Chapter 399: Competition: Druid Mode (3)
The Bond of Hearts is a concept. It refers to the level of familarity between a Druid and an animal. The stronger it is, the lower the chance of any of the two betraying each other.
"Are you saying that all the animals on this farm have pledged their loyalty, so to speak, to you, preventing me from increasing the strength of the bond between them and me?" Hex asked after mulling over the information he received from the old man.
"In simple terms, yes." The old man patted him on the arm. "I am actually surprised you managed to create any bond at all. That too in such a short time. Usually, it would take an inexperienced Druid at least a month to have any sort of connection with an animal, especially one that, to use your words, pledged itself to someone else."
"I didn’t do anything other than the daily stuff," Hex said, confused. ’I didn’t even employ my Heart to create some sort of wonder. I just did what his son and grandsons already were doing.’
Erina’s grandpa sighed. "I know. I heard that from my son."
The old man looked a bit downcast as he spoke. Something must be bothering him. Hex realized the old man didn’t just approach him on a walk outside. He had intentionally found him.
"Did I do something wrong? As I said, I am here just to complete the task assigned to the Druids during the first round of the competition. If there is something bothering you or your family, I can leave." Hex enjoyed the farm life and had not experienced anything weird with the family, so far, which is why he stuck around. Erina’s lively presence also helped, of course. But if they were bothered by his presence, for whatever reason, he would leave. He had other options.
"No, not at all," the old man shook his head hastily. "Please stay here as long as you wish to. Erina and the boys like having you around."
Well, it did feel nice to know that he was welcome. But that didn’t answer the old man’s behavior. His questioning look didn’t escape the old man. After another round of silence, the old man started to explain himself.