"Different beasts eat different things depending on their species, level, and so on. The most common food source for tamed creatures is mana-infused monster meat. Some can survive on regular meat, but itâs not ideal. Without mana, their growth slows and their abilities may even regress."
Michael nodded slowly. Monster meat. That made sense. There was a time lucky and prince had been seriously injured but even as undead, devouring some monster corpses made their situation better.
Unfortunately, according to the old man caring for the Dukeâs private zoo, Wisdom also doesnât eat monster meat.
Michael moved to the next reply.
"Some creatures develop an instinct for consuming items infused with mana, regardless of whether theyâre meat or not. They seek energy, not taste. Crystals, infused metals, alchemical remnantsâthese count as food to them. If it holds mana and is digestible, they can absorb it."
Michael leaned forward.
This was it.
Wisdom wasnât just hungryâhe was probably hunting for energy sources. Mana-rich ones. The "shiny stuff" it mentioned likely wasnât just about how it looked but how it
felt
.
"Iâll get one for a trial..."
*****
Two days later...
Michael sat cross-legged on his bed in his residence in LionHeart, watching as Wisdom fluttered down and landed softly before him. In his hand, he held a mana-infused fruit.
"Here," Michael said simply, holding it out.
Wisdom didnât hesitate. The owlâs head bobbed forward, talons clicking on the floor as it stepped up to the offering. With an eerie grace, the creature bit into the fruit.
Michael narrowed his eyes. "You like it?"
Wisdom didnât speak, but it did let out a low, satisfied hum.
Michael gave a short chuckle. "Figures. You wonât touch monster meat, but
glowing
fruit is a gourmet delicacy."
He leaned back, one hand bracing him as he looked at the window. A soft breeze rustled the curtains, warm and dry. The land of origin evenings were always calm like this.
In the quiet, his mind drifted to the letter heâd received the previous day. A formal scroll, sealed with the Grand mage Lian crest.
Mage Lianâs neat script had been brief but professional.
"Viscount Mic,
Due to the volume of specialized materials you have requested, I would like to offer you the option of having them delivered directly to your new territory via the kingdomâs flying ship division.
If you would like, arrangements can also be made for you to travel aboard.
Please respond at your earliest convenience."
Michael had reread the letter three times.
The offer was generous. More than generous, really. A flying ship wasnât something just anyone could hop on.
For Lian to casually offer it said a lot about how much backing Michael now had.
Heâd almost agreed immediately... but hadnât.
Because the DukeEvermoon had also made his own promise: that transportation to his land would be arranged. And Michael still had a visit to make to the man later today.
He couldnât afford to step on the Dukeâs toes.
Even now, Michael felt the tug of impatience. He wanted to go. The sooner he reached his land, the sooner he could start his plans but patience was key.
Michael reached out and scratched gently beneath Wisdomâs beak. The owl blinked, glowing eyes narrowing into something close to affection.
"Youâre lucky I spoil you," Michael muttered. "These mana fruits cost more than decent armor here."
Wisdom flared its wings briefly.
Unfortunately, due to the complexity of beast pouches, Michael hadnât gotten one yet.
"With how clingy you are, I would need to carry you on shoulder express again."
-Yay!
A childish voice echoed in Michaelâs mind.
A small smile tugged at Michaelâs lips.
"Of course you like that idea," he muttered.
Wisdom gave a little flap of its wings.
Michael stood, brushing off his coat.
It was almost time to leave.
*
An hour later, Michael stepped out of his room fully dressed, his long coat lightly brushing the floor behind him.
Waiting just outside was a carriageâsleek, dark blue, and clearly high-end.
Ace stood beside the driver, his arms crossed.
"Morning, Lord Mic," Ace greeted
Michael nodded once
Ace gestured with his thumb toward the rear of the carriage. "Oh, and uh... you have company."
Before Michael could ask, the door to the carriage opened.
Out stepped Lyra.
She wore a long grey cloak with a deep hood that shadowed most of her face.
"My lord," she said quietly, her eyes meeting his.
Michael blinked. "Youâre coming?"
"She insisted," Ace said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Said if youâre going to visit someone important, you shouldnât go alone."
Michael arched an eyebrow.
Lyra didnât flinch. "I am yours to command.."
Her words were bluntâbut there was no sarcasm in them. Just quiet fact.
Michael considered it for a moment.
Then he nodded. "Fine. But keep the hood down always."
She nodded once.
Together, they climbed into the carriage.
Inside, the cabin was just as Ace had promisedâquiet, smooth, and luxuriously cushioned.
As the carriage began to move, Michael sat back with a soft exhale, his hand resting casually on the armrest. Lyra sat across from him, her posture straight and perfectly still, as though she were part of the furniture itself. The hood of her cloak concealed most of her expression, but Michael could tell she was alert.
Thenâ
"Can you eat shiny stuff?"
Michael blinked.
He turned slowly toward Wisdom.
"No," Michael said, tone dry. "Thatâs not normal."
Wisdom tilted his head, wide glowing eyes unblinking. His feathers fluffed slightly, like a child sulking.
â"But shiny... feel nice."
The words echoed faintly in Michaelâs mind.
Michael sighed. "Shiny doesnât mean edible."
****
A/N:
Iâve seen a few of you mention the issue of Michael spending more time in the Land of Origin than in Aurora. I completely understand the concern. But donât worryâif youâve been following the recent Chapters, youâll notice weâre finally reaching a balance between both worlds.
Thanks so much for reading, and apologies again for the earlier hiccup. Please continue to support the story by voting, and Iâll see you in the next Chapters!