"This way. Take a look."
I was being personally guided by Chairman Pioro to a building that served as a warehouse for the Saionji Company. A clerk opened the heavy doors, and we navigated through the gaps between crates piled high in the dim interior.
Inside sat a massive metal cage holding about thirty large chickens.
This was the "special recommendation" Pioro had mentioned: chickens. More importantly, the eggs they produced.
Eggs were often called a nearly perfect food due to their high nutritional value, making them a precious source of protein. Considering I was about to embark on a long expedition to the Shulls Great Forest—a region where resupplying would be difficult—having a steady supply of eggs would be an immense help.
Chickens didn't require as much space as other livestock and were relatively easy to care for. The fact that they could be kept in cages was also convenient.
However, one question immediately came to mind.
I had heard these chickens were large. Looking at them now, they were certainly big. But was it normal for a single bird to be as large as me? Seeing a chicken the size of an elementary school child felt... excessive.
"They aren't exactly what I had in mind when you said 'chickens,'" I remarked.
"Yeah, well, I intended to stock normal ones too," Pioro replied.
Good. So these weren't the "standard" chickens of this world.
"These are 'Clever Chickens.' They're a type of bird-type magic beast, and as you can see, they're giant. Their eggs taste the same as a normal chicken's, but both the males and females lay multiple eggs every single day. That means their production rate is significantly higher. If you can keep these guys in your Dimension Home, you'll have an all-you-can-eat egg buffet."
"That sounds wonderful, but I assume there's a catch?"
I could detect a hint of something troublesome in Pioro's tone, and the warehouse manager’s earlier behavior had been slightly off. Pioro didn't seem to be trying particularly hard to hide the downsides, as he began listing the problems with a flat expression.
"First off, these birds are actually pretty strong. Take a look at those legs—the muscles are thick and the claws are sharp. A single bird is equivalent to a D-rank monster. In a flock, their danger level jumps to C-rank. You can't raise them unless you've got the skills to back it up.
"Of course, that's not an issue for you, Ryoma. Plus, they live in flocks naturally, so they should be compatible with you. If you can form a taming contract and establish communication, they might actually be easier to handle than normal chickens."
"I see. That makes sense."
"Right. Next is the feed. They mostly eat grain and bugs, though they'll hunt other creatures if they have to. You don't need to be too picky, but you'll need three times the usual amount of feed."
"Would plants grown with Wood Magic and Scavenger fertilizer be acceptable?"
"As long as it isn't poisonous, it’s fine. Wild flocks even eat Goblins. When you're in the Great Forest, you can just toss them the meat of whatever monsters attack you."
That shouldn't be a problem, then. I was already planning to start raising the specialized slime feed the Madam had recommended anyway.
However, the list of issues continued.
"And here's the biggest headache... they're just a little too smart for their own good."
In the wild, Clever Chickens would lay numerous unfertilized decoy eggs alongside their fertilized ones. If attacked, the flock would coordinate to strike back and protect the nest. If they realized the attacker was too strong to beat or that the casualties would be too high, they would immediately grab only the fertilized eggs and abandon the nest.
They understood the relative value of themselves and their eggs to a predator. That intelligence became even more pronounced once they were domesticated, as they realized humans only cared about the unfertilized eggs.
Birds born in captivity who spent long periods around humans apparently learned to understand human speech to some degree. Consequently, if they were dissatisfied with their feed or bedding, they would go on strike and stop laying. They knew that if the owner killed them in a fit of pique, the human would be the one losing out.
"...Are you saying the chickens will try to negotiate with me?"
"It’s less a negotiation and more of a temper tantrum. They're smart, but they're still chickens; they think that if they make life difficult for you by withholding eggs, their treatment will improve. Sometimes the owner really is at fault or the birds are sick, and fixing the environment helps, but if you spoil them, they get it into their heads that complaining gets them results. They end up with the personality of a demanding, entitled middle-aged woman—refusing to eat unless you provide 'premium' feed and making all sorts of shameless demands."
"That sounds... exhausting."
"For the record, these birds here are right on the verge of turning out that way. Their previous owner was a former adventurer I trade with. He asked me to take them off his hands for meat before he lost his mind trying to manage them."
That raised another question.
"If they're only 'on the verge,' they haven't completely turned yet, right? And you said he gave them up 'before' he couldn't manage them anymore."
"The reason for that is... well, do you see that black-and-white chick in the middle of the flock?"
I looked. Among the six chicks huddled together, one stood out with white downy fluff and pitch-black skin. All the others were yellow. Was it a Silkie?
"It looks like a normal chick except for the color," I noted.
"That’s a 'Genius Chicken.' It's an extremely rare high-tier species of Clever Chicken. Their intelligence is far higher than the standard ones, and once they grow up, they reign as the flock leader. Or at least, that’s how it's supposed to work. That chick is already the leader."
Pioro explained that in domesticated environments where safety was guaranteed across generations, there were rare reports of Genius Chickens taking command immediately after hatching. And since a newborn chick was calling the shots, those flocks almost always became incredibly selfish. Essentially, they became like spoiled, arrogant little noble brats. They were strangely human-like birds.
"To top it off, the previous owner had other flocks. He was worried that if he let this group keep acting up, their bad attitude would rub off on the rest of his birds."
"I see. If he gave this flock special treatment, the others would see it and start complaining too."
It was a cold but logical decision. Before the whole operation fell into a vicious cycle, the owner would prune the problem flock. To recover some of the loss, he sold them to the Saionji Company as meat. For someone whose livelihood depended on poultry, it was a necessary choice.
"They're a handful to deal with," Pioro admitted. "But they produce a ton of eggs. If you think you can handle them, Ryoma, feel free to take them. If not, I'll need your help butchering them. Our meat processing department doesn't have many fighters, and since these are young birds capable of laying, I'd like to use your Bloody Slimes for the bloodletting to ensure the meat is the highest quality possible."
"So that's what you meant when you said I arrived at the perfect time."
Raising livestock for meat required years and vast amounts of feed, making it inefficient. Usually, only chickens that stopped laying or cows that stopped producing milk were slaughtered for meat. Raising animals specifically for their meat from the start resulted in a luxury product for the wealthy. If Pioro was going to process young, healthy birds, he naturally wanted to maximize their market value.
"Should I try to form a taming contract to decide?" I asked.
"They seem to understand us, so just get close to the cage and talk to them. Don't be soft. If you act weak, they'll walk all over you. Direct your pitch to the leader."
"Understood."
As I approached the cage, I felt every eye in the flock fixate on me.
"I want to discuss your future. Bring the leader forward," I said firmly.
The adult chickens remained still, but the black-and-white chick hopped forward. It moved slowly, testing each step because of its small size. Its white fluff looked incredibly soft, and it was barely larger than a normal chick. Honestly, it was adorable.
"You're the leader, I assume?"
"Pi!" it chirped. An affirmation.
"I want to form a taming contract so we can communicate properly."
"Pi!" Another chirp.
I initiated the contract. As soon as the link was established, a voice echoed in my mind.
『Release us, human!』
I was taken aback. While I could communicate with slimes and Rimur Birds, this was different. The compatibility with my other monsters was higher, but because of this bird's high intelligence, it felt like I was being addressed in clear, articulate words.
"Let's start with introductions. I'm Ryoma Takebayashi. And you?"
『I have no name to give to the likes of you!』
This was going to be difficult. We could talk, but we weren't having a conversation.
"At this rate, you're all going to be slaughtered for food. Won't you listen to my offer before that happens?"
『...If you wish to talk, release us! Or better yet, you come in here!』
I turned back to Pioro and translated. He called the warehouse manager over.
"Chairman... are you sure about this? Letting the boy inside the cage?"
"Ryoma will be fine. He said he's going in, so just open the damn thing," Pioro grunted.
"U-Understood..."
The manager reluctantly opened the door. I stepped inside, and after a few paces, the adult Clever Chickens swarmed around me, effectively surrounding me. The little leader hopped to the front.
『You have some spine for a cowardly human.』
"Thanks. Are you ready to talk now?"
『Fine! State your business.』
The little guy had a massive ego for such a small body.
"As I said, you're slated to become meat. However, if you're willing to lay eggs for me, I can take you in. I'll provide food and a place to live."
『Hmph. You're just like the human before you. Very well. For feed, you shall provide one bowl of the highest quality wheat per day in our designated containers. Mix in corn and other grains—and ensure those are top-shelf as well! As for our bedding, it must be sunny, with the fragrant scent of rich soil and a plentiful supply of delicious earthworms—』
He began rattling off a list of absurdly specific, luxurious demands. Most of them were impossible to guarantee while traveling through a monster-infested forest.
Alright, this was a waste of time.
"I think we're done here. It's clear we aren't a good match."
『Wait! Why are you walking away?!』
"Because I can't fulfill those conditions. It's that simple."
『You fool! You're supposed to start with big demands and work your way down! That is the basis of negotiation!』
I just got a lecture on bargaining from a chicken.
"Fine. Then let's talk about what I can provide."
『...And what kind of treatment can you promise?』
I listed my terms clearly:
- When I'm not traveling, you'll be free-ranged in a designated outdoor area at the abandoned mines.
- The specific area will be discussed after you see it. I'll build shelters for rain and sun as needed.
- When traveling, you'll have a dedicated space within my Dimension Home.
- Feed will be standard market items or my own homemade products. We can discuss the mix.
- In exchange, you provide your unfertilized eggs.
"I have no intention of offering anything beyond this," I concluded. "I'm giving you my maximum limit in good faith. If I offered more, I'd be lying about what I can actually deliver. So, what's your answer?"
『...You're taking advantage of us! We are in a crisis, but we will not yield to unreasonable violence!』
『Kokokokokokoko!』
The leader let out a rallying cry, and the surrounding chickens followed suit, snapping their beaks and clucking in an intimidating display.
"Chairman! We have to get the boy out of there!" the manager shouted, panic-stricken. From his perspective, a child was about to be mauled by a flock of monsters.
『Rise up!』
『Kokokokokokoko!』
With every shout from the leader, the flock's coordination tightened, their noise growing in volume and intensity. This was no longer a negotiation. I decided to give up—
『Eek!』
"Huh?"
Just as I resolved to walk away, the leader let out a mental shriek. The clucking stopped instantly. The chickens suddenly spread their wings and prostrated themselves on the ground, pressing their heads into the dirt. Every trace of hostility vanished in a heartbeat.
『Please please please please please don't kill us! We beg you! Spare us! Save us! Please please please please—』
"That’s... terrifying. What just happened?"
The danger was gone, but the sudden shift was jarring.
"Ah, Ryoma? You probably didn't realize it, but for a split second there, your eyes and your aura got incredibly intense. Just like during your match the other day."
The match with Ox... I see. Apparently, the moment I gave up on the negotiation, I'd unconsciously exerted that same pressure again. I really needed to work on controlling that "unconscious intimidation," but I'd reflect on that later.
"You can stand up now," I said.
『Yes, sir!』
They snapped from prostration to standing at attention.
"Can we continue our talk?"
『Yes! Of course! Absolutely! Wow, Big Brother, you sure look tough. You really gave us a scare!』
"...Don't suck up to me so blatantly."
The 180-degree turn was giving me whiplash. And what was with that wing movement? The chick had its wings tucked in front of its chest, rubbing them together in a perfect "fawning sycophant" gesture.
『But the human before us always did this!』
It seemed he'd picked up some weird habits from his previous owner.
"Enough. Are you willing to work with me?"
『Well... you see... our creed is one of non-violent non-cooperation...』
"What were you doing three minutes ago, then?"
『I'm sorry, what was that? I don't recall.』
"You're supposed to be a Genius Chicken. Where's that intelligence gone?"
He was playing dumb, and he wasn't even good at it. Where did a chicken even learn about Gandhi?
"Look, I'm losing my patience. If you don't accept my terms, you're going to be turned into food. I can't ask these people to take a financial loss by letting you go for free."
『I-I'm not saying I won't accept! It’s just, you know... could we maybe...』
He was stubborn. But as I watched, the rest of the flock started getting restless. They seemed to be having their own discussion.
"What are they saying in the back?"
『Um... well... they're saying they should just give you the eggs and be done with it, or that maybe they should just hand me over to you... things like that...』
"Ouch."
It looked like the leader was being abandoned by his own people.
『They're always like this! I was just born, I don't know anything! But just because I happened to win a few games of wits, they decided I was the new leader. They said it would be better if the smart guy called the shots. But then they push all the work on me, complain when things aren't perfect, and blame me whenever something goes wrong! And they're not even that smart! They don't understand half of what I tell them!』
...Listening to him, I actually felt a little bad. I realized that the reason our mental connection was so clear was because of his sheer desperation to be understood. Still, I couldn't offer more than I had. If he didn't agree, it was the frying pan for them. Or maybe karaage. Tatsuta-age? A chicken saute? Maybe chicken Nikujaga. Or a whole roast chicken?
『Please, I beg you, stop listing recipes!』
The leader went back into a full prostrate position.
"So, will you come with me?"
『I don't exactly have a choice... and I feel like you're the first person to actually understand my struggle... just, please, try to make the environment good enough that those idiots behind me don't start complaining immediately...』
"Understood. I'll do my best."
『Thank you...』
And so, my group of tamed monsters grew by one overworked chicken and his twenty-six ungrateful followers. I should have been happy about the steady egg supply, but for some reason, I just felt a profound sense of emptiness.