Chapter 152: An Offer
After explaining, the chubby chipmunk turned to their leader and said, "I think it’s high time we stopped keeping quiet and accepting our fate like this. I know you care about us and want the best, but we can’t get anywhere with this. We are already tired of this treatment but can’t even do anything."
Their leader said, "What could we possibly do? Even if we rebel and run away, where do we go? We don’t have a home or anywhere to find a consistent meal. So here is still better, even though we don’t eat like royalty. At least we’re getting a meal."
At that point, Sunnie felt the need to add to what they were saying. "The land is vast, and for farming geniuses like you guys, you can easily find something out there."
But they were quiet.
Then the leader expressed their worry. "For tiny, insignificant beastmen like us? How could we possibly find anything?"
As he said that, they all went quiet. Sunnie figured out that they felt like they wouldn’t make it anywhere since they were tiny. And if they tried, they would get trampled upon in this wild world by predators again.
Sunnie sighed with a smile as she said, "Well, if that’s your worry, then I have to say I do have an offer for you."
They stared at her.
Sunnie said, "We might not necessarily have the same background and situation, but at least we have something in common: we’re people finding a suitable place for ourselves in this world. Somewhere we can belong and feel safe."
She added, "I’m pretty sure you’re aware of our situation. The infamous jinxed rabbit and her wild husbands who were sent out to die in the evil forest and all. But what if I told you you can always find your home in the most unexpected places?"
They stared at her as she continued with a smile. "I’d like to invite you to come and stay with us in our little home." Sunnie explained that it might not be as perfect as here or as advanced, "but I promise that you’ll feel like you belong there."
She explained how the land is the coming together of different tribespeople who wish to find a home and feel belonged. "So if you come, I’ll make sure you enjoy decent meals and the freedom and attention you deserve."
Sunnie could tell that they were probably feeling uneasy about the premise. It was literally the same thing the boar tribe had told them. But Sunnie assured them that she wouldn’t force them to do anything or even join.
"It’s just a harmless offer. Feel free to tag along," she expressed with a smile.
They stared at each other and then at their leader. The leader didn’t seem like he agreed, so he said, "We’re busy, so we’ll be taking our leave." He led them all out.
Sunnie sat there, watching them leave with a smile.
"Why are you smiling? You completely failed to make them join us," Eris said, arms folded.
Sunnie shook her head. "Well, yeah. I might have failed in that, but not necessarily. I knew they might not immediately agree to it. So the aim was to plant the idea into their minds for now."
Little Black stared as he asked, "But why them?"
Sunnie sighed as she thought for a while. "They’re pitiful. And I think they deserve a better home in this wild world. So I want to provide it for them."
She then added, "And also, with their skill, they can certainly assist us in making a blossoming farmland. So I think we definitely need them with us if we want to survive."
Luka and Little Black nodded. "That makes sense. Do you think they’ll agree?" Luka asked.
Sunnie sighed. "Can’t be a hundred percent certain. I can only hope, I guess." And then she suddenly smiled as she turned to them. "And while we’re at it, I’d like us to discuss our plan B."
They all blinked. "Plan B?" Eris asked.
Sunnie nodded, folding her arms. "Yes. A plan B, in case those jerks decide not to give me my rightful win. I’ve already thought of a way to make a win," she said with a firm smile.
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Morning arrived, and they all gathered at the assembly ground. The whole tribe was around, standing and some sitting, waiting to know who the final winner would be.
The contestants from each tribe were also there, standing around and anticipating to know who would win between the bear tribe and Sunnie, because they had mostly given up on winning themselves.
The judges and the boar tribe leader arrived at the scene. He welcomed them all and then proceeded to the main event of the day.
"Today, we’re going to call the overall results of the competition," the boar tribe leader explained. "We won’t start with the results of the cooking competition. We’ll just jump to the main result—the overall winner of the competition."
He said with both hands behind him as he stared at everyone. They all had their curious eyes on him as he spoke.
It didn’t take long at all. He simply said a few words about the criteria for winning, and after that he announced, "And so, we’re going to get to the overall winner of this competition. The person who will be heading home with the promised reward—rich, full crops that will assist them in having a blossoming farming season this time around."
Everyone sat there staring, anxious. It was somewhat hard to tell who would win. Sunnie, on the other hand, wasn’t that bothered. For some strange reason, she could already tell who was going to win.
But her husbands were hopeful. They anticipated winning, even Karl. Karl didn’t even know that his expression was obvious. He was biting his lower lip while watching the boar tribe leader, who was standing before them about to announce the winner of this contest.