Tax Collection

Allen came home covered in cuts and bruises. Telesia checked that none of his wounds were serious and breathed a sigh of relief. He still had the Alba Heron slung over his back. He gently set it down in the earthen-floored entryway. With its wings folded, it was only a little larger than an adult. Their house wasn't very big, so its legs stuck out through the entrance.

“Allen, what happened?!”

“It came down from the sky, so I caught it, Mother.”

(I don't think I lied.)

“Allen's amazing!”

Krena beamed and praised him. She wasn't surprised by the Alba Heron.

“Mama, scary!”

Mash started crying at the sight of the Alba Heron and hid behind Telesia.

(Hmm, Mash is a timid one. Grow into a strong man, Mash. Anyway, this must weigh over twenty kilograms. Maybe ten kilograms of it is edible. Its feathers might be useful, too. And since it's a magic beast, does it have a magic stone? Heh heh, maybe I can sell some of this stuff.)

He began calculating the value of the Alba Heron's materials. Even a magic beast larger than an adult looked to him like nothing but food and materials...