Fate was not something Nolan liked to follow.
Changing the course of a story was nothing new to him. He had done it plenty of times before, especially back in Dark Souls.
Nolan changed the subject.
"How's the training going?"
"It's only been a few days. There hasn't been much progress yet. I'll need more time."
Vyke had no complaints about the task Nolan had given him.
He spent most of his time training his own martial skills anyway. Drilling soldiers did not interfere with that.
"Push them harder. It'll be their turn soon."
Nolan nodded, showing no surprise.
"War already? Who are we fighting?" Vyke asked, startled.
"The surrounding lords, of course. The ones who came earlier were Baron Will's men."
Nolan spoke calmly.
"They've probably already learned what happened in the Morton territory. This land is a big prize."
Being surrounded by powerful enemies created immense pressure, but it could also become motivation.
Vyke instinctively nodded.
"I understand."
This time he truly understood.
He did not know whether they could win.
But he knew that if those people took this place, the villagers would once again struggle to find food, and the smiles would vanish from their faces.
"Go. Give the people the strength that belongs to them. Wash away the enemy's crimes. The burden of justice now falls upon me!"
Vyke's eyes immediately lit up.
Nepheli, who had just awakened nearby, froze.
The man who had been standing with his back to her suddenly seemed far larger than before.
"Sir!"
Nepheli called out before she could stop herself.
She disliked listening in from the shadows, so she made her presence known.
Nolan turned around, surprise and concern appearing on his face.
"Nepheli? You're awake. How are you feeling? Does anything hurt?"
Nepheli looked at the unfamiliar yet kind man before her, curiosity rising in her heart.
"My lord... you know who I am?"
If she remembered correctly, he had said earlier that he was the master of this land. Calling him lord should not be wrong.
"I've heard about you. But I'm not the lord here."
Nolan walked closer and honestly explained what had happened to him and Vyke.
Lying felt cheap and pointless.
They had done nothing shameful.
Their similar experiences made the guard around Nepheli's heart ease slightly.
When she learned that Nolan had killed a greedy lord to protect the people under his rule, admiration filled her heart.
She had once thought of doing the same.
Unfortunately, she had never been strong enough. That was why she had been forced to keep moving and hiding.
For a Tarnished to overthrow a noble and rule a territory instead, that was undeniably bold.
"You stepped in and saved us, and now we've brought trouble upon you as well. I truly don't know how I could ever repay such kindness."
"This has nothing to do with you. That battle was unavoidable anyway. It was only a matter of time."
Nolan shook his head and blinked casually.
"Repay grudges, repay kindness. That's what my ancestors taught me."
Nepheli raised her head, glanced at Nolan, and nodded firmly.
Her ancestors would definitely agree with that.
"Whatever you ask of me, as long as it's within my ability, I will do my best to accomplish it."
"Anything?" Nolan raised an eyebrow, repeating her words slowly.
"Yes. Anything."
Nepheli nodded heavily.
"You seem quite capable, and you have a promising future. Would you be willing to stay here? Fight for me."
"So that's it. You want me."
After thinking for a moment, Nepheli suddenly understood.
Straightforward and a little self-assured. Were barbarians always like this?
Without all the indirect, polite phrasing people liked to use, Nolan actually found it rather refreshing.
He smiled.
"That's more or less the idea."
"I'm willing. From today onward, I belong to you."
Nepheli did not feel the need to hesitate.
From the battle earlier, it was clear that Nolan was stronger than her.
Following someone stronger was only natural.
Nolan smiled and said softly to Vyke,
"Vyke, you should head back and rest. I'll take care of things here."
"I'll show Nepheli around and help her get familiar with the place."
"Huh?"
Vyke blinked in surprise.
He had originally planned to talk with their new companion a bit more and get to know her better.
"You still have to train the soldiers tomorrow. Don't let this affect your rest."
"Oh."
Although a little confused, Vyke thought it over and realized Nolan had a point.
In the end, he nodded reluctantly.
"Alright... I'll head back first."
He scratched the back of his head and slowly turned away.
Nepheli remained silent the entire time, but she did not object either.
The night grew deeper, yet everyone's mood remained lively.
Now that Nepheli had agreed to follow Nolan, she naturally remained the core of the Tarnished group. The other Tarnished chose to stay as well.
Soon after, Nolan led the group on a relaxed walk through the village.
To be honest, there was nothing particularly remarkable about the scenery. For people who had spent their lives in similar places, it had long since become ordinary.
Even so, Nolan patiently explained the general layout of the manor to Nepheli as they walked.
Eventually they arrived in front of a small tavern.
Seeing that it was already late, Nolan decided to go inside for a while and treat it as a small welcoming feast for Nepheli.
After several rounds of drinks and a full meal, both Nolan and Nepheli were beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol.
The two of them supported each other as they staggered out of the tavern.
A young Tarnished noticed and was about to follow them outside to escort them back.
At that moment, a middle aged Tarnished beside him quickly shook his head and whispered,
"Karl, forget it. Leave them be. Come help me back instead."
"Hank... but Lady Nepheli..."
Karl stared at the scene in front of him, completely stunned.
It took him quite a while to come back to his senses.
Nepheli came from a barbarian tribe. Her personality had always been bold and straightforward, but none of them had ever seen her drunk before.
The one who should really be worried about was that kind knight.
Karl silently prayed for Nolan.
Hank exchanged a glance with another older Tarnished named Fick, and both men broke into knowing smiles.
That was simply how barbarians were.
If they liked someone, they liked them. No hesitation, no awkward restraint.
For everyone else, this was good news.
Nepheli had chosen the man she liked. For now, they were safe. And they also had a greater goal ahead.
If Nepheli carried the bearing of a champion, then this man clearly possessed the aura of someone destined to become a Lord.
Nepheli supported Nolan as they made their way toward the earthen fort.
They swayed back and forth along the path, but eventually reached their destination without trouble.
When they pushed open the door together, it was obvious that Nolan had already sobered up quite a bit.
He knew exactly when he should be drunk, and when he should not.