While my wives held their meeting in the garden, I sat on the ramparts of the Upper Castle wall. The warm, spring sun was pleasantly shining upon the cloudless sky, but dark clouds were gathering over the horizon. The spring storm was rolling over the direction of the Cridian capital. For a change, my thoughts were not busy with war and the chaos it brings, but instead I allowed them to wander aimlessly, helping myself to regain calmness and maybe some balance. My life had changed during the last few months and I could now consider myself a happy man. I was living on an island of my own creation, in a world full of horrible dangers and grief. The people of this world could only dream about the things that I took for granted. With each day, I discovered life anew by observing the people who lived on that island of mine. They considered themselves lucky or even blessed, finally living their lives, no longer just merely being alive. I looked down at the City I had built and breathed in the clean air. Despite the thousands that lived just behind the massive wall, my city was clean, without the usual stench found in the other cities of the region. The magic of this world and the modern technology of my previous one were put to work to create something so obvious for me, but for anyone else, it was a feat that bordered on a miracle.

A sudden commotion below caught my attention, and I smiled, seeing a group of adventurers loudly laughing and throwing someone into the air in some sort of celebration. When I had been sent to Nilmerthis with a mission to save this world, I assumed that I would get as much help and resources as I would need. I wondered how many of the previous Heroes summoned to this world had assumed the same. In my defence, and all of those who came before me, I can attest that the expectations to save the entire world single-handedly were so absurd that you immediately started thinking that you would easily find willing helpers. Well... That was not the case. By sheer luck, I met Amber, but calling that fateful meeting just luck would be an understatement. She had inspired me to change that castle, at first, into a safe haven for everyone like her before I later realised that even that was not enough. Learning from others who found refuge behind my walls, I quickly understood how pitiful and fragile the life of people in this fantasy world was.

These people needed a symbol of hope, a bright flame that would pierce the darkness of hopelessness and fear. By that time, the World System had already intertwined my fate with Amber's, and in the light of the sense of duty that I felt to protect her, Avalon was born. Soon after, the first people arrived and, in some cases, were forcefully dragged here. Most of them pledged their lives to me in a desperate attempt to save themselves or gain strength to fight for a better future. But their power alone was not enough; they needed someone to lead them, so seeing the fate of those who couldn't protect themselves, I assumed the title of King. In their new-found home, they blossomed, gaining the strength and confidence to defy the darkness outside Avalon. The Heroes were never given the helpers they needed besides the faithful Kitsunes, but despite that, most of the Heroes never gave up on their mission. I was different. I wasn't a Hero. The Heroes had to fend for themselves and build their names through the tedious process of gaining fame. I was given the luxury of creating my own kingdom, guarded by powerful armies, the loyalty of which I never had to question.

I walked slowly with my hands crossed behind my back, thinking about how many things had changed in the past seven months. I would be lying if I told anyone that I was unaffected by my new reality, but I was glad for it. With each passing day in this world, I became more attached to it and the people that surrounded me. Their natural and overwhelming kindness, unleashed from the reign of their carefulness and reservation, resounded pleasantly in my soul, making me proud of building this place. They entrusted their lives to me, some of them willingly, but some had no other choice, as ridiculous as it sounds. Most of the latter were more zealous in their devotion to protect Avalon.

The abrupt clang of swords from the training grounds of Praetorian's Barracks caught my brief attention. Morrigan was testing her skills and was gaining actual combat experience, fighting with the Praetorian Guards. It wasn't a sparring match one would expect to witness, but a real fight where both she and they could die. But that was something that both sides could afford. After all, they would respawn and return to their duties. Despite their humanoid shapes and very civilised manners, they were my denizens. They were monsters of the Righteous Dungeon.

The short stroll took me towards the southern parts of Avalon, where I looked with concern towards the farms. I teleported to the wall tower from which I had the perfect view of the fields down below. The last battle had brought unplanned devastation over the fields that produced various crops for the city. I could fix it using my Dungeon powers, but Ian, who was in charge of the farms, quickly shot down the idea. Doing it my way would destroy everything else that had survived the last assault on Avalon, and we couldn't afford to lose even that much. Fortunately, more than half of this season's harvest stayed intact, so Ian's arguments were sound. My food resource contemplation was interrupted by a report I was not expecting to receive.

•••

I found my Ladies in the part of the garden filled with various flowers. My Queens were taking a break from their duties in the fresh air, and their carefree laughter was like music to my ears. I approached them slowly, enjoying the sweet flower fragrances and smiling, seeing their own beautiful smiles. This was the sight I wished to protect the most; the happy smiles of my family.

"Theon!" Amber waved at me with happiness painted on her face.

"Hey!" I waved at them back as the rest of my Queens joined Amber in waving, all while still laughing at something. I swiftly joined them near the table. "Did you know that Blair arrived with a visit?"

"Blair? No..." Amber looked a bit puzzled at her sister-queens, but all of them were just as surprised as her. "He had not announced his plans beforehand."

"Anyway, I already suspect something since all my guards refuse to elaborate on who is with him, except to say 'they' are coming." I shrugged and helped myself to a chocolate chip cookie.

"Shouldn't we change into more official outfits?" Aoi nervously looked at her dress, which seemed somewhat plain compared to their usual attire.

"You think?" I looked at my simple black clothes, which were similar to a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. "We are the Royal Family. I want to see someone try to make me do something like that..."

"You remember what you were wearing when we first met with the people?" Amber chuckled as she fixed her hair. "It's an unofficial visit, anyway."

"I guess..." Aoi sighed.

"I'm not a king just for someone to make me wear some stupid clothes on every occasion." I shrugged and pointed towards the Palace. "Mhm... Looks like 'they' finally arrived."

It quickly became obvious that Blair was accompanied by the Lord and Lady Tride, as well as two Dryads. One of them was the visibly delighted Queen Lavender May. The second one, who was slightly shorter, nervously walked close to Blair. They took their time, slowly approaching us and admiring the surrounding gardens. We took the time for some small talk between us while eating some pastries and watching their approach. The two Praetorians who served as guides for our guests stopped in front of the garden gazebo we were in and discreetly blended into the background. They weren't as invisible as the Slime Maids, but given the amount of armour they were wearing, the effect was still impressive. The guests, in the meantime, started bowing with respect, but I quickly dismissed it with a smile.

"Hello, my friends. What brings you to Avalon?" I asked, gesturing for them to take a seat on the wide bench just on the other side of the table. "Help yourself to the pastries."

"There are few reasons actually, my Lord." Blair beamed a wide smile, starting the conversation since Lavender was busy picking up a cake. "However, I believe that Lady Lavender should begin."

"Hmmm..." The Queen in question hummed and actually thought about it for a moment before shaking her head. "Cakes have priority. You and Cali can start."

Hestia chuckled at that remark as she dug into her piece of apple pie. The maids who had served our drinks gave them a very long list of available refreshments, so we had time to take a better look at our guests. The old Lords had changed a lot during the last few weeks. They looked a bit younger and much healthier than the last time we saw them, though they were just as energetic as usual. The Dryad Queen was even more beautiful than the last time I saw her, and I wondered if spring blooming around us had any influence on her. She was wearing a dark green, tight, silk dress with a thigh-high slit along with a number of flower-shaped accessories made of gold and silver. The effect was gorgeous, and it highlighted Lavender’s innocent face. The second Dryad wore a dress of an entirely different style, which made her look much more official. It was made of silk as well, but it was white, like unblemished snow. Both of them had an olive complexion and green hair, which had a beautiful shine. They looked so exotic to me that I couldn't help but stare a bit. Their complexion made them look as if they were permanently tanned, which, in addition to their natural beauty, was simply breathtaking. Fortunately, thanks to my Poker Face, I was able to stare discreetly, so as to not disturb them or even worse, freak them out. As for Blair, he now looked like he could fight an entire army on his own. Tall, muscular, and dashing, he looked exactly like how a typical Hero should. There was no trace of a single grey hair on his head and he had shortened his beard. He was wearing a surcoat over light chainmail armour, and his smiling face was often turned towards the Dryad called Cali. You did not have to be a genius to notice they really liked each other.

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"Your Highnesses, allow me to introduce Callicarpa May. In her generosity, she has made me the happiest man alive and has become my fiancee," Blair said with a bright smile as he proudly showed off his future bride.

She blushed gently, but curtsied elegantly in front of us. "It's an honour to meet you, Your Royal Majesties."

"I'm so happy for both of you!" Amber was first to congratulate the couple.

"I'm glad to see you’ve finally thought about the things that really matter in life, Dastra." Hestia gave him a warm smile as he bowed to her.

"I thought about what you said to me back then and took your advice to heart, my Lady. I am forever grateful for your most precious gift, my Queen."

My Ladies quickly kidnapped the soon-to-be bride and her sister to discuss their things while I was left with proud Blair and the Trides. I had a small talk with him about Westwood and how his assignment was going, where he admitted that he did not have enough soldiers to properly secure the west flank. I was glad he swallowed his pride and told me about a problem that could easily be fixed. I closed my eyes and called Kirin, who responded swiftly. After consulting with him about possible locations, I placed a few updated spawners for various legion units, as well as some stables for horses. With that, Blair could raise more legionnaires as he saw fit. I temporarily lowered the tithe that Kirin had to pay me as his tribute so Blair could use the difference to bolster the number of soldiers at his command quickly.

"Done. Dastra, I did not expect you to take care of the entire province with just one unnumbered legion and a mere three thousand guardsmen!" I exhaled slowly. "Those forces were meant as a bare minimum to build the provincial capital, with a few extra to secure the border. I'm not a fool to expect the impossible."

"I apologise, my King. After decades of unreasonable orders and foolish expectations, I got so used to it that I... *Ekhem* I promise to report such problems immediately next time, my King."

"Excellent." I was satisfied with his answer, so I turned now towards the old Lords. "What brings you to Avalon?"

"Mainly curiosity, my King." Lady Agatha replied with a laugh.

"After Blair told us about the wonders of your City, we tagged along so really, don't mind us, our King," her husband added.

"Haha, I don't mind at all. I will find you some guides if you fancy taking a stroll in the City."

"Guides? Oh... It's dangerous?" Lord Kaspian's smile crumbled a little.

"Not at all, the City is just big." I dismissively waved my hand, but then I had a second thought. "Well... It may be dangerous for your wallet if you end up in the merchant district."

"Hahaha! I see! In that case, I think we can face some of those perilous threats of your City, my Lord." He bowed to me with a wide smile and looked at Blair questioningly.

"Oh, right! I think we will stay about one week in Avalon, if His Majesty doesn't mind." Blair looked at me, but I just tilted my head toward the ladies, who laughed as they discussed something passionately.

"His Majesty doesn't mind." I smirked, and we all laughed. "I'm almost sure Ban and Drake will also visit Avalon by sheer luck, of course accidentally, so I guess we could use this time to coordinate a thing or two, but I promise, no more work than necessary."

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

•••

"Theon?" Amber called over to me after a few hours of grilling the Dryads with endless questions.

"Yes, my Darling?" I asked over a pint of beer. I had finished a long nice chat with Blair and now we were lying on the sunbeds, enjoying the warm weather.

"We want to visit the farms. You want to go with us?"

"Sure..." I knew her long enough to recognize this was not a question, but a suggestion. "Should we teleport or take a stroll?"

"It's getting late, so we should teleport." She smiled warmly after taking my hand.

We found ourselves, accompanied by the Dryads and Blair, along the external wall of Avalon, facing the destroyed fields. The Dryads looked at each other with concern, which was somewhat alarming. Lavender asked us to take her down, as she wanted to take a closer look at the fields. After we teleported once more, she and her sister took a lonely stroll, during which they often stopped over various patches of unnaturally blackened soil. At times, they also stopped and observed even the healthy-looking crops. Not long after, Irene and Hestia joined them and they called for Ian and the elder farm overseers. After a long and lively discussion that even reached us from the distance they were standing away, Ian and his subordinates left with sad expressions. When the four of them returned, they looked perplexed.

"The soil is tainted by something sinister. I am afraid that the remaining crops should be destroyed, my King." Lavender lowered her head. "I can help purify the fields of Avalon, but that would take time."

"The purification process would be long and tedious. To be honest, it's not worth the effort that we would have to put in, Theon." Irene sighed and waved her arm over the fields of Avalon. "It's a shame, but it would be better to dispose of this soil entirely and start with new soil. How much mana would that cost?"

"Hmm..." I closed my eyes and asked the system the same question. Considering the rich crops that would be destroyed, the system evaluated... "It would be almost free. Just a few hundred mana points."

"Excuse me? That's free for you, my Lord?" Blair stared at me in shock.

"You never had the occasion to hear me talking about mana spendings before. The monthly upkeep for everything in Avalon and other conquered Dungeons reaches around five million mana points. A few hundred here or there doesn't make a difference, really..."

"But the people of the Kingdom have to eat something." Lavender in a sad voice pointed out the problem. "That's why I would like to try something, if you would allow me, my King. Can we return to the Palace Gardens, please?"

In a flash, we were standing in a gentle meadow on the border of the Garden Forest. The fresh grass plain dotted with small spring flowers was cut by a charming rivulet that meandered towards the Palace Lake in the distance. Small birds were singing between the branches of the nearby forest and the bravest of the young fawns were looking at us in surprise, while the others quickly hid behind the adult deer. Lavender sighed in admiration at the sight and was speechless for a moment, after which she took out a golden seedling from the talisman she wore and held it with reverence.

"This is the seedling I received from my mother, who received it from hers. We tried to preserve it with Dryad magic, waiting for the day we found a place worthy to call home."

"We can't accept such a valuable gift, Queen Lavender." I shook my head, but she just smiled sadly.

"I am afraid that we missed our chance..." She grabbed my hand and placed the seed in it. She then kept my palm closed, using both of her slender hands. "You are the most powerful Hero, your arrival foretold to be when the world would need you the most." She squeezed my hand a bit harder and finally looked straight into my eyes. I saw their incredible shade of green, which held me speechless. She again lowered her head, avoiding my gaze, as she almost whispered, "When I... We need you the most..."

"Queen Lavender..." I wanted to stop her, but I felt the hand of Hestia on my shoulder, so I stopped, allowing the Dryad to finish.

"While no Mortal knew about Eriar, we knew. The songs about this world and its creation fell silent through the millennia as the Dryads lived their lives unbound by worries and sadness. But even back then, we did not have a deity to call upon. As the days got darker and our forests dwindled, we called to the Gods and begged them to help... But none listened until one day my grand, grand ancestor heard the Silent God's promise. The tribe without a God was promised deliverance and one day, he, Eriar, would send his Champion to save this wounded world. So we secured this seed to help our saviour when he arrives. We waited for millennia as entire generations came and went. We have forgotten so much, but we continued to wait. We have waited for you..." I felt her tears falling on my hand that held the golden seed as she once again looked straight into my eyes, bewitching me with her incredible beauty and innocence. "I knew it was you at first sight. You saved us and gave us hope. You gave us homes and granted us mighty protectors. The Champion of Eriar, the mightiest of all Heroes, who now walks upon Nilmerthis. The Undying Lord of the Eternal Kingdom! You must accept this gift that my entire family has safeguarded... But we failed... This seed is dead. But even so, its power will still help the fields of Avalon."