That evening, Ethan decided to celebrate the recent achievements with a grand dinner feast for everyone on the estate. However, as he looked at the extraordinary animals he had brought from the dimension, he felt a pang of reluctance. These magical creatures, with their gentle auras and spiritual energy, had earned his respect and admiration. The thought of slaughtering them for food weighed heavily on his heart.
Seeking an alternative, Ethan reached out to Aria. "Aria, is there any way we can get meat from the dimension without having to kill these amazing beasts?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Aria responded with a hint of reassurance. "Ethan, I can create a copy of the beasts present in the dimension. These beast will lack the intelligence and emotions of the original animals. You can then choose to either slaughter the copied beasts or directly get processed meat from the dimension. Additionally, these copies will take less elemental energy to make, ensuring an efficient use of resources."
Upon hearing Aria's solution, Ethan's eyes lit up with excitement. The idea of obtaining meat without causing harm to the animals resonated deeply with him. He was thrilled at the prospect of hosting a feast that respected the magical creatures. This innovation meant they could enjoy the fruits of their labor without sacrificing the lives of the very animals that symbolized their newfound prosperity and harmony with nature.
"That sounds perfect, Aria. Please proceed with creating the copies," Ethan replied eagerly. He specifically asked Aria to create four copies of the beasts, which were similar to cows but far superior in terms of meat quality. These beasts from the dimension had tender, richly marbled meat that was not only more flavorful but also more nutritious than ordinary cattle.
Soon, the copies of the beasts were produced in the dimension, ready for processing. The resulting meat was identical in quality and taste to what the original animals would have provided, but without the ethical dilemma of harming the living creatures.
Ethan then shared his plans with Thomas and Emily, instructing them to inform everyone about the new arrangements. Once the servants were informed, they promptly began preparing for the feast.
Ethan then brought the copied beasts from the dimension. Seeing the beasts appear through a portal out of nowhere, the servants were initially surprised. Today, they had heard others mention that their young master had the ability to produce things out of thin air, so once their surprise settled, they began to notice that although the beasts looked alive and seemed to be breathing, their eyes were lifeless.
"Did you notice that?" one servant whispered. "The beasts are breathing, but their eyes... they look so empty."
Another servant nodded, a mixture of curiosity and concern in their voice. "It's almost as if they're not truly alive. How can that be?"
Another servant spoke up. "I wonder how this is possible."
Hearing the amazed servants, Ethan couldn't help but smile.
The servants then proceeded to slaughter the beasts, noticing that they did not resist at all. This added to their surprise, as it confirmed that the creatures lacked the usual instincts and responses of living animals.
After ensuring the meat processing was underway, Ethan left the servants and joined Emily and Mary in the courtyard. They were busily arranging the tables and decorations for the feast. Seeing Ethan, Emily smiled warmly, though her expression turned somber when she heard about the beasts being slaughtered.
"Young master, those beasts... did they really have to be killed?" Emily asked, her voice tinged with sadness.
Ethan reassured her, "They are not the same. We are not slaughtering our beasts. These beasts that are being slaughtered are without intelligence or emotions. They look and breathe like real animals but lack any consciousness. No real harm was done to the creatures we respect and admire."
Mary, listening intently, nodded thoughtfully. "That's a relief. Thank you for explaining, young master."
Emily and Mary both marveled at how the young master could provide these beasts in this barren land without getting any help. The concept was astonishing and left them with a sense of awe and curiosity. However, after the day's succession of extraordinary events they had become accustomed to witnessing miracles. Thus, they were more accepting of such wonders and began to embrace this as their new reality, a world where remarkable occurrences had become the norm under Ethan's guidance.
As they continued their preparations, the mood lightened, and the sense of celebration and unity returned. The dining area in the courtyard was soon ready, adorned with decorations and filled with an atmosphere of joyous anticipation.
After his discussion with Emily and Mary, Ethan went to check on the cooks and learned that the meat had been processed and the cooks were already preparing the dishes. He then provided an assortment of vegetables and fruits to the cooks, varieties they had never seen before. He asked them to prepare dishes with these vibrant, nutrient-rich produce items while others began cooking the meat. Ethan, who never liked alcohol and knew it wasn't good for the people of Blackthorn, decided not to provide any alcohol. Instead, he asked the servants to prepare juices from the fruits he had provided, ensuring everyone had refreshing drinks to enjoy with their meal.
During the feast, Ethan addressed the gathering. "Tonight, we celebrate our hard work and the progress we've made together. This feast is not just about the food, but about the bond we share and the bright future we are building for Blackthorn. Let's enjoy this moment and look forward to many more achievements ahead."
Ethan approached the dining table, where Emily, Mary, and Thomas were already seated. The rich aroma of roasted meat wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of freshly squeezed fruit juices. The table itself was a sight to behold, adorned with colorful dishes and the shimmering magical water.
As Ethan took his place among them, he couldn't help but notice the serene expressions on their faces. Emily's eyes sparkled with delight as she savored a slice of succulent meat. Mary, with a contented smile, took a sip of the enchanted water. And Thomas appreciatively swirled his glass of fruit juice before taking a sip, the vibrant liquid replenishing his spirits.
Servants moved gracefully, attending to every need and refilling goblets with water. They worked in shifts, allowing some to serve while others relished the feast. Once the others were done with their meal, they too enjoyed the exquisite dishes, their faces brightening with pleasure as they savored the meal.
The feast was a sensory delight; the meat was tender, richly marbled, and bursting with flavor, a testament to its superior quality. The vibrant vegetables were unlike any they had ever tasted, crisp and full of natural sweetness. The fruits were a revelation, with each bite offering an explosion of unique, refreshing flavors. The freshly prepared juices were a hit, their vibrant colors and delicious taste adding to the overall enjoyment of the meal. Remarkably, even the water, drawn from the well they had recently built, tasted better than the juice and even more satisfying than any alcohol they had tasted before.
They feasted on the sumptuous dishes, savoring each bite and appreciating the effort that had gone into making today's events possible. Children played joyously around the courtyard, their laughter adding a cheerful background to the festivities. Men and women chatted with smiles, enjoying the company of friends. The celebration went exceptionally well, fostering a sense of community and happiness that lingered in the air.
.....
Far from the bustling courtyard of Blackthorn Manor, a figure lurked in the shadows. Cloaked in darkness, he positioned himself behind a large boulder, his eyes keenly observing the festivities from a distance. The man's intentions were cloaked in mystery, but his every movement suggested he was spying on the manor's inhabitants, carefully avoiding detection.
He wondered how the people of Blackthorn Manor could muster such a feast despite their dire circumstances. Hidden from view, he watched as the residents of the manor reveled in the grand feast, their faces glowing with happiness and rejuvenation.
His mind raced with questions. How was it possible? What secrets did the manor hold that allowed its occupants to defy their harsh reality with apparent ease? The man's curiosity was tinged with a hint of unease. his eyes remained fixed on the scene before him, absorbing every detail, every nuance of the celebration. Realizing the urgency of the situation, he knew he had to inform his master quickly. With one last glance at the joyous gathering, he turned and swiftly disappeared into the night.