Suleiman looked at the soldiers and hunters and said, "Your harvest today was quite good."
"It is all thanks to Your Grace's guidance," they responded, looking at Suleiman with a mix of fear and respect. They had witnessed the mysterious phenomenon of the mountain and pyramid appearing in the village, and upon their return, they saw them standing there. In addition, they felt something unsettling in Suleiman's gaze, as if a beast were staring at its prey.
Athena called one of the farmers to take the cow for breeding.
Then she asked, "Where is Frank?"
"Frank?" Suleiman repeated. "Who is he?"
Athena answered, "He is the scout, Your Grace."
One of the soldiers replied, "He found tracks of unknown creatures and went to investigate them."
Suleiman nodded, "I see. What were the results of today's expedition?"
The soldier responded, "We explored a two-kilometer radius around the village. We didn't find any strong monsters or additional traces of unknown creatures, aside from the ones Frank is investigating. We discovered a small fruit orchard about 10 meters by 20 meters, but we found no quarries or mines."
"Hmm, good work. Go now and eat well—we'll feast on meat tonight."
The soldiers and hunters quickly responded, "We thank Your Grace for your generosity!"
As they left, Suleiman turned to the soldier who had just spoken and asked, "What is your name?"
A young man, likely not yet twenty, with a well-proportioned but not overly muscular build, stepped forward. A sword rested at his side. He bowed slightly, his voice trembling as he spoke, "Harry, Your Grace."
"Well done, Harry. You may go." Suleiman dismissed him, observing the emotions flowing from the young man—respect, excitement, happiness, and a hint of fear.
After their departure, Suleiman and Athena discussed the village's progress and upcoming developments until Harry returned with an announcement.
"The meal is ready, Your Grace."
During their meal, a man in his mid-thirties entered the room. His appearance was so plain that one might not notice him if he walked past. He was Frank, the scout.
"Your Grace, my lady," Frank greeted as he approached.
Athena gestured toward Suleiman, "Report your findings on the unknown tracks to His Grace."
Frank quickly responded, "We discovered the tracks during our exploration. I wasn't sure how many creatures there were, so to avoid unnecessary risk, I decided to investigate alone. I followed the tracks for about two kilometers and found a group of five Yellow Goblins. I trailed them from a safe distance until they led me to their lair. They reside in a cave about five kilometers from the village. It appears to be a quarry as well. I took a quick survey of the area and counted roughly twenty goblins, including the five I had followed."
"Excellent work, Frank. You will be rewarded for your efforts soon."
Frank immediately knelt, "Thank you, Your Grace!" After expressing his gratitude, he left to join the other soldiers.
---
After finishing his meal, Suleiman stood up and addressed the gathered villagers.
"Once you finish cleaning up, return to your homes quickly. We have a lot of work to do tomorrow."
Then, turning toward the soldiers and hunters, he continued, "The soldiers will take the first night watch. The hunters will take the second."
Harry swiftly responded, "As you command, Your Grace!"
Suleiman then turned to Athena and said, "Follow me to the house. We need to continue our discussion."
"Understood, Your Grace," Athena replied.
As Suleiman walked toward the house, he thought to himself, "After merging with Horus' Eye, I can now sense people's emotions and thoughts. As for Athena… she's like a still ocean—no ripples, no disturbances. Even when she calls me 'Your Grace,' I feel neither respect nor contempt, neither admiration nor disgust."
~ Horus' Eye Ability ~
Name: Athena
Age: ?????
Rank: Secretary of Lord Suleiman / Village Chief's Assistant
Bloodline: ?????
Profession: ?????
Skills: ?????
"My Lord, are you not going to open the door? We have arrived," Athena's voice snapped Suleiman out of his thoughts.
"Hehe…" A nervous chuckle escaped him. Once again, Athena had caught him off guard.
Suleiman opened the door and entered the office, taking a seat while Athena sat across from him.
"What are your thoughts on the Yellow Goblin tribe?" Suleiman asked directly.
"Your Grace, we will have to fight them one way or another. The strategy we employ will depend on the summoning results tomorrow, the gifts from Olympus Mountain and the Royal Pyramid, and your commands." Athena responded with a small smile.
Suleiman thought for a moment before adding, "And also on the goblin tribe's strength and numbers. We are still in the early stages. There's no need to suffer serious injuries so soon. Although I believe they won't be much of a threat to either of us, caution is necessary." He spoke while gazing out the window.
"Your Grace will become a great king—and quickly," Athena remarked, watching him. Then she asked, "Your Grace, is there a place for me in your house?"
"Of course. There are two rooms upstairs. You may choose whichever you like." Suleiman replied, surprised. For a brief moment, he had sensed genuine appreciation from her.
Athena left the office and selected a room, while Suleiman entered the other.
As he lay on his bed, he reflected on the events of the day—his encounters with Zeus, Horus, and Athena, the magical summoning of his villagers, the divine gifts that had enhanced the village's potential, and his own growing strength.
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Suleiman drifted into sleep.
As the first rays of sunlight touched the horizon…