A Degenerate's Tale

"Madam is checking the runes around the castle," Aria told Earl after tying his bowtie.

"Is that so?" Earl peeked his head out the window. A barrier made out of runes could be seen covering the entire vicinity of the castle. With every passing day, the runes were becoming brighter and brighter.

Beyond the barrier of runes, the city was still riding on its festive wave. Following the announcement of the prince being named the heir to the throne last night, an official parade was being held on this day to let the entire kingdom know of the heir.

"Master."

"Hm?"

Aria leaned to kiss Earl on the cheek.

Smooch.

"It's a morning kiss!"

Earl took a step outside and sure enough, his mother was fiddling around with the runes in a corner.

"Did you just wake up?" She asked smilingly.

"Lily and Aria just woke me up. They're preparing food right now."

"That's great," Ari tapped on a rune to light it up. "Shall we head inside now then?"

She came to Earl's side. "We'll be leaving for the Elven Kingdom tomorrow. I'll give you a day off from training today."

When they arrived at the dining table, Lily and Aria were already waiting.

"Today's breakfast, baked cockatrice egg!" Lily presented enthusiastically.

On the plate was an egg the size of a head. Lily then brought out a small knife to split the egg. Starting from the middle, she carved the egg in a circular motion. It was a similar technique one would use to split a watermelon in half.

Crack!

The egg split into two and a nice steam came out from the middle along with a whiff from mouthwatering fragrance.

"Ahem." Aria started speaking while Lily portioned out the egg.

"Madam got it a few days ago and we just had the chance to cook it today. From what Aria has read, cockatrice eggs are a rare delicacy because they are not laid very often. They are known for their delicate texture and magic nourishing properties. We decided to cook it by infusing various herbs and baking it gently over a few hours with Fire Magic Crystals."

"Woah..." Earl let out an impressed voice. From girls who did not know how to cook at all, these two have come far.

"Here's one for you, Master!" Lily plated a portion for Earl.

The baked egg reminded Earl of a pudding. It was a nice gold colour with sprinkles of spices. When Lily placed it down, it shook from left to right.

He tapped it with his spoon first before putting it in his mouth. It was a melt-in-your-mouth experience but it was nothing too surprising coming from a baked egg. The true surprise was the magic nourishing property.

"This is..."

He could feel his mana becoming thoroughly nourished by the egg. His body suddenly felt all warm and cozy as sweat started to build on his forehead.

Ari laughed at her son's appearance. "You have long ways to go..." She teased while she ate the egg with no visible reaction.

At the side, Aria had a smile as she wiped her Master's sweat off with a hankerchief.

"I'm going to take another bite, Aria." Earl warned her seriously as he scooped up another mouthful.

And as expected, he started to sweat again from the magic nourishing property.

Aria diligently wiped his sweat off again.

Lily started to giggle to herself. "You are so helpless, Master! What are you going to do without sis?"

"Ahem. That is true, I always need Aria with me now." Earl nodded proudly.

When breakfast was over, Earl decided to visit the Royal Palace for the last time before leaving.

"You guys can have a day off today too!" He told Lily and Aria as he ran off.

"Master is so lively today."

"Lily is lively today too, sis! Lily is excited for the Elven Kingdom!"

The way to the Royal Palace today had almost no people. Everyone had left to go watch the parade of the crown prince. Earl already had plans in mind for what he wanted to do today. Morphing his body into a shadow, he rushed into the Royal Palace.

He walked to Princess Sharon's room without paying the guards any mind.

Knock.

Knock.

A little head with silver hair peaked out from the door after two consecutive knocks. It was Princess Sharon.

"Earl!" She exclaimed and stepped out from behind the door. She was wearing a pink frilly dress. "What are you doing here today?"

"There's no one around because of the prince's parade. I'll take you outside!"

"Outside!?" Sharon jumped up and down excitedly. "Are you sure? We'll get in trouble if they catch us."

"They'll never catch us if I'm with you, Princess. You've always wanted to go outside, right? Let's go!" Earl reached his hand out for the princess.

The princess did not take his hand right away. She looked left and right before nodding with the most radiant smile on her face. "Okay. I'll leave my noble self in your hand... Earl."

Her little grabbed onto Earl's and together with their hands held, Earl lead her out of the Royal Palace.