"Different beasts eat different things depending on their species, level, and so on. The most common food source for tad creatures is mana-infused monster at. So can survive on regular at, but it’s not ideal. Without mana, their growth slows and their abilities may even regress."
Michael nodded slowly. Monster at. That made sense. There was a ti lucky and prince had been seriously injured but even as undead, devouring so monster corpses made their situation better.
Unfortunately, according to the old man caring for the Duke’s private zoo, Wisdom also doesn’t eat monster at.
Michael moved to the next reply.
"So creatures develop an instinct for consuming items infused with mana, regardless of whether they’re at or not. They seek energy, not taste. Crystals, infused tals, alchemical remnants—these count as food to them. If it holds mana and is digestible, they can absorb it."
Michael leaned forward.
This was it.
Wisdom wasn’t just hungry—he was probably hunting for energy sources. Mana-rich ones. The "shiny stuff" it ntioned likely wasn’t just about how it looked but how it felt.
"I’ll 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 didn’t hesitate. The owl’s 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 didn’t speak, but it did let out a low, satisfied hum.
Michael gave a short chuckle. "Figures. You won’t touch monster at, but glowing fruit is a gourt 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 he’d received the previous day. A formal scroll, sealed with the Grand mage Lian crest.
Mage Lian’s neat script had been brief but professional.
"Viscount Mic,
Due to the volu 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 kingdom’s flying ship division.
If you would like, arrangents can also be made for you to travel aboard.
Please respond at your earliest convenience."
Michael had reread the letter three tis.
The offer was generous. More than generous, really. A flying ship wasn’t sothing just anyone could hop on.
For Lian to casually offer it said a lot about how much backing Michael now had.
He’d almost agreed imdiately... but hadn’t.
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 couldn’t afford to step on the Duke’s 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 Wisdom’s beak. The owl blinked, glowing eyes narrowing into sothing close to affection.
"You’re 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 hadn’t gotten one yet.
"With how clingy you are, I would need to carry you on shoulder express again."
-Yay!
A childish voice echoed in Michael’s mind.
A small smile tugged at Michael’s 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 ti 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 carriage—sleek, 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 eting his.
Michael blinked. "You’re coming?"
"She insisted," Ace said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Said if you’re going to visit soone important, you shouldn’t go alone."
Michael arched an eyebrow.
Lyra didn’t flinch. "I am yours to command.."
Her words were blunt—but there was no sarcasm in them. Just quiet fact.
Michael considered it for a mont.
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 promised—quiet, 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.
Then—
"Can you eat shiny stuff?"
Michael blinked.
He turned slowly toward Wisdom.
"No," Michael said, tone dry. "That’s not normal."
Wisdom tilted his head, wide glowing eyes unblinking. His feathers fluffed slightly, like a child sulking.
—"But shiny... feel nice."
The words echoed faintly in Michael’s mind.
Michael sighed. "Shiny doesn’t an edible."
****
A/N:
I’ve seen a few of you ntion the issue of Michael spending more ti in the Land of Origin than in Aurora. I completely understand the concern. But don’t worry—if you’ve been following the recent Chapters, you’ll notice we’re 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 I’ll see you in the next Chapters!
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