Early the next morning, just as the dawn light spilled into the inn courtyard, Ang and Dana had already set out for the Military Department's horse farm.
The morning air carried the scent of fresh grass, while the rhythmic sounds of neighing horses and iron hooves striking the ground drifted over from afar.
"I'm taking the hundred Black Scale Horses I boarded here yesterday," Ang said bluntly as he found the stable manager.
The manager froze in surprise. "So soon? I thought you wouldn't be picking them up for another two days at least."
He scratched his head, sounding somewhat hesitant. "But... the magic crystals can't be refunded. I've already ordered special Black Scale Horse feed from the logistics quartermaster's office. This stuff wasn't cheap."
Ang smiled slightly. "Then I can take the feed with me too, right?"
"No problem." The manager nodded, then added, "This feed is specially made for raising Black Scale Horses. If you need more later, come straight to me. Don't go to the quartermaster's office—they don't sell to private buyers."
Ang smiled in acknowledgment, then inspected the horses with Dana.
Under the manager's direction, the grooms loaded four bags of feed onto the back of each Black Scale Horse.
The sacks were tied tightly, and simple enchantment seals had been placed on them to ensure they would not spoil during long-term storage.
The Black Scale Horses stood in neat rows, full of energy, without even the slightest unease at leaving their familiar surroundings.
They quietly followed Ang's steps, as though they had long since recognized their master.
"Just as expected of magical beasts personally conditioned with the Holy Light Technique by the Viscount..." a younger groom could not help murmuring.
"Hey, don't you find it strange?" Another groom leaned closer curiously. "He's taking a hundred