In the Main Hall
After a moment of silence...
Below, the three girl exchanged furtive glances and all noticed the deep fear hidden within each other. Their fear was directed toward the figure above—the Manor Lord seated amidst an oppressive and twisted atmosphere. His entire presence exuded a sense of dread, as if a demon had descended upon the mortal world.
If not for the circumstances forcing them, they would never have dared to take such a risk. They would have left, just like the others before them.
The main hall remained eerily silent.
At the head seat, Noah Drake blushed slightly, unsure of what to say.
'Too much loss of image... Well, this life is over... They see me like this, for the first time!!! '
Noah's face froze, And he imagined his face turning as purple as a sweet potato....
Below, the three girl sensed the increasingly oppressive atmosphere amidst the silence. Unconsciously, they all shared the same thought:
"The Manor Lord is furious."
They lowered their heads in fear. The youngest among them, a petite princess, was trembling slightly.
Noah Drake noticed that the situation wasn't unfolding as he had expected.
"System, what's happening? Why do they seem so scared?"
The system replied, "The manor management mode is currently active. Your appearance is being maintained in its most majestic and intimidating form.
Until they are officially recognized with a token and become members of the manor, they will only perceive a vague and overwhelming image of you."
"So, they haven't seen my true appearance this whole time?"
Noah sighed in relief. Then he spoke aloud:
"You don't need to be afraid. Step forward one by one and introduce yourselves, from left to right."
"Introduce ourselves? Is this a test?" they wondered.
One of them recalled what the steward had mentioned earlier: "Your past identity doesn't matter anymore."
The first stepped forward.
"Respected Manor Lord, my name is Lalatina Celeste. I am 17 years old.
I was born into a family with a long lineage. My father and mother were both well-known figures. Due to the pressures of the clan, I was forced into an arranged marriage. I refused. When I heard of a Sage descending upon Strong Bull Mountain, accompanied by heavenly phenomena, I was inspired to come here, hoping to learn and escape my grim fate.
Now, I am a member of your manor."
'Fate is merciless,' Noah thought, 'boldly rewriting a family's memory. Wasn't this place once a den of thieves with a terrible reputation? Since when was it associated with a Sage?'
'Such a pitiful girl.'
"Very well. Next."
The second girl stepped forward.
"My name is Luna Hart. I am 16 years old.
I had to risk my life to convince my father to let me come here to learn. He told me if I failed, I couldn't return. Thanks to your kindness, I now have the chance to stand here. I am deeply grateful and will not disappoint you."
"Understood."
Noah turned to the smallest of the three.
"And what do you think of this manor?"
The youngest girl hesitated but stepped forward timidly.
"My name is Aurelius Liora. I am 14 years old.
I followed my elder brother here. He was chosen, but I was not. My brother is my only family... But, Manor Lord, you are a kind person. I am grateful for your compassion. I promise not to disappoint you."
'How adorable.'
"You don't need to be nervous, little one," Noah reassured her. "I am not a bad person. You can all rest assured—I am fair and reasonable."
After a period of exchange, Noah discovered that these individuals were ordinary mortals led here by heavenly guidance. The heavens had altered their memories, causing them to seek refuge here.
'Good. A promising start'
"Zhao Yu, you're back. These three girls will serve as my attendants. Escort them to their rooms. You all should rest and begin your duties tomorrow. If you're hungry, speak to the steward. There's no need to be overly formal."
"Thank you, Manor Lord!"
---
Back in his room, Noah gazed out at the night. It was unclear what time it was, but he didn't care. He reflected on the day's events.
"In total, there are now 24 people in the manor—three subordinates, three lovely attendants, and some items in my inventory."
"System, how did these people find their way here?"
"The heavens guided them here," the system replied.
"So, they're chosen by the heavens to be nurtured. But why were they made servants instead of disciples? Explain, system."
"The system can only address matters within the manor and provide relevant guidance. The allocation of roles is correct—this group is designated as servants chosen by the heavens."
"I see. Well then, it's late... I'm looking forward to tomorrow."
---
"can't sleep!!"
"I am a reincarnated emperor; how can I get so emotional over a few maidservants? Calm down. There are countless beautiful women waiting for me outside."
His body felt itchy and uncomfortable. "I haven't bathed in over a day, and this is the only outfit I have. There's nothing to eat in the kitchen either, and I probably don't even have a spare change of clothes."
"System, are there no daily necessities available?"
"The system does not provide full support. The host is advised to establish an emblem to unlock suitable missions and rewards."
"Fair enough. So, there are no supplies because I haven't triggered any missions yet."
"That settles it. First, I need to establish an emblem."