After the coronation, Thaddeus went back to Owen and Lillian’s home to change. When he returned to the manor, he noticed Owen and Lillian had returned before him. They were in high spirits, unlike the nobles Thaddeus saw who were struck with fear.

“Did you see their smug little faces?” Owen chuckled merrily.

“Our finally, may finally regain our status!” Lillian squealed with delight.

“Why are they so happy?” Sabrina asked when Thaddeus entered the hall.

Last night after the ball, Owen and Thaddeus went to the men’s parlor for drinks. After a few cocktails, Owen described his family history. His father was a viscount who served in Emperor Regulus’ court as a Deputy Finance Minister of Commerce.

When the emperor’s brother usurped the throne, their father fought against the tyrant. Unfortunately, their family lost. The deceased former emperor killed their father, seized their property, and exile the family from the capital.

That was 30 years ago, yesterday marked Owen and Lillian’s first back since their exile. Their ball yesterday celebrated their family and other fallen noble’s return to the capital. Today, they celebrated due to the emperor’s comment to extend two-fold to those who stayed loyal to him. Lillian and Owen’s desire was to restore their family’s prominence.

“How sad,” Sabrina lamented after hearing their story.

“Did you enjoy the coronation? What’s going on with the forum?” Thaddeus said pulling up the forum on his head-up display.

“It’s all everyone is talking about. Some players tried to sneak into the coronation but were caught by the palace guards. They were thrown into the dungeon and had to restart the game. You would think that would deter players from trying to attend the coronation events, but several players are trying to sneak into balls,” she annoyed, shaking her head.

“Well, I appreciate you coming with me to these balls and parties,” Thaddeus said thankfully.

“I’m really happy and proud of you. I never expected my boyfriend to become a big-time noble. Honestly, when you told me you wanted to live in the wilderness, I thought it might be intimate and carefree. But now you’re a noble lord of a Level 5 village. As a noble, you have imperial responsibilities and villagers you’re accountable for.

And…I’m not sure…I’m…experienced enough for you. Listen, I don’t want to hold you back or make you look bad. I don’t know how to say this, but ever since we met in Pinewood, I feel like you’re a different person.”

“How?”

“I don’t know how to describe it; you seem more proper, like a real noble. This life really suits you, on the other hand, I feel like an outsider?”

“Oh, that’s because the Priestess Thera taught me how to act like a noble. I really hate acting like this, but she told me I had to if I wanted to secure Woodhaerst future. It’s so tiring, acting like a noble,” Thaddeus complained.

He told Sabrina how Alfred recommended he build a lord’s manor and moved the cabin he built to his druid grove. He also complained about the growing distance he felt from his subjects.

“Ha-ha” Sabrina laughed hearing his complaints. “I guess you really haven’t changed.”

“I know I wanted to play this game like it's real life, but this game feels too real somethings.”

“I know what you mean. Well, I better get dressed for the ball, I don’t want us to be late because of me,” Sabrina said running off to her room.

Two hours later, Thaddeus waited at the bottom of the stairs talking with Owen. When Thaddeus saw Sabrina walk down, he was breathless. Her gown sparkled with the soft luster of stardust and her eyes held a twinkle.

“You look beautiful,” Thaddeus complimented swallowing hard.

“Thank you,” Sabrina blushed.

“Eh, what am I invisible? I know you’re young and in love, but I can’t take much more of this,” Owen joked.

“Okay, we’ll head out first,” Thaddeus agreed.

“Be ready! Tonight, is just the opening salvo. Parties are the battlefield for nobles. Let’s strive to be victorious,” Lillian said encouragingly.

The evening after the coronation was marked by an air of grandeur and celebration. Redwood's Imperial Palace was aglow, a veritable wonderland adorned with flickering lanterns, shimmering crystals, and cascading garlands of rare and fragrant flowers.

Thaddeus, dressed in his newly purchased ceremonial tuxedo, accompanied Sabrina into the palatial grand ballroom.

After they were announced, they soaked in the grand ballroom’s splendor. It was a vision of opulence and grace. From the ornate chandeliers dripping with sparkling gems to the polished marble floors reflecting the kaleidoscope of colors, every detail was a work of art. Servants moved unobtrusively through the throng of elegantly attired guests, bearing trays laden with delectable treats and sparkling drinks.

The air was filled with the melodies from the grand orchestra. The hall was a dance of color and light as nobles and dignitaries mingled and laughed.

With Sabrina's reassuring smile and the warmth of her hand, Thaddeus was ready to mingle and battle. This was a game for him but for the people of Woodhaerst, this was their real life.

Distinguished nobles mingled, their voices a soft murmur of laughter, flattery, and calculated conversation. Thaddeus could feel the undercurrent of politics and power playing out amidst the graceful waltzes and glittering gowns.

As they moved through the room, Sabrina's grace and charm enchanted many, and Thaddeus couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. She was more than holding her own in this world of aristocracy and privilege.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

An hour later, the Royal Steward announced the arrival of Emperor Regulus. Standing on the ballroom balcony, the emperor briefly welcomed everyone. As the emperor made his way to the ballroom floor, the aristocracy quickly made two columns next to the stairs. As he passed through the column, the nobles bowed or curtsied.

After the emperor walked onto the floor, he was surrounded by guests hoping to meet him and hand their gifts. Everyone wanted to be in the new emperor’s good graciousness. Gaining the emperor’s favor was tantamount to political security.

Thaddeus and Sabrina waited in a long line to meet the emperor. An hour and a half later, it was finally Thaddeus and Sabrina’s turn to meet the emperor.

“We greet the imperial majesty,” Thaddeus recited the greeting Priestess Thera taught him.

‘Your majesty this is the newly entitled Baron Brown and his escort.

When the moment came, Thaddeus approached Emperor Regulus Albus Aurelius van Conifer, who greeted him with a gracious smile

“Congratulations on your coronation,” Thaddeus said bowing a second time.

“Greetings, Baron Brown. If I remember correctly, you defeated Felix the Fraud. Odin tells me your gem mine is integral to the empire’s development,” Emperor Regulus complimented.

“Thank you for the compliment, your majesty. It’s an honor you know of me. I shall strive for the good of the empire.”

“I’m glad. The southern border is an under-sourced region. Your leadership will be crucial.”

“I present this humble gift as a token of my loyalty and commitment to your vision for our empire.”

“Good, good, I am pleased with you,” the emperor nodded pleased with Thaddeus' answer.

Thaddeus bowed and Sabrina curtsied once more before leaving and handing their gift to the Royal Steward. Based on Priestess Thera's suggestion, he gifted several golds worth of mana stones, gems, and gold, as a symbol of his allegiance and respect.

“Is this the mysterious Sabrina?” Huey asked walking up to them.

“I thought I see you here Huey. Sabrina, this is Huey, with the Mythical Guild,” Thaddeus chuckled.

“You’re too beautiful to be with him,” Huey chuckled.

“He’s all right too,” Sabrina said coyly.

“You’ve been busy since we last met. Defending your land from mercenaries and expanding your villages to accommodate the influx of settlers. But it was a foolish move to mortgage Woodhaerst to pay for the expansion. A bit too ambitious I think,” Huey chided.

“With the rate the village is growing, I had no choice but plan to for the future” Thaddeus retorted.

“Speaking of the future, Odin wants to meet with you?”

“Does this have to do with the investigators coming to Woodhaerst?”

“Yes and no. As you know the emperor gave Mythical Guild temporary administration over the Redwood. In six months, the emperor will evaluate our progress. A part of the evaluation is the capital’s defense. Several guilds are already preparing for battle. I know we keep increasing our order of mana stone and gold, but we’ll need a shit ton more now. However, just because our backs are against the wall, don’t think you can take advantage of us.

If the investigators find the dragon's lair, you know they’ll be a swarm of people heading to your village on their way to the dragon. There is no way, your guards will be equipped to handle that many players. In exchange for increasing our mining order, we’re willing to let you borrow Level 180 guards at a discount.”

“Interesting opening bid,” Thaddeus agreed.

“Opening bid, don’t let our guild master hear you say that?”

“Say what?” Odin said walking up behind Huey.

“G-guild master. I was just informing him you wanted to me,” Huey stuttered.

“Oh, was that all? Greetings Thaddeus, it’s good to see you again. How have things been since the auction?” Odin asked shaking his and Sabrina’s hand.

“Busy, in a frontier sense. The villages are growing and prospering. Largely, thanks to your mining account,” Thaddeus replied.

“I’m happy to hear business is good. Our contract is one of mutual prosperity and benefits. I hope our relationship will continue to expand as fast as our bank accounts,” said Odin affably.

“I feel the same. I value my business partners,” Thaddeus laughed in agreement.

“Good, I hope you enjoy the party. I hope to you at our gala as well,” Odin commented before walking away.

“Whew, I thought I was a goner. Thanks for covering for me,” said Huey hurrying to catch up to Odin.

Free of engagements, Sabrina ate and danced. They enjoyed the party, until Lord Stephen von Reinhold, the Pine Grove City Lord, invited him to join a group of southern nobles.

The Pine Grove nobility were shrewd and bitter men. They dislike the northern prosperity and prestige. The southern region was less populous and often overlooked in all things except defense. Lord von Reinhold and southern nobles petitioned the emperor for a meeting. They wanted to express their hope the emperor would spend more time and money than his deposed brother.

They discuss trade, treaties, and the potential for cooperation within their regions. Four small guilds held the lion's share of power in the South, not including Thaddeus. Instead, he was seen as an independent force, despite his contract with the Mythical Guild.

Few settlers, players, and merchants operated in the South. Pine Grove was the furthest city from Redwood in the empire. Thaddeus was pleased the lords adopted the mentality if something good happens to one, then it’s good for all.

Most new settlers moved from settlement to settlement in search of peace and a good job. Most settled in Pine Grove or Woodhaerst. Thaddeus was surprised to learn his settlements ranked second and third largest in the region. With Ironwood closed to villagers, Woodhaerst saw an influx of villagers.

"We must seize the opportunity, Thaddeus," the lord said, his eyes sharp. "The emperor's reign brings promise, and we must be at the forefront of progress."

Thaddeus agreed, his mind already turning to the possibilities. They spent some time discussing plans, leaving the conversation with a sense of mutual respect and anticipation.

It was clear to Thaddeus that his position and influence within the empire and southern region were steadily growing, and his interactions with regional nobles and key imperial figures could foster new alliances and possibilities for Woodhaerst.

However, the political landscape was like shifting sand, and that worried everyone. Beneath the celebration and joyful atmosphere of the ball, tensions, and dangers were lurking. The political landscape was complex and filled with competing interests. A gain for one faction could mean a loss for another and Thaddeus had to navigate it carefully.

The conversation with the emperor, Odin, and southern nobles showed the high expectations important stakeholders placed on his leadership. A misstep could mean another war for his growing village. Lady Lillian was correct; balls were the battlefields of nobility.

With renewed focus, Thaddeus developed his strategic plan to secure Woodhaerst. First, he had to align his settlement with the broader interests of the southern region. Second, he’d need to strengthen trade relations with his neighbors. He had to develop further down his mercantile skill tree, to ensure a steady flow of goods and resources to and from Woodhaerst.

Third, he needed to build up the infrastructure in the ringe. He needed to build a highway that linked Pine Grow to Woodhaerst. Fourth, he needed to upgrade his villages and the region's defenses. Collective defense could provide an extra layer of protection. Lastly, he needed to cultivate relationships and alliances with the lords in Redwood.

Through this multi-faceted approach, Woodhaerst would continue to flourish, attracting more settlers, merchants, skilled workers, and even players. His village's growth resonated with the Southern nobles' aspirations and aligned with Emperor Regulus' vision.

That said, growth came with challenges. Already, the complexity of governing a booming settlement, managing competing interests, and the ever-present intrigue of the Redwood Empire's politics began to test Thaddeus' leadership and acumen. Additionally, the looming dragon lair's secrets added an element of uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, Thaddeus remained resolute, understanding that his actions were not merely part of a game but were shaping the lives of the people of Woodhaerst.

Sabrina, too, was a huge comfort. She always embraced her role as the Lady of Woodhaerst.

The coronation and the evening's festivities were more than mere ceremonies; they were the heralding of a new chapter in The Akkadian Empire's history. A chapter that Thaddeus knew he would play a vital part in shaping.