Once past the entrance, Han looked around at the village. The houses looked like they could fall apart at any moment, even by a slight breeze. Though it seemed like this world had some concept of structural engineering, considering they were built using some kind of brick and the roofs had shingles.
He expected the top of the houses to be created by thatching, but it looked like the technology in this kingdom had progressed. Though the homes and walls looked dilapidated, the villagers seemed to be in good spirits. They went about their daily tasks with a smile on their faces, though you could tell that work had taken a toll on them.
Compared to his previous life on Earth, even with the job being tough at times, average people didn't appear to look as aged as these villagers did. It made him think about whether those on Earth were like that due to better, overall, nutrition or the typical work was more straightforward with the assistance of technological improvements.
Near the center of the community, there was some family who looked to be preparing meals in a communal kitchen, likely for a midday meal. Seeing them getting ready to eat, made him think about Brittany.
"Brittania." He thought in his mind.
A gentle voice responded to his thought, "Master, is there anything you require from me?"
"I was just thinking about you, and how I would enjoy a steak dinner when I'm ready for my meal. Have the chef think up a good steak meal. I will contact you when I am hungry. Also, inform the chef that I will need two additional meals prepared since Elena and Reina are accompanying me." He informed her.
"I eagerly await your command. I will notify the chef about your wishes." Brittania acknowledged, respectfully.
The ability to just speak to whoever he wanted was extremely convenient, especially compared to using a phone. Instead of going through the whole process of selecting an individual, he could now just think of the person and begin talking.
With his creations, they would prioritize him over anything they were doing. Alex wondered if this is how a CEO or high executive's life was, where everyone, within the sphere of influence, bent to his will. The difference was probably related to the fact that his creations would do anything, with near-religious zeal to fulfill the wish. There was no doubt about their motives, unlike even a lot of actual religious figures. If he were to ask them to kill themselves, they would probably do it with a smile on their face. This is the difference between a CEO and Alex. The reason is that his creation thinks he is a god.
As he walked, villagers would often glance at them, trying to figure out who they were. Just looking at their outfit would indicate that there was a difference in socio-economical standings. He was sure that his current outfit, the same outfit from Earth, and his creations', the ones he created, looked far superior regarding material and quality.
With a wave of his hands, Alex could have changed their entire situation, but the thought failed to interest him. It was like playing a video game and going into the code to make alterations. What would be fun in doing that?
He glanced at one of the older women, who was carrying a large basket on her head. Nothing stood out about her, but her look of determination in the face of everything made him notice her.
Approaching the woman, Alex quietly took the basket off of her head. She looked startled by the action, wondering who the hell he was.
"Lady, please allow me to carry this for you." He gently smiled at her, oozing with charm.
Looking confused, all she could say was, "M-my lord, there is no need for you to do this!"
"What kind of man would I be, if I allowed such a dazzling lady carry such a heavy burden?" He softly spoke to her. "Where are you taking this, so that I may send it to its destination?" Alex inquired, stopping her from any further protest.
"I need to take these to my neighbor's house." She said. Her voice sounded like she didn't want to fight the matter and just went with the flow. Seeing him indicate that he would be following her, the woman continued to walk. Both hands were clasped together, in front of her, as she led the way.
Looking closer at the woman, Alex guessed that she was in her mid-thirties. She had her hair tied in a single braid that went all the way down to the base of her back. It gently swung back and forth, to the rhythm of her steps. Her outfit was a one-piece dress, looking very conservative with how the skirt went down to her ankles, and sleeves covered her arms. Even though she looked older, her ass was shapely and probably maintained by her continuous working environment.
"Why are you taking," looking down he noticed it was various roots and plants, "plants to your neighbor's?" he inquired.
Looking back at him, she replied, "I go out of the village to gather various plants and herbs. The villagers pay me a couple of coppers for my services. It allows me to have a little bit to stash pay the taxes to the crown or I need to purchase from a traveling merchant."
"That is rather commendable, for a lady such as yourself." He told her, marginally impressed by how hard these people worked to survive. It made him wonder whether this was the case for most of the residents of this world.
Inclining her head forward again, she said, "I'm no lady, my lord. I'm just a simple village woman."
Smiling at her humility, he asked, "Do you have a husband or family to help you in your endeavors?"
Looking down, she murmured, "My husband was killed by a monster in the forest near here. He would hunt them to gather various parts to trade with the traveling merchant. Before my husband passed, my family succumbed to a sickness that hit this village, several years ago."
Though this sounded like a painful memory, her voice didn't fluctuate much. Maybe due to how difficult her life was already, and being numb to her present life circumstances.
Gathering all these plants, for just a few coppers sounded like a very arduous task. His parents were very similar, having to work hard for meager pay compared to his friends' parents, who were often financially well off.
Even with all his powers, he couldn't shake off the memories of his past and how powerless he often felt. The world felt like a playground for only a few, while everyone else was abandoned to squeeze out a living.
He remembered having to sleep in his car, while he was attending school, cause he couldn't afford a place to stay. A friend of his offered him to sleep on the floor, for no rent, but his roommates demanded payment.
Even though these people considered themselves to be pious individuals, they still demanded his money to pay for living like a homeless person. Scenarios like these made him question humanity, and how they claimed to be altruistic but were self-serving.
Reaching their destination, the woman knocked on the door of her neighbor. A fairly nice looking man and a woman answered the door. As soon as they saw who it was, their faces revealed a hidden look of disgust. It wasn't enough to make it visible, but Alex had seen enough people look at him that way to be able to recognize it.
"I have returned with the food you have requested." the woman said, trying to sound upbeat and ignore the reception she was receiving.
Glancing over at the basket he was carrying, the woman sneered and said, "You expect us to give you money for these? They look all butchered by your poor gathering skills."
"Even the last ones we requested were all torn up and low quality," the man chimed in. Looking annoyed, he sighed, "Though they look horrible, I'll at least give you a piece of copper for the bunch. I don't want other people to accuse me of theft." He went back into his home and came back with a single copper piece. Tossing it onto the ground in front of the woman, he said, "Next time, I expect you to do a better job or else we won't give you even a single copper. I'm sure others would be eager for my hard-earned money and put in more effort and care into their work."
The woman bent down and picked up the single copper coin, from the ground. She didn't defend herself, and instead just took the abuse the couple was giving her. "Thank you, for your patronage," she said and took the basket from Han's hands to present it to the couple.
"Elena and Reina I want you to kill all the people in this house. I want them to suffer before dying. How dare they treat her like this?" Alex sends a message on the mind of both girls.
"Yes Master, I will send 3 of my people to cut them 1000 times before letting them die slowly," Reina said on her mind as she summons 3 of her weakest people on her army.
"Not cool Reina is taking all the fun. I want to play with them too." Elena answer right after Reina said that.
"Haha, I beat you to it, Elena. You getting slow. You better react faster next time." Reina teased Elena with a smile on her face.
"Girls, I do not care who killed them. The only thing I care about is that they are dead." Alex interrupts both of the girls, so they stop fighting.
"Yes, master." Both of them answer right away.
Receiving the basket, the couple went in and slammed the door on her. Turning towards Alex, Elena, and Reina, she smiled and said, "My Lord, thank you for your assistance. If there's anything I could assist you with please let me know."
"Would you know if this village had an inn?" He asked her, trying not to embarrass her after witnessing everything.
"I'm sorry, but our village isn't large enough to have an inn. Most people pass our village, instead choosing to head to their destination. Even the merchant that comes around will camp outside with his armed guards." She answered, apologetically. Seeing his frown, she said, "I hope this isn't presumptuous, but if my lord and my ladies are willing I offer my home."
"We would be honored, by your gracious offer." He said appreciatively.
Following the woman, Alex and his creations were led by the woman to her home. Though she stated that she was taking those plants to her neighbors, her home was several houses away.
The term, neighbor, likely referred to anyone in the village. Compared to the others, her home was smaller with only one window next to the door. Her home looked plain on the outside just like all the others, with a simple thatched roof.
Entering into the house, they saw part living room and dining room setup. There seemed to be a door that, presumably, led to a bedroom. The lack of a kitchen could be connected with the communal kitchen area. Against the wall was a place for various food ingredients, but nothing like a refrigerator to keep the items fresh. He didn't even notice a root cellar, which meant people here must have high spoilage for food.
Only a carpet helped to break up the image of the dreary residence. A lone chair next to a small poorly handmade table was a good indication of how often she entertained guests.
Elena moved closer to Alex. She grabbed Alex hand with a smile on her face. "Master, I do not think we should stay here. I can take us back to the stronghold, and you could sleep in your chambers. This place does not suit a being such as yourself. This place is super dirty" She urged this was sent through a message so the lady could not hear what it was said.
"I do not mind staying here. I find this to be amusing, and the woman intrigues me." He informed her, as he placed a hand on her arm and ending any further discussion.
"As you wish." Elena intoned. Though not satisfied with the situation it was her Master's wish.
The woman looked back at them, looking embarrassed. "I apologize for my home. Ever since I began living on my own, this size is all that I can afford." She tried to explain.
"Nonsense. You are generous with your hospitality, allowing us to stay here when we have only just met." Han said. "If you have not eaten yet, please allow me to express our appreciation for your consideration." He estimated that it was slightly after midday now, so it wasn't likely that she had eaten if she spent her morning gathering those plants.
Looking perplexed, the woman exclaimed, "My lord, how can I expect you to prepare a meal for me?!"
"I will not hear another word. Do not concern yourself, and just enjoy my humble meal." Han said.
"Brittania, I would like you to bring me four steak meals. Also, include a refreshing fruit drink. Also, bring all the necessary things for four people." Alex commanded his personal maid.
"Yes, Master! I will bring everything to you, forthwith." Brittania said.
Waving his hand, Alex made two comfortable looking sofas appear. The woman was startled by the sudden appearance of the two sofas. Sitting down with Reina on his left and Elena on his right, Alex relaxed on the couch and pulled the two towards him. They both squealed in delight, from the sudden public display of affection.
Seeing the woman looking dazed, he laughed and said, "Have a seat. I assure you that these sofas are extremely comfortable to sit on." He attempted to reassure her.