They were sallow, listless, underdeveloped, and skin and bones, dressed in several layers of ragged hemp clothing. Every last one of them looked like a starving little monkey.
That was Aurelian's first impression of the twenty boys before him.
The boys looked at Aurelian with fear in their eyes, but all he saw in them was ravenous hunger.
"My lord, these are the only twenty who meet the requirements. They all have a little magic in them, but unfortunately, none of them have much talent. Becoming a full-fledged knight would already be a blessing from the gods."
Fat Hume's eyes were filled with regret as he addressed the lord in an ingratiating tone.
"Hume, let's put that aside for now. Give them something to eat first."
Aurelian shook his head.
"Uh, all right."
Fat Hume froze, somewhat caught off guard, but quickly nodded. He had thought his lord was eager to send the boys to Master.
A large wooden tub was placed before the gaunt boys. It was piled high with fragrant white bread.
The boys smelled the aroma wafting from the bread made with fine flour. Their mouths watered, and they began to grow restless.
Fat Hume stood before them, his plump face stern as he spoke in a solemn voice.
"This white bread is for you. Thank Lord Aurelian, who is like the God of the Night—"
Fat Hume had only made it halfway through his sentence when he froze again. This time, Aurelian wasn't the culprit.
"Hey, kid, what are you doing?!"
Fat Hume hurriedly shouted.
A small, black-haired boy had slipped around his bulky frame while he wasn't looking. His thin legs were like sticks as he raced toward the tub of bread.
"Ah! Barian got there first!"
Another equally gaunt boy shouted, then rushed forward