I could see people working—even the children. That was good. Time to head back to the manor and wait for the scouting party to return.
The manor looked clean from the outside. I entered and saw the twin sisters carrying something.
I walked closer.
"You two—what are you carrying?"
They startled for a moment, then quickly dropped what they were holding and bowed. Ellia spoke first.
"My lord, we found some tools, grain, and even seeds in the underground storage. We've been searching the manor, and every day we find more useful things."
Allia continued, "We were taking everything to the main storage rooms, my lord. Did we do something wrong?"
I glanced at them, then at the bags. They looked a little worried. It was kind of cute. I was glad I made everyone in this race beautiful.
"You did well. But make sure to count everything and report the overall situation to me."
I paused, thinking."Also, search the manor thoroughly for anything else."
I pointed to Allia.
"Go tell Elin to search the barn more carefully. And tell the people: when the scouts return, someone must inform me immediately."
"Yes, my lord!" they both replied.
"I'll go right away," said Allia.
"Yeah, go."
I turned to Ellia. "Is my room ready?"
"Yes, my lord. Everything is prepared."
I nodded and headed upstairs. My room was on the second floor—the only one up there.
It wasn't fancy, but it had everything: a large bed, a wardrobe with clothes, a sturdy desk, and a bookshelf with actual books. Despite that, it still felt a bit empty.
Time to rest and think things through.
Oric's POV
I'd been riding for about an hour and a half. The terrain wasn't special, but I memorized it.
"Let's stop at this stream. The horse needs water too."
It didn't look dangerous, but caution never hurt. That's when I noticed small footprints in the dirt.
They looked like a child's.
I dismounted and followed them quietly into the forest. Soon, I heard laughter.
As I crept closer, I saw them—goblins. Disgusting creatures. I remembered them clearly.
There were seven, huddled around something they were eating. Humanoid in shape.
I decided not to engage. I returned to my horse, mounted up, and began riding back.
Evander's POV
I woke up in bed, confused. I felt stronger… and there were memories that weren't mine.
"System, what's going on?"
[System]: No need to worry. You've grown stronger from your assigned status points. The memories come from the skills you chose. They're fully integrated now.
"...Yeah, I can feel it."
I opened my palm, concentrated, and summoned a small flame—ten centimeters tall. It vanished when I stopped.
"How long was I asleep?"
[System]: A little more than an hour.
As I sat up, someone knocked.
"Come in."
Ellia entered, bowed, and said, "My lord, the scouts have returned. Shall I prepare some water for you to freshen up?"
Right… there was a stream nearby.
"Yes. That would be great. Also, tell your sister to inform the people—I want everyone to wait for me. You may go."
"Yes, my lord."
I opened the wardrobe. Inside were fine clothes, and in the second section—armor. Spartan-style. A sword, shield, and a spear taller than I was.
I fastened the sword to my waist.
Ellia returned with a basin of water. I washed my face and dried off.
"Let's go meet the people."
"Yes, my lord."
I stepped outside. Everyone was gathered. When they saw me, they bowed.
""My lord!""
"If anyone has something important to report, step forward. Ellia and Allia—you come too."
A few people stepped out of the crowd.
Now that I thought about it, I hadn't even arranged captains before sending them off. I needed to plan better—one mistake and efficiency could collapse.
"You four—go to the audience room and wait. Allia, take them there."
"Yes, my lord. Please follow me."
All four bowed and followed her to the manor.
I looked at the rest of the group and spoke.
"Everyone, set up camp between the two buildings. If any of you have a trade—carpenter, tailor, anything—come to the manor tomorrow morning after sunrise and report to my maid."
"That's all. Dismissed."
""Yes, my lord!""
They bowed again and got to work. I turned around and entered the manor, heading to the audience room.
They stood when I entered.
I waved my hand. "Sit."
I walked to the head seat and sat. "Tell me your names and what you found."
One stepped forward.
"My lord, I am Drata. We scouted the surrounding area and the forest. We saw some animals, and some of us hunted a few. We found an open area inside the forest—not far. A two-minute walk in."
I nodded. That was good. At least there was no immediate threat. I motioned for the next to speak.
Oric rose.
"My lord, there's not much around us. To the north and east is forest—some small streams run through it. Likely a large river deeper inside. The west and south are open plains."
He paused, face serious.
"But I have more important news. I saw goblins. Seven of them. They were… eating a humanoid body. This was half an hour east of here."
My face darkened.Here comes trouble…