Chapter 27: I’ll Buy It Myself

The Duke was pleased with Aresia’s sensible consideration and empathy. Given the conditions of the Beast Arena and the plight of magical beasts, he saw an opportunity to rescue them. This perspective was not about viewing the arena’s situation objectively but was solely based on the human side of the conflict. To the Duke, magical beasts were their enemies, at least until now.

Having defended the realm against external threats from magical beasts for a long time, Duke Rogest understood the significant danger they posed to humans. Every time a wave of magical beasts arrived, numerous villages fell, and the residents became prey. The cycle repeated, and those who experienced the atrocities of magical beasts held deep resentment towards them.

While some nobles were interested in keeping magical beasts as pets, even treating them as such, the moment these creatures stopped being obedient or affectionate, their owners had no hesitation in disposing of them. To the Duke, keeping magical beasts as pets was a waste of time and money. In his opinion, it would be better to raise tens of thousands of them to equip the entire legion.

He explained to Aresia, “Magical beasts that have been in the Beast Arena for a long time are indeed unsuitable. The arena has its own acquisition channels and organizes people to capture magical beasts in the wild. My intention is different; I’m aiming for leaders.”

If they could obtain magical beasts through their channels rather than buying from magical beast merchants, it would be more cost-effective. Moreover, by controlling this source, the Duke could influence the areas where magical beasts roamed. Once the beast companion contract was revealed to the emperor, the Duke, being loyal, could ask for the Imperial Legion to capture magical beasts in the wild. Understanding the importance of these areas to the magical beasts, it would save them from unnecessary investigations.

In this world, adventurers probably had limited knowledge about the detailed workings of the Beast Arena. Aresia understood this and didn’t need to consider it further.

After saying all this, the Duke couldn’t help but ask Aresia persistently, “You won’t disclose the details of the beast comapanion contract to others, will you?”

Aresia shook her head. “Except for Steward Aaron, only a few servants in the Duke’s mansion know about it. Regardless of the others, they’ve signed a confidentiality agreement, and they won’t leak anything.”

The Duke nodded. “Good, if anyone asks about this beast companion contract, let them know it’s something I’m aware of. Don’t mention the notebook or anything related to the textile factory. Keep everything under wraps.”

With the protection of their secret secured, the Duke decided to write a letter to his wife, urging her to return home soon. The operations of the textile factory seemed more suitable for her, offering better protection for their secret.

“In any case, the profits from the textile factory belong to you. Wait for a little while, and I’ll directly put the textile factory under your name. By then, no one will suspect anything.”

The Duke had his ways of appropriating the income without arousing suspicion.

Aresia, who had been focused on the affairs of the textile factory, seized the opportunity. “Find me a few people skilled in making magic potions. I’ll transcribe the methods for producing spider silk solidifier and dyeing agents, and they will be responsible for manufacturing them.”

The demand for solidifiers and dyeing agents at the textile factory was increasing, and relying on just one or two people wasn’t sufficient.

The Duke nodded, indicating that he would find suitable candidates for the task.

“And if there are any developments from the magic notebook, be sure to inform me promptly,” Aresia added.

He had truly grown wary of Aresia’s sudden surprises, even though the outcomes were usually delightful. Yet, they were undeniably startling.

Amos returned to the Duke’s mansion during dinner.

Being summoned back had left him perplexed. Originally, when his father returned, Amos intended to go to Aresia. However, his father denied him the opportunity, and now, abruptly called him back. Amos couldn’t help but wonder if something unexpected had occurred.

Upon his return, he found his father and sister sitting in the living room, engaged in a casual conversation with the steward. They appeared relaxed and content, without a hint of any pressing issues.

In reality, by this time, the servants had already finished preparing dinner, but the Duke had waited for Amos before starting. Seeing him enter, the Duke gestured towards the stairs, saying, “Hurry up, change into something else. After dinner, we need to attend an auction.”

Auction? Why was he summoned back for an auction? Amos couldn’t fathom the purpose behind this sudden call. Confused, he greeted his father and sister before swiftly heading upstairs to change.

As he prepared, the Duke and Aresia were actually discussing a report from the steward regarding the arrangements for the White-Maned Gryphon.

Aaron, the steward, proved to be a seasoned veteran who had served in the Duke’s mansion for decades. His familiarity with the workings of the mansion was unmatched. The Duke had entrusted him with the task of finding a suitable place for the White-Maned Gryphon. Aaron managed to secure an ideal location, far from the stables, secluded from other servants, and designed to prevent the gryphon from feeling agitated due to environmental factors. The gryphon was relocated to the top of a high tower with a pointed spire in the Duke’s mansion, providing a spacious internal area with windows on all four sides, allowing the creature to enjoy the view. It was a perfect temporary residence for the gryphon.

Currently, the White-Maned Gryphon was kept in a cage until it could be confirmed that it was fully under control, and there was no risk of it attacking others.

Despite the gryphon having some injuries, the steward had arranged for a priest to attend to it, specifically, Deiman, a priest well-known to Aresia.

“According to Deiman’s diagnosis, the injuries on the White-Maned Gryphon are not severe. The main issue is malnutrition due to prolonged fasting. With proper nutrition and assistance from magical remedies, it should recover soon.”

It was also mentioned that the bald patches on the gryphon’s body were not a result of injuries but rather a natural shedding of feathers, a process known as molting. This awkward phase was a part of the gryphon’s life cycle, and during shedding, it tended to look less appealing.

Gryphons, with traits resembling a combination of eagles and lions, exhibited significant changes in their body structure after missing even a single meal, let alone an extended period without food. If not for the persistent efforts of Aresia, who refused to let the gryphon perish at the hands of unscrupulous traders, it might not have survived.

“Now that the White-Maned Gryphon has improved, it has started to tolerate Captain Duru’s approach. However, caution is still advised as it may respond aggressively to others. For now, it’s better to keep it in the cage until further domestication is achieved.”

In reality, the gryphon’s sensitivity to Duru was considered satisfactory. The bond from the contract wasn’t a sensitivity amplifier, but rather a gradual development nurtured over time. Although Duru could approach the gryphon without triggering attacks, preventing it from attacking others was still a challenge. The gryphon would need to spend some more time in the cage, a drawback inherent to taming wild magical creatures.

“Prepare a room in the tower for it, and let Duru stay in the Duke’s mansion to take care of it.”

The environment in one of the towers was suitable for the gryphon. With a little effort in arranging the space, it could become a comfortable residence. The steward nodded in agreement to the plan.

Duke spoke to Aresia, “If there’s some information about improving the characteristics of beast companions. If you have it, make a copy for Duru.”

Aresia’s notebook did have content related to this aspect. Because she couldn’t raise a beast companion before she instead enjoyed watching beast companion videos on the magic web. There was theoretical knowledge about how to cultivate beast companions. Upon hearing this, she nodded and decided to organize the information on this topic when she returned in the evening.

When Amos arrived, he overheard Duke Rogest talking about the characteristics of beast companions.

“What are you discussing? Beast companions? Does Aresia raise magical beasts as pets?” he inquired.

Beast companions – he had come across this topic.

The Duke, seeing him approach, gestured toward the dining room. “Let’s go get some dinner. Aresia, explain it to your brother.”

Aresia followed, and Amos walked alongside her. In the meantime, he inquired about the reason for his summons.

Once Amos understood what beast companions were, he had just seated himself at the table when he suddenly jumped up as if pricked by a needle, without saying a word, and rushed outside.

No one stopped him. He headed straight for the spire tower – the scene of a miracle!

Seeing Amos unexpectedly leave, the Duke, who knew what his son was up to, stopped the attendant who had called him back. “Let him be. At this point, he won’t eat anyway.”

The steward withdrew his gaze. “Shall I have the kitchen prepare some food to take?”

The Duke nodded.

Master Amos probably wouldn’t come for at least an hour and a half.

Amos didn’t respond immediately, engrossed either in questioning Duru about the effects of the beast companion contract or contemplating the white-Maned Gryphon in his mind.

When the carriage was ready, and there was no sign of him at the door, the Duke sent someone to urge him.

“Tell him to hurry. Tonight’s auction might have magical beasts he likes.”

Shortly after the servant left, Aresia saw Amos running towards them as if propelled by a gust of wind.

Breathless and excited, Amos, who had just ascended several floors in a hurry, said, “I’m ready. Let’s go quickly.”

Amos’s character was generally cheerful, carefree, and not particularly diligent. However, under his father’s guidance and inspired by the example of a strong and noble knight, he harbored a dream of becoming a formidable knight himself. He not only had the dream of being a knight but also fancied having a strong mount. As he grew a bit older, he began to understand that it was more of a fanciful dream, yet he couldn’t shake the desire to enter a tangible world where such dreams might come true.

With unwavering conviction, he declared, “I have a feeling that tonight, I will definitely find my destined companion.”

The usually composed Duke struggled to contain a smile at the length of his son’s words but managed to restrain himself.

The Duke rolled his eyes, quite amused by his son’s energy. Aresia, overhearing Amos, struggled to contain her laughter, shoulders shaking. The contrast with the dignified father and son is really quite amusing.