章節 73: Beast Taming
"Why didn't you offer to take her with you? It's risky for her to go on her own," Jessica asked as Ranav exited the healing center.
He found a spot near the main gate, where a few people were sitting in the shade of tall trees. Climbing onto the wall, which was a bit high for his stature, Ranav dangled his legs, swinging them with a carefree rhythm. From his vantage point, he could clearly see everyone coming and going through the gate. He was confident he'd spot Paramita as soon as she arrived.
Swinging his feet with a grin, he teased, "You've absorbed all my memories, yet you still don't understand human emotions. You're brilliant in so many areas but completely clueless when it comes to interpersonal behavior. Sometimes, you're like an AI…"
Jessica cut him off sharply, "I'm not an AI. I'm human! I don't know how I ended up inside this ring, but I can feel, think, and dream just like you. Don't call me an AI."
Sensing he'd upset her, Ranav quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, Jessica. I didn't mean it like that… it was just a metaphor. Don't take it the wrong way. Look, you've seen my memories of recruitment processes. It's not a good idea to force someone to join you when they're at their lowest. Instead, you show them sincerity and offer benefits, then let them choose freely. That way, they feel they've made the decision themselves, which makes them happier and more confident."
Jessica seemed to calm down. "Alright, I understand now. By leaving her to decide on her own, she can make a choice without feeling manipulated."
After a moment, she added, "Still, I feel like you're holding something back. What are you really trying to achieve by recruiting her?"
Ranav sighed and leaned back against a tree trunk. "Jessica, you've seen my past life. In that modern world, governed by laws, I couldn't even ensure justice for my fiancée. In the end, I was alone…helpless…"
"Now, I'm in the Mayura Kingdom, where feudalism rules. It's a medieval world where power trumps everything. Born as a peasant's son, I started at the very bottom. The only way to protect my loved ones here is to grow strong… strong enough to stand above everyone else. Magic has given me the tools to do that, and with you to guide me, I've been lucky so far. Nanima became my master, and through her, I gained the countess as a patron. But in the end, I must rely on myself."
"I'm just one person. If I can recruit talented mages to my side, our family's safety will be more secure even in my absence. I've also been thinking about visiting the Airavata Empire someday to learn more about mana body training. To do all of this, I need allies. I need a strong foundation."
Jessica listened intently as he continued. "Powerful families always have several strong mages supporting them. My parents are too old to learn magic now, but I plan to teach Vivita when I return home. Still, that's just two mages. If anything happens to one of us, we're vulnerable."
"When you revealed Camilla's cyan core, it gave me hope. I didn't plan to recruit her, but the opportunity arose. In the future, I want to adopt good-natured orphans with strong mana cores. Our family doesn't have wealth, so the only people who'll agree to join us will be those truly seeking a home. That way, we can avoid those with ulterior motives."
Jessica asked thoughtfully, "And where do you plan to house these recruits? Your current home has no room to spare."
Ranav chuckled. "That's a challenge I need to solve. I was debating how to spend the money I earned from the hunters, but now it's clear… I need to build a new house. And I desperately want an indoor bathroom!"
Jessica burst into laughter. "An indoor bathroom with all your modern luxuries, huh? That's what you miss the most?"
"Don't laugh! It's a necessity," Ranav said, half-serious. "I want a spacious bathroom with a bathtub and a proper commode. It'll make life so much easier."
He sighed wistfully. "I was a chemical engineer, so my knowledge of construction is limited. If only I'd been a civil engineer, I could design our house myself."
Jessica spoke up. "You've read several civil engineering books in your past life, haven't you? I can access those memories and help you draw a plan for your new home."
"Really? That would be amazing. Can you create those books in the library?"
"Unfortunately, no. But I can review your memories and guide you step by step. Think of me as your personal civil engineer."
Ranav smiled. "That'll do. Thanks, Jessica."
Their conversation was interrupted as Jessica suddenly said, "Paramita's here. Look to your left, near the carriage."
Ranav turned and spotted her standing beside a carriage, scanning the area. "Paramita, over here!" he called, hurrying to her.
She looked relieved. "Good. I was about to head to the library to drag you out."
As they boarded the carriage, Ranav asked, "Are we going back now, or do you have other plans?"
"I wanted to shop, but Grandpa Khan told me that Midnight has been acting restless. He thinks it's because you didn't visit him this morning. Horses are sensitive, you know. You need to talk to him and reassure him that you won't abandon him."
Ranav groaned. "So now I'm dealing with an emotional horse? Fantastic."
When they reached the count's estate, they went straight to the ranch. Grandpa Khan was waiting, his face lighting up with relief when he saw Ranav. "Young Master, thank goodness you're here. Midnight's been sulking all day, thinking you've abandoned him. You need to talk to him and explain."
Ranav walked to Midnight's stall. The horse turned its head away with an indignant snort.
Ranav couldn't help but laugh. "You're upset with me? Alright, I get it. But I had important work this morning. I can't visit every day, Midnight. The staff here will take great care of you. I promise I'm not abandoning you."
The horse neighed softly but remained still.
Jessica chimed in, "He wants a formal bond with you. He's a magical beast and needs a taming contract."
"How do I do that?" Ranav asked.
"Offer him a drop of your blood," Jessica instructed.
Ranav pricked his finger with a small knife and held out the drop of blood. Midnight sniffed it briefly before licking it with his tongue.
Suddenly, Ranav felt a connection form in his mind… a bond between him and Midnight.
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