A bit of time passed.
As the numbers of humans continued to swell, they spread throughout the world, and eventually some humans arrived at the Lizardmen’s territory.
Well, originally they wouldn’t have met in the Lizardmen’s territory, but thanks to the method of maintaining body temperature using fire that I taught them, the Lizardmen had surpassed their species’ limitations and were expanding their territories.
During this time, after making contact with humans and learning of their existence, the Lizardmen were rather taken aback.
What must the Lizardmen have thought upon seeing these creatures who lacked scales, tails, were covered in fur, yet walked on two legs like themselves?
At least, because I had transformed into human form to meet the Lizardmen before, there was no hostility between the Lizardmen and the humans.
Still, if they did fight, the Lizardmen would win. Their compact bodies inherited from dinosaurs were incredibly strong, possessing a power far beyond what frail humans could imitate.
Not to mention, while humans only used crude wooden sticks, Lizardman warriors wielded weapons crafted from obsidian—extremely sharp tools indeed.
Really now, it’s lucky the Lizardmen have such benevolent personalities. Had a war truly broken out, humanity would’ve been massacred without even being able to lift a finger.
Anyway, thus having met, the relationship between humans and Lizardmen began relatively peacefully, exchanging things each side needed.
Though, if we’re honest, most of what was exchanged was stuff the humans lacked.
Food? The Lizardmen, with their superior physical prowess, are natural-born hunters who almost never fail at hunting.
Even powerful predators can be felled single-handedly by a Lizardman, and their thick tails allow them to swim nimbly enough to catch fish barehanded.
Thus, the Lizardmen rarely experienced food shortages.
Moreover, considering they were already practicing agriculture methods I taught them—growing corn, beans, and pumpkins—it’s more likely they’d have given food to the humans than asked for any.
Indeed, there were movements toward distributing food to humans as a way to build closer relationships.
While interacting with humans, the Lizardmen were also spotted teaching them bits of language.
The humans, who once only emitted primitive cries, awkwardly began speaking under the Lizardmen’s guidance—a truly moving sight!
Finally, as their last gift to humans, the Lizardmen taught them how to make stone tools.
The technique of chipping stones into sharp-edged hand axes, passing down the knowledge amassed over long years working with obsidian and other rocks.
Of course, due to the physical differences, humans struggled somewhat. While Lizardmen could effortlessly break stones by striking one against another, it wasn’t so easy for humans.
But thanks to this, humans learned not only how to create stone axes but also how to tie primitive ropes from grass and attach them to wooden branches, creating rudimentary hatchets and spears—a significant leap forward.
In return for all these gifts, the Lizardmen asked for obsidian and white flowers from the humans.
Though forced to relocate due to sudden environmental changes, the Lizardmen had abandoned their old obsidian quarries during the rush to move.
Although they still had reserves, they knew these wouldn’t last forever.
That’s why, while expanding their territory in search of new quarries, they happened upon the humans.
Since humans aren’t restricted by body temperature concerns, they could explore farther than the Lizardmen.
As for the white flowers… well, apparently there weren’t enough for their festivals.
Or perhaps it’s heartwarming that they still remember the white flowers they offered me—but holding such grand festivals isn’t really necessary…
Hmm, should I bring this up next time I visit them? But I don’t want to dampen the festival spirit…
It’s something to ponder further.
Alternatively, maybe I could just create a flower garden for the Lizardmen?
We’ll think about it later. Later.
—
The Festival of White Flowers is the most important festival for the Lizardmen.
Celebrating the Creator Dragon God who bestowed treasures in exchange for humble white flowers, and cleansing the sins of this world with white flowers to prevent the Creator Dragon God’s wrath, this festival begins on the first day of the year.
Streets filled with pristine white blossoms, carried by wind spirits, create an illusion of walking through clouds.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to welcome the new year surrounded by pure white flowers?
— From the promotional pamphlet for the Festival of White Flowers.
—
Human development continued rapidly.
After mastering stone tools and learning agriculture from the Lizardmen, humans kept progressing—exchanging goods with other tribes, occasionally skirmishing, doing many things.
I held a new gift for the humans in my hands.
A spinning tool—the earliest version of the spinning wheel.
And needles made from bones, which could be used alongside thread created with the spinning wheel.
Lastly… wooden fishing rods.
Honestly, the fishing rod was an extra touch! The main focus was thread and the spinning wheel.
Fishing rods? Humans were still using rocks to catch fish, but perhaps now that they have thread, it might come in handy.
Approaching the human settlement I often visited…
The group had grown much larger since my first visit, flourishing to the point where I wondered if they’d start facing food shortages soon.
“Keeek?! Wh-who’s there?!”
“Oh, you can speak properly now!”
The slightly clumsy speech indicated this human, armed with a stone spear, was likely a guard.
“I seek your leader. Open the path.”
“You…!”
The guard, clearly recognizing me, bowed deeply and said:
“Welcome back!”
Such polite greetings. They’ve come so far from their beast-like days, showing remarkable intelligence now.
“Yes, please follow me.”
Guided by the guard past numerous huts, many humans stared at us as we walked by—but this happens every time, so I’m used to it.
“That person…”
“He’s come again. Thank you…”
They recognize my face now. After all, I do visit frequently.
Even the guards seem to know me.
Following the guide, we arrived at a hut unlike the others.
Perched atop a small earthen mound, this structure was much larger than the typical cone-shaped huts.
Instead of relying on simple poles, this dwelling featured several sturdy pillars supporting its massive frame.
This must be where the leader resides.
Entering the hut at the guard’s invitation, I saw the new leader sitting on a broad rock.
“What brings you here… Huh?! It’s YOU!!”
A younger human compared to the previous leader, though I vaguely remembered seeing him before.
“Yes, please come in…”
“Are you… the son of the former leader?”
“That’s correct.”
So the old leader had grown old and passed away. Even though communication was difficult, he wasn’t a bad sort.
All living beings are bound by the limits of lifespan.
“I am the new leader.”
His face covered in thick hair, he appeared to be around thirty.
Oddly…
“Why do you wear branches on your head?”
The new leader wore what looked like a crown made of twigs.
A primitive crown? Or perhaps a laurel wreath?
Does it not itch wearing that?
“This… well…”
Removing the twig crown from his head, the leader explained:
“I wanted… to emulate you.”
“Emulate?”
To mimic me? Does he mean the horns on my head?
“Since becoming the new leader, the others… wouldn’t listen. When I mimicked you, they obeyed.”
Ah, so he was emulating me. Likely facing resistance as the new leader, he found this solution.
But a twig crown doesn’t look very good or comfortable—it might poke his head.
Let’s give him another gift then.
Using my creative powers, I formed a lump of pure silver and began shaping it with magic.
Let’s go with a laurel crown design, lightweight enough for comfort, adjustable to fit the wearer, and adorned with symbols of authority.
As the silver absorbed magical energy, it seemed to transform into something else entirely—but that’s not my concern.
The result was a magnificent silver crown.
