly be very happy!"

For the old butler, the old Brandelis Baron was the most important person in his life. Now, with the old baron gone and only Perfikot remaining in the Brandlis Clan, seeing Perfikot grow healthily is the entire purpose of his existence.

"Ah, Grandpa..." In her mind, Perfikot recalled the memories that had gradually faded, and couldn’t help but sigh.

She had traveled from another time, lacking deep memories of past events. Coupled with the inherent memory deficiencies of a child, she couldn’t recall the things from her childhood, and naturally had little impression of her grandfather, who Foster said deeply loved her.

Thus, Perfikot didn’t say much, simply watched silently as Foster packed up all the belongings.

Once they had tidied up the sleeping gear from the previous night, Perfikot and Foster left the tent and stepped outside.

The other members of the expedition team were also packing their things. Some of them were dismantling and collecting their tents, while others were reinforcing the camp on-site.

Upon seeing Perfikot appear, the expedition leader immediately came over to greet her, "Good morning, Lady. How was your rest last night? The outdoor conditions are limited, I hope you’ll forgive us."

In previous exploration points, Perfikot had shown discomfort with the outdoor environment. Though she strove to endure it, the expedition leader noticed the discomfort of the lady. With conditions worsening now, he worried Perfikot might not withstand such harsh circumstances.

Yet, Perfikot surprised him with her response: "I slept well last night. Although the outdoor conditions are indeed tough, this is nothing for an Alchemist. Let’s get down to business."

Seeing Perfikot’s determination, the expedition leader dared not say much more. He simply nodded and then asked Perfikot: "According to the plan set yesterday, today the expedition team will split into two. One team will head towards the coal mine to survey the route and map the area, preparing for future coal mining and narrow-gauge railway construction.

The other team will remain at the camp to explore around Eagle’s Beak Cliff, determining if it’s suitable for building a forward base.

Will you stay at the camp, or follow the other team to investigate the coal mine?

From my personal perspective, I recommend you stay here. The journey to the coal mine will take about three days; it might not be such a relaxing trip for you."

The expedition leader sincerely hoped Perfikot wouldn’t venture into any dangers; the path to the coal mine could have unpredictable dangers for anyone.

The three-day exploration outside might hold unforeseeable risks. To the expedition leader, it seemed too dangerous for Perfikot.

"No, I think I should..." Before Perfikot could finish her sentence, an uproar suddenly came from the riverside, causing chaos in the camp.

Perfikot frowned and looked over, only to see a huge brown bear appearing at the riverside.

The expedition team members drawing water at the river were evidently startled by the bear. They ran back, throwing their buckets aside while shouting for someone to shoot.

Seeing this, Perfikot said angrily to Foster, "Calm him down! If he’s like that, he’ll only provoke the bear!"

Hearing Perfikot’s command, Foster didn’t hesitate. He rushed over, gave a chop to the back of the panicked expedition member’s neck, knocking him out, while also sternly admonishing the other panicked members to regain their composure.

Meanwhile, both Perfikot and the expedition leader prevented the people already loading bullets from randomly firing their guns.

"Encountering large beasts in the wild requires calmness and caution, rashly using weapons will only provoke the beast into a frenzy." Perfikot walked to Foster’s side and, watching the bear from afar, quietly said this to Samantha, who had already drawn her sword.

Seeing Perfikot approach, Foster quickly said, "Miss, this is very dangerous; you should stay in a safe place."

"No problem, this bear doesn’t seem hungry; it’s just here for water." Perfikot replied and also spoke to the expedition leader, "Tell everyone not to make any rash moves; prepare the gun but don’t aim it at the bear. It will leave after drinking water."

After speaking, Perfikot looked at the huge brown bear and soon noticed a very small bear cub beside it.

This was a mother bear with a cub.