Chapter 4 Eating is important

Field incorporated modern elements into the maid uniforms, shortening the skirts to above the knees and changing the sleeves to short sleeves. Although they lacked the essential black or white stockings, the sight of her crystal-clear, rounded toes and smooth, fair thighs was still quite pleasing to the eye.

"It fits well," Asina said, unable to endure the torment of speculation any longer. Her tone was teasing, as if she had seen through Field's intentions. "My lord, what would you have me do?"

Her job, as the other maids had hinted, was to sleep with the man before her. But Asina thought it unlikely, as humans generally despised demi-humans. The animal ears and tail made humans feel that their bloodline had been tainted by beasts, as if they were the devilish offspring of some unholy union between a human and a goat.

"Of course, to assist me in developing the territory, as I just mentioned," Field replied matter-of-factly. Seeing Asina's look of disbelief, he sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Let's eat first. We can talk over the meal."

At the mention of food, Asina immediately calmed down. Her stomach was burning with hunger.

Field's situation was precarious. Being disliked by his siblings for his behavior was the least of his worries.

The old count's health was deteriorating day by day, and his vast wealth was about to be distributed. Even though Field was not favored, the laws of the Holy Griffin Empire stipulated that any direct descendant had the right to a share of the inheritance.

This was akin to an otherworldly version of the "Decree of Grace," dividing large territories into smaller ones to prevent any single lord from becoming too powerful.

Thus, Field's brothers naturally wished for his immediate demise, and they were also hostile toward one another.

Shortly after the dinner bell rang, two poised maids entered, carrying plates of sauced steak and honey bread.

"Asina, you possess... huh? Where did she go?"

Field, who had been carefully choosing his words, was stunned to find Asina had disappeared.

"I'm here."

Asina was sitting on the floor in a corner, in a "duck sit" position, quietly waiting.

"What are you doing?" Field asked, shocked.

"Uh... sitting... waiting to eat. My lord, did I do something wrong?" Asina grew nervous again.

Field strode over, grabbed her hand, and led her to the table. "Sit on the chair. It's time to eat."

Asina dared only to perch on the edge of the chair. She stared at Field for a long time, making sure the nobleman wasn't about to pull out a whip—or something worse.

"You're not joking? Can I really eat this?" Asina pointed to the fragrant steak.

Field spread his hands. "Of course."

The poor beast-eared girl, seeing that Field wasn't joking, cautiously took a bite of the steak. The next moment, the rich flavors of spices and sauce exploded in her mouth. Her taste buds, which hadn't experienced meat in who knows how long, danced wildly.

This was the most wonderful thing in the world!

Forgetting everything else, Asina quickly devoured the steak on her plate and even licked the sauce clean.

She then proceeded to consume three more steaks and five white bread rolls, her belly swelling as if she were pregnant, before finally stopping.

Field smiled with the benevolence of a doting father.

*Hehehe, eat up, eat up. You'll work hard for me later.*

"Ah, now I could die happy," Asina said, licking the sauce from her lips, her wolf ears perking up energetically.

"That won't be necessary. I hope to train you to become a Divine Chosen One."

Field interlaced his fingers and leaned back in his chair.

Of course, he wouldn't be so honest as to reveal that Asina was a latent Divine Chosen One. Instead, he used the word "train."

"Huh? You might be disappointed. The chances of becoming a Divine Chosen One are minuscule, and I'm a demi-human. There's never been a rumor of a human contracting with a demi-human," Asina replied timidly.

According to the records, the more prosperous the city, the higher the likelihood of a Divine Chosen One appearing. Yet, even in Golden Eagle City, there had been only three Divine Chosen Ones in the past century—two from noble families and one from the clergy.

It was even rarer for demi-humans to become Divine Chosen Ones. They lacked powerful nations or prosperous cities, struggling even to meet basic needs.

Field chuckled. "How will we know if we don't try? I believe I can train you to become a Divine Chosen One."

If the training failed, he would likely die in the cursed land.

"Alright, if it means I get to eat more meat," Asina said, licking her lips with lingering desire.

The next ten days passed quickly as they traveled. To ensure Asina received proper nutrition, Field purchased large quantities of meat and magical supplements in every city they passed through.

Asina soon realized that Field wasn't joking.

In addition, Field spent 150 gold coins on fog-dispelling lanterns, purification potions, and awakening crystals. He had done his homework—these magical items were essential for developing Nightfall Territory.

They soon arrived at the last fortress leading to the Northern Frontier Province.

Baron Bull's Kashan Fortress, a stone castle built against a tall mountain range, was designed to withstand the corrupted creatures, magical beasts, and fearsome orcs from the north.

"Goddess of Winter, bless me and make me a Divine Chosen One!" Asina hid in the creaking carriage, silently praying to the wolf demi-humans' deity. These past few 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 they weren't willing and often complained—these days had been akin to heaven. As she thought this, Asina touched her forehead to make sure she wasn't feverish and delusional.

The only thing she couldn't understand was why Field would buy expensive magical potions for her to drink. She had never heard of anyone becoming a Divine Chosen One by consuming potions.

"Maybe it's some evil ritual," Asina muttered. "But even if I were to be sacrificed to a devil, it might be worth it. Ugh, what am I saying?"

"Sigh, I really hope I am a Divine Chosen One. Otherwise, Baron Field might faint from frustration," Asina could only silently pray.

Steward Cao sighed in despair. "Ah, I never thought my last visit to Kashan Fortress would be like this."

Field ignored the man's lamentations. Sitting on his horse, he gently poked the steward's shoulder with his whip and asked curiously, "Have you been to Kashan Fortress often before?"

Cao rolled his eyes. "Of course. You always donated your living expenses to the villagers here or sent them to Baron Bull's coffers, allowing him and his soldiers to eat, drink, and be merry."

"Uh, right," Field's mouth twitched. He had forgotten that the original owner was a do-gooder. He awkwardly laughed and shrugged. "At least Baron Bull will welcome us, won't he? The locals will praise us too, making it easier to come and go from Kashan Fortress in the future."