W1.A1-8: A Mother’s Sacrifice – the Great Mountain Cleaving Bull

She finally showed some surprise on her face. "Are you sure?"

Given the size of the kingdom, it would be a surprise if one appeared even in a city, let alone in a backward and small town like theirs. Well, even if they came, it would not be something for common people like them to know. So, she was genuinely surprised by this information. At the same time, she couldn't help but fall into thought as she considered the offer.

Finally succeeding in getting her attention, Vilet hid his joy and dragged his heavy body forward.

Appearing before Celine, he said, "Yes, of course." He assured her, "How can I even dare to joke about such a matter?" He then asked, "So, will you be attending tonight?"

Celine nodded, but after considering it for a moment, she concluded that it would probably not be as easy to meet a royal as Vilet made it sound. Besides, the important thing was that she didn't trust this person. After all, some of the problems faced by her businesses were the result of this person's machinations.

"I'll think about it," she said, just giving a token answer. "I'll take my leave if there's nothing else."

"Of course." Vilet smiled as he reminded her, "The party's at my farmhouse just outside the town." He added, "There'll be carriages for the visitors' convenience at my residence."

Celine just nodded as she left.

Vilet looked as Celine's figure disappeared behind the corner before smiling in satisfaction.

"I'll finally be getting my hands on this juicy piece of meat." He laughed, muttering, "His Highness Ortan's visit was really surprising this time, and I have to make good use of this association to get more benefits."

Motioning to the guys behind him, he too left this unassuming street he wouldn't normally have bothered to visit.

...

Bam!

Thud! Thud! Thud!

"Phew~! It's finally over." I muttered as I looked at the huge animal that had fallen to the ground, taking down a few trees along with it due to its weight. A fine cut could be seen on its neck as blood flowed out slowly. Even after dying, its great vitality allowed its body to repair itself.

It was a bull shaped beast with a tough-looking grayish-brown hide.

Well, it wasn't just tough-looking. It was really tough. Not to mention its sharp horns that could pierce through boulders. It was basically a walking tank with high attack and defense.

It wasn't for nothing that it was called the "Great Mountain Cleaving Bull."

At least, that's how it was known in the capital. For an area like this, though, it was basically known by whichever demon names the villagers and townsfolk were able to come up with.

"But what is it doing here?" The question couldn't help but appear on my tongue, as it was really a surprise to find a beast as powerful as this here. Although not at the Grandmaster level yet, it's physical strength was enough to make one such powerhouse wary.

Even I had to use almost all my strength as a Master Swordsman to kill it in one strike.

I couldn't even begin to imagine the consequences of this beast roaming free. Given the level of communication setup here, it would have probably taken at least a week before a nearby city was alerted. Then they would have had to inform the capital to send people to deal with it. Till then, the beast would have steamrolled through, god knows, how many settlements.

As I was contemplating, a thought couldn't help but appear in my mind as I suddenly turned my head to look at the winding mountain range that pierced the azure in the distance. Collectively, these mountains were known as the Vault Reaching Peaks or the Vault Reaching Range.

It was a natural border for this side of the kingdom. Close to no monitoring was required, as people capable of passing through these mountains would have already used a different path instead. There was no point in passing through with difficulty only to visit this barren area, was there?

"But isn't it said that there are many such bulls in the Great Plains on the other side of the mountain range?" The matter was quite thought-provoking, so I dropped it for now to conserve my brainpower.

Neigh!

My thoughts were interrupted as I turned, only to find a black horse with a horn trotting in a suave manner in my direction. It was, of course, my mount, the black-horned colt, Bert.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the coward who scampered away at the first peep of danger," I couldn't help but comment as I looked at its majestic stride in amusement. It was one of the best steads one would find in the whole of the kingdom. But no one could imagine that hiding behind this awesome appearance was a scaredy-cat who tends to run away while dumping its master to deal with the problem.

Hearing my words, Bert's elegant gait stiffened as a somewhat human-like, embarrassed expression appeared on its long face. Its pace then turned playful as it scampered over to me.

Seeing it rub its head against my hands to pacify my displeasure, I couldn't help but turn speechless.

Don't tell me its father was a dog? I couldn't help but wonder.

"Alright, alright. Let's go now." I stopped its cute act and moved to hop on its back. Giving it a light kick, I began my journey back home.

"Wait!" I suddenly exclaimed. My head hurriedly turned towards the carcass of the dead bull as I couldn't help but mutter, "Isn't it said that meat from these bulls tastes delicious?"

In the capital, they can't be used as a stable source of meat as they are mainly utilized for farm work like plowing the field and clearing wastelands by some medium-sized merchant households specializing in agriculture. They are more cost-effective considering that they can't afford the machines and magical artifacts employed by the top-level merchants and the noble families.

Actually, I could have easily gotten my hands on some if I had wanted them in the capital. But it was not like it was the only appealing food item available there. So given the wide range of products available, it was normal for a few to escape the sight of a food lover like me.

"But how should I deal with this?" I couldn't help but wonder as I saw the huge body of the bull, which was at the same height as me, even after it had fallen to the ground.

I thought for a moment before shrugging. "Let's just take the best parts."

Making my decision, I climbed down my mount.

"Go and find some big leaves for me to wrap this thing." Pointing at the bull, I instructed Bert, who acknowledged my order with a snort and went deep in the woods.

Just as I was about to pull my sword out of its scabbard, I remembered something as I called it out in my heart.

A black light shot out from my body and quickly condensed into the form of a beautiful black sword with a thin body. Although its surface was very smooth, it did not shine. Not even one bit. It was as though all the light that was shone upon it got absorbed. It floated in midair, making it appear as though a cut had suddenly appeared in the space.

Buzz!

"What is it?"

Hearing the question, I immediately pointed at the bull and asked with a smile, "Help me carve that big fellow over there, please."

"…"