Chapter 502

Tamers’ Guild Inspection Team
“Ohh, so this is the Parfe we heard about. It really does look like a cow-type monster.”

“It seems wary of us, but it isn’t showing any aggression. Skittish, but also intelligent, it seems.”

“It’s smarter than it looks. And the ride in the Parfe cart on the way here was comfortable too… this doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.”

Since the Tamers' Guild’s inspection team was scheduled to arrive within a week, we stayed in the city of the Eight Gods to meet them.
From the Tamers' Guild came the Vardmoi branch’s Guildmaster, whom I didn’t know very well, and the Grand Guildmaster of the McFarlane Dukedom along with their assistant.
All of them were intensely observing the Parfes, scribbling notes as they glared at them.
Naturally, the Parfes were on high alert, keeping their distance.
Yeah… that’d scare anyone.

“Goo? (Who are those people?)”

“They’re important people from my country. They came to investigate whether we can bring you all back with me.”

“Goo-goog? (Should we try to be friendlier?)”

“I think you’re fine as you are.”

It’s definitely better if they warm up to them, but forcing friendliness wouldn’t help either.
Honestly, I find them intimidating too.

“Miss Lily, we’ve noted their external features. Could you show us how strong they are?”

“Of course. Everyone, let’s go pull that cart over there.”

“Gug-guu!”

We had prepared a wagon loaded with rocks for this strength test.
I figured two of them could easily pull it.

“Gugug-guu!”

“Gugg-guguguu!”

“Oh, they’re pulling that fully-loaded wagon with just two of them…”

“That’s significantly stronger than horses or oxen.”

That’s their specialty after all.
They’re slow runners, but incredibly strong—that’s the Parfe for you.

“I see. Docile, obedient when tamed, and unlikely to run off as long as they aren’t mistreated. Plus, they’re suited for heavy labor.”

“That sums them up nicely. So, may I bring them back with me?”

“I personally see no issue… however, may I ask for a magic stone?”

“A magic stone? You mean, a Parfe’s magic stone?”

“Yes. I truly apologize, but we need to analyze the magic stone to properly rank the monster’s strength. It’s part of a formal agreement with the Adventurers’ Guild. If they ever go feral, we need a predetermined subjugation rank…”

Hmm… that’s a problem.
Of course, I don’t have a Parfe magic stone.
When I first encountered them, they didn’t attack, and I tamed them all on the spot.
After that, Lord Riku tamed all the remaining wild Parfes in the area, so there was no way I could’ve obtained one.
What should I do…?

“Is something troubling you, Lady Lily?”

“Huh? Lord Riku, you’re back?”

“I confirmed the Kiblinki Saltas’ performance, so I returned. So those are the Guildnasters from the Dukedom’s Tamers' Guild, I presume?”

“Yes, and… they asked for a Parfe magic stone to determine the subjugation rank, in case of feral incidents.”

“Oh, is that all? The Eight Seats have Parfe magic stones. There’s no issue in giving them one.”

“Wait, there are Parfe magic stones?”

“Even though they’re monsters, Parfe are still living creatures. They can die of old age. They live close to a hundred years, so only those deeply involved with them tend to know this. We keep their magic stones as a form of remembrance. If those stones can help their fellow Parfe, I’m sure the deceased would be pleased.”

“Thank you so much!”

“Think nothing of it. Just be sure to treat it with care.”

I had assumed getting a magic stone would be difficult, but Lord Riku readily agreed to provide one.
The Guildmasters assured me they wouldn’t destroy the stone—just analyze it.
Looks like bringing the Parfes back home is one step closer to reality.

What do you think about this chapter?