Rosario had originally planned on having a meeting with Naomi in the Great Hall, he had assumed there was some kind of office he could use. He was wrong apparently that idiot had done everything from the throne. Soto offered up his house which had seating in a parlor type room.
Before making their way over to Sotos house Rosario had dispatched his warriors to make sure everyone was packing up and leaving the village whether they were going out on their own or joining him back at his village they needed to vacant this village as Rosario was adamant about razing it too the ground.
Currently, Soto was leading Rosario, Naomi, and Tormund into the basement of the Great Hall where Coopers Summoning Gate was hidden. Rosario retrieved the 3 summoning gate stones from it and watched as the gate crumbled into dust. Thinking about it he wondered if the same happened to the gate in the mines.
Another half hour later Rosario, Tormund, Naomi, and Soto were sitting in Sotos parlor room drinking water as Tormund went over roughly the agreement he had come to with Naomi.
Rosario noticed Naomi looked a bit more reserved that when she first introduced herself to him on the steps of the Great Hall.
"Naomi, is there something bugging you?"
"Huh, oh no, nothing at all."
Her fidgeting told a different story.
"If your leg bounces any faster you might generate electricity. That's a normal nervous tick, my buddy used to do that when he had something on his mind. Id rather you just spit it out than holding in your question."
Sighing Naomi took a moment to think of a way to ask her question without offending Rosario.
"Why did you kill him like that? How are you okay with killing someone so easily, I feel nervous about subordinating myself to someone who can kill without any conscience."
Leaning back into the chair he was on; Rosario nodded his head in understanding.
"That's a good question, I might even question your character if you didn't question my actions. When I first got here I would never have been able to do something like that. To be honest I don't really know when, but I feel more callous towards life. I would give my life for my clansmen, those who have forged a new life with me here, but to be honest I wouldn't see it as some massive loss if people I don't know died. Of course, I don't want anyone to die unnecessarily, but I wouldn't be too cut up about those I don't really care about. Currently that is everyone in this village, but my people. I killed him that way because I want others to see what will happen if they commit heinous crimes against the population they are supposed to govern. His job was to protect these people, instead he used them for his own pleasure and gain."
"I don't want to lead; I am not a leader. I want to hunt alone and power level myself to explore the universe and all the galaxies within. The society I plan on setting up will be a Spartan like society, the more I think about it I want there to be different castes of the society. Everyone will serve some time in some military position. Only those absolutely needed in another profession will be allowed around this mandatory service. I want to implement this as it will teach our entire population how to fight. If we are ever invaded I want everyone to be able to take up arms against our enemies. During their service everyone will be required to learn a trade, multiple if they can find the time even. This will lead to the new caste system I spoke about. First of there will be the members of the Morlux clan, anyone who joins the clan is given the last name Morlux and will be part of the best fighters we have. Those who do not join the clan but want to be citizens of the Empire we will build will be a second caste. The third and last caste would be those who are not citizens of our country. These would be merchants visiting or travelers. Each caste would be given full freedoms within reason in our Empire, so long as someone follows basic moral rules they would not have any issues."
"Where would I fall under this caste system?"
"You would be the second category, a citizen but not part of the clan."
"Is there a way to join your clan? Can anyone join? What are the criteria to join?"
"Yes there is a way to join the clan, initially I was going to let everyone join, however I noticed this might be detrimental to my clan as I don't want any bad seeds joining. Moving forward if someone is trying to become part of the Morlux clan they will need to be personally vetted by me. The criteria would be a combination of peoples: morals, combat power, character, and secondary roles such as if they are a blacksmith, tanner, or baker. I would have my subordinates gather information on anyone looking to join to be sure they were the right fit."
"My goal is to one day, be able to say my Empire is strong enough and I am not needed anymore, so I could then go and explore the universe."
After saying his piece Rosario sat silently as Naomi mulled over what he said.
"If I don't join you will you make me leave this area?"
"Nope, I would expect us to make an alliance of some sorts at that point." Shrugging he added. "Unless you want to become enemies, but I would much rather not."
"I would rather not also. I lost my first summon Gloria to Coopers goblins. Tormund had said if I were to join you Soto could be my advisor?"
Glancing at Tormund, Rosario saw him shrug slightly.
"That is not my call, the people we freed are free to do what they want. We are currently taking them back to our village to help get them some food and a safe rest, but if someone wants to leave they are welcome too. Soto is free to make his own choices now."
Looking at Soto Naomi asked. "Would you be willing to become my advisor even if I don't join these men?"
"I would mi Lady."
Smiling lightly Naomi thanked Soto before addressing Rosario again.
"Thank you Soto, you know you are not that great at this whole negotiating thing. At this point, yes I could use your patronage for strong support, but I am sure with Soto by my side I will be able to increase my people's strength quickly. Tell me why I should still subordinate myself to you."
Tormund, who looked annoyed at this point went to speak up, but Rosario raised his hand to stop him.
"There isn't. It was you and Tormund who talked about you becoming my vassal, not me. I know I said he speaks for me, but if you are able to get everything you need without me it is all the better. As I said I don't want more people relying on me to be really honest. I am just looking to build a home and train someone I can pawn off leadership too so I can leave and explore one day, but still have somewhere to return too. I don't like negotiating; I'd rather know what price I pay and then decide myself if it's worth it or not. If you do not want to be my vassal that's fine. I do hope we can become allies though."
Naomi stared into the black sockets where she assumed Rosarios eyes were behind his helmet. After a prolonged silence of neither of them moving a radiant smile took over her face.
"How do we do this."
Both Rosario and Naomi looked over at Soto and Tormund who stared back at them.
"How do I become a vassal."