Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Adrian listened intently, his expression carefully neutral as he absorbed each detail. His fingers were laced together on the desk, his posture straight but not rigid. He offered only slight nods as Margery spoke, encouraging her to continue without interrupting.

After a while, Margery ended her report.

"If you'll excuse me, Young Master," She said, rising from her chair with a gentle smile. "I should oversee the preparation of your favorite dishes for lunch. You must be tired from your journey."

Adrian acknowledged her departure with a slight nod, and Margery left the room with a deep curtsy, closing the door quietly behind her.

The atmosphere in the office shifted subtly as Gerald straightened in his chair, preparing to deliver his own report. The morning sun had climbed higher now, casting longer shadows across the polished floor.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Gerald cleared his throat softly before beginning his report, his voice steady and measured.

"Regarding security and general affairs, Young Master, I'm pleased to report that our territory has remained stable during your absence. We've dealt with a few minor disturbances – some petty theft rings and small bandit groups attempting to establish themselves in the outer regions. However, the special unit you established handled these situations efficiently, without any civilian casualties."

He paused briefly, adjusting his posture. "The village defense initiative has shown remarkable progress. Each village now maintains its own trained militia, capable of handling common monster threats without requiring immediate support from our main forces. The training program you implemented has attracted numerous volunteers – we've had over three hundred participants from various villages in the past year alone."

Adrian remained silent throughout the report, his expression unchanged, though his eyes held a keen attentiveness that reminded Gerald of countless similar meetings in this very office with the previous lord.

After Gerald finished this portion of his report, Adrian finally spoke, his voice calm but carrying a subtle weight. "And the other matters? The more... significant developments?"

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The shadows in the room seemed to deepen as Gerald's expression grew more serious, understanding exactly what his young master was asking about.

Gerald leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on a tone of quiet enthusiasm as he detailed their progress. "As per your instructions, Young Master, the construction phase has been completed to exacting specifications. The main compound spans nearly forty acres at the southeastern edge of our territory – far enough from settlements to avoid disturbance, yet close enough to maintain efficient oversight."

He produced a detailed portfolio from his folder, spreading out several architectural drawings. "The facilities have been divided into specialized zones. The primary training grounds feature reinforced barriers with embedded magical dampening fields, ensuring both handler and beast safety. We've constructed separate habitats mimicking various natural environments – woodland areas, open plains, and even a small wetland sector for aquatic-leaning species."

Adrian nodded, his fingers beginning a precise pattern across his desk's surface. A soft blue light emanated from beneath his touch, coalescing into a transparent screen filled with intricate plans and projections. The magical display cast a gentle glow across the office's polished surfaces.

"The worker dormitories and training facilities are complete," Gerald continued, gesturing to another section of the plans. "We've recruited fifty handlers initially, all with backgrounds in animal husbandry or magical creature care. They've completed basic training in facility protocols and safety procedures, though they await the specialized training that only Wild Heart Sanctuary can provide."

The screen shifted under Adrian's touch, displaying detailed analyses of various magical beasts. "I see you've maintained the classification system," he observed, scrolling through categories of companion-class creatures.

"Yes, Young Master. We've prepared separate facilities for each class." Gerald pointed to different sections of the compound layout. "The companion-class beasts will be our primary focus – creatures like the Silvermane Foxes, known for their intelligence and affinity for magical bonds, or the Cloudwing Falcons, particularly suited for Awakeners specializing in wind magic."

Adrian expanded a particular section of the display, revealing projection charts of market demand and supply routes. "And the work-beast division?"

"The facilities are ready there as well," Gerald confirmed. "We've designed larger enclosures for creatures like the Stoneback Oxen and Dawnstrider Horses. The local villages have already expressed significant interest, particularly after seeing how effective such beasts have been in neighboring territories."

The screen shifted again, now showing a complex web of connections spreading outward from their territory. Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly in satisfaction. "Wild Heart Sanctuary's involvement is crucial here. Their reputation for ethical beast handling will lend credibility to our venture."

"Indeed," Gerald agreed. "They've committed to providing us with thirty breeding pairs of various species for our initial stock. More importantly, they're sending three of their master handlers to conduct a six-month training program for our staff. Their expertise in progressive taming techniques will ensure we maintain the highest standards."

Adrian's fingers traced along the projected expansion routes. "The timing is advantageous. The current market for magical beasts is... problematic at best. Most suppliers either rely on capture from the wild, which is increasingly unsustainable, or employ questionable breeding practices that result in unstable temperaments."

"Our approach will be different," Gerald added, understanding his master's vision. "Ethical breeding, proper training, and careful matching with potential bondmates. It's a longer process, but one that will establish us as a premier source in the kingdom."

The screen expanded to show financial projections. "We've already received inquiries from several noble houses," Gerald continued. "Word of our partnership with Wild Heart Sanctuary has generated considerable interest. Even the Royal Academy has expressed interest in establishing a direct supply line for their beast-handling courses."

Adrian's lips curved in a subtle smile. "And the military applications?"

"Carefully managed, as you specified," Gerald assured him. "We've designated a separate facility for training guard-class beasts, but with strict protocols on aggression management and handler requirements. The Kingdom's Defense Ministry has also submitted a preliminary request for discussion."

The young lord leaned back slightly, his eyes scanning the complex web of information before him.

This venture would accomplish multiple objectives: strengthening their territory's economy, establishing new valuable connections throughout the kingdom, and most importantly, providing them with a legitimate reason to maintain extensive contact with various power centers in the realm.

"The distribution network for the village program?" he inquired, shifting the display to show rural development plans.

"Ready to implement," Gerald confirmed. "We've established fiv facilities at strategic points throughout our territory. Each will serve as a training center for work-beasts and a distribution hub for the surrounding villages. The village militia leaders have already been briefed on basic handling procedures."