When he finally made it to bed it was several hours into the night, and he sank into the soft mattress with an audible groan. This is bliss. Some may say that all that constitution made sleeping on the ground no big deal and in some ways, they would be right. But as Noah sunk into the luscious down he learned just how much he’d been missing. His heightened awareness, both through stat and domain, communicated a wave of pure joy to his brain. If his ducts weren't dry he may have shed a tear, but alas they were so he smiled a giddy grin in the darkness. After the emotional torrent, his brain was ready for a reprieve, so as soon as he closed his eyes he was asleep. He dreamt–not a prophetic dream, but more of a sorting-things-out kind of dream. He saw Julie and the boys, Jergin and the strange elves, Ro’Kar, and the tribe, and then a slideshow of freshly harrowing near-death experiences. It started as a pleasant dream but ended as a nightmare, though when he woke he felt that the fear was a fitting response to the corresponding events. The dream had ended with a particularly disturbing scene, where Jeline was walking beside him only to turn and open her mouth only to find it filled with razor-sharp teeth. She then proceeded to bite his head clear off his body. He shuddered at the image but also steeled himself for the day to come. He didn’t pretend that his mental state was now in tip-top shape, but he knew now that his laissez-faire attitude with Jeline would get him in trouble. There was a knock on the door before it opened, revealing Dalia with a similar cart to yesterday.

  “Good morning, I see you are awake. I brought you a proper set of clothes to wear to breakfast with Her Majesty. She doesn’t like to be kept waiting, so you best hurry.” She said, pushing the cart up to the bed. Noah got up, clad in the smooth thread pajamas from her previous visit. He examined the outfit picked out for him and frowned. It appeared to be a tunic, with accompanying stockings, boots, and belt. He cocked his head at thematic medieval European wear. Dalia snorted.

  “Her Majesty has memories of English castles and has taken a liking to the whole time period.” She explained. Noah nodded, finding the quirk charming. He began to pull off his nightshirt but then stopped, looking at Dalia.

  “Uh, do you mind?” He asked, feeling oddly bashful. It was her turn to cock her head.

  “Do you feel uncomfortable being naked in front of a deer? I am naked in front of you, what is so strange about it?” She asked. Noah opened and closed his mouth a few times.

  “I guess that’s a fair point. Though I may change in the bathroom anyways.” He said. She snorted.

  “That’s fine, but if you’re going, take this.” She said, gesturing toward a short metal blade on the cart. Noah picked it up, inspecting it. It was a straight razor.

  “Am I supposed to shave?” He asked, suddenly putting less weight on her ‘I’m a deer’ comment. She nodded.

  “Yes, at least the beard. But do something about your hair as well, it looks ridiculous. There is a mirror in the room to the left.” She said. Feeling thoroughly objectified, he entered the bathroom and noticed the side door he had missed the night before. Inside was a vanity and something of a walk-in closet. He shaved for the first time since the apocalypse, finding the blade sharp and more than up for the task. He also found that his skin didn’t become irritated from the razor, likely a random perk of his constitution. Once he finished, he used a piece of ribbon the deer had provided to tie back his hair in a rough ponytail. Then he dressed and took a long look at himself. He looked like a typically very healthy person who had a couple rough nights of sleep in a row. His eyes had light bags, and his cheeks looked a tad gaunt but otherwise, he looked great. His clothes were–interesting. The forest green tunic was incredibly comfortable and was embroidered in silver, with an emblem on his breast. It was a group of trees with a single doe. Fitting. He also wore a wide leather belt with a silver buckle around his waist, charcoal stockings, and dark leather boots. He looked like a Renaissance man with too much money to blow on his hobby. He had to admit that it was nice though, at the very least better than his furs.

  If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  For some reason, he had expected to look different after everything he went through, more changed. In reality, the most noticeable difference was the length of his hair. Sure, he had a couple new scars that his constitution was yet to purge but he still didn’t look as different as he felt. He sighed and splashed water on his face, mentally preparing for the day ahead. He reemerged from the vanity closet a new person, and Dalia nodded approvingly as he strode in.

  “Yes, that will do. Hurry now, we can’t be late.” She said, turning toward the door. Noah hurried after her, returning down the hallway they had used yesterday. They arrived in the lobby and went up the center staircase, entering yet another hallway. This one was lined with doors and had a long silver carpet instead of green. As they walked a faint scent wafted into the hall, the smell of freshly baked bread and perhaps fruit. His stomach rumbled and he began to salivate. Dalia opened the door to their left and he stepped in, finding more of a greenhouse than a room. The ceiling was all glass and a tree was in the center of the room, covered in fragrant blooming flowers, with sharp magenta leaves. There was a single table set for two on the far side of the room, and sitting at the table was a woman he didn’t recognize. She wore a dark green dress that matched her eyes, and her red hair was done up in a braided crown. She smiled, her eyes lighting up as she saw him.

  “Oh Noah, you’re here. I’ve been eagerly awaiting our conversation.” She said, her voice familiar. He frowned, racking his brain for her name. She laughed, her voice light and pleasant.

  “Jeline?”

  “Very good, you already recognize my voice!” She said playfully. “Yes, it is me.”

  “How?” Noah asked, knowing the answer but wanting an explanation anyway.

  “Magic of course.” She said, her eyes twinkling with mirth. He sat down at the table and within moments the door opened, and Dalia entered pushing a cart filled with steaming food.

  “Do you like pastries?” Jeline asked as an assortment of baked goods was set before them. He nodded, his eyes going wide at the variety.

  “I love them. However, I am finding it hard to believe they still exist in this new world.” He replied.

  “All of this and it's the pastries you are struggling with?” She asked. He laughed.

  “The pastries are just the first thing I’m asking about.” He admitted with a sigh. “I have a lot of questions, but I have to start somewhere.”

  “Well, ask away.” She said. He took a bite of a berry danish as he considered his first question. Wow, this is good.

  “Why do you look like a human?” He asked, deciding to start with the immediate.

  “I noticed your discomfort with my natural form, I thought this might help.” She replied easily. He nodded slowly.

  “That’s—nice of you. That leads to my next question though. Why are you being so kind to me? I am not sure what I can offer you.” Noah asked. She gave him a coy smile.

  “I guess you could say I have a feeling. That and I decided to be.” Jeline explained. “Next question.” Noah took a deep breath.

  “All right. Where did this castle come from? And the furniture, and the kingdom, how is it all possible?” He questioned.

  “The castle was built by the crafters' guild, a rather skillful bunch of golems if you ask me. You’ve never seen building until you’ve seen a system-empowered carpenter at work. The same story is true for the rest of the town and the various odds and ends required to fill it. What would have taken an Earth human months to finish can be done in weeks here.” She explained. “Now as for the kingdom, I have a question for you.”

  “Oh, and what’s that?”

  “Have you heard of the quest?” She asked. He nodded.

  “The quest regarding nobility?” He replied.

  “The very same. I assume you haven’t met the requirements for it then?” She mused.

  “No, I haven’t. I have been wondering about it though. Multiple people I know have managed to get the quest, including the previous tribe chief.” He answered.

  “That makes sense. The requisite to get the quest is 50 loyal subjects and a claimed territory. Judging by your presence in my lands, I assume it's the latter preventing you.” She said.

  “Ah. I guess that makes sense. The orc village was captured shortly before I became the chief.” Noah said, nodding in understanding.

  “The quest is actually a small part of why I have you here. But before I explain, why don’t you tell me more about Noah.”