Field had added a modern touch to the maid uniform. The skirt was trimmed to end above the knees, and the sleeves were shortened to a breezy cut. Although it lacked the crucial addition of black or white stockings, the sight of her smooth, pale thighs and her delicate, rounded toes was already quite pleasing to the eye.
"It fits well," Ashina said, her voice carrying a playful edge as if she'd seen right through Field's intentions. "So, what do you want me to do, my lord?"
The maids had told her that her duty was to warm this man's bed. But Ashina found that unlikely. Humans despised demi-humans like her, with their animal ears and tails. To humans, they represented a defilement of pure human blood—akin to the spawn of someone committing unspeakable acts with a goat.
"Of course, it's to assist me in developing my territory. I just said that," Field replied matter-of-factly. Seeing the disbelief etched on Ashina's face, he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let's just eat first. We can talk more over a meal."
At the mention of food, Ashina immediately calmed down. Her stomach felt like it was burning with hunger.
Field's situation was anything but easy. Being disliked by his siblings for his mannerisms was the least of his problems.
The real issue lay with the Count. The old man's health was deteriorating day by day, and his vast wealth was soon to be divided. Even though Field wasn't a favourite, the laws of the Holy Gryphon Empire dictated that any direct descendant had the right to inherit a portion of the estate.
Naturally, Field's siblings were all hoping he would conveniently drop dead. Their mutual animosity and hostility ran deep.
Not long after the dining bell rang, two poised maids entered, carrying trays with sauced meat steaks and honey bread.
"Ashina, you have—" Field began, carefully choosing his words, but when he turned around, he found her gone. He froze, utterly confused.
"I'm here."
Ashina's voice came from the corner of the room, where she sat on the floor with her legs folded beneath her in a duck-like posture, obediently waiting.
"What are you doing?" Field asked, astonished.
"Uh... sitting... waiting for the meal, my lord. Did I do something wrong?" Ashina's voice grew nervous, her ears twitching slightly.
Field strode over, grabbed her hand, and pulled her toward the table.
"Sit here," he said, motioning to a chair.
Ashina perched timidly on the edge of the seat, occupying barely a third of it. She stared at Field for a long time, as if trying to gauge whether he would suddenly pull out a whip—or worse.
"You're not joking? I can eat this?" she asked, pointing hesitantly at the fragrant steak.
Field shrugged. "Of course."
Seeing no hint of mockery in his expression, the pitiful wolf-eared girl tentatively leaned forward and took a small bite of the steak.
The rich taste of the meat, spiced and dripping with sauce, burst across her tongue. It had been so long since she'd tasted anything like it that her overwhelmed taste buds practically danced with joy.
"Sit properly on the chair. Now eat," Field instructed.
This is the best thing in the world!
Forgetting everything else, Ashina devoured the steak on her plate, even licking the sauce clean.
Then she proceeded to polish off three more steaks and five pieces of white bread. Only when her stomach swelled to the size of a pregnant belly did she finally surrender, too full to continue.
Field watched her with a smile that could only be described as fatherly.
Heh heh heh... eat up, eat up. You'll be working hard for me soon enough.
"Hah... even if I die now, I'd die happy," Ashina sighed, wiping the sauce from the corner of her mouth. Her wolf ears perked up, full of energy.
"It won't come to that," Field replied, lacing his fingers together and leaning back in his chair. "I intend to train you into a Chosen One."
Of course, Field wasn't foolish enough to reveal the truth—that Ashina was an unawakened Chosen One. Instead, he carefully framed it as an aspiration, using the word "train."
"Huh? You'll probably be disappointed, my lord. The odds of becoming a Chosen One are nearly nonexistent. Besides, I'm a demi-human. I've never heard of a human forming a contract with a demi-human," Ashina replied timidly.
According to the records, Chosen Ones were more likely to appear in prosperous, bustling cities. Even in Golden Eagle City, the second-largest city in the Ross family's domain, only three Chosen Ones had emerged in the past century—two were noble children, and the third a member of the clergy.
For demi-humans, the odds were even slimmer. With no powerful nations or thriving cities to call their own, they often struggled just to survive, let alone reach the heights required to become Chosen Ones.
Field chuckled softly. "How will we know if we don't try? I believe I can help you become a Chosen One."
Because if I don't... I'll probably die in the cursed lands.
"Fine, as long as there's meat involved," Ashina replied, licking her lips with lingering hunger.
The next ten days passed quickly as they travelled. To ensure Ashina regained her strength, Field stopped at every city along the way, purchasing large amounts of meat and magical supplements.
Ashina soon realized Field wasn't joking about his intentions.
In addition, Field spent 150 gold coins on Miasma Lanterns, purification potions, and an Awakening Crystal. He had done his homework—these magical tools were essential for anyone attempting to develop Nightfall Territory.
Before long, they arrived at the final fortress before the Northern Frontier: Baron Bull's Kassan Fortress. Built into the towering mountain range, the stone castle stood as a bulwark against the corrupted creatures, magical beasts, and fearsome orcs that emerged from the cursed lands.
"Goddess of Winter, please bless me and let me become a Chosen One," Ashina prayed silently, huddled inside the creaking, swaying carriage. These past days had felt like a dream to her.
Riding in a noble's carriage, eating delicious steaks, and even being cared for and served by maids—though begrudgingly, with frequent complaints—had been a life she never imagined.
It felt like paradise compared to her past. As she sat lost in thought, she touched her forehead to make sure she wasn't feverish or losing her mind.
The only thing she couldn't wrap her head around was why Field insisted on giving her expensive magical potions. She had never heard of anyone becoming a Chosen One by simply consuming magic potions.
"Maybe it's some kind of evil ritual," Ashina muttered under her breath. "Still... even if I were sacrificed to a demon, it might be worth it." She shook her head quickly. "Ugh, what am I even saying?!"
Sigh... I really hope I am a Chosen One. Otherwise, won't Baron Field faint from sheer frustration? Ashina thought as she silently prayed again.
Meanwhile, Butler Kao let out a despairing sigh. "Ah, to think my last trip to Kassan Fortress would be under these circumstances."
Field ignored Kao's endless sighs. Sitting astride his horse, he tapped the butler lightly on the shoulder with his riding crop and asked curiously, "You've been to Kassan Fortress often before?"
Kao rolled his eyes. "Of course I have. You used to send your allowance here regularly—either to support the local villagers or to fatten up Baron Bull's personal treasury so he and his soldiers could enjoy their food, drink, and entertainment."
"Uh... right." Field's mouth twitched as he was reminded of the original owner's saintly generosity. Awkwardly, he forced a smile and shrugged. "Well, at least Baron Bull will be happy to see us, won't he? The locals might even praise us. It should make future visits to Kassan Fortress much smoother."