Manipulating the earth with my magic, I had fashioned a humble abode for myself, a sanctuary amidst the bustling village. Little did I know, my magnificent display had caught the attention of the knight entrusted with the village's protection.
Inebriated and unconscious, the knight lay sprawled when I initially introduced myself to the village elder. However, when he finally roused from his stupor and discovered an unknown mercenary dwelling amidst the villagers, he promptly rallied his lackeys and made his way to my nascent abode.
Constructed simply from stones, lacking even a door, my temporary dwelling had already eclipsed the other houses in terms of sturdiness and craftsmanship. It quickly became the subject of fervent fascination among the villagers, capturing the wonder of both children and their parents, who marveled at my ability to mold the earth effortlessly, without the need for any incantations.
Bristling with indignation, the knight growled at the gathering crowd outside my humble abode, demanding to know the cause of this commotion. In his diminished, alcohol-induced state, he bellowed, "Who dares erect a house in my village without seeking my permission?"
The villagers pointed towards a young boy, who confessed to attempting to peer into my temporary dwelling earlier. "Heathen!" the knight exclaimed, upon learning that a mercenary with pale white hair had taken residence. His frustration evident, he added disdainfully, "My feeble-minded father has stooped so low as to welcome outsiders into our midst for a paltry sum of coppers."
With the tumult outside growing louder, I activated my Divine Sight, searching for answers amidst the chaos. Exhausted from its constant use in areas pulsating with potent mana, I had hoped to find solace and respite in this temporary arrangement. Alas, my tranquility was short-lived, disrupted even after parting with a whole silver coin as rent.
I unsheathed the sword bestowed upon me by Rob, a bastard sword crafted from the rare substance known as oracalcum. Stepping out of my temporary dwelling, I braced myself to confront the unruly mob that had gathered outside.
At the sight of me, armed with a formidable blade, most of the villagers scattered in fear, their tails tucked between their trembling legs. Only the drunken knight and his lackey remained steadfast in their position.
My gaze locked with the knight's, taking in the formidable figure before me. Standing almost six feet tall, his muscular physique was accompanied by a long scar etched along the left side of his face. A disheveled mass of black hair framed his penetrating brown eyes, and his beard bore the unmistakable stains of alcohol.
The village elder had forewarned me about his troublemaking son, yet had advised against engaging in any sort of confrontation. "He's all bark and no bite," the elder had warned.
As the villagers fled in my presence, the knight observed me with amusement, his laughter echoing in the air. "Ha ha ha! Those fools told me an elven mercenary was in town, but you? You're just a pretty little boy," he jeered, advancing towards me without concern for the sword gripped tightly in my hand.
With my divine sight, I carefully analyzed him. While he possessed a meager mana pool of just over 100 mp, his brawny physique hinted at the fruits of his labor, suggesting he may possess some skill as a martial artist.
"Are you some noble lords pup running from his castles claiming to be of mercenary?" the knight taunted, scrutinizing me closely.
"What if I am?" I replied, allowing a small fraction of my suppressed mana to surge forth.
As he sensed my mana, the knight erupted into another bout of laughter. "A boy mage wielding a sword! I've encountered many oddities in my life, but never one quite like you," he remarked.
Unperturbed, I activated mana enhancement, and a soft azure glow enveloped the sword in my hand.
"Don't let it ruffle your feathers. I couldn't care less about whether my lord is fleeing his home. His troubles mean nothing to me," he retorted, dripping with sarcasm.
"But you cannot linger in my village without compensating me properly,"
"I have already paid the village elder," I replied
"I couldn't care less about the meager sum you handed over to that greedy old fool. He can shove those copper coins up his rear end for all I care," the knight retorted dismissively.
"Then what do you want? If it's more money, forget it," I stated firmly.
"Ah, pretty boy, I have no interest in money. However, I quite fancy the idea of a sturdy stone house constructed by your skilled hands. If you wish to remain in my village, even if only for a few nights, you will need to pull your weight and build me a suitable dwelling to house our harvest," the knight declared.
"Will building these houses be sufficient as my payment?" I inquired.
"Yeah, that'll do," the knight replied after a brief pause, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
"Very well. I shall commence the construction tomorrow. Now, leave me be," I commanded, turning away and retreating into the confines of my dwelling, not bothering to wait for his response.