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The food was soon prepared and brought by the two maids, who carefully arranged the dishes on the elegant dining table inside Elysar's spacious private room. The room was large enough to accommodate all his activities, allowing him to remain secluded in the past. The table was laden with a vast array of lavish and exotic foods, reflecting the opulence of his noble status.
Wild mana creatures, such as the Arcane Panther or the Mystic Boar, possess enhanced abilities and power due to their mana-infused nature. Their meat was highly sought after for its ability to bolster human mana capabilities, making these creatures valuable prey for hunters and adventurers. Generous portions of these meats were present on the table, showcasing the wealth and power of the Valthoren family.
Domesticated mana animals, such as Manacows, Manachickens, and Manasheep, were also represented in the meal. These creatures evolved to produce mana-infused products like milk, eggs, and wool, providing extra nutrition and energy for those who consume them. The milk and eggs were incorporated into various dishes, while the wool was used to craft magical clothing and armor.
Wild mana beasts were a luxury reserved for the higher nobility, such as counts and dukes. They had the strength and resources to capture these powerful creatures in significant numbers. Barons might only obtain them for special occasions and holidays, while commoners could never dream of enjoying such delicacies. However, commoners could save and buy some mana-enchanted milk or eggs on rare occasions.
The inequality between the nobles and commoners was evident in the variety and quality of the food present at the table. Magical elements were also incorporated into the cuisine, such as enchanted fruits or vegetables that provided temporary magical effects or enhanced nutritional benefits. These ingredients were expertly woven into the dishes, creating a feast fit for a noble like Elysar.
The sight of this extravagant meal only served to further emphasize the stark contrast between the luxurious lifestyle of the nobility and the meager existence of the commoners. Elysar, now more aware of his privileged position, couldn't help but be reminded of the inequality that pervaded the world in which he lived.
As Elysar devoured his lavish meal, he couldn't help but appreciate the variety of beasts spread before him. The wild mana creatures were categorized into different classes based on their strength and rarity – C, B, A, and the most powerful, S-class. Each class represented a different level of challenge for hunters and offered varying degrees of mana-infused benefits.
The array of dishes before him consisted mainly of the highest class, a testament to the Valthoren family's wealth and influence. The succulent meat of an S-class Crimson Wyvern was presented as the centerpiece, its vibrant red scales hinting at the fiery power it once possessed. Surrounding the magnificent beast were other delicacies like the A-class Thunder Serpent and the B-class Frost Elk, each dish masterfully prepared to accentuate the unique flavors and mana-enhancing properties of the creatures.
These mana creatures were a product of the world's natural evolution in response to the presence of mana. Over time, ordinary animals had absorbed the pervasive mana in the environment, which in turn caused mutations and adaptations, transforming them into larger, more powerful versions of their former selves. This process had given rise to the diverse and extraordinary creatures that now populated the Dreamroot Empire, each with its own unique abilities and characteristics.
As he savored the exotic flavors and felt the surge of mana coursing through his body, Elysar marveled at the sheer diversity and power of the magical creatures that inhabited his world.
The Valthoren family, as a powerful and influential noble house, maintained a specialized team of hunters who were well-versed in tracking and capturing both domesticated and wild mana creatures. These skilled hunters ventured deep into the vast forests and treacherous mountain ranges, both within and beyond the Dreamroot Empire's borders, to seek out the most potent and valuable creatures. With an unmatched understanding of the habits and habitats of these magical beings, the Valthoren hunters had become indispensable in supplying the family with a steady supply of mana-rich meat.
The landscapes of the Dreamroot Empire teemed with a vast array of magical plants and creatures that served various purposes. Healers and alchemists coveted the glowing Luminous Lily, which could be used to create powerful potions that mended wounds and cured ailments. On the other hand, the sinister Shadowthorn, with its dark and twisted appearance, was a source of potent toxins, which could be employed in battle or for more nefarious purposes.
Wild mana creatures, such as the Arcane Panther or the Mystic Boar, were larger, more aggressive, and more powerful than their ordinary counterparts. These ferocious beasts possessed an innate connection to mana, which granted them enhanced abilities and strength. While some of these creatures might have been small in size, they could pack a powerful punch, thanks to the unique abilities mana bestowed upon them. For instance, the diminutive Mana Wisp may have appeared harmless, but its magical aura could disorient and incapacitate even the most skilled opponents.
The world of the Dreamroot Empire was rich and diverse, filled with magical flora and fauna that held untold potential for those who could harness their power. While the privileged nobility benefited from the unique resources these creatures and plants provided, the common people could only dream of the advantages they might afford them. This inequality served as a constant reminder of the gulf between the haves and the have-nots in the Dreamroot Empire, a world where mana shaped not just the environment but the very fabric of society itself.
In addition to the sumptuous array of dishes, the table also boasted a variety of exquisite beverages, representing the finest tastes in Elysar's world. Crystal decanters and goblets gleamed in the soft light, filled with an assortment of both magical and non-magical drinks to cater to every preference.
One such beverage was the Manawine, a deep, rich red wine infused with mana, known for its ability to enhance the drinker's magical potency temporarily. This luxurious drink was crafted from grapes grown in the magically enriched soils of the Mana Vineyards, a region controlled by the wealthiest noble families. Manawine was highly sought after for its unique properties, and its presence at the table further emphasized the Valthoren family's wealth and status.
A sparkling, golden drink called Aurumelixir was also served. This effervescent beverage was brewed with a rare golden fruit that granted the drinker increased energy and mental clarity. The drink was especially popular among mages and scholars, who valued its effects for their studies and magical endeavors.
For those who preferred non-alcoholic options, there was the Nectar of Vitality, a refreshing, mana-infused fruit juice that revitalized the body and mind. This drink was made from a blend of enchanted fruits, each imbued with magical properties that promoted good health and well-being. The Nectar of Vitality was enjoyed by people of all ages and was especially popular at gatherings and celebrations.
Finally, a selection of teas was available, including the rare Moon Blossom Tea. This delicate tea was brewed from the petals of the Moon Blossom flower, a plant that only bloomed under the light of a full moon. The tea was prized for its calming properties and its subtle, magical effect that soothed the nerves and promoted restful sleep.
This abundance of choice further emphasized the vast divide between the privileged nobility and the commoners, who could only dream of partaking in such luxurious fare.
When Isabella and Elise first brought the lavish meal for Elysar, they were both surprised and delighted when he didn't ask them to test the food as he had done before. His previous paranoia had always led him to insist on having his meals tasted for poison, causing the maids to be constantly on edge.
The absence of this request not only took them by surprise but also served as an indication of Elysar's newfound trust in them, further cementing the shift in his personality and behavior. The two maids exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mixture of shock and relief, as they watched Elysar begin to enjoy his meal without any hesitation or fear. Elise eyes seemed to signal to Isabella that he really changed like they previously discussed many times on their way here from Elysar's mansion chef's place.
But then both Isabelle and Elise sweatdropped comically and watched in astonishment as Elysar voraciously devoured the food spread out before him without stopping for minutes and minutes straight. They had never seen him eat so eagerly, as he had previously been in a state of depression and was noticeably thin. As he continued to consume the lavish meal, Elysar finally paused for a moment and commented, "The food is really good. I need to eat like this to regain my strength and recover.", The maids exchanged glances, surprised by his newfound appetite and seemingly improved demeanor in talking to them casually like that.
Elysar then paid no attention to the maids' reactions, as he continued eating with full focus, even consuming an entire large steak in one go. He could feel the nourishment from the meal aiding in the recovery of both his body and his mana reserves, gradually restoring his past strength and vitality.
Elysar, pausing from his meal, after a while, suddenly asked the maids, "Have you contacted my mother, notified the Valthoren library of my arrival, and prepared a bath and clothes for me?", Isabella and Elise nodded in confirmation, their eyes still wide with surprise at the change in their young master's demeanor. They felt like today was one big, weird dream.
"I want to improve my situation within the family and finally become the chosen heir. Both of you also deserve a way better status after all those years of bullying you experienced from me...", Elysar continued, looking at them a bit earnestly. It was all of the previous owner's lingering emotions influencing him to speak those words suddenly. Those two, alongside his mother, of course, may even be the only people he was close to in his life before. He then sighed and slowly explained that he had made a breakthrough in resolving his cultivation and other issues, both mental and innate, during his coma, and that he intended to treat them better from now on as he realized that he was too extreme in dealing with them in the past.
The words poured out from him without stopping and he felt like he could that favor to the last owner. He guessed that even if the original owner woke up now instead of him, with his good fate deficiency problem resolved, he would've also decided to treat those maids better after a while. Better to say it all in one go now, when those emotions surfaced, instead of causing further misunderstandings or other mental complications for him later in the future.
The maids suddenly exchanged glances, their eyes filling with tears of relief and gratitude. They never expected Elysar to become so positive and optimistic, especially after his previous moody and paranoid behavior due to his unfortunate fate. Internally, they felt a surge of hope and admiration for their young master's newfound determination and astonishing show of affection toward them. Their legs were shaky and they could fall down. All three of them were essentially something close to childhood friends, more like a family.
Elysar, sensing their moods, decided to crack a joke and lighten their mood a bit next, "After my coma and solving my problems, I experienced a revelation about life. I realized that I should just simply 'enjoy' it more...", He added with a mischievous grin, "So that means... I would 'eat' you in that other way, as bed-warming maids, right now, since it's also a part of your duties, but I have more important things to do, like becoming stronger and taking control of the family. Only when I rise to power will I make room for those kinds of things..."
Isabella and Elise blushed furiously and looked away in shock, their cheeks flushed with embarrassment at his teasing remark. They couldn't help but wonder if this newfound sense of humor was another aspect of Elysar's transformation. Inwardly, Elysar mused, 'Revealing my change of personality openly shouldn't be a problem even if it leaked. In fact, it would be beneficial for my father to know that I've improved mentally... Now let's wrap this meal up...'