Day 11:
9:00 AM – Woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the distant clatter of hooves. Looks like we have visitors. I sure hope they're not the type that bring pitchforks and torches to a housewarming party.
9:30 AM – Enjoyed a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon. Agnes's cooking is a delight, though she's still convinced I'm her grandson. Eggs are eggs, even if they come with a side of mistaken identity and unsolicited hugs.
10:00 AM – Our visitors turned out to be a group of adventurers. They looked about as welcome as a skunk at a garden party, and twice as likely to cause trouble. Decided to greet them personally, because nothing says "Welcome" like a seven-foot tall former boss with a smile.
Interlude – Adventurer Arrival:
Adventurer 1: "Halt! We seek the dark lord Vortax! Show yourself!" Vortax: "I'm right here. Can I offer you some tea and maybe a cookie? Or are we skipping straight to the death threats?"
11:00 AM – The adventurers were understandably confused by my hospitality. Invited them to sit in the garden and discuss their grievances. They looked at each other like I'd just asked them to dance the tango with a cactus.
12:00 PM – Over tea and cookies, the adventurers explained their mission. They were sent by the king to investigate the recent disturbances and to eliminate any threats. I reassured them that the only thing threatening around here was Grog's cooking.
Interlude – Adventurer Negotiations:
Adventurer 2: "You're… inviting us to tea? This isn't some kind of trap, is it?" Vortax: "Only if you count Grog's 'special' cookies. Those things are a health hazard."
2:00 PM – After some initial skepticism, the adventurers began to relax. Turns out, they're not so different from me. Just a bunch of folks trying to do what they think is right. We swapped stories of our respective battles, and I shared my recent efforts to reform.
4:00 PM – Agnes stopped by with a fresh batch of cookies, much to the delight of our guests. She's convinced I'm her grandson, but who am I to argue? Cookies are cookies, even if they come with a side of mistaken identity and tales of the "good old days".
Interlude – Agnes' Cookies:
Adventurer 3: "These are amazing! What's your secret, ma'am?" Agnes: "Love and a pinch of cinnamon, dearie. And don't forget to treat your enemies with kindness."
6:00 PM – Invited the adventurers to join us in the garden for a game of horseshoes. They were hesitant at first, but soon warmed up to the idea. It was like watching a pack of wolves trying to learn how to square dance—awkward but surprisingly endearing.
8:00 PM – The adventurers left with a promise to report back to the king about my attempts at reform. I sent them off with a basket of Agnes's cookies and a few gardening tips. Who knew being a villain could be so… wholesome?
Interlude – Farewell to Adventurers:
Adventurer 1: "We'll let the king know about your… uh, situation here. Thanks for the cookies. And the gardening advice." Vortax: "Anytime. And remember, roses need plenty of sunlight and water. Just like friendships."
10:00 PM – Retreated to my chambers, feeling a strange sense of accomplishment. The adventurers' visit had gone better than expected, and I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for the future. Maybe, just maybe, there's a place for a reformed final boss in this world.
End of Day 11
Diary Commentary – Vortax (formerly known as Max):
Today was a day of unexpected guests and garden parties, of tea and cookies. Despite the initial tension, we found common ground and shared some laughs. It's strange, but in a good way—like finding a diamond in a pile of coal, or realizing that even the most hardened adventurers have a soft spot for cookies and a good game of horseshoes. Here's to tomorrow, and whatever surprises it may bring. We'll face them head-on, with a smile and a plate of cookies.