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Duru was unaware of why the Duke specifically summoned him. As he approached, he took a step forward and stood before the Duke.
Among the knights, Duru was a robust man of imposing stature. In the Duke Guard, he was known for his silence but unwavering loyalty. The Duke chose him not only because Duru was the current captain of the Guard but also due to his formidable strength. A level four knight, Duru’s power approached that of a level five. Breaking through to the next level was only a matter of time. If the contract’s power was considered, mastering a young White-Maned Gryphon would be no issue.
While the other guards were assigned by the Duke to protect the greenhouse and prevent others from approaching, Duru and the Duke began their discussion. Observing the greenhouse for the first time, it was designed with stained glass that allowed vibrant sunlight to filter through, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. Combined with the magical plants inside, it effectively barred unwanted external attention.
The Gryphon’s cage was placed in the center of the room, covered with a black cloth. The Duke turned to Aresia and asked, “What should we do?”
Aresia, familiar with this situation, despite having a contract with a magical creature herself, was accustomed to seeing others contract magical beings. She lifted the black cloth covering the cage, and as the cloth was removed, the sudden change in lighting made the White-Maned Gryphon visibly agitated. Its weakened state prevented it from displaying much resistance. Instead, it turned its head towards the humans outside the cage.
Under normal circumstances, signing a contract with a magical creature involved taming the creature, making it submit to the contract holder. However, the condition of this Gryphon was dire. Weak and unable to stand, it seemed incapable of putting up a fight.
Aresia decided to skip this step and proceed with the contract directly. If unsuccessful, she would reconsider later.
She took out a level-five magic crystal, which was prepared by the Duke for making magic ink from the remaining materials after crafting scrolls.
Contracting with a magical creature of a certain level required a corresponding amount of magical power. Aresia possessed the necessary magical power to contract with the White-Maned Gryphon, whose power had not yet reached level five. It was hard to explain how someone who had just started learning magic, not even reaching the level of a novice mage, had acquired such magical power.
In reality, using a magic scroll would be simpler. Since there was someone present who could use magic, there was no need to waste a painstakingly crafted scroll.
Aresia instructed Duru to enter the cage and have physical contact with the Gryphon. “Make sure there’s skin contact, don’t grab feathers or anything.”
This was one of the requirements for initiating the contract.
Duru glanced at the Duke, nodded in acknowledgment, and then approached the cage. He carefully opened it, entered, and, taking advantage of the Gryphon’s weakened state, subdued it, preventing any attempt to escape the cage.
Well, this could be considered intimate contact, even though it was uncomfortable for Aresia to witness the weakened creature being pressed down by a two-hundred-pound strong man. Nevertheless, this did not deter her from starting the incantation.
Although drained of magic, Aresia still had enough magic crystals, the magical materials, for the spell. She turned to the somewhat bewildered caretaker, asking, “Has the meat and water prepared by the kitchen been brought here?”
The caretaker, startled, quickly retrieved a wooden basin filled with fresh meat from the corner and another basin containing water. “Yes, it’s right here,” the caretaker replied.
Aresia instructed the caretaker to place the basin with meat into the cage. She personally carried the water, adding a bottle of healing potion and a bottle of blood tonic to speed up the healing process. While not specifically designed for magical creatures, the wounds on the White-Maned Gryphon required a certain amount of care.
After placing the water into the cage, Aresia turned to Duru and said, “Make sure to feed it and give it water. The potion in the water will help with its injuries.”
Aresia knew that the White-Maned Gryphon could understand simple human language. She added a brief explanation when she poured the potion, more as a habit than a necessity.
Although Aresia hadn’t explicitly explained, at the moment of the successful contract, Duru suddenly understood. He realized that he had established a peculiar link with the White-Maned Gryphon. Through this link, he could sense the creature’s emotions and even had a faint feeling of being able to command it.
Duru felt that the relationship between him and the White-Maned Gryphon had suddenly become much closer. It felt strange, and he found himself trusting that the creature wouldn’t attack him again.
Despite some hesitation, Duru followed Aresia’s instructions and released the White-Maned Gryphon. Surprisingly, the creature showed no signs of aggression. Its previously fierce and threatening eyes softened, and it looked at Duru with a curious expression.
Duru, surprised by the lack of hostility, saw affectionate eyes rather than the expected aggression. Following Aresia’s instructions, he tentatively spoke, “Have something to eat.”
Separated by the cage, Duru was asked by the Duke about his feelings. Duru, with a straightforward expression, conveyed a clear sense of connection, particularly mentioning a puzzling aspect: “It’s strange. I feel like this Gryphon is a trusted partner, not a potential enemy.”
Coming from the knight captain who had been tirelessly fighting magical creatures, this sentiment was quite astonishing.
After some hesitation, Duru couldn’t resist asking, “Your Grace, may I know how this happened?”
The Duke, having chosen him, saw no reason to conceal the truth and replied directly, “Aresia found a magical contract spell in a magic notebook called ‘Beast Companion Contract.’ This spell allows humans to establish a relationship with magical creatures, making them companions. What you’re feeling is the connection.”
Aresia nodded and, glancing at the Gryphon enjoying its meal, added a cautionary note: “Gryphons, being this type of magical creature, are often trained as mounts. However, they can be a bit temperamental. When angered, they might shake off their riders. So, if you ever become a Gryphon Knight, make sure to properly train your Gryphon, especially when flying. Carry a levitation spell or a similar magic item at all times.”
This piece of advice was born from experience. In this world, individuals being thrown off by their precious mounts, irritated or not, happened too frequently. It was almost a common occurrence, though rarely making the news. People had grown accustomed to the practice of protecting themselves to prevent injury when being thrown off.
Duru was still trying to process the information he had just heard. The Duke, accustomed to such revelations, quickly accepted the reality.
He instructed Duru to stay and take care of the White-Maned Gryphon, then directed the caretaker to find a suitable place for the creature. Finally, he escorted Aresia to his study for a private conversation.
“I never thought this Beast Companion Contract was real. I underestimated it,” the Duke remarked, expressing his amazement. He acknowledged the significant impact this contract had brought, particularly in boosting the combat capabilities of the Gryphon Legion with their contracted mounts, even if only a portion of them were at the fourth level. The increase in fighting power was undeniable.
At this point, Duke Rogest couldn’t contain his excitement, his mind racing with thoughts of which magical creatures would be suitable replacements for ordinary warhorses.
As he pondered the potential options, he couldn’t help but consider Gryphons as an excellent choice. After all, their legion was named the Gryphon Legion, and the number of Gryphons within the realm of Holy Lotean was not sufficient to equip the entire legion. Additionally, Gryphons were expensive, and even members of the knight orders found it challenging to afford them.
When it came to this realization, Duke Rogest became even more excited, contemplating the idea of replacing regular horses with magical creatures like Gryphons.
However, he also acknowledged that he couldn’t monopolize this magic contract. On this matter, he sought the opinion of his daughter, Aresia, and believed in its potential for widespread adoption.
“But we shouldn’t act on this directly. Instead, we should report to His Majesty first and let him decide,” Duke Rogest suggested.
Aresia, noting her father’s concern about the Emperor’s reaction, furrowed her brows and said, “Father, the Emperor has always been wary of us. Reporting this may only increase his suspicions.”
The Duke, understanding the point raised by his daughter, and asked, “Is it the Emperor’s reaction to the association with beast companion contract that concerns you?”
Aresia nodded, confirming that it was indeed the Emperor’s attitude towards beast companion contract that worried her.
Duke Rogest sighed and rubbed his temples, saying, “Yes, there is some apprehension. But don’t worry too much about it; the Emperor won’t interfere with our actions.”
Aresia looked at her father with a puzzled expression.
The Duke explained, “You might not know this, but when the commander of the five Legion took office, the Emperor had already established a magical contract. We pledged loyalty and vowed never to betray him. In return, the Emperor promised not to impose any baseless accusations upon us.”
This was an age-old tradition in the realm of Holy Lotean. While trust between rulers and subjects was not easily earned, the magic contract was a way to ensure loyalty without the need for unnecessary suspicions or accusations.
In a world where the principle of “might makes right” held sway, the position of the Emperor had changed hands multiple times. The terms of the contract were not as simple as they appeared; they were a product of careful consideration.