The day had arrived. The Expedition Force was ready.

12 [Guards] were selected and would be led by Leofric. Their mission was simple but important. They had to pacify the Frost Giants.

They were also accompanied by three [Court Mages]. Having magic users in a party was vital.

It was only proper that Jack gave a speech in front of everyone in the throne room.

He stood up from the throne chair and looked at the 12 [Guards] and three mages.

“Your mission is vital for the prosperity of the realm,” Jack began his speech. “We’re all counting on you to complete it. I have full faith in you and your general that you will come back victorious. And I promise you when you get back, a Triumph will be organised. So go forth soldiers and bring honour and victory to the realm.”

The [Guards] responded in unison, “All Hail Lord Zodark!”

They saluted.

If Jack had it his way, the guards would have left by now. But Isoldea thought it was a good idea to have a farewell party for the guards.

So Jack had to mingle with everyone. He made sure to go to each guard individually and give them a firm handshake.

“Good luck on your mission, soldier,” he’d say to each of them.

The farewell party was segregated according to the rank of individuals.

The main party was the one Jack was in right now. It was being hosted in the throne room with the guards, heads of departments and Jack’s advisors.

There was a secondary ‘party’ where the priestesses were doing their own thing. Of course they wouldn’t call it a party but a ceremony to bring good omens for the soldiers. Jack wasn’t too interested in exactly what the [Blood Priestesses] were doing.

A third party happening concurrently in the staff canteen was attended by only the palace staff. And lastly, the consorts were having their own celebration in the main palace garden.

So everyone was having their own fun. Especially since alcohol was being served for the first time in the palace.

The guests would help themselves and there was lots of wine to go around.

Jack found Isoldea pacing up and down the area. It was a party, shouldn’t she be relaxing?

“Hey, Isoldea. Is something wrong?” Jack approached her.

She stopped pacing about, “No, but I must make certain that everything stays on track. Is the food fine? Would you like more wine? Do you think we should open more windows to let in more fresh air?”

“Slow down and relax. Enjoy yourself, you too deserve a break.”

“Thank you, my lord. But I’m the one who organised this. If anything goes wrong, it would be a stain on my reputation.”

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Jack shook his head, “The party won’t go downhill if you slow down. We’re all adults here, I’m sure everyone is going to behave themselves.”

“I’m thinking about checking on the other parties going on before relaxing.”

Leofric approached the two, “What seems to be the problem?”

Jack turned to him, “Isoldea is stressing herself about the party.”

“She’s a control freak, my lord. I can’t say I’m surprised.”

“Excuse me?” Isoldea was taken aback.

“Let’s be honest, Iso, you always act like a stick is up your undead butthole.”

“Can you two not start a fight?” Jack groaned.

Leofric grinned, “We’ll behave, my lord. I’m thirsty, this barbarian needs a drink.”

Leofric smirked at Isoldea and left to pour himself a cup of wine.

“Don’t listen to him, you know he likes banter a lot,” Jack tried comforting her.

Isoldea sighed, “I need fresh air. Please excuse me, my lord.”

Jack nodded and she left.

He then went to the table where a platter of cheese slices were served. And there were salted crackers too. Jack helped himself.

“Serving this much alcohol will only lead us to a path of decadence and debauchery,” said a sour-faced granny next to him.

“Come again,” Jack stared at her in disbelief.

“I’m honestly shocked to see the moral standards of the palace backsliding,” she continued shaking her head.

Who was this woman again?

[Appraise].

Name: Maertisa

Rank: Red Matron of the Blood Priestesses

Class: [Cleric lvl 66]

Race: Ghoul

Oh. She’s the leader of the priestesses. Jack barely knew her as she never comes out of the temple.

“I didn’t expect to see you here, Matron,” Jack smiled at her.

“I was invited. I thought as well I might attend. But now I see it was a mistake.”

Jack chuckled, “The party isn’t that bad. You make it sound like we’re having orgies or something.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out that way from how things are going on.”

Are religious people always stuck up?

“If you feel like leaving then you have my blessing.”

“Thank you, Lord Zodark,” she placed down her plate of food and left immediately.

Wow, he thought to himself.

…

…

The night ended. Jack gave the guards another farewell.

A [Gate Portal] opened up for them. Thanks to Kinni, the [Scout], who set up everything at the island, they could use a portal instead of walking up north.

So Jack saluted the soldiers and they went through the portal.

At last, he could relax by himself after a day of having to socialise.

Jack threw himself on his bed and slept.

The next day he got a report from Leofric that they had successfully made camp and were ready to clear out the island of monsters.

Jack wrote back and wished them well on their journey.

A part of him wanted to be there. It’s been a long time since he had some action. While Jack was mostly a roleplayer, from time to time he liked to do PvP. Fighting against other players broke the monotony of playing games.

Alas, he had to make do with reading reports.