Chapter 3 - Part 16 (Book 1 - Fantasy World)

Seeing that they were all dressed and ready, Han could feel his curiosity growing regarding the group aiming for Leaf Village.

Noticing Han's behavior, the maids that came to help them change into their outfits began to head into the portal that led to The Stronghold. The maids also carried away the large mirror that Han used.

"I suspect that there is much confusion and chaos due to the news of hostile forces approaching Leaf village, so we should let Elis and Tom's family know what is happening." Han smiled at the three.

Han walked out of the changing room into the main hallway.

Stepping into the hallway, he immediately noticed how quiet the hallway was, like something out of a horror game.

"It is quiet," Han remarked to himself and the three.

"We do not detect anyone with hostile intentions, Master," Queen said.

Han nodded, "I suspect that was the case. When heading to the bath area earlier, I did not think there was any noise. But that may just be my poor memory."

It was also worth noting that the fact that they were on the floor typically only used by nobles and their entourage meant that there shouldn't be anyone active.

But Han still felt as though something was different.

Helania, Queen, and Brittany seemed to have detected the unsettling atmosphere of the hallway.

Han walked over to Elis' door first. Reaching it, he took a moment to see if there was anything that could be heard. Even though the doors were designed to contain sound, it was better to take precautions -- instead of leaving things to chance.

Moving close to the door, Han placed an ear up against it.

"Nothing," Han said. "It is likely the way the door was designed," He made sure to add -- to avoid escalating things.

Taking a step back, Han calmly knocked on the door.

As he waited, Han tried to hear any footsteps or even feel any vibrations on the floor. But there wasn't anything -- due to the quality of the building's design.

The door soon opened, and Elis' face was revealed. Her eyes were wide, and her eyebrows raised with anxiety. In addition, her face was drained of color. It was clear that something had happened during the time since Han last saw her.

"My Lord!" The words rushed out of Elis' mouth.

The fact that confusion wasn't the emotion being displayed on Elis' face, Han could tell that it was connected to what Andrea had alerted him about.

"Calm down, tell me what happened," Han slowly said to Elis in an attempt to calm the woman down. The last thing he needed to do was cause her to panic.

Opening the door further, Elis moved inside towards the nearest window.

With the door opened, Han followed the village woman inside her room. He took a quick look but then focused on the window. The further he entered, the more Han could hear voices yelling at one another.

"I think something is happening right now, My Lord," Elis said. She pointed down towards the street, "There are people rushing with their belongings as though fleeing from something. Guards are waving people away from where we entered."

Elis looked at Han, hoping for guidance.

Walking towards the window, Han looked at the street below them. The first thing he noticed was the guards guiding villagers away from the entrance, likely not the only one but the one they took to enter.

People were pushing carts filled with food and bags, likely with clothes and small objects.

There were a few people that had wagons overflowing with boxes. The wagons were pulled forward by horses while armed individuals stayed around it -- clearly protecting the items inside the vehicle. It didn't take a genius to connect the dots and realize that the wagons belonged to merchants. The armed people were guards they hired.

The village had turned from a peaceful night where friends walked around and families ate together at the various restaurants to one that was chaotic. Shouts and pleas could be heard as people shoved others out of their way.

There was even a child, walking alone in nightwear, crying in the middle of the road -- searching for their parents.

Han calmly observed the situation, his eyes slowly scanning what was happening outside.

"Is there anything we should be concerned about? Will we be okay?" Elis spoke quietly, as though worried about others overhearing her concerns.

Turning to direct his attention to Elis, Han almost smiled but decided against it. Instead, saying in a relaxed tone while keeping his expression calm, "Even if there is something happening, you do not need to be concerned."

As if on cue, Cindy and Mindy walked out of a portal.

"Do not worry, Master," Cindy, the young red-haired maid said while she looked at Han and then at Elis.

"We will ensure that no harm comes to your guest," Mindy, the black-haired near identical sister, said. To Elis, Mindy said, "Your safety is one of our top priorities."

Cindy motioned to one of the nearby seats, "Please have a seat. We will bring you some tea to drink. It will help to calm your nerves."

"With the two of us here, there is no chance that you will be harmed," Mindy bowed and motioned to the same chair that her sister had directed Elis to sit in.

Elis looked to the sisters and then to the chair.

Seeing that Elis needed more reassurance, Han lightly pushed her towards the chair. "It will be fine. Regardless of what is happening outside, I can assure you that you will not be affected. Even if something did happen, both Cindy and Mindy would be able to get in contact with me immediately."

Grinning, Han said, "Cindy and Mindy may look cute and adorable, but those two should not be underestimated."

Turning towards Han, Elis's expression relaxed, and her complexion gradually returned to normal. "Thank you, My Lord. The fact that you're here is a comfort." She bowed to Han.

In the background, the sounds of yelling and screams could still be heard, an everpresent reminder of the danger approaching the village.

Looking at the twin maids, Han said, "I imagine Tom and his family are in a similar state of mind. The family should be kept safe as well, but prioritize Elis. If you need more assistance, just contact Brittany, and she will send reinforcements."

In his mind, Han thought about what else needed to be addressed. Though he needed to meet with Tom and provide reassurance, there was a thought to just head to the threat and see what it looked like. He couldn't help but smile -- eager to see what a real battle looked like. The encounter with the small minor group of Lunar Empire disguised as bandits didn't satisfy him.

Elis noticed the smile on Han's lips. The blood once again drained from her face as Elis exclaimed, “My Lord, you can’t be thinking about going out there?!”

Behind him, Brittany frowned. Helania and Queen also didn't look pleased about what Elis was implying about Han's intelligence.

Though his creations didn't appreciate the raised voice and Elis questioning his sanity

Han raised a hand to his creations, letting them know that he didn't find Elis' words to be offensive. He knew that Elis was just worried for his safety. Though she may have seen what his creations are capable of, there would naturally be a sense of unease.

"There is no need to be concerned about my safety,” Han reassured Elis.

Han motioned for Cindy and Mindy to take care of the anxious woman.

The twin maids moved to where Elis was standing, going to either side of the woman. Each placed a hand on Elis' back to help Elis go to the comfortable seat with an elegant wooden coffee table in front of it.

Elis initially fought the maids but then moved forward.

In the air was a sense of reassurance and tranquility, making Han look at the twins. There was a slight shimmer in the air like fine sparkling dust was released. The source came from the twins.

"I see that they used some kind of area of effect to give a sense that everything was fine," Han smiled.

Han hadn't instructed any of his creations on how to use magic, so he was frequently amazed at how they could grasp it so well. Thinking of what the twins had done made him wonder if it was similar to his own ability, just having a desire and pouring energy into it -- willing it to manifest.