"You see, my master was the one who taught me how to consume magic stones," Orion said, lying through his teeth with a straight face.
But Lilian didn't buy it for a second.
"No, no, no. You can't just teach someone how to consume something lethal. And not to mention, you were eating it raw," she added. "Since I met you, it's one mystery after another. You better tell me now—what's your deal?"
Lilian wasn't just angry—she was afraid of what he might be. Was he a spy? A monster in human form? Some monsters could also eat magic stones.
Orion sighed. "You see, ever since I can remember, I've been living with my old master in a remote, unknown place. It's because of him that I can eat magic stones—he made me consume something when I was a kid that made it possible. That's also why I know so little about this world. But it's true, I've been traveling ever since my master died… trying to find myself."
Orion lied effortlessly. It was almost admirable how he could lie so convincingly without breaking character.
Lilian considered whether to believe him. After a moment, she decided to trust him.
"Sigh… alright. But your master must have been some very powerful bigshot… It's a huge loss for humanity that he's gone. I'm sorry for your loss," Lilian said, genuinely upset. Orion almost felt guilty.
But he couldn't exactly tell her the truth.
Sigh… this is how it has to be.
After traveling silently on the train for some time, Lilian finally spoke.
"So… does your power rise when you eat magic stones? You see, magic stones are used to make all kinds of potions. I reckoned you didn't know that… potions for magic, strength… all kinds."
"Well, yeah, it increases my overall power and magic. But I also eat them when I'm hungry," Orion said.
Lilian's eyes widened. "If you were hungry, why didn't you tell me back at the baron's estate?"
"You know… male pride," Orion said with a small laugh.
Lilian facepalmed. "Men and their pride." Then she raised her voice and called out, "Conductor!"
Soon, a man in a black coat appeared before them.
"May I help you, Lady Lilian?" he asked politely.
"Yes, can you arrange some food for us?"
"Most certainly. I'll be back within half an hour," the conductor said, bowing before leaving.
Lilian turned back to Orion. "By the way, how long have you been surviving on magic stones?"
"Almost three weeks now," Orion said nonchalantly.
"Three weeks? You didn't have food for three weeks?" Lilian's eyes widened.
"It's no big deal. Trust me," Orion shrugged.
After a short silent moment
"So… what is your rank and class?" Lilian asked.
"I'm currently C rank and… my class…" Orion hesitated, unsure which class to mention. After thinking for a moment, he decided "Beast Tamer" was his best bait. "My class is Beast Tamer."
Lilian narrowed her eyes. "I thought you would have a combat class since you're so good at fighting."
"Well, I just happen to have some combat skills. Anyway, what about you? What are your class and rank?"
"Ha… ha… ha…" Lilian laughed, clearly amused.
Orion didn't know why she was laughing.
"I'm sorry. I just never thought I'd have to tell anyone my class and rank…And to answer your question, I'm currently B rank, and my class is Hero of Justice."
B-rank, huh. But isn't she kinda weak for B-rank? Orion thought.
"If you think I'm weak for a B-rank based on my fight with the bandits… It's because I haven't had proper training for fighting groups yet," she added.
Is she reading my mind or something?
"I dare not think such a thing about the hero," he said in a gentlemanly way.
While they were talking, their food finally arrived—some unknown meat cooked like steaks, roasted chicken, pastries that looked almost too good to eat, and other dishes Orion had never seen but smelled delicious.
The aroma was like heaven.
Orion salivated. Lilian let out an amused laugh, but Orion didn't care; he dug into the food immediately.
Max and Axl didn't touch any of the items with meat, so they just ate the pastries.
"Slow down. The food isn't going anywhere," Lilian said.
"I'm sorry, but I can't. My hands and mouth won't listen to me," he said, unconcerned about the ingredients or what animal the meat came from. He simply couldn't stop eating.
After finishing almost everything on the table, Orion let out a loud burp.
Lilian was amused. "That wasn't very gentlemanly, you know," she said.
"Try living on just magic stones for weeks and then lecture me," Orion defended himself.
In the distance, a giant and majestic medieval city came into view. It was surrounded by massive walls on all sides, with a colossal palace in the middle. Orion stood with his mouth open, overwhelmed by the sight.
Seeing his reaction, Lilian giggled.
They soon reached the city's checkpoint. The guards didn't question them; they simply saluted Lilian.
Finally, they entered the city.
"Welcome to the capital of Mecadonia, 'Astrix'," Lilian said.
The buildings, markets, and murmuring crowds left Orion in awe. The deeper they went, the more magnificent the architecture became—massive estates that looked like noble residences, a hunters' guild shaped like a miniature Colosseum, and finally, the palace. Even from a distance, he could see hundreds of guards, soldiers, and maids bustling about.
When they reached the palace gate, Orion was stunned by the sheer scale of the estate. Despite standing at the entrance, the palace itself still loomed nearly a mile away, its grandeur overwhelming.
Five guards in golden and white armor approached and began escorting them to the palace. The leader turned toward Lilian.
"If you don't mind my asking, Lady Lilian, who is this young man accompanying you?"
The guards were understandably suspicious.
"You don't have to worry about him. He is a benefactor of mine," Lilian said.
The guard leader didn't press further.
As they approached the main door, two lines of maids and butlers bowed at them. Orion was overwhelmed by the grandeur.
Just as they were about to meet the king, someone called out:
"Welcome back, Lilian!"