Fattening

Aldric walked over to Sophie and sat down in front of the little girl.

Sophie was holding her remaining half of the pastry. Seeing him approach, she immediately stood, both small hands awkwardly clutching the pastry against her chest.

"Young Master Aldric."

"No need to be afraid."

Aldric smiled, then placed a hand on her head.

Sophie ducked slightly.

A thread of mana entered her body once more.

This time Aldric examined more carefully.

The magic veins were immature, but their purity was exceptionally good. If allowed to develop normally, it would take many more years before they reached a suitable state.

Aldric had no intention of waiting that long.

'A few years?'

He nearly laughed.

'I don't have the time to raise them to adulthood.'

Morgana immediately caught his thought. "What are you planning to do?"

Aldric gently stroked Sophie's hair, his expression still perfectly gentle on the surface.