"The lord has returned!" The soldier standing guard at the castle gate immediately hollered for all to hear.
It did not take long for the drawbridge to lower, and Eitan got off the carriage to see four people waiting to greet him. Aengus, Lind, Yuriel, and Miles. Once he drew closer, Aengus lifted his sword in salute and shouted, "Greetings to the lord!"
"Welcome back, Lord Eitan."
"Greetings, Lord! Shall I draw a bath for you?"
"Congratulations on your safe return, Your Lordship!"
Eitan's heart warmed as he received the enthusiastic welcome. "Thank you, all. It's good to be back. And no need, Yuriel. I shall bathe later tonight." He turned his head towards Aengus. "Tell Gehan to come to the throne room. Lord's order. Ah, you attend too."
"Yes!" Aengus' gaze passed over the group behind Eitan, but he didn't ask any questions and hastily left to find Gehan.
Eitan passed his walking stick over to Yuriel as he spoke to Lind, "Compile a report on what's happened in my absence, and bring it to the throne room as well."
"It will be done." Lind bowed politely before stepping back.
Eitan lastly looked over at Miles. "Now, what are you doing out here?"
Miles scratched his head with a smile. "Is it not a servant's duty to welcome their master home?"
Eitan laughed softly. This kid was really dedicated. "Right. Then, I have a task for my dutiful servant."
Miles puffed up his chest. "I'll carry out your order!"
Eitan beckoned to Beren, who had gotten out of a separate carriage behind them. "Have your subordinates follow Miles here. He will arrange accommodations for them. You'll follow me for now."
Beren surveyed the brown-haired boy before nodding respectfully. "Understood."
Eitan turned back to Miles. "You heard that, right? These people will become officials of our territory, so deal with them as such. Report back to me in the throne room when you're done."
Miles bowed immaculately at the waist. "I hear and obey." He then followed Beren before bringing away the nearly dozen people.
After sorting everything out, Eitan strode into the castle with Farrel and Beren at his sides. "You're rather well-liked," Beren remarked as they walked down the hall.
"I suppose so," Eitan didn't give it much thought. "But," he tilted his head back at Beren with an easygoing smile. "I'm not some great person, which is why I need people like you." He then faced forward again and continued at a lax pace.
This is why he didn't catch the subtle drop in Beren's expression or the glint in Farrel's gaze. No more words were spoken, and they soon reached the throne room. Farrel pushed open the doors to reveal Aengus already waiting inside with Gehan not far in front.
Eitan took his place on the throne with Farrel by his right as usual. Yuriel stood to the side, ready to be called upon at any moment. Beren astutely stood at the bottom of the platform, giving Aengus and Gehan a cordial smile. Aengus appeared a bit puzzled at the sudden emergence of a stranger, but returned a nod of acknowledgement. Gehan, however, ignored him with an upturned nose.
Eitan lounged on the throne, waiting until Lind and Miles both arrived. Only then did he sit upright to address the group. "I left this time to recruit an individual who shall bring great boon to our territory. Please introduce yourself." He glanced down at Beren, and the others naturally followed his gaze.
Beren wasn't flustered at all at the sudden spotlight and bowed with a gracious smile. "Lord Eitan is far too generous with a lowly individual such as myself. I am Beren Simal, here to work under the lord's request. It is an honor to meet you all."
A light round of polite greetings was exchanged before Eitan clapped, refocusing the room. "With my authority as lord, I proclaim Beren Simal as the chief administrator of the Saorise Region."
"Your Lordship!" Gehan's voice was the first to ring out. "I-"
"You shall step down." Eitan didn't allow him to continue and stated coldly, "I'm sure the amount you've embezzled over the years is enough for a fine retirement."
Gehan's face flushed beet red, and his fists balled. "Still, you cannot do this to me! The count-"
"My father would be pleased to hear what you've been up to over the years, hm?" Eitan cut him off once again with an obvious threat.
Gehan's entire body trembled at the intense mixture of rage and humiliation. "... You will regret this." He turned on his heels and stomped out of the throne room.
"My lord, if you permit it, I will immediately drag back that impudent man to repent before you." Aengus could no longer hold back his anger and spoke before Eitan.
Eitan waved his hand dismissively. "I have no desire to dirty my eyes with that pig's face for any longer."
"Pft—" Lind covered his mouth to stifle the involuntary chuckle. He then cleared his throat a few times, attempting to play off that he had committed such a lapse.
"I understand." Aengus stepped back and gave Lind a cross look. He naturally avoided the knight's gaze.
Eitan held out his hand towards Lind. "Your report?"
Lind hurriedly went up and respectfully handed the document to Eitan with two hands, "Here it is, Your Lordship."
Eitan received it and, as he looked it over, his eyes narrowed. "The activity of the nearby barbarian tribe has increased?"
"Yes, sir. The soldiers on patrol noticed an increased frequency of sightings." Lind confirmed.
"Just sightings? Not attacks?" Eitan's eyebrow raised.
Lind shook his head. "No direct confrontations have occured."
Eitan sat back with a thoughtful expression. Aside from some casual things he'd overheard like the plague, he was in the dark about the happenings in the Saorise Region for the next few years due to his at-home isolation. So, if some conflict was set to break out soon, he wouldn't have been aware of it. "Aengus."
"Yes, my lord." Aengus knelt before Eitan once he was called.
"I entrust you with the organization of a militia. The citizens of this region are no strangers to strife, so it won't be hard. Their main tasks will be monitoring the barbarians as well as clearing out beasts."
"Your will shall be done!" Aengus saluted him before withdrawing.
"Beren."
Beren looked up at Eitan and gave a smooth bow. "I'm yours to command."
"Position your subordinates as you please. As long as the territory is well-run, I won't interfere with your management aside from specific commands." This was the freedom Eitan had promised. "Miles?"
Miles' head popped up. "Yes! I have settled the newcomers in the appropriate wing. They appeared ready to begin work at any moment." The quick-witted boy replied with exactly what Eitan wanted to hear.
Eitan nodded contentedly and addressed the group, "That's all for now. Except for Miles, you are all dismissed." He glanced to the side at Farrel. "Farrel, you should go have a rest," his gaze moved to Yuriel. "And please prepare that bath for me shortly."
Farrel looked reluctant but didn't protest and left the room along with others, leaving only Eitan and Miles alone. Miles appeared a bit nervous at the sudden private audience, while Eitan smiled genially. "How is your sister?"
Miles' expression brightened. "She's been well! Being able to stay in the castle is like a dream come true for her." He smiled sincerely and bowed deeply. "This is all thanks to the grace you've bestowed upon us, milord."
"Enough of that. Have you been out and about the territory?" Eitan inquired casually.
Miles fidgeted with his clothes sheepishly. "Forgive me, Lord. I couldn't help feeling cooped up and ended up wandering the streets." He continued earnestly, "But I promise I haven't stolen anything! And I've been working hard under Butler Lind in the castle."
"There's nothing to apologize for. I trust you would not do anything to tarnish my name. You're still young, it's only natural for you to go out and play." Eitan remarked benignly.
Miles clenched his fists and raised his head. His gaze was blazing, in contrast to Eitan's lax demeanor. "Milord, I didn't just go play, I was inspecting the territory!"
Eitan looked down at the boy with amusement. "Alright then. Why don't you share what you've come across during your inspections?"
Miles' eyes shone eagerly, and he began prattling off. At first, he took it merely as the capriciousness of a boy, but the more Miles spoke, the more serious Eitan became. Was it due to growing up on the streets? Rather than the reflections of an excited child, Miles' recollections were centered around the troubled people and situations of the territory. This gang here, a slum over there, he even listed the taverns commonly frequented by drunks. Things that only those who lived a low life would be familiar with.
As Miles finished speaking, he noticed Eitan staring at him with a deeply contemplative expression. "... Your Lordship? Did I say something wrong?"
"Not at all," Eitan assured him promptly, but didn't lighten his gaze.
Miles shifted in place, feeling pressured under Eitan's intense stare and odd silence. Eitan eventually opened his mouth again, but what came out only left Miles feeling further taken aback. "In the future, go out more. You must be able to write well by now, right? Every week or so, compile all the things you've seen. Hand that to Lind and he'll evaluate what's important and what's not. Use that as a basis for the next time."
Miles peered up at Eitan, blinking blankly. "You mean for me to make actual reports?" He was so surprised at Eitan's reaction that his tone lost some politeness.
"Yes," Eitan nodded seriously.
"A-as you wish, milord." Miles hastily bowed and responded respectfully, looking quite excited despite his lingering confusion. This was the first proper task Eitan had given him, after all. He was elated to be able to be of some use, even if the rationale behind it was beyond him.
Eitan observed Miles with an anticipatory expression. He had originally been partial to this kid due to his quick wits, and it looked as though that might finally pay off. Of course, Miles was yet to realize his own talent. Namely, in gathering information. Eitan was currently forced to rely on the information guild, and it was obviously better to have a network of his own. After a few years of growth, Miles may have the potential to lead a group for such purposes. It was all just a premature idea right now, but Eitan looked forward to what his future would bring.
*****
"Sir Farrel, was it?"
Farrel had been making his way to his room to rest as his liege wished, but was halted not far along. He turned around, and his lips twisted down with displeasure. "What do you want, fox?"
Beren brushed his hand over his hair with a good-natured smile. "I simply wished to converse with you for a moment."
Farrel debated on ignoring the man, but ultimately didn't continue walking. He did not like this fox, not one bit. However, he was a man valued by the liege, so he wouldn't shun him overtly. "I have no patience for flowery words, so get straight to the point."
"What a blunt man you are." As he said this, Beren's smile didn't drop in the slightest. "As you please, then. What's your opinion of Lord Eitan?"
Farrel's entire demeanor immediately chilled, and his golden eyes sharpened. "What's your purpose?"
Even Beren could not stand firmly in front of this person who seemed more like a cold sword than a man. He subconsciously took half a step back, and he raised his hands. "I have no ill intentions. I merely wish to understand the character of the one I am to serve. You appeared to be the one closest to his lordship, so I thought you'd have the best gauge of his person."
Farrel snorted, but he lost some of his hostility. He fixed his gaze on Beren for a few moments, evaluating him before finally beginning to speak. "My liege is not someone the likes of you or I can comprehend." He looked up, as if reminiscing before recentering on Beren. "Just know this. He is an amazing person with unfathomable capabilities and heart as deep as an ocean. It would do you well to serve him with a sincere mind." With these parting words, he turned and left Beren to his own devices.
Beren stood rooted to the spot for some time, watching Farrel's shrinking back with a complex expression. Quite high praise. Now, how much of that comes from loyalty, and how much is the truth? That was the true question. But even if it was just blind praise, to inspire such worship in someone is a feat in and of itself. His lips and eyes curved upwards. How fun. It doesn't seem like I'll regret coming to this place anytime soon. He hummed lightly as he spun around and went to find his subordinates. So, as he wished, shall I show off what I can do?