Returning to Elmsworth Manor, the [Manor Zone Buff: Comfort & Security – Stress -10%, Learning Rate +5% within Manor Zones] activated immediately, easing Leo Elmsworth’s mental load. Quest logs for [Rekindle the Artisan Flame] and [Elmsworth Apothecary Project] were now prominently displayed in his UI, ticking forward with in-game time. He carried a sense of [Quest Progress +] satisfaction, knowing he’d efficiently utilized his morning gameplay session. Seeds of village improvement were sown; now, the resource grind and strategic development phase began.
Inside the manor's main hall [Manor Main Hall Zone – Safety Rating: High, NPC Density: Low], the melodic sounds of lute practice, [Lyra Elmsworth – Music Practice Event – Passive Family Relationship +], drifted from the music room. He found Lyra Elmsworth diligently practicing under the watchful eye of Master Giles [Character Scan: Master Giles (NPC – Tutor) – Level 18 (Scholar), Class: Scholar (Civilian Support Branch), Skill: Tutoring (Level 20), Disposition: Patient, Pedantic, Loyal].
Lyra Elmsworth registered his presence, a [Smile] animation triggering instantly. “Leo Elmsworth! You’re back from the village exploration questline!” [Dialogue Tone: Cheerful, +Affectionate]
[Dialogue Options:]
[1. Enthusiastic Response: “Back and ready for the next phase! Village improvement grind starts now!” (+Enthusiasm, +Minor Humor Points)]
[2. Calm Explanation: “Yes, I’ve made initial contact with key villagers and initiated some projects.” (Neutral, +Information Sharing)]
[3. Mysterious Hint: “The village… echoes with untapped potential, Lyra.” (+Intrigue, +Minor Sister Relationship)]
Leo selected Dialogue Option 2, aiming for clear communication and information sharing with his sister NPC. “Yes, Lyra Elmsworth,” Leo replied, adopting a [Calm and Informative Tone]. “I’ve made initial contact with Master Tiber Stonehand and Elara Meadowlight. Both have accepted preliminary quests related to artisan crafting and herbalism development.”
Lyra Elmsworth’s jade eyes widened, displaying a [Curiosity +] buff. “Really? Master Tiber Stonehand, the grumpy blacksmith? And Elara Meadowlight, the herb lady? What kind of quests did they give you?” [Dialogue Tone: Inquisitive, Slightly Disbelieving]
Leo chuckled, activating [Exposition Mode]. He summarized his conversations with Tiber Stonehand and Elara Meadowlight, detailing the [Rekindle the Artisan Flame] and [Elmsworth Apothecary Project] quests, highlighting the potential rewards and village stat boosts. Lyra Elmsworth listened intently, her [Imagination +] stat visibly increasing, picturing, no doubt, grand forges and flourishing apothecaries in Elmsworth Village [Lyra Elmsworth – Imagination Event – Visualizing Village Improvements, Potential Inspiration Buff for Leo Elmsworth].
“So, you really think you can help them, Leo Elmsworth?” she asked, her voice now infused with [Childlike Wonder]. “Make them… level up their skills?”
“Precisely, Lyra Elmsworth,” Leo affirmed, his voice resonating with [Confidence Buff]. “Everyone in Elmsworth Village has potential. Some just need a [Quest Giver] and the right resources to unlock it.” He paused, a strategic thought bubble appearing above his head in his mental UI. “Perhaps… you could even contribute, Lyra Elmsworth. Your [Artistic Talent] skill could be valuable for… village aesthetics and [Reputation Buffs].” [Suggestion Triggered – Potential Side Quest: ‘Lyra’s Village Beautification Project’]
Just then, Baron Elmsworth entered the music room, holding a sealed scroll, his expression a mix of [Surprise], [Excitement], and a hint of [Anxiety]. Master Hemlock followed, his usually [Efficient Steward] demeanor slightly… [Ruffled Feathers – Minor Stress Debuff?]
“Leo Elmsworth, Lyra Elmsworth,” Baron Elmsworth announced, his voice carrying a [Heightened Emotion] modifier. “We have received… significant news. A Royal Courier just arrived from Aethelgard [Aethelgard Zone – Royal Influence +10]. ”
Lyra Elmsworth gasped, her [Excitement Level + Max!] stat spiking dramatically. “Royal news? For us? In Elmsworth Village? Is it a Royal Quest?!” [Dialogue Tone: Eager, Hopeful]
Baron Elmsworth nodded, unfurling the scroll, the golden griffon crest of the Royal House gleaming – [Item Scan: Royal Decree – Item Type: Official Document, Rarity: Uncommon, Lore Value: High, Quest Item Potential]. Master Hemlock stepped forward, his voice displaying a rare [Emotional Tone – Excitement mixed with Professional Concern]. “The courier delivers a missive directly from Their Royal Highnesses, Prince Theron and Princess Isolde [Character Relationship Update: Royal Family – Neutral -> Interested/Observing]. ”
Leo Elmsworth experienced a surge of [Anticipation Buff], mixed with a strategic [Opportunity Assessment] buff. Royal Family interaction? Potential [Faction Reputation Gain]? Definitely a main storyline quest trigger.
Baron Elmsworth read aloud from the Royal Decree, his voice amplifying with each line, showcasing increasing levels of [Amazement] and [Pride]. “Their Royal Highnesses are currently conducting a Royal Progress through the Southern Provinces [Royal Progress Event – Time Limited Event – 3 Days to Arrival], and… they have expressed a desire to include Elmsworth Village in their itinerary. They wish to experience… ‘authentic rural village life of the Empire’ and have received… favorable reports regarding our… local traditions.” He paused dramatically, a [Knowing Smile] animation playing as he glanced at Leo Elmsworth. “And, it appears, particularly regarding our… Sunstone Bread [Elmsworth Village – Unique Local Specialty Discovered by Royal Family – Potential Reputation Boost]. ”
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Lyra Elmsworth clapped her hands, triggering a [Joyful Sound Effect – Childlike Giggles]. “The Prince and Princess are coming to Elmsworth! Imagine! Will they stay at Elmsworth Manor Zone? Will we have a Royal Feast Event?” [Dialogue Tone: Excited, Childlike]
Baron Elmsworth chuckled, a genuine [Hearty Laugh] sound effect escaping him, imbued with both [Disbelief] and [Paternal Pride]. “It appears so, Lyra Elmsworth. They are scheduled to arrive within [Time-Limited Event: 3 Days]. We must prepare… immediately. Master Hemlock, commence preparations for Royal Visit Hospitality Protocol Beta Version 1.0. Leo Elmsworth, my son,” Baron Elmsworth’s gaze focused on Leo, now radiating [Hopeful Encouragement Buff]. “This… this is an unprecedented opportunity. A chance to showcase Elmsworth Village to the highest levels of the Empire! A chance to… increase our Village Prestige Stat!”
Leo Elmsworth felt a surge of [Excitement +] and [Responsibility +] flood his system. Royal Visit Event. Prince Theron and Princess Isolde. Unexpected, yes. But also… perfectly timed. This wasn't random encounter; this was clearly a [Main Storyline Quest Trigger Event]. Time to leverage his starting advantages and optimize for maximum [Village Reputation Gain].
“Father,” Leo Elmsworth stated, his voice firm, resonating with [Purposeful Tone]. “We will be ready. We will welcome Their Royal Highnesses to Elmsworth Village, and we will demonstrate not just our current state, but our potential. The potential of our villagers, the potential of our land, and the potential for a brighter future for Elmsworth Village, and by extension, for the entire Aethelgard Empire.” He gazed out the window, towards Elmsworth Village nestled in the valley below [Elmsworth Village Zone – Visible from Manor – Viewpoint Bonus: Inspiration +2], a village on the cusp of a transformation arc, poised to awaken from its [Low Prosperity Debuff], ready to embrace its destiny, with Royal Footsteps incoming to trigger the next phase of its development.
[System Notification: New Main Storyline Quest Received!]
[Main Storyline Quest: 'Royal Welcome to Elmsworth']
Type: Village Management/Time-Limited Event
Level: 10 (Recommended for Level 10+ Village Prosperity, Currently: Level 3)
Time Limit: 3 Days (In-Game Time)
Objective:
Prepare Elmsworth Manor for Royal Guests (Upgrade Manor Comfort Level to ‘Royal Standard’). (0/5 Manor Upgrades Completed)
Improve Elmsworth Village Presentation (Increase Village Aesthetics Stat to Minimum 7/10). (Current Village Aesthetics: 4/10)
Showcase Elmsworth Village’s Unique Products/Skills to Royal Guests (Prepare 3 Unique Village Showcase Items/Events). (0/3 Showcase Items/Events Prepared)
Achieve ‘Positive’ Relationship Level with Prince Theron and Princess Isolde during Royal Visit Event. (Current Royal Family Relationship: Neutral, Goal: Positive)
Rewards (Potential – Based on Quest Performance):
Significant Elmsworth Village Reputation Boost (Potentially unlocks new Village Zones/Upgrades).
Royal Favor – Unlocks potential Royal Quests/Storyline Branches.
Gold Reward (Scale based on Quest Success).
Unique Item/Blueprint Reward (Potentially Royal Artifact or High-Quality Upgrade Blueprint).
[Optional – Potential Romance Flags with Royal NPCs depending on Dialogue Choices and Relationship Level during Event].
Failure Conditions:
Failure to meet any Objective within Time Limit.
Negative Relationship Level with Royal Guests.
Village Morale Drops Below Critical Level during Royal Visit.
[Potential – Negative Consequences for House Elmsworth’s Reputation and Standing within the Empire].
Accept Main Storyline Quest? [Yes] [No]
Leo Elmsworth mentally slammed the [Yes] button with [Enthusiasm + Max!] stat engaged. Main Storyline Quest Acquired. Time-Limited Event Active. This is where the real game begins. He immediately accessed his Character Sheet and opened the [Stat Allocation] window – Level 2 Stat Points needed optimization. Focus: Village Development, Royal Visit Prep, and long-term nation-building strategy. Time to min-max his build for early game dominance in Elmsworth Village.
[Stat Points Available: 5]
Current Stats (Level 2):
Strength (STR): 8
Dexterity (DEX): 9
Intelligence (INT): 15
Wisdom (WIS): 12
Charisma (CHA): 10
Magic Power (MP): 20
Crafting Skill (CRF): 18
[Recommended Stat Allocation (Early Game – Village Development Focus):]
+2 Intelligence (INT): Increases Skill Learning Rate, Resource Management Efficiency, and unlocks advanced dialogue options.
+2 Wisdom (WIS): Enhances Status Vision range and detail, improves NPC relationship gains, and unlocks deeper insights into quests and objectives.
+1 Charisma (CHA): Improves success rate of persuasion and diplomacy dialogue options, enhances NPC relationship gains, and unlocks potential for attracting skilled villagers.
[Allocate Recommended Stats? [Yes] [No] – Customize Allocation? [Yes] [No]]
Leo reviewed the recommendations. Logical. Efficient. Optimized for his immediate goals. Accept Recommended Allocation. Yes.
[Stat Allocation Confirmed!]
New Stats (Level 2):
Strength (STR): 8
Dexterity (DEX): 9
Intelligence (INT): 17 (+2)
Wisdom (WIS): 14 (+2)
Charisma (CHA): 11 (+1)
Magic Power (MP): 20
Crafting Skill (CRF): 18
[Character Sheet Updated!]
[Learning Rate +2%, Status Vision Range +10%, NPC Relationship Gain +3%, Diplomacy Success Rate +1%]
Stats allocated, quests accepted, time limit ticking. Leo Elmsworth, the Jade-Eyed Baron-in-Waiting of Elmsworth Village, was officially in game mode. Royal Welcome Event prep, Village Prosperity grind, and long-term nation-building strategy – the next 72 in-game hours were going to be… busy.