Chapter 37

"So, what is it you need?"

"Yes. I recently started raising a magical beast, so I wanted to ask about how to raise and train it... Let me introduce him. This is Shiro."

"Oon!"

When I stroked his back, Shiro barked. Seeing this, Aliise's eyes sparkled.

"Oh! What a cute little one! Shiro-chan! You're unusually round and small, but are you a Bearwolf?"

"You're right. When I went on a magical beast hunt in the northern forest with my brother Albert, he took a liking to me. ...Still, I'm impressed you could tell. He should look quite different from his true form."

"Hehe, I just had a feeling."

Somehow, I narrowed my eyes, thinking that was indeed the case. Just as I had once identified the same individual by sensing the wavelength of magic, Aliise must have unconsciously done something similar.

"It has something to do with 'magic,' I guess. I don't quite understand it, though."

"Yes. So, what I want to ask is..."

"Hey Lloyd, standing here talking isn't very comfortable. Why don't we go inside? I'll make some delicious tea."

"Oh, right."

We had been talking for a while. Inside, we could see Aliise's magical beasts, which would make the conversation easier. So, I followed Aliise into the tower.

Inside was a large hall, with a spiral staircase and a few small rooms along the outer walls, but otherwise, it was completely open. The ground was covered with grass, moss, a pond, and even trees, giving it a natural feel. Grimor gasped in amazement.

"Wow, this is amazing!"

"It's apparently open to the public sometimes, like a zoo."

Many people visit on those days to see the rare plants and animals. Incidentally, Elise is the guide on those days. Aliise wanted to do it, but she was wisely stopped. We sat at a white table in the center of the room.

"Elise, please prepare some tea."

"As you wish."

Elise bowed and poured tea from a teapot she had somehow produced. The pleasant aroma of herbs filled the air, and Aliise closed her eyes contentedly.

"First, I'd like to see your magical beast, Aliise."

"You're eager, aren't you? Hehe, okay. Since it's Lloyd's request... Lil!"

When Aliise called, a fluffy ball of fur rose from the roof. It had long, sleek legs, a tail as long as its body, and ears that perked up, turning to face Aliise. The giant wolf called Lil leaped down to Aliise's side. With its silver fur and golden eyes, it was a beautiful magical beast. It must be about three meters tall, exuding a powerful presence.

"Let me introduce you. This is Lil. Go ahead, say hello."

"Woong!"

Lil barked in a high-pitched voice, and Shiro hid behind me. Maybe he was scared because Lil was so big. Still, Shiro looked at Lil with great interest.

"This is a Lesser Fenrir. It's a pretty dangerous upper-class magical beast."

"An upper-class one, huh? That's why Shiro is so interested."

Fenrir is known for its strong caution and rarely trusts others. It's also very powerful and can hunt dragons. Even if it's a lower class, raising such a magical beast is impressive. Maybe Aliise is even more capable than I thought. This could be very helpful.

"Please! I want to communicate with Shiro like you do with Lil! Teach me how!"

"Of course, I will. I think you can do it, Lloyd."

"Really!?"

"Yes, I do. The most important thing is..."

After a dramatic pause, Aliise smiled.

"---Love!"

A moment of silence. Aliise continued.

"I believe that love is the bond that connects us, even when we can't understand each other's words. No matter what magical beast, if you give it love, you can definitely understand each other!"

Elise sighed, looking tired, as she watched Aliise speak enthusiastically.

"Ha, Aliise-sama is like a natural animal magnet. Such a special case won't be helpful."

"Animal magnet!? Elise, that's too harsh!"

"It's the truth."

The two started arguing. It was more like playful bickering, and they seemed like sisters.

"You don't need to make it complicated. Just be fluffy and open. Lil, can you feel my thoughts and words? ...See!"

"Woong!"

Lil nodded and rubbed his head against Aliise. When Aliise spread her arms and spun around, small animals like birds and rabbits gathered around her. It was like a magical, fairy-tale scene. Elise was taken aback. Indeed, she was like an animal magnet. Grimor, who had been speechless, finally spoke.

"...Lloyd-sama, that won't work. If you put it nicely, she's a genius. If you put it harshly, she's in a fantasy world. She's not the type who can have a proper conversation."

That's a bit harsh, but I mostly agree. Aliise isn't the type for logical discussions. Still, there's a way.

"I see, I understand. Aliise."

"Wh-What!?"

Elise and Grimor were surprised by my words. Aliise's face lit up, and she grabbed my hand, shaking it excitedly.

"Yes, yes, Lloyd! It's love!"

Whether it's love or not, I noticed something from the magic Aliise was using. When she gives commands to Lil, she connects their heads with magic. She's probably letting Lil read her thoughts. She's unconsciously changing the nature of her magic, which is a blind spot. That method can transmit thoughts in real-time as images. It's about sharing, not commanding. And I'm good with images.

"Shiro!"

I extended my magic and connected it to Shiro's head. I focused on what I wanted Shiro to do. Shiro's eyes widened, and he started running around us. One lap, two laps, and then three laps,

"Oon!"

He barked energetically, just as I had imagined. It worked.

"No way. Did you understand from Aliise-sama's explanation...?"

Elise's eyes were wide.

"Wow, amazing, Lloyd! Just as I expected from my cute little brother! It's love!"

"No, I don't think so."

"It is, I tell you!"

The two started arguing again. They have a good relationship. Well, my business is done, so I should leave.

"Thanks, Aliise. I appreciate it."

"Wh-What!? You're leaving already!? Why don't you stay for tea?"

"No, I'm not thirsty right now!"

"Aww, Lloyd!"

I waved goodbye to Aliise, who was tearing up. Elise was muttering something beside her.

"Just now, Lloyd-sama used a technique of a magical beast tamer...! Aliise-sama's power is innate, and because she's not aware of it, it's uncontrollable. But Lloyd-sama used it consciously and skillfully. Other tamers can't control their beasts in front of Aliise-sama, but Lloyd-sama did it so beautifully... If Lloyd-sama continues to learn and surpass Aliise-sama, maybe he can drive away the animals that gather here... The other maids are afraid to come close because of the animals, and feeding and taking care of them is difficult. Thanks to this, I have no breaks and no time to go shopping or to a café... Yes, that's right. Lloyd-sama must work hard!"

Feeling a strong presence, I turned to see Elise looking at me with hopeful eyes.

"Lloyd-sama, please come again! Aliise-sama can teach you many more things."

"Wow, nice one, Elise! Yes, Lloyd, I can teach you a lot more! So please come again!"

Indeed, there must be more to the techniques of a magical beast tamer. I'll come back if I have more questions. ...Though I don't expect a very sensible answer.