Morning came with the wake-up call of roosters. It was still foggy but Troan visited the village early in the morning with his robes to combat the cold. He can only smirk as he was not recognized by several other villagers as he was covering his head with his hood.
He was busy managing the workers as he assigned them and as well as training them himself. He was also visiting the village every morning to check them himself. He wanted to know their current situations with his own eyes.
Making him see that the villagers were slowly becoming healthy. Kids were energetic as they play. He played with them too for a while like he was not a Prince at all.
Several minutes passed and he went back to the castle. He crossed the bridge and upon entering the gates, the castle guards saluted at him. Making him nod back at them.
He saw the changes from the past and then gladly smiled at what he sees now. It was more lively as usual. Upon approaching the castle, the flags on the poles were now new and they flutter nonchalantly upon the caressing of the wind.
He entered his room and put his backpack on the bed. Making him excitedly jump at the soft cushions. His excitement was not caused by the bed itself but by the skill he recently received. It was none other than the skill [Summon soul].
He used the skill and bright light was emitted. His body glowed and his soul was copied. Morphing into a figure beside him and then became human.
Troan then was shocked. He didn't expect it to be real. In the past, it was his copy of another Troan. But now, it was Doom! He has the same face as Troan but his hair was white. Contrary to him which was auburn.
"Ah Troan, you sure you want me to be roaming around here?" Doom said to him.
Troan was flabbergasted. He didn't expect that it was him this time around. His mouth was agape and was dumbstruck.
"Hey, are you deaf or not? You are not responding," Doom said.
"I can hear but if it was really you, then prove it," Troan said then he stabbed him with a dagger.
Swish!
He was stabbed in the chest and then Doom breathed out deep.
"Oh, you are indeed Doom!" he said then stabbing some more.
"Stop, stop, stop!" Doom shouted.
"You sure?"
"Yes! damn it!" Doom shouted.
"Okay,"
The two then went silent. It was an off feeling to talk to their other half. They were contesting in the past for liberation and control over one body. But now, they can freely talk to each other. The off feeling became strange but delightful at the same time.
"Okay, you are a King in the past and I need your guidance. I also needed someone to look after in this place when I go," Troan said.
"Managing the realm? Hmm, I can do fine with that. The problem is, I am not the Prince. You can tell that the people don't trust me yet and I can't rule like a king like that immediately. You can say to them that I am just your proxy," Doom said.
"Makes sense, well I will let you be known by my butler first. Then the people," Troan said.
"After you," Doom said.
"Well, you see. I am inside the castle," Troan said.
"I know," Doom replied.
They exited the room and Doom was introduced to Redmund.
"Is that your twin?" Redmund was shocked and then was in thought.
"I haven't heard of this before. But your faces, they were alike! I can't be mistaken!" he shouted.
"Well, yep. You can say it like that. I will be on a journey and will put him in charge for now," Troan said.
"I am Doom, you can call me in that name," he said.
"Doom? I have heard that name before," he said then laughed dry while caressing the hair on his back.
Doom can only make the corner of his mouth arc upwards. Troan then patted Redmund and the three visited the village.
The villagers saw him and they thought the same thing about Redmund. His face was like to Troan and they can't deny it. Making him well accepted by the villagers.
Noon came and the scout arrived. He succeeded in his mission and delivered the letters. Troan and Doom met him and let him rest a bit. They immediately decided to journey with Doom and Redmund.
Troan was guilty as of now and the wails of villagers haunted his dreams. And so, he decided to visit again the village. With him being stronger accompanied by Redmund and Doom. They sent riding scouts first to meet them and give instructions first, and then meet them themselves afterward.
They immediately went to their past path and then saw many villagers on the way. Troubled and were without hope in their eyes.
Redmund approached them and they immediately saw their presence. Doom then walked hastily and as well as Troan to meet them.
"Villagers of Paladins! I am worried after I heard that your village was attacked by monsters. I give my deepest sympathy to the deceased. We mourn for the dead but we must take more care of the living! We offer food and shelter in our hidden village. As what my Lord Troan offers to you all," Redmund ended his speech.
"We haven't eaten for days and were traveling to the nearest village. We will gladly take your offer," said one mother.
"Yeah, me too! We can't waste time either. Many collapsed already due to hunger. I am afraid my family will not last another day if they can't eat," one said.
"Please my Lord! We are nowhere safe. We will gladly serve your house as long as we are provided with shelter and food!" one man said.
"Oh, you should tell that to Lord Troan. He is the Lord of our village, I am but a servant only, ahem butler, " Redmund coughed.
"My pleasure!" Troan shouted.
They were then talked with Troan and they immediately agreed to relocate to the village. Hope was then reignited within their eyes. Troan then saw that Gerald and William survived the attack in the village. Being carried by the guards of their village.
"The thief! I recognize you!" one guard said.
"I am a Lord now, things have changed," Troan winked.
"You are in good hands now. I will keep you safe," Troan said as he took a glance at his masters.
There was a mix of men, women, kids, and adults. Even kids of their nursing age were carried by their mothers. Parading towards the village.
They passed by the foggy parts of the forest and the sealed hidden doorway of the village. Making them enter the marsh and encompassing the Eldorian Lake. Arrived at the village with exasperated looks.
They successfully escorted them to the village and they were all happy to arrive. Alas, they have a new home to live in. Easing their tired selves as they were deeply glad.
It was a total of 25 families survived the onslaught and managed to escape. Several guards and 2 Paladins survived.
Gerald and William were put in the [Healing tent] and were recuperating their wounds. They were all passed out and had yet to wake up.
Doom hand-picked the recruitment of the castle servants himself and they were assigned to their roles. Ten of them were successfully recruited.
25 Families give +1 population growth and +115 workers. Making the Castle Project List to be finalized.
.......
[Castle project lists]
[Castle] [10 workers]
[Barracks] (2 workers and 3 guards)
[Training grounds] (5 trainers)
[Garrison] (2 workers and 3 guards)
[Keep] (5 watchers)
[Cellars and Storages] (3 workers and 3 guards)
[Stables] (5 tamers)
[Well] (5 workers)
[Blacksmith tent] (10 smiths)
[Hardwood crafting tent] (10 craftsmen)
[Armory] (5 workers)
[Dungeon] (5 guards)
[Catapult workshop] (6 trainees)
[Repair workshop] (6 builders)
[Farm] (5 farmers)
[Messenger outpost] (5 scouts)
[Healing tent] (10 healers)
[Research tent] (Troan)
[Alchemy tent] (1 alchemist)
[Enchanting tent] (1 enchanter)
........
Several days have passed and Gerald has woken up. The same with William. They were weakened with no eating at all for several days. It was then, that he saw someone on his side. He saw the figure and he can't be mistaken. He knew him too well to make a mistake.
"Troan?" he muttered while being dumbstruck.