110

Chapter 110: Graling Farm

"Wait a moment, I almost forgot about this!"

Observing Wade's pencil case, Steven patted his head and swiftly exited the bedroom. He returned shortly with a brown bag in hand, remarking:

"Occamy are highly sensitive to their own scent. You should keep your pencil case in this bag to avoid attracting attention from the occamy on the farm."

"Alright." Wade accepted the bag, examining the magical runes and spells intricately woven into its design out of habit.

"Did Professor Murray create this?" Steven inquired, puzzled.

"Yes... how did you know?" Wade responded.

"Every alchemist has a distinctive style. If you're familiar with them, you can easily recognize their work." Wade explained.

Steven muttered to himself: Is there any noticeable difference between this brown deerskin bag and those sold in stores? He didn't quite grasp it, but he was accustomed to not delving too deeply into areas outside his expertise.

...

From Alpinia Manor, one could fly directly to Graling Farm—Steven's farm, named after the mythical flying horse Graling, reflecting his profound fondness for these creatures.

In the morning sun, Wade stretched, hearing his bones audibly crack.

He ambled along the path flanked by red brick cottages, limbering up his muscles.

Having arrived late the previous night, Wade had only now the chance to fully appreciate the farm's surroundings.

In contrast to the grandeur of Manor's castle, the farm consisted of a dozen modest red brick huts, evoking the ambiance of a secluded village from antiquity at first glance.

Nestled amidst mountains and rivers, the farm boasted breathtaking vistas and crisp, invigorating air.

Simple fences, shrubs, and fir trees partitioned the farm into various sections, interspersed with wild grasses and vibrant flowers, lending it a serene and picturesque appearance.

Like all places inhabited by wizards, Radiant Farm was concealed by protective enchantments and omitted from Muggle maps, preserving it from the pervasive influence of modern technology. This sanctuary, rarely trodden by humans, served as a haven for magical creatures.

Among the foliage, blue birds fluttered noiselessly to and fro;

A teardrop-shaped nest nestled amid thorns, harboring a vulture-like bird peering out with folded, melancholic dark green wings.

Some green creatures resembling a hybrid of frogs and lizards perched on branches or concealed beneath leaves. Sporting devilish smiles, red pustules adorned their heads, and their mouths brimmed with sharp teeth, presenting an unfriendly countenance.

"This is a The Giant Purple Toad ," Steven remarked, approaching from behind Wade.

Extending his hand, Steven coaxed the initially sinister-looking tree monkey frog to leap onto his palm, its long, lizard-like tail curling gently around his thumb.

Steven stroked its head, explaining, "When they sense danger, the pustules on their heads flash red. Thus, their pus is utilized in certain potions."

He extended his palm toward a nearby branch, giving a slight shake. The frog hopped off and swiftly vanished amidst the foliage.

A bowtruckle, disturbed by the tree monkey frog, moved lethargically, causing the leaves above to tremble.

"It's truly fascinating here," Wade remarked. "I'm starting to understand your passion for magical biology."

"Yeah. Their existence enriches our world with such diversity and vibrancy," Steven sighed softly. "But suitable habitats for magical creatures are dwindling, making their conservation increasingly challenging. Even a Hungarian Horntail wouldn't be spared if discovered by Muggles."

"I endeavor to protect and provide undisturbed habitats for them. I hope to raise awareness that safeguarding magical creatures is both vital and rewarding."

"It's a noble pursuit," Wade acknowledged. "If there's any way I can assist, please let me know."

Steven beamed, "I won't hesitate to ask for help when needed! By the way—"

He abruptly fell silent, glancing past Wade.

A peculiar rustling among the leaves caused a flurry of birds to chirp and take flight.

Turning around, Wade beheld a colossal, slate-grey behemoth roughly three meters in diameter gliding through the forest.

On closer inspection, its body seemed to hover above the ground rather than touch it, appearing to float through the air.

"Don't be alarmed. That's a occamy. They're harmless to humans," Steven reassured, placing a hand on Wade's shoulder. "They're quite skittish; just avoid startling them."

The occamy suddenly lunged forward, seizing a blue bird in its beak like an eagle.

Stretching its neck, it swallowed the bird whole, gradually shrinking to the size of an ordinary python. Slithering between tree trunks, it navigated through narrow gaps before coiling itself around a tall pine tree.

Shrinking further, it nestled under a leaf, almost imperceptible.

"Let's continue," Steven suggested. "It'll take a while for it to digest!"

Walking a short distance, Wade remarked, "I thought you might intervene when it went after the Silent Bird."

Steven shook his head, "Protecting magical creatures isn't about keeping them in captivity with ample food. It's about safeguarding them from harm while respecting their natural relationships, including predation."

Wade nodded thoughtfully, inquiring, "Maintaining a farm like this must be costly. If you need funding, I can contribute."

The treasury's galleons increased constantly; it was better to use them for meaningful endeavors than to let them lie idle.

"It's not necessary at the moment," Steven replied with a smile. "House-elves gather feathers, scales, shed snake skins, and discarded horns from magical creatures, selling them for substantial sums. The proceeds sustain the farm."

He beamed proudly, akin to a child, "Don't look at me like that... I'm quite well-off! My father supported me for the first two years after establishing the farm, but I've been self-sufficient since."

"How many magical creatures do you house here?" Wade inquired curiously.

"Well..."

Steven hesitated momentarily. After some thought, he replied, "There are usually twenty or thirty species... though it's hard to say for certain. Creatures occasionally move in unnoticed when I'm not paying attention."

"New arrivals tend to be cautious. Sometimes they bring their families, leaving subtle traces. Unless they cause harm, I generally let them be."

However, long-term residents, such as the the gaint purple frogs, viewed Steven as a companion or even protector, displaying considerable trust.

Wade pondered this life. Though he lacked Steven's profound affection for magical creatures, he felt a twinge of longing.

Checking the time, Steven remarked, "Your friends should be arriving soon. Let's go greet them."