Virtue in Words

Lucien observed the two men still kneeling before him. Deciding to alleviate the tension, he instructed, "The two of you can stand up."

The blonde-haired man, tall and slender, rose first, assisting the old man with his cane. They wore contrasting tunics – the older man in medieval brown and the younger in grey.

"My Lord, what's your order?" the old man inquired with a bow, hands trembling, and his gaze avoiding Lucien's.

Lucien contemplated the formality of being addressed as "My Lord." While he disliked the title, he recognized the importance of maintaining a clear hierarchy.

He spoke with a firmer tone, wanting to make sure the old man understood his position well.

"Well, since you're the elder here, are you the head of the village?"

Lucien had singled out the old man earlier, assuming his significance in the village due to his interaction with his parents.

The old man, introduced himself in a grandiose manner, "Ah yes, My Lord. I am Gibson Hayes, appointed by Lord Edgarda from Windstone House to manage this village."

Satisfied with his speculation, Lucien turned to the blonde-haired man. "And you?"

"Apologies, My Lord. I am Auden Hayes, Gibson's son," he introduced himself with a bow.

'So it's a father-son duo after all,' Lucien mused. Desiring more information, he suggested, "First things first, let's find a more private place."

"Yes, follow me, My Lord," Gibson led them, walking in front. However, before Lucien could follow, Seren, his sister, grabbed his shoulder.

"Wait for me," she said.

Lucien, a bit startled, suggested, "Why don't you follow Mom and Dad?"

He didn't know his sister well and she might be as crazy as his parent and spook the already terrified old man.

It would be a disaster if Gibson suddenly had a heart attack.

"No, I will follow you," Seren insisted, walking ahead.

Observing this, Gibson resumed walking. As they traversed the village, Lucien noted the shoddy, almost run-down wooden houses.

'What a poor village. Managing this as the village chief—might be more work than it's worth,' Lucien mused, shaking his head in disappointment.

Confidence in his problem-solving skills and adaptability were second nature, but governing a place like this? He not only needs to be good at his job but to be perfect and pro at it.

Abruptly, Gibson halted their walk, expressing his apologies, "I apologized as this village isn't suitable for the residence of the Goddess's Envoy." He bowed deeply.

Lucien laid a comforting hand on Gibson's shoulder, asserting, "This village is where the Goddess chose to send us; there must be elements beyond our understanding at play."

He continued, "But I am certain you should take pride in this village as the site of a divine miracle. You've done a commendable job managing it."

Gibson's eyes met Lucien's red orbs, welled up with tears. "Thank you, My Lord," he expressed gratitude, and Auden, attempting to console his father, joined in the emotion.

Meanwhile, the notifications about the activation of Omnicisient Alcazar persisted. Lucien felt a sense of accomplishment in manipulating the old man's perspective from fear to respect.

'Guess words can be a pretty powerful tool, huh? With this unique skill doing its thing, being a virtuous leader might not be too tough,' Lucien thought to himself.

He reflected on his past, grateful for having taken a course in Leader Communications during college. What once seemed mundane now proved invaluable.

After the emotional exchange, they resumed their walk, and arrived in the heart of the village stood a small fountain, its once-flowing water now stagnant, yet the basins retained remnants.

Despite its stagnant state, it seemed remarkably well-maintained, a stark contrast to the modest houses surrounding it.

"Why is there a fountain here?" Lucien inquired, considering the unusual presence in a medieval-like village.

Gibson halted, gazing at the fountain with a touch of sadness. "We don't have the silver or gold coins to build a temple for Goddess Salacia. So, this is where we pray to Her."

Lucien nodded and they walked in. He remembered that this world or planet was being managed by the water Goddess. So the way they pray might be different from Earth.

Arriving at one of the largest houses in the village, Lucien couldn't help but fixate on the towering wall and gate nearby. Why was the wall here more taller than at the entrance of the village?

In the evening's dim light, Lucien refrained from immediate inquiries, opting to step inside Gibson's house. The interior was unassuming, featuring a solitary table against the backdrop of a simple kitchen.

Initiating the conversation, Lucien inquired, "Please, enlighten me on why the knights visited this village." Having shed his regalia for more casual attire, he awaited their response.

Gibson and Auden exchanged a glance before Gibson spoke, "A war is unfolding between our country, the Lacustris Kingdom and, the Flammaheim Empire. Lord Edgarda's knights were here to conscript men for the conflict."

"Although it is peculiar for them to come without official letter like this." Gibson continue.

Auden, visibly agitated, pounded the table. "We can't comply! There are no men left! Sending them off would doom this village for the next Crimson Night!" His frustration was palpable, Auden clenched his teeth.

Scratching his chin, Lucien pondered, 'What is Crimson Night?' He needs to learn about this world from scratch and it was a pain even for him.

'For now, let's concentrate on winning their hearts and securing their loyalty,' Lucien strategized internally.

"I assure you, even upon their return, I won't stand idly by. I'll protect this village," Lucien declared, offering reassurance as he held Auden's hand.

"My Lord," Auden's eyes welled with tears. In Lucien, he saw a benevolent figure of elevated status, evoking an unwavering desire to follow and pledge loyalty. "I will follow you forever, till the day I die."

Lucien, slightly taken aback, offered a reassuring smile. The potency of the Sound of Sovereign at 5% exceeded expectations. What wonders could 100% unleash?

"My Lord, please accept this." Gibson presented a necklace, its pendulum resembling tears made of blue glass.

Unfamiliar with its significance, Lucien accepted the gesture, respecting the trust he had earned.

A blue screen materialized in his vision, accompanied by the system's announcement:

[Congratulations!]

[You are now the official head of Euclair Village.]

[Your unique skill, The Emblem of Shire, is now activated.]

[Daily and normal quests are available, and you can spawn hidden quests with specific requirements. Refer to the system interface for active quest information.]