The Secret of the Laughing Mandrake

Mido seems like he's got something on his mind. Do you know what's up with him?

I thought these days were behind me. It takes me back, though... When I was younger, I always asked my suitors for vermeralds. Such a pretty stone, I wonder if I'll ever have one of my own...

All right, so getting attacked before wasn't exactly what I'd planned...

How was I to know there were monsters living inside the Laughing Mandrakes?

But I've learned from my mistakes! After checking over my grandpappy's records, now I know for sure where to get that stone!

You haven't given up on that yet?

Never! I'm surprised you even need to ask. Now, about the red gems...

According to my research, you can find them inside Laughing Mandrakes!

...... ...... Well, I'll see you around.

No, come back! It's for real this time!

We just have to feed the mandrakes a special kind of fertilizer, and they'll produce the gems as a byproduct.

Sounds plausible. I have a feeling I'm not gonna like the answer to this, but how exactly do we make this "special" fertilizer?

Not to worry, Grandpappy wrote down the recipe. We're going to need some small dinosaur eggs.

Oh, well that shouldn't be a problem, Wait, did I hear you right? Dinosaur eggs?! I'm not getting chased by some angry momma lizard!

You beat the monster that popped out of the mandrake without breaking a sweat. How much worse could this be?

One snicker-snack of your sword, and the job is done! No problem for a hero like you.

I'll handle all the other ingredients, so you just have to concentrate on getting three eggs. Good luck!

Urgh... Looks like I've gotten myself wrapped up in something weird again. Let's get this over with. I can probably find the eggs out on the Zol Plains.

Wow, you actually made it back alive!

Uh, I mean...I knew you would!

Great, you got the small dinosaur eggs, too. Let's find ourselves a Laughing Mandrake to test the fertilizer on.

This mandrake looks as good as any.

Now pass me a dinosaur egg, carefully.

Just break the shell, and...

Gyaaah!

Wh-What the...?!

Aaargh!

I told you this wasn't going to end well! Now we've got a full-grown dino after us.

Comrade, it's time for you to make use of that fantastic strength of yours. Dispense justice forthwith!

Whatever you say, Your Majesty. Guess I've got no choice now...

Phew. I may have won, but I kinda feel like a heel for doing it...

There, all ready. I took the liberty of preparing the fertilizer while you were fighting.

Gee, thanks. You never thought of maybe helping me out in battle?

We should have ourselves a shining new gem by this time tomorrow. Nothing to do now but wait. As recognition for your help, I'll gladly pay your board for the night. Come meet me at the inn in Ratle when you're ready.

Ah, there you are. I've already settled the bill for tonight. See you bright and early tomorrow morning.

Morning. Man, I slept like a log. Let's go check the Laughing Mandrake we treated yesterday.

This was the one, right?

Now, if you'd do the honors.

You want me put my hand in there?

Of course. We don't want a repeat of last time.

So it's okay if I get attacked? Fine, let's take a look...

What's the hold-up? Hurry and get the gem. It's totally safe this time, I promise.

Magnifico! It's just as Grandpappy's journal described it. Hurry, hurry, give it to me.

Even I didn't think it would go as smoothly as this. No time to waste, I've got to go present this to Hetta!

Hey! Wait a...

That thing was red, all right, but the texture and the smell didn't seem very gem-like... I'd better follow him and see how this all plays out.

Why, hello Mido. I wasn't expecting company. Did you need something?

Why, hello Mido. I wasn't expecting you. Is something wrong?

I... Well, in a way, yes... But it's more like...

Hey, don't chicken out now.

Don't rush me! I was just about to give it to her!

Give me what?

Hetta, I got you this. It's a gift that represents my heartfelt feelings for you.

This is...

Oh my, an Oggo Fruit! My favorite!

Huh? It's a fruit?

You certainly know me well. I'm just not myself if I don't get at least one of these a day. They'd run out at the local store today, too. You're a lifesaver!

"Run out?" You mean, I could have just bought one?

Of course. Haven't you ever heard of these, Mido? They're so full of nutrients they're often called the King of Fruits, or even Red Gems.

King of Fruits, huh...

Wait, Red Gems?!

......

Not that I'm not grateful for the gift, but are you trying to butter me up for something?

Ah...ha ha ha... Not exactly... I mean, it's nothing, really...

One little piece of fruit is hardly a fitting symbol of my love...

What was that?

Oh, nothing! Forget I said anything.

I thought it felt a little too soft to be a real gemstone.

Ah...ha ha ha... Maybe I'll have better luck next time...

Mido seems like he's got something on his mind. Do you know what's up with him?

Nope, no idea.

We solved the mystery of the Laughing Mandrakes, at least. Will Mido ever find a real vermerald? His adventure continues...