Published: January 4, 2026
The empire "manages" the monsters.
Thanks to this "management," to the current citizens of the empire, monsters are seen as just a bit more formidable than wild beasts.
There are beasts, then slightly scarier wild beasts, and even more formidable monsters—also known as demonic beasts.
By managing monsters to a level just above wild beasts, the threats within the empire have decreased, making it slightly more peaceful than the territories controlled by vassal states or barbarians.
Along with this management, monsters are sometimes used for the royal family’s first battle.
The empire is a nation of warriors, and fighting ability is expected even from the royal family.
So, by using tamed and managed monsters for their first battle, the empire showcases to the people that their royalty are always warriors.
However, beyond that, there is no further "utilization."
Outside of the royal family’s first battle, monsters are isolated and kept just to be caged and controlled.
"…Hmm."
"What’s wrong?"
"Now that I think about it, I really don’t know anything about monsters."
"Well, that’s understandable. For commoners, about ninety percent have never even seen a monster in their lifetime."
"That’s true…"
Jerry was right.
The empire has managed monsters for many years, so ordinary citizens rarely get to see them.
In fact, even Noah hadn’t seen a monster until his first battle.
"Right, we just caught one recently, so shall we go see it?"
"Oh? You caught one?"
"It appeared a little while ago, so we caught it. But since we’re in the middle of a war with those dung beetles, we haven’t had time to transport it, so we just left it here."
"I see… hmm, let me have a look."
"Alright! This way."
Jerry said that and headed toward the entrance of the room.
I followed behind him.
I caught glimpses of Jerry’s subordinates in the hallway.
Some of them might recognize my face, so I intensified my presence manipulation so that everyone’s attention would go to Jerry.
This is easier than simply "disappearing."
Jerry is the master here; naturally, everyone’s focus will be on him.
Many people witnessed Jerry and me walking side by side down the hallway, but all of them would be in a state of "The general was walking with someone, but who was it? Who was that again…?"
Following behind Jerry like that, we exited the building, went around the grounds in a large loop, and arrived at a place like a backyard.
Then, I heard the sound of heavy iron fences rattling and banging loudly.
"Is this the one?"
"Yes."
Jerry answered without turning around.
By the way, I hadn’t ended the consciousness manipulation.
As I told Henry, this technique is just for guiding consciousness.
I was there, could see clearly, and heard the sounds.
If I spoke aloud or called out, of course, the other side would hear.
We could converse normally.
We walked a bit further and came to a neglected yard—more like a rundown lot.
There stood a huge iron cage, inside which was a monster roughly the size of a large dog, shaped like a rabbit.
At first glance, it looked like a rabbit, but its eyes were glowing red, and its fangs were sharper than any carnivorous beast’s, all resembling canine teeth.
And that wasn’t all.
As if reacting to the appearance of Jerry and me—humans—the monster inside the cage bristled and threatened us.
Its raised fur looked like a porcupine’s quills, each one sharp and gleaming with a dull metallic luster like a bed of nails.
"A monster, huh."
"Yes. It was wild, so it was quite a struggle to catch it. Honestly, I thought about just letting it starve to death, but the rule is that captured monsters must be transported to the ranch, so we keep them like this. We don’t have time to transport this one leisurely right now."
"I see."
I stepped a little closer.
"My Lord! That thing is dangerous—"
"No problem."
I waved Jerry off.
Indeed, it was a monster that surpassed wild beasts, and it had quite an intimidating presence, but I felt no fear or dread that one would normally have.
Though it looked fierce, compared to Leviathan or Bahamut, it was adorable.