As each day passed, the chill in the air grew more pronounced. The pups, full of youthful energy, were already frolicking around the yard. Though they lacked the fiery aura of their parents, I knew it was only a matter of time before it manifested as they matured.
Observing the pups' playful antics, I couldn't help but notice the affectionate glances exchanged between their parents, Majka and Otac, as they watched from their shelter. Their content expressions left me feeling like an inadvertent third wheel in their loving dynamic.
Yet amidst the tranquility of our homestead, a sense of unease lingered with the absence of the goddess for two weeks now. I hoped she was safe wherever she may be.
With our provisions stocked to last us for months, boredom crept in, prompting me to venture to the seashore in search of seafood. Armed with a woven basket crafted from gathered twigs courtesy of my Heavenly Blueprint, I scoured the exposed rocks and tidal pools as the receding tide revealed an abundance of marine life.
I harvested a plentiful bounty of mussels clinging to the rocks and even managed to catch a few fish trapped in the pools by hand, ensuring an ample supply for our meals until the next day's breakfast.
As I prepared to depart, I took a last look at the vast expanse of the sea and noticed a dark spot on the horizon. Intrigued, I observed it intently, only to witness its gradual expansion, accompanied by the emergence of three additional spots.
After some time, their true forms were revealed—they were sailships, reminiscent of the majestic galleons from olden days.
I patiently awaited their arrival, watching as they dropped anchor not far from the coast before disembarking onto the island using small boats.
Standing on the shore, I observed with keen interest as the lead boat approached, its passengers a diverse mix of genders and ages. Among them was a mother cradling her infant, a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of life amidst the vastness of the sea.
Though initially wary, their demeanor softened as one of them, a rugged man in his early forties, stepped forward to initiate a conversation with me. His muscular build hinted at a life accustomed to hard labor, yet his approach bore an air of cautious curiosity.
"Please pardon our intrusion and my insolence, but are you perhaps a deity of this island?" The man's words caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but show my bewilderment. It wasn't because he had mistaken me for a divine being, but rather because I could understand their language as if it were my own.
"I'm sorry if we have offended you in any way," he continued, sensing my confusion. "We were desperate to leave our country in fear for our lives."
Quickly realizing the potential misunderstanding, I reassured him, "Don't worry, you have not done me any wrong, and I'm not a god. My name is Egil, and I'm just the sole resident of this island. You don't have to be so formal with me."
Relieved, he introduced himself as Theo, his demeanor shifting from intimidating to amicable as he spoke. It was a reminder not to judge a book by its cover.
It seemed that Theo could understand me perfectly fine, which was perplexing. Without a clear explanation, I attributed it to one of the blessings I had received.
"Okay, Theo. I have a lot of questions for you, but right now, why don't you set up camp inside the forest? The sun's getting low, and the breeze is not too friendly here on the coast."
Before Theo could say anything else, I took the lead and began walking in the direction of my house.
I guided them to the area south of my house where I had cleared a lot of trees. The space should be sufficient for them to set up their tents, and if it's lacking, they can camp outside my house.
There were well over a thousand people who arrived on this island. Some looked like important figures, with servants carrying their belongings, while most appeared to be commoners.
The most surprising arrival was the last group to reach the shore. They were soldiers clad in iron armor, armed with swords and lances. Behind them rode a few individuals on horseback, unmistakably royalty.
As they approached the camp, everyone took a knee and bowed their heads, leaving me standing out among the crowd.
One of their guards quickly approached me, saying, "Pay your respects to the king and princess of Easton!" He attempted to push me down, but my soldier's instincts kicked in. In self-defense, I twisted his hand, struck his knee, and then his face. Even with a full-faced helmet, the blow left a dent, and he fell unconscious.
The shock rippled through the crowd as if I had committed a capital offense. The other guards swiftly surrounded me, weapons at the ready.
I stood my ground, refusing to bow to uninvited guests who had marched into my home. Why should I abide by their rules?
Suddenly, I heard a commotion from behind me. Otac and Majka leaped in front of me, flames radiating from their bodies as they adopted menacing stances, ready to defend me from the guards.
"Stand down!" a voice commanded from the royalty's group.
Reluctantly, the guards withdrew but remained vigilant.
A member of the royal entourage dismounted from her horse and approached me, her hand resting on her sword's hilt. She wore white and blue full-body armor, her long golden hair adding to her natural beauty. She resembled an elf from my favorite fantasy movie.
When she reached me, she surprised me by taking a knee and offering an apology.
"I deeply apologize for the actions of my people. They were unaware of your identity. Please spare their lives. I, the princess of Easton, will punish them on your behalf, severely so."
It was another misunderstanding.
The sight of a princess bowing before me stunned everyone into silence. As she bowed, everyone else had no choice but to follow suit, including the elderly figure with a crown atop his head and the individuals around him who dismounted their horses.
Hmm? Old guy with a crown?
Wait, was that the king?
The hounds also withdrew and sat behind me, remaining vigilant.
I stood frozen in place, my jaw dropping in disbelief. Even their king followed suit. What did the princess take me for, anyway?
The princess spoke loudly so that everyone could hear. "You may have your reasons for posing as a regular human, but I received a blessing from the heavens."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd as they processed the princess's declaration.
"Right, the princess did have the gift of Appraisal."
"So, this person isn't human? I guess that explains why he commands hellhounds."
No, wait. I'm human just like everyone else!
Before I could respond to clarify the misunderstanding, the princess continued speaking.
"Everyone, the person standing before us is an exalted being. Please show your utmost respect to this man and to this land where he resides."
I gave up.