Henry Stonehelm, Captain of the Royal Guards
Emerging from the cloud of dust was a tall, burly man with a beast-like appearance. He had broad shoulders, thick arms, and a hardened face that seemed to seen many battles.
Behind him marched dozens of guards dressed in black and gray uniforms, their timely steps showcasing discipline. Trailing the formation was Leonard, who had a solemn expression as he caught up to the commanding figure of the leader.
Upon reaching Theo, the burly man's stern expression softened, and he bowed, "Lord Silverblade," he greeted with a voice that was surprisingly gentle given his appearance, "I'm truly happy to see you in better health. These villagers' cheers were hard to ignore."
Straightening up, he continued with a warm smile, "I am Henry Stonehelm, Captain of the Royal Guards stationed in the Ashenvale village. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lord Silverblade."
The difference between Henry's beastly appearance and his sweet, gentle nature was easy to notice.
The villagers watched the other guards who were standing firmly behind Henry, their sharp eyes and strict stance showed their discipline. Leonard was standing beside Henry, with a conflicted look in his eyes.
The intense aura coming from the guards’ formation was one of control, brutal training, and unwavering loyalty. They weren't just any guards; they were the personal royal guards, handpicked by Princess Liliana herself to ensure Theo's safety within the walls of Ashenvale village. Their presence showed the importance and trust that the Princess placed in Theo's well-being even if she couldn’t be here by herself.
As Henry expressed his warm greetings, Theo stood up from his chair, “Your kind words are appreciated, Captain Henry. Ashenvale is fortunate to have you." He spoke with a calm voice.
Henry's eyes glinted with pride at Theo's words. Giving a slight nod, he turned to his guards and loudly declared, "For Lord Silverblade!" His voice reverberated like a powerful wave.
On his command, the guards took a step forward, their boots thudding on the ground in perfect unison. They snapped into an intimidating formation, hands placed over their hearts in a salute directed at Theo. The respect in their eyes was visible as they knew how important this boy was for Princess Liliana. They weren’t just saluting the title of 'Baron,' they were saluting the person who was very precious for their Princess.
This intimidating salute caused many villagers to gasp for air, finding it hard to breathe in their presence. The villagers were just commoners without any high level of power, and these guards were well trained with abundant battle experiences, thus their intimidating presence created a pressure that made it hard for them to breathe. Even Theo could feel this pressure, but he fared slightly better since it was not directed at him, and they were looking at him with loyalty. Their duty was to protect him.
As the guards withdrew from their intimidating yet respectful position, Theo turned to Leonard and commanded, “Mister Leonard, take Elder Morin and others to prepare a comfortable area for everyone to eat. We'll serve the food once it's ready.”
Leonard's eyes were puzzled but he restrained himself from speaking as his gaze fell on the man beside him, who was Henry Stonehelm. He wasn’t just any captain; he was renowned even in the capital for slaying numerous demons in the last battle they had with the demons.
The old man couldn’t fathom why the princess had dispatched Henry Stonehelm to protect this boy, and he was not in a position to inquire since he was just a normal servant assigned by the royal family, the only one not personally sent by the princess Liliana herself.
As he received the order, Leonard turned to the village head. "We need to make arrangements," he said.
Elder Morin nodded, signaling to some of the men nearby. "I have already arranged for mats to be kept ready," he stated. Together, they moved about twenty meters away and cleared a patch of ground. The men spread out the mats that the village head had prearranged, creating orderly rows for everyone to sit.
As the seating was being arranged, the children and elderly were guided towards the mats, taking their places eagerly. They knew they'd be served first and waited with hopeful gaze.
In the midst of this, there was a soft, yet clear voice. Elena announced, "Master, the food is ready."
Theo, pausing momentarily to assess the situation and ensuring that the villagers were settled, responded, "Then we should serve it."
Before he could leave his chair to move, Mira stepped forward with a determined look. "Please leave it to us, Lord Baron," she requested, her tone gentle but insistent. Around her, villagers nodded in agreement, showing their willingness to assist.
Mira, her brother, and a handful of other villagers then moved towards the prepared food. Holding large bowls filled with the prepared meal, they began distributing it. The atmosphere was festive, almost like a communal gathering or celebration.
Seeing this, Theo took up a large bowl himself. Accompanied by Elena, Mira, and her brother, he started serving food to the children and elderly.
Elena coldly glared at him, her wide, deer-like eyes filled with mild objection, as if silently protesting, ‘Master, you can’t do this.’
However, she kept her thoughts to herself, choosing not to voice her concerns aloud in front of everyone. Some villagers exchanged uneasy glances at Theo's unexpected gesture.
Recognizing the need to address the situation, Elder Morin stepped forward, clearing his throat. "My lord," he began with a faint smile, "if you serve in this manner, it won’t sit well with us. The elderly might become so nervous that... they might just forget to breathe!" He said this with a hint of humor in his tone, but the sentiment was genuine.
Theo paused, bowl in hand, and looked around. He could see their fearful and respectful gazes.
Nodding at the village head, he set the bowl down. He knew his position, no matter how well-intentioned, might interrupt the villagers from enjoying the meal in comfort.
As the older people and children started eating, their faces lit up with delight. Their eyes gleamed with happiness as they exclaimed, "This is incredibly delicious!" An elder commented, "Such luxury... Lord Silverblade has graced us with a dish made from enchanted vegetables. Even some nobles can't eat this every day."
This revelation caused Leonard's eyes to widen, clearly caught off guard. He opened his mouth slightly, disbelief evident on his face. However, further away, he could clearly see the remains of the enchanted veggies on their disposable plates, confirming the elder's claim.
A wave of amazement to spread amongst the other villagers and the guards waiting in line to eat after the elders and children had finished. Their faces transformed from shock to deep respect as they gazed at the young Baron and bowed their head. Theo acknowledged them with a gentle nod.
Even Elena, who stood at a distance, could not hide the pride swelling in her chest for her master, witnessing the respect and appreciation he was garnering.
Leaving the seating area, Theo headed back to his previous chair which Mira had arranged. As he settled, Leonard approached, the two of them sharing a silent moment while watching the villagers eating joyfully.
Noticing Leonard's contemplative expression, Theo inquired, “What’s the matter, Mister Leonard?”
Leonard tried to offer a smile, but it came out forced, his face enveloped with nervousness. "Lord Silverblade," he began hesitantly, "I've been wondering where you sourced these enchanted vegetables for the villagers. As far as I'm aware, even a count wouldn't serve their people such extravagant food..."
A moment of silence stretched between them. Theo locked eyes with Leonard, his gaze steady yet unreadable. It was as if time had slowed, making the air feel suffocating for the old man.
"Do you truly wish for an answer?" Theo replied, a gentle smile gracing his face.
====[SnowNote]====
Please bless this novel with high ratings so that it can gain more exposure and attract more readership.
Henry Stonehelm, Captain of the Royal Guards
Emerging from the cloud of dust was a tall, burly man with a beast-like appearance. He had broad shoulders, thick arms, and a hardened face that seemed to seen many battles.
Behind him marched dozens of guards dressed in black and gray uniforms, their timely steps showcasing discipline. Trailing the formation was Leonard, who had a solemn expression as he caught up to the commanding figure of the leader.
Upon reaching Theo, the burly man's stern expression softened, and he bowed, "Lord Silverblade," he greeted with a voice that was surprisingly gentle given his appearance, "I'm truly happy to see you in better health. These villagers' cheers were hard to ignore."
Straightening up, he continued with a warm smile, "I am Henry Stonehelm, Captain of the Royal Guards stationed in the Ashenvale village. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lord Silverblade."
The difference between Henry's beastly appearance and his sweet, gentle nature was easy to notice.
The villagers watched the other guards who were standing firmly behind Henry, their sharp eyes and strict stance showed their discipline. Leonard was standing beside Henry, with a conflicted look in his eyes.
The intense aura coming from the guards’ formation was one of control, brutal training, and unwavering loyalty. They weren't just any guards; they were the personal royal guards, handpicked by Princess Liliana herself to ensure Theo's safety within the walls of Ashenvale village. Their presence showed the importance and trust that the Princess placed in Theo's well-being even if she couldn’t be here by herself.
As Henry expressed his warm greetings, Theo stood up from his chair, “Your kind words are appreciated, Captain Henry. Ashenvale is fortunate to have you." He spoke with a calm voice.
Henry's eyes glinted with pride at Theo's words. Giving a slight nod, he turned to his guards and loudly declared, "For Lord Silverblade!" His voice reverberated like a powerful wave.
On his command, the guards took a step forward, their boots thudding on the ground in perfect unison. They snapped into an intimidating formation, hands placed over their hearts in a salute directed at Theo. The respect in their eyes was visible as they knew how important this boy was for Princess Liliana. They weren’t just saluting the title of 'Baron,' they were saluting the person who was very precious for their Princess.
This intimidating salute caused many villagers to gasp for air, finding it hard to breathe in their presence. The villagers were just commoners without any high level of power, and these guards were well trained with abundant battle experiences, thus their intimidating presence created a pressure that made it hard for them to breathe. Even Theo could feel this pressure, but he fared slightly better since it was not directed at him, and they were looking at him with loyalty. Their duty was to protect him.
As the guards withdrew from their intimidating yet respectful position, Theo turned to Leonard and commanded, “Mister Leonard, take Elder Morin and others to prepare a comfortable area for everyone to eat. We'll serve the food once it's ready.”
Leonard's eyes were puzzled but he restrained himself from speaking as his gaze fell on the man beside him, who was Henry Stonehelm. He wasn’t just any captain; he was renowned even in the capital for slaying numerous demons in the last battle they had with the demons.
The old man couldn’t fathom why the princess had dispatched Henry Stonehelm to protect this boy, and he was not in a position to inquire since he was just a normal servant assigned by the royal family, the only one not personally sent by the princess Liliana herself.
As he received the order, Leonard turned to the village head. "We need to make arrangements," he said.
Elder Morin nodded, signaling to some of the men nearby. "I have already arranged for mats to be kept ready," he stated. Together, they moved about twenty meters away and cleared a patch of ground. The men spread out the mats that the village head had prearranged, creating orderly rows for everyone to sit.
As the seating was being arranged, the children and elderly were guided towards the mats, taking their places eagerly. They knew they'd be served first and waited with hopeful gaze.
In the midst of this, there was a soft, yet clear voice. Elena announced, "Master, the food is ready."
Theo, pausing momentarily to assess the situation and ensuring that the villagers were settled, responded, "Then we should serve it."
Before he could leave his chair to move, Mira stepped forward with a determined look. "Please leave it to us, Lord Baron," she requested, her tone gentle but insistent. Around her, villagers nodded in agreement, showing their willingness to assist.
Mira, her brother, and a handful of other villagers then moved towards the prepared food. Holding large bowls filled with the prepared meal, they began distributing it. The atmosphere was festive, almost like a communal gathering or celebration.
Seeing this, Theo took up a large bowl himself. Accompanied by Elena, Mira, and her brother, he started serving food to the children and elderly.
Elena coldly glared at him, her wide, deer-like eyes filled with mild objection, as if silently protesting, ‘Master, you can’t do this.’
However, she kept her thoughts to herself, choosing not to voice her concerns aloud in front of everyone. Some villagers exchanged uneasy glances at Theo's unexpected gesture.
Recognizing the need to address the situation, Elder Morin stepped forward, clearing his throat. "My lord," he began with a faint smile, "if you serve in this manner, it won’t sit well with us. The elderly might become so nervous that... they might just forget to breathe!" He said this with a hint of humor in his tone, but the sentiment was genuine.
Theo paused, bowl in hand, and looked around. He could see their fearful and respectful gazes.
Nodding at the village head, he set the bowl down. He knew his position, no matter how well-intentioned, might interrupt the villagers from enjoying the meal in comfort.
As the older people and children started eating, their faces lit up with delight. Their eyes gleamed with happiness as they exclaimed, "This is incredibly delicious!" An elder commented, "Such luxury... Lord Silverblade has graced us with a dish made from enchanted vegetables. Even some nobles can't eat this every day."
This revelation caused Leonard's eyes to widen, clearly caught off guard. He opened his mouth slightly, disbelief evident on his face. However, further away, he could clearly see the remains of the enchanted veggies on their disposable plates, confirming the elder's claim.
A wave of amazement to spread amongst the other villagers and the guards waiting in line to eat after the elders and children had finished. Their faces transformed from shock to deep respect as they gazed at the young Baron and bowed their head. Theo acknowledged them with a gentle nod.
Even Elena, who stood at a distance, could not hide the pride swelling in her chest for her master, witnessing the respect and appreciation he was garnering.
Leaving the seating area, Theo headed back to his previous chair which Mira had arranged. As he settled, Leonard approached, the two of them sharing a silent moment while watching the villagers eating joyfully.
Noticing Leonard's contemplative expression, Theo inquired, “What’s the matter, Mister Leonard?”
Leonard tried to offer a smile, but it came out forced, his face enveloped with nervousness. "Lord Silverblade," he began hesitantly, "I've been wondering where you sourced these enchanted vegetables for the villagers. As far as I'm aware, even a count wouldn't serve their people such extravagant food..."
A moment of silence stretched between them. Theo locked eyes with Leonard, his gaze steady yet unreadable. It was as if time had slowed, making the air feel suffocating for the old man.
"Do you truly wish for an answer?" Theo replied, a gentle smile gracing his face.
====[SnowNote]====
Please bless this novel with high ratings so that it can gain more exposure and attract more readership.
