Direct interference with a food source is definitely not something you would do at a personal level. As such, the other kingdoms or species are culprits. I don't really care about the Alexander I didn't meet yet, but the other Alexander I met is sweet and playful, beautiful voice, and demonstrates good level of knowledge across very wide range of topics.
Yes, the third Princess Maria Alexander, she is currently known to be living somewhere around this area and heard of such cheap item. No way the kingdom didn't take action. Maybe I shall visit the construction site again. The report I previously wrote on profit sharing is still sitting down here.
———
Father Alexander's letter arrived. It is the reply for the ability to heal mana circuit this time. Without further ado, I headed to Kei's registered address.
"Here comes the King's decree. Kei, forward."
"Your Highness." Two figures knelt down. "Kei is currently out and we have no idea of where he went."
Fine, I shall wait. Since I do have queries for you.
"Rise. Hero Galan, Hero Maera."
"Ex. Thank you, Your Highness."
"Hero Galan, Hero Maera. The kingdom still welcomes the both of you to reinstate the position of Royal Knight 001 leader and Squad 109 commander."
"No thanks." A pair of synchronised voice rejected.
————
This chicken stall sure is suspicious. Overgrown chickens just kept coming out of this not so big wooden shed. No major sign of food and water being replenished. Not much of any chick voice could be heard. This sure was creepy.
!
Immediately on reflex, I sent my elbow flying backwards in response to a tap behind me. Oops. This lady was from squad 109… In order for her to avoid glares, she was on plainclothes now. Ok, the kingdom did initiate a spy mission here.
"You too?" The lady asked me. She was trying very hard to make it look like it dealt no damage. But due to my height, I hit her directly at the area below her belly button for sure. Stop pretending.
"Yes, this IS indeed unnatural. Since you are here, I shall head to your barracks to exchange information."
"Wait a minute."
"Hm?"
"Get another person to… rotate with me….. I mean lunchtime is soon! It.. doesn't hurt… at all.."
"Sure."
But I didn't say anything on heading there NOW, right?
…
I ended up heading to the 109's straight away. My purpose is straightforward, and I was led directly to the leader's office.
Wow, even with humble room size. This room is sure filled with trophies. Trophies? I didn't prepare any for my digging event…Don't care, I gave them actual coins.
A big board caught my attention:
Squad 109 Leaders
…
…
Maera (Hero)
Din
Same name as mum? Hero?
"Ehm!" It broke the silence.
"Sorry, my name is…"
"I know, let's just cut to the chase. What we now know is the previous owner died and that place shouldn't have been occupied. We are not taking action yet in case of any chain reaction."
Good.
"I actually came here unprepared. But the healers class has uncovered some data on the chickens…" I verbally described what we did as experiment.
"No wonder the chicken reeks of mana. Still, it means that either enormous mana from a normal source is needed, or healers' unique mana is desired for the task. But both are nothing close to easy."
"Let's conclude today's discussion." We both agreed.
After leaving the barracks. I realised my blindspot. Any normal poultry shop here will also sell eggs. It was just overlooked as practically no one buys it. Oh, the rotation. I went back to the counter.
I went to buy again. Three chickens and two eggs. As expected, something was off.
Three quick knocks, and a pattern of calibrated knock. Followed by two quick knocks, and similar sound heard. You can fool everyone, but then there is me!
///-.-.//.
3C2E. Typical Morse code, unusual for a vendor.
————
I went home immediately. Being the guy who conducted the competition definitely attracted eyeballs, along with the fact that I went into the 109's. Even if no one was tailing me, I'd better be more careful next time.
No, information like Morse code will not be disclosed to 109. But still, I can remind them not to casually knock on their door tomorrow.
Hmm, Royal Guards? Surrounding my house? Ah, the one I passed the dagger to last time.
"Halt! We have to search your body."
Ok, they sure learnt their lesson.
"How was my request earlier?"
"Terrible, my holiday was changed to guard duty."
Me presenting the knife back then sure got them consequences.
I went in, kneeling down on visual confirmation of Princess Maria.
"Rise. You sure had fun."
She took out the royal decree, now I had to kneel down again.
Word of mana circuit healing had traveled to the King already.
"Please, no.. not another job again." I silently prayed.
Selene's recovery resulted in two things:
King's request: to heal one of his retired Generals at least, in order to claim the gold bars collecting dust.
Extra request: I can exceptionally ask for anything that is legal and not detrimental to the kingdom's development.
Including Princess Maria? I pondered. Oh, nope. She is not legal yet. And that fits into 'anyone' instead of 'anything'.
I wished for the authority to exit city wall at will. The reason being I needed to explore the world in order to further contribute to the kingdom. Princess Maria agreed on the spot. But mentioned that it may take a week for the instructions to fully go down to them.
"So how was the chicken?" Princess Maria initiated.
"Nice. The chicken is fat, tender, full of energy." Yes, energy being mana.
"I agree too. What a killing for such cheap and energetic one."
"I have conveyed my findings to Din already. I think it is better for Your Highness to discuss the next actions with her."
My eyes glanced at mum. She tried to hide it. But "Din" did make her twitch her eyebrows a bit.
Is my mum actually a hero for kingdom? What about dad then?