Damn, I Have to Marry the Strongest Antagonist at the Start?-Chapter 565 - 15-Elena, Let Grandpa Gnaw Another Bone!

"Mmm~ My father just roasted this for me," Elena said, cheeks puffed as she munched happily. "Elena was feeling hungry, so I figured I'd take a quick break and grab a bite!"

She looked up at Eldritch with bright, glistening eyes and held out the half-eaten roast bird. "Grandpa Eldritch, do you want a bite? It's super yummy, and it won't even get stuck in your teeth!"

Elena wasn't one to keep secrets. She shook her treasured magical pouch, then reached her greasy little hand in, pulled off a chunk of roasted tail meat—which she didn't particularly like—and held it out to Eldritch.

Eldritch stared at the tender, plump piece of bird tail. His throat bobbed instinctively as he swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

Though he was a legendary grand archmage, he was still human, and humans have their quirks.

For Eldritch, bird tail meat was an undeniable weakness. He'd had a fondness for it ever since he was young. Just the sight of it sent his taste buds into a frenzy.

Glancing left and right, Eldritch caught sight of Leonchi's amused expression. He gritted his teeth and forcibly turned his head away.

Hmph! What are you looking at? I'm a grand archmage of the empire! How could I be tempted by a mere piece of bird tail?

"I… I don't really like bird tail meat," Eldritch muttered, voice dry as he swallowed again. "You should keep it."

Elena blinked. She wasn't fooled in the slightest.

Without hesitation, she leapt up and shoved the juicy bird tail directly into Eldritch's hand. "Come on, Grandpa Eldritch, don't pretend! Leonchi big brother told me yesterday that you love bird tail meat. He even said you once fought him over a piece!"

"I saved this just for you!"

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Even though eating roasted bird in front of the empress, a crowd of scholars, and his own disciples wasn't exactly dignified…

Even though his reputation as the empire's High Magus was at stake…

The savory aroma wafting from under his nose was overwhelming. Resistance was utterly futile.

Eldritch coughed awkwardly, then gave Elena a loving pat on the head. "Ahem… Well, since you insist, I guess I have no choice. Even if I don't like bird tail meat, I'll just have to endure it… for you!"

"Aaah—"

With a dramatic flourish, Eldritch opened wide, and the bird tail vanished in a single bite.

Under the amused gazes of everyone present, the old mage's cheeks flushed slightly. He chewed, slowly at first, but then—

The moment the meat's flavor burst forth in his mouth, Eldritch froze.

His pupils dilated. Then, unable to stop himself, he cried out, "By the God of Light! This bird tail… it's unlike anything I've ever tasted!"

Realizing what he'd just said, Eldritch quickly shut his eyes and focused inward, sensing the changes in his body.

Leonchi rolled his eyes. "What, did it still have bird poop on it? If so, then you're in luck!"

"After all, eating bird droppings openly is frowned upon, but a man with a bird tail fetish like you? Well, you might just get away with it."

At that, Empress Yevna and Ursula both gagged. With identical expressions of disgust, they took a step back, casting Eldritch a rather judgmental glance.

But Eldritch didn't respond. He couldn't.

Because something… incredible was happening.

As the seemingly ordinary piece of bird meat entered his stomach, it released a wave of pure life energy—an energy so dense, so potent, it began healing his long-damaged internal organs.

What was more—he could feel his lifespan extending.

It was slow, yes, but tangible. The effect was stronger than even the legendary fruit of the thousand-year-old Life Tree!

His eyes flew open.

At that moment, he understood: this roast bird was anything but ordinary!

Eldritch took a step forward, his expression suddenly eager, almost pitiful. He looked at Elena, then at the roast bird still in her hands, eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Hehehe… Elena, that meat was just too good. Do you think… Grandpa could have another piece?"

"If not, maybe just… a bone to gnaw on?"

Leonchi couldn't help but laugh. "Come on, old man. You're the imperial magus, mentor to the empress herself. Is this really necessary?"

"Where's your dignity, mentor? You're a legendary grand archmage! Have some pride! If you want more roast bird, why don't we go home and roast a whole flock?"

Ursula groaned and covered her face. This… this is my mentor?

He was second only to the empress in power, and yet here he was, begging to suck on a bone? What a disgrace!

Eldritch blinked at her, stunned. "Wait… What did you say? Roast what?"

"Roast—no, never mind! Just chew your bone, old man!" Ursula turned beet red and gave up halfway through the sentence.

Eldritch clicked his tongue. He made no attempt to hide his obsession. "You people just don't get it! Nothing you roast will taste like this! It's not the bird tail I'm after—it's the miraculous healing properties of this roast meat!"

His voice lowered. "It's not just healing my internal injuries… it's extending my lifespan."

He whispered the last two words so softly that only those nearby heard. And even then, he glanced around warily.

Something that could extend life was a treasure beyond imagination. If word got out, chaos would erupt across the continent.

Everyone would want it. Wars would be fought over it.

Leonchi snorted—but he was still grinning. "Pfft! One bite of bird tail and you're talking about healing and immortality?"

"You sure you haven't just gone crazy from craving bird tail for so long?"

Eldritch ignored him.

Instead, he turned to Elena with newfound seriousness.

"Elena, sweetheart…"

Elena glanced down at the roast bird, which was still half intact and weighed at least four or five pounds. Then she looked at Eldritch's pitiful expression.

A sympathetic frown crept across her chubby cheeks.

Her father had said that the palace food would be amazing, with over 108 dishes served at every meal.

But she'd wandered around all morning and couldn't even find the kitchen.

And now poor Grandpa Eldritch couldn't even afford a piece of roast bird. How tragic!

"Okay! Elena can't eat it all anyway."

"Here, Grandpa—have this wing!"

She tore off a crispy golden wing and offered it to Eldritch.

Eldritch's hands trembled as he accepted it. He tore off a small piece and waved it under Leonchi's nose.

"Try it."

Leonchi raised a brow. "I'm not like you. I've eaten roast bird before, you know. I don't get obsessed over food."

But the moment the meat entered his mouth, his eyes widened in astonishment.

"This meat… By the God of Light!"

"You're right—it can heal injuries… even those of a legendary powerhouse… and it can extend lifespan!"

"This is no ordinary ingredient—it's far beyond any known herb or potion!"

He turned to Elena, expression solemn. "Elena… this really was made by your father?"