"Tired, huh? You've worked hard," Michael said with a warm smile, stroking the feline's head.
"Tonight, I'll treat you to something special."
The tiny purring that followed made Michael's chest feel light and warm. He resolved to serve Miaomiao the finest beef available.
On their way to the designated meeting point in the village square, the streets were chaotic. Nobles and their retainers darted about like locusts during harvest season, all frantically searching for loot.
Upon reaching the square, Michael spotted Kensington Baron feeding a cow to his Great Worm, an enormous 8th-tier magical beast. Curious, Michael approached him.
"Brother Vincent, you're already here? Didn't think there'd be any cows left in the village."
Having been ordered to address the baron as "brother" instead of the more formal "uncle," Michael had reluctantly agreed to the odd request. Despite the 25-year age gap, Kensington seemed insistent.
