After having gotten properly dressed for breakfast, Sigurd was accompanied out of his guest room by the maid. She led him down the castle halls to the breakfast room, where the King awaited, already seated at the far end of the refectory.

He took a bite out of his slice of bread and motioned at Sigurd to take his seat at the opposite end. It was then that the King made the announcement.

“Wait, hold it, just one second." Sigurd immediately protested, adding, “I'm a soldier, a civil servant. I defend the people. I serve them, first and foremost.”

“And you still will," the King nodded in agreement. “But your duties shall now be carried out in an administrative capacity.”

Feeling bamboozled by the sudden proclamation, Sigurd slumped as he fell back into his chair. The weight of the title bestowed upon him, that of a baron, bore down on his shoulders. The thought of leaving the battlefield, the only place he could feel a thrill, crushed him. He shook his head slowly as his thoughts raced.

‘This is worse than anything I could've imagined,’ Joyce cried, pulling at her metaphysical hairs. ‘To be reduced to a bureaucratic position… This dream is turning into a nightmare!’

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Focused on the bowl of fruit in front of him, the King continued, “Fear not, young Sigurd, for you will have more ways to help the people now. This is a promotion that anyone in your position can only dream of!”

Sigurd momentarily raised his head and stared at the King.

"You will now be the lord of the county of Creston, located near the border. A grand manor and the surrounding lands are to be granted to you for administration, and you shall govern the territory in conjunction with the democratically elected city council."

Sigurd winced and proceeded to sweep across the table with bleak eyes. He noticed it was barren of silverware, except for the tablecloth, the centerpiece, and both men's plates.

Cutting the King off, he spoke in a defeated tone, “Where are the rest of my mates? I thought the maid told me to hurry since I'd be late for breakfast…”

“They ate earlier and returned to the guards' quarters. Their stay in the guest rooms was only for the evening,” the King sipped on his tea. “My announcement was for you and I didn't want you to miss this meal.”

He breathed a heavy sigh. “I can see the news hasn't elated you as I thought it would, young Sigurd," he added, wiping his mustache with a serviette. “But I have my reasons. Come, I'll explain while I take my post-breakfast walk.”

Sigurd followed the King out the door, leaving behind the several plates of breakfast that the waiters had served him, untouched.