The Snow Wolves always maintained a wary attitude towards the appearance of humans.
At their speed, it would still take some time to get from the edge of the territory to a nearby area to make camp.
Eric waited for a while, then lost his patience and ran home to bring Luban a basket full of tofu.
Iris stared in amazement at the pristine white squares before her.
"Is this the tofu we made this morning? I can't believe it's made from beans!"
The other Dwarves also gathered around, looking on with curiosity. Robin carefully used his finger to break off a small piece and put it in his mouth; the unprocessed tofu had a rich bean flavor.
"Mom, this is delicious, much better than our boiled beans!" The boy's brown eyes widened as he shouted joyfully.
Iris and a few other Dwarven women were in the tent at that moment, cooking for the injured tribe members and the young ones. Eric then taught her that tofu could be used to make soup or stewed with meat.
Iris cut the large basket of tofu into small pieces and added them to the pot of meat that was cooking. The young ones, who were already incredibly eager after hearing Robin's description, now crowded around Iris, refusing to leave.
When the Dwarves stewed meat soup, the meat would be cut into smaller pieces. Eaten with the pure white tofu cubes, the red and white intermingling looked very appealing. Influenced by humans, they also used various spices, and the aroma was fragrant.
Once the meat stew was cooked, Iris served the eager young ones first. She and Eric carried several jars of meat soup and bread to deliver the meal to the working Dwarves.
Chief Joseph and the others were still busy tamping the foundations. Smelling the fragrant food, they called over the Dwarves who were firing bricks and making glass to come and eat.
Eric helped them distribute the bread.
The Dwarves' bread was better than black bread, but because the flour wasn't sifted carefully, it contained impurities and was also very hard. When he had time, he would teach Iris to make Vietnamese-style bread; though he didn't have a proprietary recipe, he guaranteed it would be a hundred times more delicious than the kind they made themselves.
The reason Chief Joseph wanted to live with the Snow Wolf tribe was for the safety of his people, even though he knew they would be regarded with suspicion by the Golden Kingdom and the elves. Now that the Snow Wolves provided them with meat and all sorts of help, he was truly grateful.
At this moment, he didn't yet know that Eric was eagerly preparing to have them forge a great number of farm tools for the tribe next year.
"This is tofu. Eric taught us how to make it from beans today. Everyone, have a taste."
Iris explained as she ladled soup for everyone.
The rich flavor of the meat soup had completely soaked into the tofu. Unlike the boiled beans they were used to eating, the tofu had an incredibly soft and smooth texture, with a strong bean aroma but no grassy taste; it was truly delicious.
The Dwarves praised it loudly while increasing their eating speed.
"Eric, what is your brain made of, to have so many wonderfully clever ideas?" Chief Joseph asked in amazement.
He was just a transporter of ideas. Being praised to this extent, Eric felt embarrassed. He then thought of the canteen and brought it up with them:
"Iris can find a few more people to learn. Later, the tribe will build a canteen, and both the Snow Wolves and us Dwarves can eat there, just by paying a small amount of food."
When they lived in human society, they would go to restaurants if they didn't have time to cook, so the Dwarves quickly understood the meaning of a communal canteen. Many Dwarves looked at each other, all feeling that this was a great suggestion.
"That would be great! When can we eat at this canteen?" a Dwarf asked in a booming voice.
"That's not certain yet, it will probably take a few more months," Eric replied after a quick calculation.
Chief Joseph thought for a moment, then looked towards the nearby house foundation:
"Our house foundations are almost done, just a few left. It's the perfect time to lay the foundation for the canteen as well!"
After a few proud chuckles, Luban clapped Eric on the waist and motioned for him to look towards the plot of land planned for new houses.
"We've finished the foundation for you. Once it's dry, you can build your new house!"
Eric was deeply moved:
"Actually, I can build mine later. You all can keep the bricks to build your own houses first."
"What's with the formality? Let's try to have everyone moved in before winter comes," Chief Joseph said with a laugh.
Knowing the Dwarves' enthusiasm, Eric didn't refuse anymore.
"Oh right, a human merchant caravan will be passing through today. Do you want to trade for anything?"
Hearing about the merchant caravan, the Dwarves' expressions turned a little sour.
"No need," Chief Joseph said. "That group of mercenaries last time already traded us many necessary supplies, and besides, Chief Thomas also shared a lot of the spoils of war with us later."
Eric nodded and said with understanding:
"As long as you have enough. They will keep a distance from us when they make camp. If you don't like them, just don't go over there, especially the young ones. Don't let them run over there."