Chapter 2 -- Part 3 (Book 1 - Fantasy World)

She then turned toward Han and his companions.

With a smile, she said, “My Lord, thank you for your assistance. Please let me know if there’s anything I could assist you with.”

“Would you know if this village had an inn?” He asked her, trying not to embarrass her after witnessing what happened.

The woman shook her head.

“I’m sorry, but our village isn’t large enough to have an inn. Most people pass our village on their way to their destination. Even the merchant that comes around will camp outside with his armed guards.” She answered apologetically. Seeing his frown, she hesitated briefly before saying, “I hope this isn’t presumptuous, but if my lord and my ladies are willing, I offer my home.”

With everything he had seen in the village and how the woman was treated, Han didn’t imagine her home to be better off. It would likely be worse, all things considered.

“We would be honored by your gracious offer.” He said to her.

Following the woman, Han and his creations were led by the woman to her home.

Though she stated she was taking those plants to her neighbors, her home was several houses away. The term neighbor likely referred to anyone in the village.

Han’s eyes widened.

It was slightly smaller than the others, with only one window next to the door.

“I’m surprised it hasn’t collapsed,” Han noticed how worn down it appeared.

There were even holes between the bricks.

Entering the house, they saw part living room and dining room setup.

Han noticed a door that, presumably, led to a bedroom.

With a communal kitchen area, they probably didn’t need to incorporate one inside the homes.

Against the wall appeared to be a place for various food ingredients.

“I see that they don’t have anything to keep food cold, meaning everything has to be made fresh or dried,” Han thought.

Han realized that the villagers must have a high turnover for food, considering it would spoil quickly.

“How is this woman treated so poorly when she helps bring supplies?” He was confused by the situation.

Based on the villagers' needs, it would make sense that anyone who contributes to the village's safety would be treated with respect. This was, even more, the case with her husband being someone of note, it seemed.

The home was pretty empty looking, just the bare essentials. Even the table only had one chair since she was the only one living here. There was a carpet, but that seemed to be the only thing to brighten up this dreary place.

Han noticed Helania slowly approaching him.

“Master, I don’t think we should stay here. I can take us back to the stronghold, and you could sleep in your chambers. This place does not suit a being such as yourself.” Helania whispered to him.

Knowing Helania, Han knew that the whispering wasn’t because she wanted to be considerate but because she didn’t want to reveal themselves without his permission.

Han slightly shook his head.

“I do not mind staying here. I find this to be amusing, and this woman intrigues me.” He informed them, ending any further discussions.

“As you wish.” Helania bowed.

Han knew she was not satisfied with the situation but would fulfill her Master’s wishes.

The woman looked back at them, embarrassed. “I apologize for my home. Ever since I began living on my own, this size is all that I can afford.” She tried to explain it to them.

The woman’s face was red as she tried to clean a bit to make things look more presentable.

“Nonsense. You are generous with your hospitality, allowing us to stay here when we have only met one another.” Han expressed himself. “If you have not eaten yet, please let me express our appreciation for your consideration.”

He estimated that it was slightly after midday now. Hence, it wasn’t likely that she had eaten if she spent her morning gathering those plants.

Looking perplexed, the woman exclaimed, “My lord, how can I expect you to prepare a meal for me?!” She frantically raised her hands, trying to stop such thoughts.

“I will not hear another word. Do not concern yourself, and just enjoy my humble meal,” Han said.

Han took a moment and then felt a slight connection.

There was a flash of excitement and warmth felt through the link.

“Brittany, I would like you to bring me four steak meals. Also, include a refreshing fruit drink. Bring all the necessary things for four people.” Han commanded.

“Yes, Master! I will bring everything to you forthwith.” Brittany replied.

The link in his mind ceased.

Waving his hand, Han made two comfortable-looking sofas materialize.

The woman was startled by the sudden appearance of the two sofas.

He sat down, with Queen, on his left and Helania, on his right. Han leaned back and relaxed on the couch — pulling the two towards him with a sigh.

The two squealed in delight from the sudden public display of affection.

Seeing the woman looking dazed, he laughed, “Have a seat. I assure you that these sofas are extremely comfortable to sit on.”

He attempted to reassure her.

Sitting down and sinking into the sofa, the woman asked, “How did you make these appear?”

“I’m sure you understand that magic exists, correct?” He inquired, and seeing her nod her head, he continued. “You can think of me as being a simple magician. My companions and I are just taking in the sights of this Kingdom and happen upon this village.”

The way he said it made everything sound like such a simple task.

“I’ve never seen someone able to perform this kind of magic before.”

Her brow furrowed as she attempted to rationalize everything she saw and heard.

Han shrugged nonchalantly.

“Just think of this as being a minor thing. Aside from this, I have another thing I want to demonstrate to show my appreciation.”

As he said this, a portal opened up. Several waitresses brought a table, silverware, and other elaborate dining accessories.

After they had set up everything, they curtsied to him and then proceeded into the portal.

Brittany then came out with a single dish for him.

Appearing after Brittany were several other waitresses bringing in the remaining plates.

After serving the dishes, the waitresses and Brittany went off to the side to be ready to serve.

Han smiled.

“I hope this is all to your taste. The waitresses can bring a different dish if the food is not to your liking.”

He motioned with his hands. “Feel free to eat.”

Rubbing his hands in anticipation, Han cut a portion of the steak.

Han took the portion to his mouth and enjoyed the flavors.

“Though the noodles I had eaten earlier tasted nice, they did a nice job with this steak.” Han smiled as he chewed.

He enjoyed the flavor of the seared meat mixed with the seasoning and juices.

Han nodded appreciatively at how it fell apart in his mouth as he chewed.

“This is much better than what I’ve had at expensive restaurants the few time I’d get to dine at one.”

Seeing that he had started eating, both Helania and Queen began eating. They moved with elegance, the way they used their fork and knife. With their mannerism, anyone would have thought them to be nobility.