Fantasy Family Simulator (FFS)

After Rhett walked away, Makov stood alone under the tree, gazing in the direction Rhett had gone. His expression turned serious as he muttered a few words to himself, words only he could hear. Then, carrying the White-Eyed Mouse pup, he headed off in another direction.

Rhett walked alone along the path, looking up at the blue sky and white clouds, muttering to himself, "There are still two more White-Eyed Mouse pups that need to be distributed. But who should I give them to?"

He mentally went through a list of candidates. Vanessa, Clina, and Mina were all close to him and could certainly bond with the pups, but they were more like noblewomen, managing internal affairs rather than engaging in battles. For them, the pets would serve more as companions than battle partners.

His three sons already had their own magical beasts. His old friend Vidas was far away in fledgling Eagle Town, and if he sent a pup to him now, it might affect the bonding process.

That left options like Shirin, Tader, Kurs, and Flano...

"Shirin's talent is among the best of these, and her future potential is certainly higher. Giving her a White-Eyed Mouse pup seems fitting."

"As for Tader, Kurs, Flano, and Laurine, their talents aren't vastly different, but their future achievements are limited. Even reaching the rank of Earth Knight would be difficult. With limited resources, it's impossible to distribute everything equally..."

"Ah, there's also Henk! Since joining the territory, he's been diligent, low-key, and even participated in the Gorge Defense. Yes... the second pup should go to him!"

Now, with only one pup left to be assigned, Rhett continued walking along the path toward the Alchemy Tower.

The development of Dark Eagle City had included the construction of many paths connecting different areas, some paved with stone, others with gravel. As Rhett moved from a grassy area to a stone path, he encountered a fork, turning onto a gravel path heading north.

After a short while, he heard the steady rhythm of marching footsteps ahead. The pace wasn't fast but very stable.

Soon, a knight patrol squad came into view. Leading the group was Tader, carrying a sword and shield, walking at the front. The knights behind him were clad in silver armor, marching in two columns. With the number of trainee knights increasing, the time spent on basic training had decreased accordingly. Each day, some were assigned to patrol duties, rotating shifts with Kurs.

"Lord Rhett, greetings!" As they approached, the patrol squad immediately halted. Tader stepped forward, respectfully saluting Rhett.

Rhett nodded, "Tader, I hope you all continue to represent Dark Eagle City well."

"Yes, Lord Rhett!"

Rhett smiled and moved to the side of the path, waving his hand, "Tader, you may continue with your patrol. Lawrence, come here for a moment."

Why is Lord Rhett calling for Lawrence again…? Tader cast a subtle glance at Lawrence, recalling the outstanding performance he'd witnessed from the young knight. Since breaking through to become a Level One Knight, Lawrence had reached the peak of that rank within about a year.

Such rapid progress was something Tader had only heard about in stories—something only a true knight genius could achieve.

In fact, within the entire territory, perhaps only Lord Rhett had such talent.

The other knights also glanced at Lawrence, their eyes tinged with envy.

Surprised by the attention, Lawrence stepped out of the formation and approached Rhett.

"Lord Rhett, is there something you need from me?"

Once the patrol team had moved out of earshot, Rhett smiled gently and asked,

"Lawrence, how is your knight training progressing?"

Relieved to hear the question, Lawrence responded with pride,

"Lord Rhett, I've reached the peak of Level One Knight and am even beginning to touch the threshold of becoming a Level Two Knight!"

"Oh?" Rhett raised an eyebrow, "So, by next year, you should break through to Level Two?"

After a moment's hesitation, Lawrence's eyes brightened with confidence,

"I'm sure I will!"

Rhett, looking pleased, patted Lawrence on the shoulder,

"Excellent. I can see a rising star in the territory, shining brightly."

"You're too kind, my lord. You are like the vast night sky, and no matter how bright a star shines, it is but an ornament within it," Lawrence said thoughtfully.

"Haha, well said. Here, take this as a reward."

Rhett shook his head with a smile and pulled a small mouse from the stone box.

"A reward?" Lawrence was taken aback, and then he saw a small white-furred mouse being tossed to him. Sensing no danger, he quickly caught it, not daring to drop the gift from his lord.

"Is this… a White-Eyed Mouse?" Lawrence's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the creature. He had seen illustrations of magical beasts in books from the side castle library, and the little mouse in his hands was indeed a White-Eyed Mouse—a mid-level magical beast commonly found in the White Mouse Range.

Lord Rhett had actually obtained a White-Eyed Mouse pup?

No, not just one—Lawrence's pupils contracted as he heard movement from another pup in the stone box.

Realizing the significance of what was happening, Lawrence carefully cradled the pup in his hands, overwhelmed by the thought that his lord was giving him a magical beast pup.

He was stunned!

It felt as if a gift from the heavens had just fallen into his lap. Overcome with joy yet humbled, he said,

"Lord Rhett, this reward is too valuable. I've already received too much from you!"

Rhett shook his head with a smile,

"Lawrence, don't refuse. You are destined to become a pillar of this territory, bearing more responsibilities than most and being one of the first to charge into battle. Consider this White-Eyed Mouse as one of the territory's guardian beasts, entrusted to your care."

Lawrence blinked, his initial surprise giving way to calm determination. He took a deep breath and said solemnly,

"I understand, Lord Rhett. I will take good care of it and, on the path of following your light, fight alongside it!"

Rhett smiled in satisfaction, giving Lawrence's shoulder another pat,

"That's the spirit…"

After parting ways with Lawrence, Rhett continued north along the gravel path until he reached the Alchemy Tower.

"Oh, Lord Rhett, that familiar sound of your footsteps—I knew it was you returning."

As Rhett stepped onto the circular black brick floor of the third floor of the tower, Henk's door swung open from the inside, revealing his smooth, scarred face, now lit up with a smile.

He waved, "Come in. I've just brewed a pot of fruit tea."

Rhett entered and settled into a soft chair against the wall, scanning the room. Hmm, it's much cleaner than last time—a big improvement.

Soon, Henk handed him a steaming cup of fruit tea, the blue-black liquid swirling inside.