When I left I could feel my heart pounding. Being a Jarl is kind of a big deal! I would never think of becoming one but when he said all that I did it sounds like I’m already a Jarl. He just wants it to be official. If I want to keep that promise. I need to do the first one. Rescue Tae. I’m coming for you… My friend.

After the conversation, I went to the place where the children play all of the time. They were there waiting for me. After all, I promised them to tell the story. They had a campfire ready. The children were glad that I came. To my surprise between them, I saw Stella. It was good to see her making friends with other kids. She won’t be an outcast.

I told them most of the things. How I met Stella, first fight with thugs, escaping the town with Dian. Him revealing his mark. Our attempt on arresting Meka and the big battle. As always the kids were amazed by my story.

[ Eric ]

“One warning to the boys. If you value your life don’t pick on Stella.”

[ Parent ]

“Are you threatening the kids?” Said one of the parents that were watching over the kids.

[ Eric ]

“No. I’m just telling them that it’s better to not be on Stella’s bad side.”

[ Boy ]

“We know it. And saw it happen.”

[ Eric ]

“Did she kill someone?!” I asked as I grabbed the kid.

[ Boy ]

“No. Although Clay got a serious beating from her.”

[ Eric ]

“Don’t tell me she broke his bones?!”

[ Boy ]

“Nah. He just got a few bruises and a black eye.” Said the boy as he pointed at one boy sitting by the fire.

[ Eric ]

“Oh… So that’s why he looks so rough. He picked a fight with Valkyrie. Even I might have a hard time in the fight with her. Now that I think about it… Kids. This is yours knew goddess!” I shouted as I kneeled in front of Stella and the rest of the kids followed me. Especially the one that was beaten by her.

[ Stella ]

“Don’t do that… It’s… embarrassing. I like things as they were.”

[ Eric ]

“I’m just joking.” I said as I pat her on the head. Then she hugged me and didn’t want to stop. “Alright, kids. It’s time for bed. See you tomorrow!”

As we were walking toward my house I noticed that Stella is falling asleep while walking. I gently placed her on my back and gave her a piggyback ride. Dian was already there waiting for us. I gave my bed to Stella and a guest bed was left for me. Yes. I made a second bed for guests.

[ Dian ]

“Where I’m gonna sleep?”

[ Eric ]

“You? Hmm… You have three options. You can pay for the room at the inn. You can sleep in the hut right out there.” I pointed at the hut out the window. The same hut that I lived in from the beginning. “Or you can just sleep on the chair.”

[ Dian ]

“Are you serious?”

[ Eric ]

“Do you see any other bed around here? No. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything else.”

[ Dian ]

“Then I’ll just take the hut…” He said as he left.

The last two days I was training with Dian, trying to improve his spells. They are very useful and if he could control them for a longer time that would be amazing. All the things I ordered from Taliar were high quality. I think he made sure of that since I bought two shields from him. It’s a weird obsession but it could be always something worse.

I love being prepared for everything. If something will surprise me I can make another plan. There is nothing holding me back! Just you wait you Hakarl scum. I’m coming.