After those first few exchanges, Greg quickly learned that he and Brom had very little to talk about. The man was a small town deli owner, and that was about it. Unless Greg wanted to get real in depth about the various qualities of different kinds of meat, they didn't have much to say to each other. "I miss Victor." Greg sighed as he and Brom mutually decided to go their separate ways. He also would have loved it if Gloria was around, but there was something different between a friend and a girlfriend. Not that Gloria wasn't fun to hang out with, but… well, with Gloria, it was more about being with her, the simple act of her being there making whatever he was doing better. With Victor on the other hand, it wasn't so much that he enjoyed being around Victor, it was that whatever he and Victor did together was usually fun. Like, if he was watching the literal worst movie in the world and Gloria was there, he'd at least be somewhat happy because he enjoyed being around Gloria. However, if he was with Victor, they'd probably start tearing the movie apart and making jokes about how bad it was, and that would make it fun. So if Gloria was here, he'd definitely be happy, but if he wanted to really enjoy this party, he needed someone like Victor, and that was weirdly hard to find. The World would throw girlfriends at him left and right, but not a hint of a best friend anywhere.

Greg paused, cocking his head as he seriously considered what it would take to find a best friend. His experience with Victor didn't help. They were roommates, pretty much forced to hang out, and they happened to click. Same with Casey, really. Sat next to each other in Calculus, made some small talk, got lunch together a few times, and bam, friends. Greg blinked. Should he try going back to college? Or getting into one of these Academies… it wouldn't be the worst idea, he supposed, but it seemed a bit overboard just to find some friends… plus there was no guarantee he'd find anyone he meshed well with, unless World fuckery was involved, and then he'd probably get sucked into some sort of Academy arc. Yeah, not worth it. He needed someplace that forced people to interact, but didn't tie him into anything… like a hobby group or something. Maybe there was a knitting club in town somewhere? Or a church group.

Greg snorted. Did this World even have a God? Or gods… well, there were outer gods, weren't there? That at least implied there were 'inner' gods of some sort. He should ask someone about that at some point. Not that he'd do anything with it… even before all this, his faith was more of a vague obligation than any true belief, and after an apocalypse, magic aliens, and becoming a godlike being himself, any faith he ever had had quickly withered. Besides, gods were really more of an afterlife concern, and since he couldn't die, he didn't have an afterlife. He just had… life.

Anyway, it wouldn't be a bad idea to look into some sort of hobby group. Maybe start a game club of his own? Get some GURPS games going. Greg grinned. Yeah, he could work with that. But first he had to survive this party… He looked around at the various knots of people, before letting out a sigh. This was going to be a long night.

*

Andrew smiled politely as yet another old farmer regaled him with an absolutely riveting tale of how his crops almost got ruined by 'insert crop killing event here' only for a last ditch effort to save it all. *Elizabeth, why are we doing this again?* He sent with an internal groan.

*Because you choose this town to get involved in, and getting involved means learning about the people.* Elizabeth replied. *Even the incredibly boring ones.*

Andrew suppressed a grimace as the farmer finished. "I never realized rabbitoids could be such pests." He commented.

The farmer spit. "All them goblinoids are vermin the world would be better off without, including the goblins that bore them. What the System was thinking when it let those creatures loose, I'll never know."

"Right." Andrew grunted noncommittally. He understood hating goblins, but it still didn't sit right with him. They couldn't help how they were born. "Anyway, it was nice meeting you, but I should probably let you get back to the party." Andrew carefully extricated himself from the conversation. At least this one hadn't tried to foist one of his daughters onto him. He swore these people had to have some kind of fetish or something given the amount of marriage offers he'd gotten today! Who tries to hand off their daughter to some guy they just met?!? It was insane!

*It isn't that unusual.* Elizabeth commented. *A young, eligible bachelor suddenly arrives in town, obviously a man of means and wealth… who wouldn't want their daughter to have a chance with him? Particularly since the competition is bound to be fierce, given how small this town is.*

Andrew sighed. *Sure, but why is everyone focusing on me? The other three are just as young and eligible as I am!*

*For starters, Chris and Thomas are both clearly already spoken for. Annie and Quinn have done more than enough to stake their claims in that department. As for Greg… I'm not sure anyone actually knows how to approach him.* She glanced over at Greg, who was leaning against a wall, just staring at the crowd with a bored expression that bordered on a slight scowl. Yeah, no one was going to be approaching him any time soon. *Therefore, you are the only one available.*

*But I'm with you, aren't I?* Andrew replied, frowning slightly.

*Physically, yes, but we've done nothing to imply that we have a relationship. In fact, I'm fairly certain some of these people think I'm your mother… or possibly an aunt?* Elizabeth smirked slightly at the comments she'd received about what a nice boy Andrew was, as if somehow she'd played a part in how he turned out.

Andrew sputtered internally. *My mom?!? Why would anyone think that!?!*

*Well, for starters, I'm fully mature, while you still have a look of adolescence about you. Additionally, while I'm fairly certain these people cannot identify our levels, I'm strong enough that my presence is palpable, which further implies my age exceeds your own. Finally, I have clearly been motivating you to interact with people, implying an authoritative position. Hence mother, or aunt. Possibly bodyguard or nanny?* Elizabeth elaborated.

*So… if I want all this to stop, I should just kiss you?* Andrew asked.

*At this point, I believe that may do more harm than good.* Elizabeth replied with a hint of amusement. *The impression is already set, and any sudden affection between us would give people the wrong idea.*

Andrew eyed Elizabeth strangely. *Wait… do you want these people shoving their daughters at me?*

*Now why would I want that?* Elizabeth asked, cocking her head and smirking at him.

*You do!* Andrew exclaimed incredulously. *But I thought- don't you want to be with me?* He asked hesitantly.

Elizabeth smiled, shaking her head. *I want you to be happy. With or without me. Or with me and whoever else you may choose. It isn't like you're a stranger to being with multiple women.*

Andrew flushed. *I should never have told you about that.* He grumbled. *Look, as much as I ended up with both Cathryn and Li Jing, I've never thought that was an ideal relationship. Not that I'd give either of them up, but… ugh, I'd rather just be with one woman if I can help it. And since we're Bonded, it pretty much has to be you.*

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Elizabeth sighed. *No, it doesn't. Andrew, do you really think either of us is going to be happy if you decide to be with me simply because you think you have to? Love isn't an obligation, it's a choice. You can choose me, and I'll happily accept, but if you simply wish to resign yourself to me, I want nothing of it.*

Andrew's expression twisted. *I'm not resigning myself to you, it's- look, I know I can love you. That's how the whole thing works, isn't it? So I know if we spend enough time around each other, I will love you at some point, which means if I pursue another woman, I'll end up in the same freaking situation I did with Cathryn and Li Jing! So I am choosing you, because you're the only choice that makes sense.*

*Ah, yes, the words every girl wants to hear. 'We should be together because it makes sense.'* Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

*That's not- what I mean is, if I'm going to love you, why should I look for anyone else?* Andrew reiterated with a groan.

Elizabeth glared at him. *Andrew, we both know love isn't something that just happens. If you take me as a given, then both of us will be miserable.*

*I'm not saying it is, but if I'm going to put the work in with someone, I might as well put the work in with you!* Andrew retorted.

*Then you might as well look for someone else!* Elizabeth growled.

*Fuck! Why can't you just accept that I am choosing you?!?* Andrew exclaimed.

*Because every word you say makes it clear you aren't doing it because you want to, you're doing it because you think you have to!* Elizabeth snapped. *I'd rather you abuse me than this! At least then you'd be enjoying yourself!*

*I- okay, look. I'm not- it isn't that I'm choosing you because I have to have to, I'm choosing you because I want to have to. Because I want to care about you. To love you. I'm not saying we should be together because it has to be inevitable, but because I want it to be inevitable. I want us to be together and be happy and just- everything a relationship is supposed to be. If that doesn't happen, then I'm not saying we should force it and make ourselves miserable, but while it's an option, we- I need to try.* Andrew explained.

Elizabeth blinked. *Okay, now you can kiss me.*

*

"Where did your friend go?" Chris asked, wandering over to Greg as two weirdos started making out behind them. Quinn had to use the bathroom, so he had some free time to wander around.

Greg rolled his eyes. "Chris, you can't just pick someone out of a crowd and suddenly have a friend. That dude was a freaking deli owner who only wanted to talk about meat."

"So? Try again. I'm sure there's someone here you can talk to." Chris shrugged.

"You think so?" Greg snorted.

"Sure. Like those girls over there keep looking at you. I'm sure they'd like to talk." Chris gestured towards a group of farm girls who immediately began to titter as they noticed his attention.

Greg blinked over at them. "That- probably won't go over well. I like my balls where they are."

Chris frowned. "What do your balls have to do with talking to people?"

"People? Nothing. Those girls? More than I'm comfortable with." Greg shook his head.

Chris gave him a weird look before shrugging. "If you say so. But still, there are plenty of options. People everywhere. Go talk."

"Chris, I'm glad you managed to find some sort of social butterfly inside yourself, but this is not my scene." Greg replied. "I don't just walk up and talk to people. I don't want to walk up and talk to people. I barely want to talk to people, period! I like to do shit like play games! Just sitting around and talking isn't exactly my thing."

"So make some games and start playing." Chris shrugged. "I'm not saying you have to go talk to people. I don't support asking people to be social when they don't want to be. But coming here and making friends was your idea. You have a way you like to make friends? Go do it. With our abilities, you don't really have an excuse for standing around like there's nothing you can do."

Greg blinked. "You know, you have to be one of the single most frustrating people to talk to, but damn it if you don't make good points. Might actually be part of the problem…"

"Things are never as complicated as people make them." Chris sighed. "Sometimes it just takes an outside perspective to point it out. And there aren't many perspectives more outside than mine."

Greg snorted. "True that." He pushed off the wall, sending out some smoke. "Alright, who wants to play some pool!?!" He yelled out as several billiard tables formed in a line in front of him, along with a rack of cues.

"Have fun." Chris chuckled, giving him a pat on the shoulder as several guys made their way over curiously, a few of the women also circling, though they seemed more inclined to watch than to participate.

"Good idea!" Thomas exclaimed as he made his way over. "We could have a tournament!"

"Dude, not everything has to be a competition." Greg rolled his eyes. "This is just a chill way for people to get to know each other. Turning it into a tournament would ruin that."

Thomas clicked his tongue. "Boring." He turned to Annie. "Still, want to play?"

"Doubles?" Another couple asked, wandering over.

Thomas shrugged. "Sure. Best two out of three?"

"Dude, stop." Greg sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

*

A few hours later the party finally began to wind down. Greg, Thomas, and a dude named Clark were still playing pool, at least a version of it for three players while Chris, Andrew, Quinn, Annie, Elizabeth, Gretchen, Allison, Daniel, and a few other townsfolk sat around talking in various groups. Most of the members of the Army had retired to the basement or back to the base, depending on their preferences. Suddenly Chris paused, before opening a portal, revealing Monroe on the other side.

Monroe blinked. "What's all this?"

"We had a party." Chris replied. "What's up?"

"A party? Why- never mind. I've been told to inform you that everything is prepared for your meeting with the Emperor. Tomorrow, eight in the morning." Monroe announced.

"Freaking finally." Greg muttered. "Seriously, how long does it take to set up a simple meeting?"

"With the Emperor?" Monroe raised an eyebrow. "Months, normally. Despite his position, he doesn't have the ability to be in as many places as he wishes at any time, and the demands of governance leave him little room to alter his schedule."

Greg paused. "Well, that's fair."

"You guys are going to meet the Emperor?" Clark asked incredulously.

"The Emperor is going to meet us." Chris replied, before cocking his head thoughtfully. "Maybe we should make him come to us?"

Monroe groaned, rubbing his temple. "Chris, please don't make this any more difficult than it needs to be. Your mere existence is causing enough problems as is, not to mention the fact that you seem to have stumbled upon a top secret project and decided you have issues with it."

Chris considered it for a moment, before shrugging. "Fine."

"Is there anything in particular we need to wear? Some kind of formal dress or something?" Thomas asked.

"It would be appreciated if you dressed formally, but I can't say it's required. A few nobles may be offended, but honestly, they'll be offended enough by your mere existence already." Monroe sighed.

"Can we bring people?" Andrew asked.

Monroe frowned at him. "You may, just- look, whatever you want to do, you can do. No one can stop you, after all. However, please refrain from purposefully offending the Emperor and his court."

Greg clicked his tongue. "Damn."

Monroe grimaced. He could already tell this was going to go… poorly.