New paths and responsibilities

The citizens, soldiers and adventurers watched nervously as the nobles paraded through the city, led by their queen Shiva. At her side walked the hero Mortis, whose victory over Valric was deeply etched in the memory of the people. Young and old cheered both them and the other nobles. Even the children were solemnly welcomed as soon as they were recognized. But this did not mean that Mortis' other wives made way willingly. Shiva had the advantage of homeland security, but his other female companions crowded around him as well. They led him from one stall to the next in the market. He often reached into his wallet to purchase the goods on offer. But the residents offered him generous deals on sweets or delicious food that he didn't even have to pay for. Even children tried to touch him or talk to the great hero. To their surprise, he made time for many of them, greeting them kindly and gently stroking their hair. It was clear that he had no fear of touch and really wanted to be there for everyone. He seemed to be a light in this gloomy world, revealing himself to all who met him.

Queen Shiva, on the other hand, was still a bit reserved in the face of the attentive stares. But Mortis' women took her by the hand and gently led her into this public parade. They showed her that there was nothing to worry about, and Shiva began to relax. She smiled at the people, waved to her entourage, and enjoyed the small exchanges and gifts.

After several hours of strolling, they finally reached the castle. Guards and servants lined up outside the gates to welcome the queen and her guests. Sir Mortis, in particular, was already considered the queen's consort. Although some young servants were happy, the older ones were a bit skeptical. They did not know this man and were reserved. This distrust impressed both Mortis and his wives. After all, servants were supposed to be vigilant in keeping the castle clean.

Mortis, his wives and their entourage were quickly accommodated, as if the servants had been prepared to suddenly welcome so many guests. The organization went smoothly, and it seemed as if the servants were ready to pamper the royal visitor and his companions in the best possible way.

Mortis longed to lie down after a long night and a leisurely stroll through the city. But sleep was not granted him, as there was much to do and discuss. He gathered his wives around him and led them to a room for special guests, getting straight to the point.

"I apologize," he began, bowing, "I didn't mean for it to come to this. I met Elysia in the south when I rescued her. Then we came across her aunt's path in the catacombs, and she was captured. Originally, I wanted to stop the war, but these creatures could not be stopped. I never thought that a few winks and a little flirting would lead to this result. But I don't want to be hypocritical. You are all beautiful and unique women. Maybe it's my youthful impulse or that I'm rotten inside, but I hope you can forgive me for adding three new women to my harem at once."

The women gave each other apprehensive looks, but then they burst into loud laughter. Leonie was the first to speak: "We knew this would happen. You are not the first and certainly not the last hero to have a harem of such extraordinary size. After all, it is not said for nothing that the one who takes the hero's potion becomes stronger and more demanding in all aspects. But let me tell you one thing: don't overdo it. Even if some had many wives, there were few who could handle it. A man who does not know for sure who his main wife is, also cannot assume with 1000% certainty that she will be at his

stand by his side. But with us, this situation is not yet so. And the three new ones are really exceptional."

Mortis was touched by the extraordinary trust his wives had in him, and it made him feel that they would support him in every way. But there were other issues to discuss. The future of his county of Bamberg was uncertain, and he had to clarify whether his wives were willing to build something new here in the south. For even if they were not queen, they would still have to bear responsibility, albeit on a much larger scale.

At that moment, Leonie brought up an interesting idea: "Why don't we just swap Tyrol for Bamberg? Wouldn't it be the first county to make such a change? It's easier to build something in the land of the beginning, especially with normal people, unlike here in the south where the dangers from wild animals and demons are greater."

Mortis was intrigued and asked, "What do you mean by switching?"

Leonie explained, "Well, you may not know it yet, but as my father used to say, all the lands and territories are like a big playing field and can be moved back and forth or exchanged. Under each castle there is a rune, and if two runes are activated and the gods allow it, the God of Earth and the other gods can just swap territories, along with everything on it. It is as if everything disappears and reappears in another place. This usually happens when nobles work their way up, which is why the map looks different every hundred years."

Mortis immediately agreed with Leonie's suggestion. He didn't want to leave his people, who were so loyal to him. But now it was necessary to find someone to whom he could transfer the responsibility for his people. The thought of Merlin quickly flashed through his mind - his loyal friend and advisor who could offer him valuable support in the south. In view of the promising developments in Bamberg, he could entrust the county to Merlin with a clear conscience. But before he took this step, there was something important to do.

Mortis rose and instructed a servant to summon Merlin and Opera. Opera and Merlin quickly came over, as the servant had set the tone as if it mattered. Mortis sat down on an armchair and pretended to think hard. He fixed Opera with his gaze, which made her slightly nervous. Merlin was also unsettled, wondering what might happen.

Then Mortis began to speak in a soft voice. "Do you really love Merlin, Opera? And would you be with him even if I broke the slave seal from you?" These words surprised both Opera and Merlin. Opera secretly wished he would say just that. But the words remained closed to her in the moment of surprise. However, her facial expressions, gestures and the tears in her eyes spoke louder than words. She waved her hands, nodded vigorously repeatedly, and glared at Merlin - all of which was her response.

Mortis realized that this was enough. He stood up, placed his hand gently on her forehead, and spoke, "I, Mortis, hereby release you. Go your way." The words were accompanied by a mixture of relief, joy and tears. Opera had gotten what she had secretly wanted, and she was now free from any bondage. Her freedom was filled with gratitude and warmth.

After Mortis released Opera, he turned to Merlin. With a serious tone, he said, "My friend, we have so many things to discuss, especially in light of what I have just learned. But I am not yet a high noble, so I cannot officially appoint you. Still, it will certainly be interesting when Jochen and Marina's father learn that a greater realm suddenly awaits them, with even more challenges."

Merlin shook his head, slightly amused, and replied, "You have a penchant for causing trouble for others, don't you? Still, this change of territory means a lot of work and even more responsibility than before. I suppose you really want to see us suffer."

Mortis laughed softly, not because he felt schadenfreude, but because he understood Merlin's humor. "You know me too well, my friend. But rest assured, I do not wish to see anyone suffer. Rather, I want to create a better future, not only for us, but also for the people in our realms. Yes, there will be work, but I firmly believe that together we can overcome these challenges."

Merlin nodded and smiled slightly. "You are right. We've overcome so much already, and we'll overcome this, too. I'll be by your side, as always."

Mortis smiled back, grateful for Merlin's support. "That means a lot to me, Merlin. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I'm confident we'll get it done. And I'll make sure that Jochen and Marina's father are properly prepared for their new responsibilities."