7 Chapter 7: Acting, feast and interaction.

As Adhart and his group of refugees stood in awe of their new surroundings, a sense of unease crept over them as a shadow fell across their path. Turning as one, they beheld the sight of a towering figure clad in gleaming dark armor, striding purposefully towards them.

The knight was colossal, standing at least a person taller than any man Adhart had ever seen. His armor gleamed in the sunlight, intricately adorned with ancient runes and symbols that seemed to pulse with otherworldly energy. He wielded a massive sword, its blade reflecting the light with a razor-sharp gleam.

As the knight drew closer, Adhart could feel a sense of dread knotting in the pit of his stomach. An aura of power emanated from the figure, an overwhelming presence that seemed to dwarf everything around him.

His companions shuffled nervously, exchanging uncertain glances as they watched the knight approach. Some gripped their weapons tighter, readying themselves for a fight, while others stood frozen, unable to tear their gaze away from the imposing figure before them.

"Steady, everyone," 

Adhart called out, his voice steady despite the tremor of fear coursing through him. 

"We don't know what this creature's intentions are. Stay together and be ready for anything."

As the knight drew to a halt before them, his gaze swept over the group penetratingly. There was a tense silence, broken only by their ragged breaths echoing in the air.

Then, to their surprise, the knight spoke, his voice booming like thunder. 

"Welcome, travelers, to the realm of Lord Liam. You have been summoned here to serve under his sovereignty, and your presence is welcomed with open arms."

His words were unexpected, and Adhart couldn't help but exchange bewildered glances with his companions. 

They had expected hostility or suspicion, not a warm welcome from such an imposing figure.

But as the knight continued to speak, his tone softened, and Adhart sensed a genuine sincerity in his words. 

"You have been through much hardship, but know you are safe here. Lord Liam will provide for you and ensure you find a new home and purpose within his domain."

Adhart felt a sense of relief wash over him at the knight's words, and he exchanged a relieved smile with his companions. Perhaps this new world held promise after all, and they would find refuge and solace under the benevolent rule of Lord Liam.

As the knight turned to lead them towards the castle, Adhart couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards their unexpected benefactor. They followed in his wake with renewed hope, ready to see their future Lord.

That said, Liam was quite baffled at the sudden changes in his plan just now. 

Liam had seen the whole scene that had just occurred through the map feature. After recalling the scenes where the knight spoke repeatedly, Liam couldn't help but laugh happily and mutter. 

"They could speak all along. They just need a vocal cord. Thus, by morphing into a human form, they managed to use their voice, hahaha splendid! splendid!"

"I had never anticipated such a result."

Liam laughed again at this discovery. It was a surprise, and it sure is pleasant news for him. 

As Liam chuckled with amusement at the unexpected revelation about his slimes' newfound ability to communicate, he couldn't shake off the sense of astonishment mingled with delight. 

The idea that his seemingly mundane creatures could take on such a convincing guise was both baffling and exhilarating.

"They certainly surprised me."

 Liam muttered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief. 

"Who knew they had such tricks up their slimy sleeves?"

Despite his amusement, Liam couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride at his slimes' ingenuity. 

They again exceeded his expectations, proving to be more than mere blobs of goo.

As Liam pondered the implications of this newfound discovery, he heard the commotion outside the castle walls. Turning his attention back to the present, he knew that Adhart and his group of refugees must have arrived.

With anticipation, Liam settled into his throne within the grand chamber, eager to greet his new subjects and hear their stories. As he awaited their arrival, his eyes fell upon the towering figures of the two giant knights standing guard at the entrance.

The knights stood stoically, their imposing presence casting shadows over the room. Their dark armor gleamed in the torchlight, their massive swords held at the ready.

The group of refugees, including Adhart, entered the chamber, their expressions a mixture of awe and apprehension as they beheld the sight before them. 

Some gasped in astonishment, while others whispered in hushed tones, their eyes wide with wonder and fear.

Adhart's brow furrowed as he exchanged a wary glance with his companions, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. Despite the knight's earlier assurances, the sight of these formidable guardians filled him with a sense of unease.

"What manner of creatures are these?" 

Adhart murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

The refugees murmured amongst themselves, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. They had journeyed to this strange new world in search of refuge, but the sight of these imposing figures reminded them that they were far from home.

As Adhart and his group of refugees made their way through the grand chamber, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor, they couldn't shake off the sense of unease that gnawed at their insides. 

The sight of the towering figures of the two giant knights standing guard at the entrance filled them with a deep sense of apprehension.

The knights stood motionless, their imposing presence casting shadows over the room. Clad in dark armor that gleamed ominously in the torchlight, they exuded an aura of power and authority that sent shivers down the spines of the refugees.

As they approached the end of the hall, their nervousness only intensified. At the far end of the chamber, seated upon a stone throne, was a figure who exuded an air of carefree laziness, yet his posture held a domineering presence that commanded attention.

Liam, for that, was the lord's name. He lounged upon the throne casually, his gaze lazily drifting over the approaching group. His demeanor was nonchalant as if he had all the time to observe their arrival.

Next to him stood two rows of giant knights, their massive forms concealed beneath dark cloaks that billowed ominously in the faint breeze. Despite their hidden features, the outline of their armor protruded, hinting at the formidable warriors beneath.

The refugees exchanged nervous glances as they drew nearer, their steps faltering slightly as they beheld the scene before them.

 Some whispered amongst themselves, their voices filled with uncertainty and fear, while others stared in wide-eyed wonder at the sight of their new lord and his guardians.

Adhart's brow furrowed as he took in the sight before him, his hand instinctively tightening around the hilt of his sword. Despite the knight's earlier assurances, the presence of these imposing figures filled him with a sense of unease that he couldn't quite shake.

"What manner of lord is this?"

 Adhart muttered under his breath, his voice barely above a whisper. 

The refugees murmured amongst themselves, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.

 They had journeyed to this strange new world in search of refuge, but the sight of their new ruler and his formidable guardians only deepened their foreboding.

As the eerie silence lingered between Adhart and Lord Liam, the tension in the air seemed to thicken with each passing moment. Adhart's gaze remained fixed on the imposing figure seated upon the stone throne, his mind racing with uncertainty and apprehension.

Finally, breaking the silence, Adhart stepped forward, his voice steady despite the tremor of nerves coursing through him. 

"My Lord"

 He began, his tone respectful yet tinged with wariness, 

"we are but humble travelers who have found ourselves in your realm by some twist of fate."

Liam's eyes glinted with amusement as he regarded Adhart, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. 

"Ah, yes, fate can be a fickle mistress, can't it?"

 He remarked, his voice smooth and velvety, carrying a hint of amusement. 

"But fear not, dear travelers, for you have stumbled upon the domain of one who is known for his generosity and hospitality."

Adhart's brow furrowed slightly at the lord's words, a sense of skepticism creeping into his mind. 

"Forgive me, my Lord, but we come from a world torn apart by war and strife,"

 He explained, his voice tinged with a note of caution. 

"We seek refuge and sanctuary, but we know not what trials await us in this unfamiliar land."

Liam's smirk widened into a sly grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he leaned forward in his throne. 

"Ah, but is it not said that adversity breeds strength, my dear Adhart?"

 He replied, his voice honeyed yet laced with a hint of cunning. 

"In my domain, you will find opportunities aplenty to prove your worth and rise above the challenges that confront you."

Adhart's jaw clenched slightly at the lord's cryptic words, a sense of unease gnawing at his insides. 

"And what, pray tell, do you expect of us in return for your hospitality, my Lord?" 

He inquired, his tone carefully neutral.

Liam's grin widened into a knowing smile as he leaned back in his throne, his gaze piercing as he regarded Adhart and his companions.

 "Ah, but that, my dear Adhart, remains to be seen," 

He replied, his voice dripping with intrigue. 

"For now, let us focus on the present and enjoy the fruits of my domain."

With that, Liam gestured towards the banquet table adorned with an array of succulent fruits, their colors vibrant and enticing.

 "Join me, travelers, and let us feast on the bounties of the land," 

he declared, his voice ringing out with authority.

 "For in my realm, all are welcome, and none shall go wanting."

Adhart exchanged wary glances with his companions, a sense of uncertainty still lingering in the air. But as the sweet aroma of ripe fruits filled their senses, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows of doubt.

With a nod of agreement, Adhart and his companions approached the banquet table, their footsteps echoing softly in the grand chamber. 

As they partook in the lord's hospitality, they couldn't shake off the feeling that they had stumbled into a world of mystery and intrigue, where nothing was quite as it seemed.

As the last of the succulent fruits disappeared from the banquet table, Adhart turned to Lord Liam, his expression earnest. 

"My Lord," 

he began, his voice respectful yet tinged with uncertainty, 

"what would you have us do next? We are at your service, but we know not how best to serve."

Liam regarded Adhart with a thoughtful gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered his next move. 

"A valid question, indeed,"

 he replied, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue. 

"It seems to me that what this realm requires is not just warriors, but also individuals with skills in governance and management."

Turning his gaze to the assembled group, Liam's eyes scanned their faces, searching for someone who might possess the necessary skills to help him build and maintain his domain. 

"Is there anyone among you who has experience in managing resources, overseeing logistics, or organizing labor?"

 he inquired, his voice echoing in the grand chamber.

A moment of tense silence followed Liam's question, broken only by the soft murmurs of the assembled refugees as they exchanged uncertain glances.

 But then, from the back of the group, a figure stepped forward, his form hunched and trembling with age, yet his eyes alight with determination.

"I may be old and frail, my Lord, but I have spent a lifetime managing the affairs of my village," 

the old man spoke, his voice quavering yet filled with a quiet strength. 

"My name is Rudolf, and I offer whatever knowledge and expertise I possess to aid you in your endeavors."

Liam regarded Rudolf with a nod of approval, a glimmer of satisfaction flickering in his eyes. 

"Welcome, Rudolf," 

he declared, his voice ringing out with authority.

 "Your willingness to step forward and offer your services is commendable indeed."

Turning to address the rest of the group, Liam's gaze swept over them with a sense of purpose.

 "Let it be known that Rudolf shall serve as my advisor in matters of governance and management,"

 he proclaimed, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

 "Together, we shall work to build a prosperous and thriving domain, where all who dwell within its borders shall find safety, security, and purpose."

Adhart exchanged a grateful glance with his companions, a sense of relief washing over him at the lord's decisive words. 

Though the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that they had found a leader who was not only capable but also willing to listen to the needs of his people.