The gentle rays of the morning sun washed over the sleeping town. Very few of its denizens milled about, their jobs demanding an earlier start than most. Which is why not many people witnessed the return of the worn-out Guild greenhorns. But despite their battered state, their eyes showed their newly tempered strength.

Aenon walked in the lead, followed closely by Ignar and Velastra, with Jenny and On-Ji right behind them. The spear wielder hadn't said a word to anyone since the incredible display of raw power. Her introspective look as she walked with the banner mounted on her spear indicated others to give her space.

The procession split at the Guild Hall, the trainees leaving with Ignar, while Jenny joined Aenon towards the palace. Everyone needed a quick break to freshen up after the grueling weeks in the wilderness. Jenny attracted the bulk of the attention as they walked together. Her white hair really stood out. Not that the woman cared one way or another.

"So, what's next?" Jenny asked, her fingers interlaced behind her head.

"I think its time for another war council," Aenon replied.

Jenny's ears perked up with interest, but she held her tongue as the foot traffic began to increase. Instead, she simply nodded and continued their walk in silence.

A few familiar faces greeted them as they approached their destination. One of which Aenon hadn't seen in a long time.

"Oh, good morning, Lord Fenrast," Mr. Barkley, Mira's father, exclaimed. Although he did look confused at Jenny's makeover. As did his companion.

"What the—," Borin said with a deep frown. "What happened to your hair, lassie?"

"A little bit of body tempering, Mr. Emberforge" Jenny replied cheerfully. Aenon sensed the genuine fondness in their souls. The dwarf and the ice warrior shared a deep bond.

"Bah, that old brute got ya down that path, did he?" Borin grumbled. But Aenon picked up the pride and happiness in the dwarf's soul.

While the duo bickered about the joys of body tempering, Aenon had his eyes on the third member standing meekly in the back. It was almost comical watching the large human trying to shrink and hide behind the dwarf.

Mike was carrying a massive box loaded with items for his teacher. But it wasn't the weight that was giving him trouble. The man's eyes were darting from side to side for an escape route.

"How's it going?" Aenon said with a casual wave.

Mike | Human | Blacksmith | Level 86

The poor guy almost dropped the container as he flinched and cowered behind Borin.

"What in the world has gotten into you?" Borin scowled.

"Our last encounter was less than cordial," Aenon said with a chuckle.

"What did ya do, you big oaf?"

"Let me explain. Master, I—," Mike stammered but failed to say anything more.

Taking pity on the guy, Aenon decided to help. "It's all water under the bridge. Don't let it bother you. I don't bite." Aenon winked before cheekily adding, "my wolves do."

As if on cue, Bane emerged from a shadow. The surprise was too much for Mike as he lost his grip causing the heavy tools to come crashing down on Borin's head. The litany of curses that followed made several onlookers blush and run away in embarrassment.

Aenon smiled in amusement at the strange scene while Jenny full-on laughed on the side. Mr. Barkley looked confused, while Bane just sat behind Aenon, unbothered by the chaos he caused.

"You have gotten stronger, Alpha," Bane sent him a private message. "As did the ice girl."

"Yep," Aenon responded simply. "You better keep up." He sent an image of a mental wink.

Bane didn't even respond before dissolving into Aenon's shadow to laze about. Although Aenon was trying to tease the Abyssal Wolf, he could tell that Bane had also grown quite a bit. Being a beast, his growth wasn't linked to Titles.

When Aenon turned back to the group, Mike was busy picking up the scattered items while Borin berated him further. Once the gathering was done Jenny walked forward.

"I got it," Jenny said before picking up the box with one hand and putting it on her shoulder. She turned to Aenon with a wave. "Catch ya later. I'll just drop by the smithy for a bit."

Borin and Mike bowed to Aenon before following behind Jenny, the dwarf visibly impressed while the man was shocked speechless.

That left Aenon and Mr. Barkley who was looking around uncomfortably. Aenon picked up some hesitation in his soul, almost like he wanted to talk about something.

"Please, walk with me," Aenon said before starting off at casual pace. After some uncomfortable silence, he decided to try having a conversation. "How is Mira doing? I haven't been around the palace much."

Aenon didn't miss the sudden jolt when he used Mr. Barkley's daughter's nickname rather than the full one. Aenon could only imagine what it looked like for the leader of a city to address his maid in such a familiar manner. Thankfully, it had the intended effect as the leather worker relaxed considerably.

"She is doing well, Lord Fenrast," the man replied respectfully. "I've been told she has picked up her maid etiquette lessons quite well."

"Glad to hear that," Aenon responded. "I am not that keen on the etiquette classes, but we all do need to do our part well after the recent losses. I just hope she is happy with her role."

"Oh, she absolutely is," the man explained in a hurry. "She has settled into her duties and learned quite a few skills from the others at your palace. She especially enjoys spending time with elderly folk that you so graciously allowed to reside there. Although they have since been shifted to new accommodations. We certainly have enough empty buildings."

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

Aenon felt the nervousness rising in the man's soul. Mr. Barkley was close to revealing what was bothering him.

"What about you?" Aenon asked off-handedly. "Everything going well at your shop?"

"About that—"

Aenon saw the older man fidget, unsure about how to proceed. He kept glancing around nervously, making sure no one was overhearing them. An impossible task since they had the attention of everyone they walked past.

A soft bubble of air enveloped them, cutting off all sounds from their surroundings. Mr. Barkley was initially disoriented and confused, before turning to Aenon with wide eyes.

"You can speak freely," Aenon said with a soft smile. "No one can hear us."

The man looked grateful before visibly relaxing. "I was contacted by Admin Henry recently to take over some…extra responsibilities."

Aenon frowned, unsure where this was going. But he tried to put the man at ease. "You do not have to do anything that you are not comfortable with."

"You misunderstand my intent, Lord Fenrast," he replied while shaking his hands. "It's not that I don't want to do it. But the role is suited for a noble. Whereas I…am just a commoner."

Aenon finally understood what the issue was. Henry had been trying to fill up the vacuum left behind by the fleeing nobility—a task Aenon had personally assigned to the experienced administrator. And his instructions were quite clear. The roles were to be given to the most deserving. But the societal hierarchy that had been established over several generations couldn't be overridden overnight. It also made sense why the man was looking over his shoulder so often. Jealousy was a common trait after all.

"Do you see any noble left in my city?" Aenon asked firmly without giving away his intent.

"Well, no," the man replied nervously. He was taken aback by Aenon's change in tone. "But once people start coming back, you can certainly hire someone who is more qualified."

"And has that someone bled for my city? Or rushed door to door to convince people to stay and fight? Or spent hours forging leather armor to protect my citizens? Or rationed their food to make sure their neighbors weren't forced to rely on System rations?"

Mr. Barkley's eyes widened in surprise as Aenon started listing everything the man had done for Pinespire. "You—"

"Yes, I know," Aenon cut him off. "Three thousand one hundred and sixteen. That's how many people reside within these walls. Of those fourteen hundred and fifty-two are non-combat Classers. And yet only three hundred fifty-eight did not suffer an injury that day. And that was because they were children who had full System protection."

The bubble had dropped some time ago, but the man was too stunned to notice. As were the onlookers who could hear the full exchange that they had been trying to eavesdrop on surreptitiously. Aenon needed them all to hear it. He turned to the crowd that had gathered around the steps of the palace.

"In my eyes, merit trumps blood and lineage," he announced loud enough for everyone to hear. "If anyone has a problem with that, they are free to come and face me."

With that he walked away without looking back. His voice was domineering perhaps, but he couldn't stand the way the old leather worker was thinking. Or the city at large. He knew it was an uphill task to change the status quo, but he wanted to lay the ground rules before the influx of migrants started to flow in. They needed the manpower, but only if they lived by his rules.

Henry met him at the top of the stairs, having been attracted by the commotion outside. Mira too was standing beside him, staring between him and her father. Aenon regretted chastising the man so publicly, but in all fairness, he had done it to the whole city rather than one individual.

"Welcome back, sire," Henry said with a bow, an action Mira mirrored.

"Call a council meeting in an hour," Aenon ordered without looking their way as he walked past them.

As Aenon entered the building, he sensed Mira rush over to her father who was still reeling from the shock. Henry too had a quick word with Mr. Barkley, before heading out to make arrangements for the meeting.

He tuned out the rest as he made a beeline for his bedroom. The palace looked deserted, except for the staff who were running about doing who-knows-what. He still didn't understand why he needed such a large building, but Thalindra had insisted on maintaining appearances. A city leader living in a hut was bad apparently. Even though Aenon disagreed with the notion, he had chosen to listen to her expert advice.

Speak of the devil, the dual affinity mage walked to intercept him before he reached his room.

"Do you have to cause a splash everywhere you go?" Thalindra asked mischievously. Although she did bow first.

"Sigh. Not now, Thalindra," Aenon replied with fatigue in his voice. Dealing with people was such a pain.

"Very well," Thalindra agreed. But she did fall in step behind him as they walked. "I should also congratulate you on your recent advancement. I can feel the seal has weakened somewhat."

"In a sense," Aenon replied. "It's a long-term project, but this should be enough for what you have planned."

"It certainly is," she agreed.

"I've also called a council meeting," Aenon informed her.

"That was unexpected," Thalindra was visibly impressed. "You are taking an initiative in leadership."

"I just want this chapter of my life to be over," Aenon clarified. "The sooner this war is over, the faster I can get out of this political hellscape."

Aenon didn't have to turn to see the smirk on her face. It was all over the tone of her voice.

"That certainly can be arranged. In fact, I was about to ask for the same thing. There has been a lot of progress on my side things. And I am sure you will enjoy getting out of your cage soon."

Aenon felt happy at the news. He quickly gave her an overview of how their training went, but she refused to reveal anything in return, insisting that it was best discussed behind closed doors. He didn't argue, hurrying over to his room instead. While he took a quick shower, Thalindra left to join Henry for the preparation.

As Aenon left the bathroom, Mira was standing there by his bedside. A formal attire was laid out neatly. Two more servants hurried forward to help him, but he waved them back.

"I can dress myself," he said before going behind a privacy screen with the dress. The only piece of equipment he never took off was his mask, since it protected him from being identified.

Aenon didn't miss the subtle undercurrents of unease from Mira, but he didn't know how to approach it. It was obviously related to her father, but he was out of energy for another emotional confrontation. Thankfully she approached him first.

"Lord Fenrast?" she spoke hesitantly. "If my father were to take up the official leadership role for all the crafters, would you demand that I leave your side?"

There were a lot of things he was expecting her to say. That wasn't one of them.

"That's what you are worried about?" Aenon asked with a frown. Her expectant eyes conveyed it all. Aenon sighed. "I have never demanded anything of you Mira. Nor will I ever do. You are free to do whatever you want."

The woman's shoulders sagged in relief. "Oh, good."

And just like that she was back to acting like a dutiful maid. Aenon didn't know what was going on through her mind, and neither did he want to think about it. Instead, he quickly grabbed a bite—this time watching helplessly as he was attended to—before heading for the exit. Mira followed him, while the other two staff cleaned the already spotless room.

As they approached the conference room, Aenon focused on the attendee's souls who were gathered there. The room was packed with a lot of familiar faces. But there were some additional ones too. The gathering stood up with respect as he walked in, taking their seats after him.

His usual inner circle was present, along with several people who looked kind of lost. Mr. Barkley was one of them. Aenon assumed these were the ones Henry had promoted. The fact that Mira's father was here, meant that he had accepted the role.

"Welcome everyone," Thalindra took charge from Aenon's right. "This is the first official meeting of the newly formed Noble house: House Fenrast."

Several murmurs broke out as people exchanged confused looks. But underneath it all, there was excitement and joy. The birth of a new Noble house was huge in the Multiverse. And the founding members held a lot of political leverage.

Only one person didn't celebrate the joyous occasion.

Hidden behind his mask, Aenon prepared himself sullenly. He just hoped this side quest was a brief distraction to an otherwise exciting life of adventure.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.