Logan woke up the next morning back in the mansion. Though he and Silvia had enjoyed their night out, even setting a tent to keep enjoying the night, they had returned soti after midnight.
Silvia, still basking in the warmth of their ti together, chose not to sleep alone and remained with Logan. Of course, they couldn't continue with Kryst in the room. The sli had settled into her round form, snoring softly in a small bed crafted just for her. Made from water-resistant animal hide, the bed ensured Kryst could enjoy a cozy and comfortable rest without absorbing moisture.
Logan glanced over and saw Kryst still in the sa spot, undisturbed. Beside him, Silvia lay curled up, her face nestled against his chest. He chuckled softly at the sight of her. Her petite fra was the only thing that hinted at her actual age—while asleep, she looked much younger.
Her long silver hair spread out like fine silk across her pillow, and her delicate silver eyelashes tickled him with each gentle inhale. Logan leaned down and kissed her small forehead, savoring the faint, sweet scent of her hair.
"Are you awake yet?" Logan teased, pinching her cheek lightly. Silvia stirred, pushing his hand aside with a soft motion before snuggling closer and pulling the blanket over herself, clearly unwilling to leave the comfort of the mont.
"Too tired… never did that… much exercise…" Silvia mumbled, her voice muffled under the blanket.
Logan didn't even have ti to count to five before soft snores erged from beneath the covers. Smiling while feeling proud of himself, he carefully got up and lightly tapped Kryst, who was already stretching. The sli quickly enveloped his body before he changed into proper clothing.
With ti to spare, Logan headed downstairs to speak with Duke Kalder. The Duke was seated with his son, who seed unusually eager. It wasn't until Logan noticed the yellow-and-purple-striped mouse perched nearby that he rembered the conversation from the day before.
The boy was clearly waiting for Logan's answer, his dark violet eyes fixed on him with unwavering determination. Logan ran his fingers through his hair, studying the boy for a few monts as he weighed his decision.
Taking the boy with him would undoubtedly be a risk—he was still just a tar, after all. But there was also the potential to learn from the experience. What better way to grow than by teaching? Logan thought back to Valeria. She had only been with him for a few months, yet he had taught her so much during that ti.
Logan considered the possibilities, including the idea of having each of his powerful monarchs provide Emary with a follower—a raptor from Scorch, a basilisk from Silis, and an eagle from Zephyr. These creatures, paired with a skilled handler like Emary, could reach new heights of power and control, far surpassing what Logan could achieve alone.
"You've asked to train your son, am I correct?" Logan began, settling into one of the Duke's luxuriously comfortable sofas. Almost instantly, tea and sweets were brought in to accompany the conversation—a light snack while breakfast was being prepared.
"Yes, Hero. If possible, please help prepare him for the war. He'll be going alongside the King's son, who is slightly older," the Duke replied with a heavy sigh. He couldn't hide his frustration over the situation. The only reason Emary was called to join the war effort was due to the King's ulterior motives. The Prince wanted to gain rit before ascending the throne, but insisted on bringing Emary along, ensuring that if anything happened to him, Emary wouldn't replace him—a petty reason that infuriated the Duke.
"Fine. I'll take him with when we return to Rosethorn. There, I'll train him to determine if he's worthy of handling greater beasts," Logan concluded, finishing his small cup of tea and the bite-sized square cake served with it.
"Thank you, Hero! I won't let you down. I hope to be just like you and to truly contribute to stopping this terrible war!" Emary said excitedly, jumping up from his chair in enthusiasm. His sheer determination brought a small chuckle from Logan as he watched the young tar's earnest display.
At that mont, Silvia entered the room, her weariness still evident as she rubbed her eyes. Despite her fatigue, she joined them, her presence bringing a sense of urgency to the eting since she was dressed to fight.
Her new tunic resembled armor, crafted thick with magic-resistant properties that signaled she was ready to venture out and search for the great thunderbirds.
"We'll be leaving soon, sir. Do you think we can eat before then? We really need to reach the plains and hopefully find the creatures we're looking for," Logan said, his tone polite yet urgent.
"Oh, certainly. I've been inford breakfast will be served in just a few minutes," the Duke replied warmly. "In the anti, why don't we discuss your destination? I believe I can assist you in reaching it. My wife's family has long been dedicated to protecting the plains from spreading uncontrollably. As you may know, the rich electric mana that pulses from the temple of the Great Electric Spirit requires careful managent." The duke guided everyone to the dining area, while explaining how they would reach their destination.
"So, it won't be hard to get you warped there. We have our own teleportation array that can transport you to the plains at a mont's notice. The great beasts need to be managed occasionally to prevent the dangerous spread of mana. Unlike wind or earth, the electric plains grow stronger with the storm clouds produced by the thunderbirds," the Duke's wife explained as she sat nearby, tenderly caring for her newborn.
She continued, her tone thoughtful. "Those magnificent creatures sotis migrate during nesting season, taking dangerous storms with them. However, you're in luck—they should still be in the plains, as they only depart just before sumr begins."
The Duke's wife glanced at her son Emary with joy, clearly pleased to overhear the Hero's plans.
"How about you tell what else you're looking for, Hero?" she suggested. "I can have one of my clan mbers assist you in navigating the plains. Without their guidance, it can be an incredibly dangerous place—not only because of the powerful creatures, but because anything that moves there without the proper precautions risks being struck dead from above."
Her words prompted Logan to rethink his strategy. Zephyr and Wyver, as flying mounts, would be liabilities in such volatile terrain. Instead, he decided to bring Voltar—a more suitable choice now that flight would no longer be necessary.
"We're only looking for the strongest of the best," Logan explained, his tone firm and resolute. "Of course, our main target is the thunderbirds, said to be the most powerful, but I also need Voltaris Mantises. They're essential for building a pack for my monarch."
"Those are certainly rare," Sereta, the Duke's wife, acknowledged while gently patting her crying baby's back to soothe him. "But since you already have one, finding more should be far easier. Voltaris Mantises often know the exact sections of the plains where their kin reside. Using that knowledge, you can locate them with much less difficulty.
Reviews
All reviews (0)