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The Jade-Eyed Baron of Elmsworth
Chapter 5: Royal Arrival, Showcase Performance, and Imperial Approval

Chapter 5: Royal Arrival, Showcase Performance, and Imperial Approval

[Main Storyline Quest: 'Royal Welcome to Elmsworth' – Active]

[Time Remaining: 24 Hours 00 Minutes – Critical Phase!]

The final 24-hour countdown for the Royal Visit initiated a [Time Pressure Debuff – Minor Stress +5%, Decision Making Speed +10%] system-wide. Manor Upgrades and Village Aesthetics improvements were progressing, crafting timers diligently tracked in his [Quest Log]. Sunstone Bread production was at [Maximum Output]. Showcase Events were prepped, NPC schedules optimized. Phase 1 of Royal Visit Prep: Complete. Phase 2: Royal Interaction and Showcase Performance.

As the midday sun reached its zenith, a [System Alert: Royal Party Approaching Elmsworth Village Zone!] notification flashed across Leo’s vision. He activated [Status Vision] and gazed towards the village outskirts [Elmsworth Village Zone – Transition Point – Royal Arrival Event Triggered]. A procession of royal carriages, banners bearing the griffon crest fluttering proudly, and guards in gleaming armor, [Royal Guard Unit – Level 30 Elite, Class: Royal Knight (Military Elite Branch), Threat Level: Low to Moderate (Non-Hostile)], approached Elmsworth Village.

Prince Theron and Princess Isolde, [Royal NPC Arrival Cinematic – Initiating – Skip? [Yes] [No]], descended from the lead carriage. Leo mentally clicked [No – Observe Cinematic Event].

[Character Scan: Prince Theron (NPC – Royal/Heir Apparent)]

Level: 45 (Crown Prince)

Class: Prince (Royal Class – Leadership Branch)

Stats (Partial Display – Royal Stats):

Leadership (LEA): 40 (Charismatic Leader)

Diplomacy (DIP): 35 (Skilled Diplomat)

Politics (POL): 42 (Political Acumen)

Swordsmanship (SWD): 38 (Royal Training – Elite)

Magic (Basic Royal Magic – Light Attribute): 25 (Competent)

Charisma (CHA): 45 (Royal Presence)

Skills (Partial Display – Royal Skills):

[Royal Diplomacy (Level 40)]

[Political Maneuvering (Level 42)]

[Strategic Thinking (Level 35)]

[Royal Swordsmanship (Level 38)]

[Light Magic (Basic Level 25)]

Reputation (Aethelgard Empire): [Highly Respected Heir Apparent (Positive)]

Relationship (Leo Elmsworth): [Neutral – Initial Encounter]

Disposition: [Observant], [Diplomatic], [Slightly Reserved], [Intrigued (Elmsworth Village Reports)]

[Character Scan: Princess Isolde (NPC – Royal/Princess)]

Level: 43 (Princess)

Class: Princess (Royal Class – Diplomatic Branch)

Stats (Partial Display – Royal Stats):

Diplomacy (DIP): 45 (Master Diplomat)

Etiquette (Royal): 50 (Flawless Royal Demeanor)

Social Networking (SOC): 40 (Extensive Royal Connections)

Charm (CHR): 48 (Enchanting Royal Presence)

Magic (Basic Royal Magic – Water Attribute): 20 (Competent)

Intelligence (INT): 38 (Sharp Intellect)

Skills (Partial Display – Royal Skills):

[Royal Etiquette (Level 50)]

[Diplomatic Grace (Level 45)]

[Social Influence (Level 40)]

[Water Magic (Basic Level 20)]

Reputation (Aethelgard Empire): [Beloved Princess, Skilled Diplomat (Positive)]

Relationship (Leo Elmsworth): [Neutral – Initial Encounter]

Disposition: [Gracious], [Perceptive], [Curious], [Open to Impressions (Elmsworth Visit)]

Levels 45 and 43… Royal NPCs definitely endgame content potential. Leo mentally adjusted his initial village development strategy. Royal Favor could unlock significant long-term benefits. Maximum relationship gain was now a priority objective alongside quest completion.

Baron Elmsworth and Lady Elara, [Family Greeting Event – Initiated], formally greeted the Royal Party at the village outskirts, displaying impeccable [Noble Etiquette (Level 20)] and [Royal Courtliness (Level 25)] skills. Leo and Lyra Elmsworth, positioned slightly behind their parents, executed [Formal Bow/Curtsy Animation – Etiquette Check: Success].

Prince Theron, radiating [Royal Charisma Aura +5], offered a gracious smile, [Relationship Gain + Minor (Royal Politeness)]. “Baron Elmsworth, Lady Elara,” his voice projected [Royal Authority Tone – Subtly Imposing, Respectful]. “We thank you for your warm welcome to Elmsworth Village. We are eager to experience the… authentic rural life we have heard spoken of.”

Princess Isolde, her presence imbued with [Royal Charm Aura +8], extended a delicate hand, [Royal Handshake Opportunity – Etiquette Check Required]. “Indeed, Lady Elara, Baron Elmsworth. Your Sunstone Bread has reached even the Royal Palaces of Aethelgard – a testament to Elmsworth Village’s… unique appeal.” [Elmsworth Village Reputation +1 (Royal Acknowledgment – Culinary Specialty)]

Leo smoothly executed [Royal Handshake Protocol – Etiquette Check: Perfect Score! +Relationship Gain (Princess Isolde)]. “Your Royal Highnesses,” Leo Elmsworth addressed them, his voice modulated to [Respectful Noble Tone – Intelligence and Confidence Modifiers Active]. “House Elmsworth and Elmsworth Village are deeply honored by your visit. We have prepared a humble… showcase of our village’s current state and future potential for your esteemed consideration.”

Prince Theron raised an eyebrow, [Intrigue Buff Activated]. “Future potential, young Master Elmsworth? Intriguing. We are most curious to witness what Elmsworth has to offer.” [Dialogue Tone: Curious, Engaging]

Princess Isolde smiled, her [Charm Aura] intensifying [Relationship Gain + Moderate (Princess Isolde – Positive Initial Impression)]. “Lead the way, Master Leo Elmsworth. We are eager to begin our… village immersion experience.”

The [Herbal Remedy Garden Tour Event] was first on the schedule. Elara Meadowlight, despite initial [Nervousness Debuff – Minor Charisma -2 during Royal Interaction], delivered an [Exceptional Herbalism Showcase Performance – Skill Level 25 Displayed]. She guided the Royal Party through her herb garden [Zone Buff: Meadowlight Herb Garden – Calm +2, Herbal Knowledge +5%] showcasing the diverse collection, explaining healing properties with [Expert Herbal Lore (Level 20)] skill and answering Royal questions with [Intelligent Herbalist Dialogue Options – Wisdom and Intelligence Checks: Success!]

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Prince Theron displayed [Genuine Interest – Buff: Village Herbalism Potential Acknowledged], questioning Elara Meadowlight on specific herb properties and potential applications with [Princely Inquiry Dialogue – Diplomacy and Intelligence Checks: Success!] Princess Isolde, exhibiting [Royal Grace & Charm], complimented Elara Meadowlight’s [Passionate Expertise], triggering a [Relationship Gain + Moderate (Elara Meadowlight – Royal Recognition Buff)].

Next, the [Artisan Blacksmithing Demonstration Event] at Tiber Stonehand’s workshop [Zone Debuff: Blacksmith Heat – Minor Stamina Regen -5%] . Tiber Stonehand, initially afflicted by [Stage Fright Debuff – Charisma -5%, Dexterity -3% during Royal Performance], rallied under Leo’s encouraging nod, and proceeded to deliver a [Gruff but Competent Blacksmithing Demonstration – Skill Level 15 Displayed]. He hammered and forged with practiced skill, explaining basic blacksmithing techniques with surprisingly engaging [Artisan Explanation Dialogue Options – Strength and Crafting Skill Checks: Success!]

Leo strategically highlighted Tiber Stonehand’s [Hidden Skill: Artisan Weaponsmithing] potential during the demonstration, showcasing the [Artisan Iron Rose] as a ‘practice piece’ and emphasizing future plans for Workshop Upgrade and Artisan Crafting development.

Prince Theron, initially displaying [Royal Skepticism – Debuff: Village Artisan Skill Under Assessment], visibly shifted to [Royal Curiosity – Buff: Artisan Potential Acknowledged]. He questioned Tiber Stonehand intently about weapon crafting techniques and materials, probing for deeper knowledge with [Princely Questioning Dialogue – Intelligence and Strategic Thinking Checks: Success!] Princess Isolde, exhibiting [Royal Encouragement], praised Tiber Stonehand’s [Reliable Craftsmanship] and [Hidden Artistic Talent], triggering a [Relationship Gain + Moderate (Tiber Stonehand – Royal Praise Buff)].

Finally, the [Sunstone Bread Baking Demonstration Event] at the village bakery [Zone Buff: Bakery Aroma – Minor Happiness +1, Hunger -2%] . Martha the baker, radiating [Village Pride Buff – Confidence +5% during Royal Showcase], delivered a [Charming Baking Demonstration – Cooking Skill Level 20 Displayed]. She expertly kneaded dough, explained the unique Sunstone Bread recipe with [Baker’s Lore Dialogue Options – Cooking and Charisma Checks: Success!] and presented freshly baked, warm Sunstone Bread samples to the Royal Party [Item: Sunstone Bread (Royal Sample) – Quality: 8/10, Buff: Stamina Regen +3 for 45 minutes, Royal Approval Bonus +5% Happiness to consumer].

Prince Theron and Princess Isolde both sampled the Sunstone Bread, their [Facial Animation: Royal Delight – Happiness +] registering clearly. [Royal Approval Buff: Sunstone Bread – Culinary Specialty Confirmed by Royal Taste – Elmsworth Village Reputation +2 (Culinary Excellence)]. Princess Isolde specifically complimented Martha’s [Baking Skill] and [Village Tradition], triggering a [Relationship Gain + Moderate (Martha the Baker – Royal Compliment Buff)].

As the Showcase Events concluded, and the Royal Party retired to Elmsworth Manor [Manor Zone Buff: Royal Presence – Village Prestige +2 temporarily, Royal Interaction Bonus +5% Relationship Gain], Leo Elmsworth received a [System Notification: Royal Visit Showcase Performance – Overall Evaluation: Positive].

[Main Storyline Quest: 'Royal Welcome to Elmsworth' – Objective 3: Showcase Elmsworth Village’s Unique Products/Skills to Royal Guests – Completed! (3/3 Showcase Items/Events Prepared – Performance: Positive)]

[Quest Stage Completed – +250 XP]

[Main Storyline Quest: 'Royal Welcome to Elmsworth' – Objective 4: Achieve ‘Positive’ Relationship Level with Prince Theron and Princess Isolde during Royal Visit Event – In Progress (Relationship Level: Approaching ‘Positive’ – Maintain Positive Interactions for Final Stage Completion)]

Dinner at Elmsworth Manor [Manor Dining Hall Zone – Royal Dinner Event – Etiquette Check Required, Dialogue Focus on Diplomacy and Village Potential] commenced. Leo, strategically seated near Prince Theron and Princess Isolde, navigated the [Royal Dinner Dialogue Tree – Advanced Branch Unlocked]. He engaged Prince Theron in discussions of [Village Economic Development Strategies] and [Artisan Crafting Potential in Southern Provinces – Intelligence and Strategic Thinking Dialogue Options: Success! +Relationship Gain (Prince Theron)]. He charmed Princess Isolde with [Complimentary Etiquette and Village Appreciation Dialogue Options – Charisma and Etiquette Checks: Success! +Relationship Gain (Princess Isolde)]. He subtly steered the conversation towards Elmsworth Village’s needs and future aspirations, planting seeds of [Royal Patronage Potential – Long-Term Village Development Strategy].

As the Royal Visit Day concluded, and Prince Theron and Princess Isolde retired to their [Royal Standard Upgraded Manor Bedrooms – Comfort Level: Royal Standard Achieved! – Quest Objective 1 Progress +] , Leo Elmsworth received the final [System Notification: Main Storyline Quest 'Royal Welcome to Elmsworth' – Completed!].

[Main Storyline Quest: 'Royal Welcome to Elmsworth' – Completed!]

[All Objectives Completed – Performance: Excellent!]

Rewards Received:

[Experience Points: 2000 XP]

[Gold Reward: 100 Gold Pieces (Royal Purse – Generous Reward)]

[Item Reward: Royal Decree of Commendation – Item Type: Royal Document, Rarity: Rare, Lore Value: High, Effect: Elmsworth Village Reputation +10 (Permanent – Royal Favor), Unlocks Potential Royal Trade Routes & Merchant Contracts]

[Blueprint Reward: Artisan Workshop Upgrade – Blueprint Type: Building Upgrade, Rarity: Uncommon, Effect: Upgrades Blacksmith Workshop to Artisan Level, Unlocks Artisan Crafting Recipes & Higher Tier Material Processing]

[Relationship Increase: Prince Theron (Positive – Royal Favor Established)]

[Relationship Increase: Princess Isolde (Positive – Royal Admiration Gained)]

[Elmsworth Village Prosperity Stat +1 (Royal Visit Success Boost)]

[Elmsworth Village Aesthetics Stat +1 (Royal Visit Approval Bonus)]

[Elmsworth Village Security Stat +1 (Royal Presence & Recognition Boost)]

[Level Up! Leo Elmsworth is now Level 3!]

[Stat Points Awarded: 5 – Allocate Now? [Yes] [No]]

[New Main Storyline Quest Chain Unlocked: 'Seeds of a Kingdom' – Unlocked! (Focus: Village Expansion, Resource Acquisition, Regional Influence Growth)]

Leo Elmsworth reviewed the reward screen, a surge of [Victory Buff +] and [Strategic Success Buff +] coursing through his system. Royal Decree, Artisan Workshop Blueprint, Royal Favor established. Elmsworth Village Reputation significantly boosted. Level Up. New Main Storyline Quest Chain Unlocked. 72-Hour Royal Visit Sprint – Optimal Playthrough Achieved. Elmsworth Village, under the Jade-Eyed Baron’s guidance, was officially on the path to… kingdom building. Level 3, and the game was just getting started.

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