When I awoke, the sun had already risen high in the sky, filling the room with its golden rays that danced upon the ornate wallpaper. As I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, I found myself cocooned in a cozy and comfortable bed, surrounded by unfamiliar yet elegantly decorated surroundings. The room exuded an air of refinement, with beautifully woven tapestries adorning the walls and meticulously arranged wooden furniture that spoke of timeless craftsmanship.

A gentle knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, and a servant entered the room with a respectful bow. Their warm smile conveyed a sense of genuine hospitality as they informed me, "Master du Lac requests your presence in the dining hall, sir."

"Thank you, I'll be right there," I replied, my voice betraying a mixture of surprise and curiosity. As the servant withdrew, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my feet sinking into the plush carpet beneath. With a sense of intrigue, I took in my attire for the day – a set of clothes that had been carefully laid out for me, combining understated elegance with impeccable tailoring. It was as if the fabric itself was an extension of the luxurious surroundings.

As I dressed, my fingers brushed against the fine fabric, each fold, and seam a testament to the skill that had gone into its creation. As I adjusted the collar and fastened the buttons, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me. 'Who was Master du Lac? he's probably the owner of this house duh' I thought to myself smacking my forehead at the same time.

Leaving the room, I followed the servant through the grand halls of the mansion, my footsteps muffled by plush carpets that seemed to cushion every step. My eyes darted around, taking in the grandeur that surrounded me. Elaborate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm and inviting glow, while paintings adorned the walls, each one telling a story of its own. The architectural details were stunning, a testament to the craftsmanship of those who had built this mansion.

As we entered the dining hall, a breathtaking sight greeted my eyes. The long table stretched out before me, adorned with exquisite silverware that gleamed under the light and delicate crystal glasses that caught the light, casting enchanting reflections across the room. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with sunlight streaming through the expansive windows, offering glimpses of a picturesque landscape outside. It was as if the room itself was a sanctuary, a haven of comfort and beauty kind of reminded me of home a bit (obviously this is 1% of what it was in her realm).

At the head of the table stood Sir Edwin, a dignified figure dressed in noble attire that spoke of his status. His gaze was engaged in lively conversation with a select group of guests, their laughter and animated gestures filling the air. The scene was one of harmonious camaraderie, and I couldn't help but be drawn in by the atmosphere of conviviality.

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As I approached, Sir Edwin's gaze turned toward me, his smile conveying genuine warmth. "Ah, there you are," he said in a welcoming tone. "Please, join us." His voice held an air of authority that was tempered by a sense of kindness, making me feel both respected and at ease.

Taking my seat at the table, I glanced around, noting the diverse gathering of individuals. It became evident that this was not merely a gathering of acquaintances but a close-knit group of family members and trusted confidants. They greeted me with polite nods and friendly smiles, creating an atmosphere of genuine hospitality and inclusion.

Throughout the meal, we engaged in spirited conversation, sharing stories and anecdotes that revealed the depth of the relationships nurtured within this esteemed household. It was during these exchanges that I learned more about the young lady I had saved. Lady Isabella, daughter of Master du Lac, extended her heartfelt gratitude once again, thanking me for my act of heroism. It was in these moments that I discovered her name, and our connection deepened, woven by the threads of gratitude and mutual respect.

As the meal neared its end, Sir du Lac rose from his seat, capturing the attention of everyone in the room with his commanding presence. His voice resonated with authority and benevolence as he addressed the gathering. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his words carrying the weight of his wisdom and experience. "We owe a debt of gratitude to our guest, who demonstrated tremendous courage and selflessness in protecting my beloved daughter from a perilous fate. It is only fitting that we show our appreciation."

His gaze turned toward me, his eyes filled with admiration. "You have proven yourself to be a person of exceptional character and honor, young one," he continued. "I offer you a place within our household, where you will not only find protection but also opportunities to further develop your skills and talents."

His offer took me by surprise, and my heart was torn between the comfort and belonging that this household seemed to offer and the restless yearning for adventure that had always burned within me. I looked around at the faces of those gathered, each one representing a world of possibilities, each one beckoning me to a different path.

But ultimately, I knew my decision. I needed to become stronger, not just for myself, but for the realm I hailed from. The creatures that had invaded my world had to be vanquished, and I was the only one who could do it. With a grateful smile, I met Sir du Lac's gaze and spoke from the heart. "Thank you for the offer, but I think I'll travel and have my adventure."

There was a moment of silence, and I held my breath, uncertain of how my choice would be received. Then, a smile spread across Sir du Lac's face, a mixture of understanding and respect. He raised his glass, and the room joined in, a chorus of well-wishing that resonated deep within me. "To our hero Astrid!" he exclaimed, and the room erupted in cheers, the clinking of glasses and the warmth of camaraderie creating a memory that would forever be etched in my heart.

As the celebration continued, I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn't expected. These people, once strangers, had embraced me as one of their own, and the bond we shared was real. It was with a mixture of reluctance and anticipation that I accepted their invitation to stay one more night before setting off on my journey.

The following day, the mansion seemed different. Empty, almost. As if the lively energy of the previous day had evaporated, leaving behind a serene stillness. I walked through the halls, memories of laughter and conversations echoing in my mind. In the room I had stayed in, I flopped down on the bed, feeling the weariness of the day's events settle in.

"Man, I'm beaten," I muttered to myself with a tired chuckle. "They sure know how to party, huh?" Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to relive the moments of joy and connection that had filled the air, a bittersweet smile tugging at my lips.

But then, as if a curtain had fallen, my vision went dark, the transition so sudden that it left me disoriented. Panic gripped me, and I struggled to understand what was happening. Was it exhaustion? A sudden illness?

Those were my last thought before everything went black.