Quinn
HALF AN HOUR LATER, Maria and I were at the stables, with Spencer guiding us around. He led us to the back quarter where the magical beasts were currently located. There were men here, working, putting out food and water for the animals, and taking care of them. Among the staff I saw two people I didn't expect to see. Liam was in the corner feeding milk to a kitten and Juan was doing the same to a wolf pup.
Goodness, but those two had really become best buddies. They seemed to be joined at the hip. Whenever I saw one, the other wouldn't be far away.
"Liam, Juan," I greeted.
Liam looked up at the sound of my voice, and instantly, he flashed me a handsome smile. Damn, but he was radiant.
"Hello, Quinn. Here to inspect the animals?" he asked.
I nodded. "Looks like you're taken in by that kitten."
He nodded. "He's such a darling, and I really like his golden fur."
Maria said, "His fur is the same color as Lord Juan's hair."
Juan appeared surprised at that comment, as if he hadn't really noticed. He inspected the kitten in Liam's arms as if he was really seeing it for the first time and said, "Would you look at that. He does, too."
"The young ones are sweet, Quinn," Liam said. "I don't think they're dangerous. They need to be let out from the cages. They'll get depressed if they're stuck in there for too long."
"I know," I said. "I'm here to do an aptitude test on them to see if we can tame them."
"Don't we need a monster tamer like Lilly for that?" Juan asked.
"According to Vicky, magical beasts can be tamed normally when they're still young."
"Like this little one?" Liam asked, his eyes sparkling, and I knew he wanted that kitten as his pet.
Come to think of it, I wondered if the children wanted pets.
"Vicky, let's get to work," I said, excitement in my voice.
Doing an aptitude test on the animal was not hard. In fact, they were easier than with humans, with my appraisal skill. With a screen in front of me, I read out loud, "The kitten is a magical golden cat. It can reach adulthood in two years. It can grow up to four feet. That's the size of a lion, and it will have the strength to match. Its magical power is fire."
"Wow!" Liam said. "Impressive. Its magical power is fire, perfect for me with my strong affinity with fire."
"It said here it can be tamed by forming a contract," I said.
"Does that mean I can form a contract with the kitten?" Liam asked, looking eager.
Juan chuckled. "You really want that kitten, don't you?"
Liam smiled. "I've never had a pet before and have always wanted one."
Maria said, "That's Liam for you. He loves animals."
Spencer said, "If we are able to form a contract with the magical beasts, doesn't that mean they can be domesticated, my lady?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"That would also mean we can add them to our military might. They have magical power, and their strength is even mightier than monsters. I heard they are stronger and more intelligent than even some high-tier monsters."
"Yes," I said again. "Why don't we test this contract forming thing out? Liam, how about it?"
"I'm only too pleased to give it a go," he said. "But how?"
