New Beginnings (3)

Leigh Han's figure only slightly shook from the impact. It was obvious who the person was. Yet he was still too stunned to turn around and berate them for shoving him, a naked person, into an occupied room. Instead, his assailant looked up at his back, peeked around it at the room's other occupants, spotted their objective, and begin to push Leigh Han towards it. The objective being; two empty chairs situated on the table's left.

Leigh ultimately ended up feeling the cold, hard, wood against his bare posterior, making him shiver. However, no sign of irritation could be seen on his face. The system sat in the remaining chair to his right, and gave everyone present a brilliant smile, before looking directly at Leigh Han. Everyone else seemed to take this as a cue to follow suit, and soon all eyes were upon him, including that of the red-faced woman, who although she still seemed quite embarrassed - had her complexion start to regain some normalcy, returning to a pale white. Leigh had to thank the table for this, it covered the lower half of his body from everyone's view.

Leigh looked around at this gathering of his kidnapper and her assumed accomplices, and they stared silently back at him. Nobody spoke. The only saving grace was that he could feel their gazes lacked hostile intent, and were oozing curiosity.

"..."

"..."

"..."

But this was awkward as hell.

"Good afternoon." Finding the situation unbearable, the words just spluttered from his mouth.

"~Hmmn afternoon~"

"~Greetings~"

"~Ah, Yes~"

A series of equally half-assed replies were thrown back his way, meanwhile they continued to stare intensely at him. Another long silence ensued and Leigh looked helplessly at the "system" for some sort of answer as to what he was supposed to be doing here in the first place, and who these people were...

The girl suddenly came to the realization.

"Oh yeah! Everyone! As you can see, our leader has awoken! Today marks the day of beginnings!"

The others in the room had a sparkle grow in their eyes when they heard this, and looked at Leigh with a slightly greater intensity. The aforementioned person, however, only became more confused. Leader? Is she talking about "raising a civilization" from earlier? Is this a cult? The system continued to speak.

"But before the decree is made, you should all introduce yourselves!"

At these words, the other three looked among themselves, before looking back at Leigh Han. A silent discussion seemed to go on between them with their eyes, until an agreement was reached. The well-built, bearded man spoke first

"Your Eminence, I am named Tiberius Cassius, though you may name me as you please. It is my duty to provide any means of military advice and assistance that you may require. I shall protect you and all that you build upon this land, even at the cost of my life, it is my great honor to serve."

Leigh was intrigued by the man's middle-eastern accent, as well as the profound sense of duty he felt from the words, yet was also confused as the man had a rather ancient sounding name and professed himself as a military advisor. What did he need a military advisor for? The second man spoke up afterwards.

"Your Grace, I go by Chuanqi Jian, but you may also call me as you'd like. I will serve as your hand in the economy and stability, should you allow me."

He bowed his head, and gave Leigh a wry smile.

"I would honor you with a full bow were I not bound to this chair, I ask your forgiveness."

He bowed his head once more. Leigh on the other hand had disturbed thoughts flowing behind his stoic expression. What does he mean he's stuck to the chair? Leigh eyed their hands, which were free of restraints, but couldn't see their legs. Are they chained up down there? He didn't want to take a peak down under, not only because it would seem unbecoming of him, not to mention rude, but also because he was quite naked today. Anyways, he eyed the system with more suspicion.

The last lady spoke up at this time.

"Chieftain! I-I am Ilfhsla Engmisdottir, here to help guide you in the- I mean, our people in the ways of culture, whichever direction you decide to take it!"

'illf-sla'. What kind of name is that? Engmisdottir? Shes a cultural advisor?

It also looked like she wanted to stand up and curtsy but couldn't, which caused Leigh to look over to the system once more in apprehension. Though apparently the system didn't take his with the same meaning.

"Then there's me! The system created by The Realm; Gaia to help you progress your civilization! I'll also serve as your scientific advisor!"

'I already knew most of that...'

And then there were four pairs of eyes on him simultaneously, their gaze prodding him towards some action, which he quickly understood. They wanted him to introduce himself as well! The problem was, he didn't know what to go by, or proclaim himself to be. Three of them gave him an honorary title while the last (system) couldn't seem to care less, which he found odd. Where did the other three come from? Did she kidnap them as well?

But this line of thought appeared less and less feasible for some reason. He felt it dissolve from being a possibility as time wore on. It was concerning. But if that was not the truth, then what was? Was he actually in another world, as ridiculous as it sounded? He recalled the impressive view outside. Did he truly almost die being dragged across dimensions to this place? He looked back up to the prodding gazes of four "advisers" present, and accounted for their human features. If any of this was true, how did they get here anyway? Why were there tents and other things in this "new world" right off the bat? The questions in his mind only grew.

"*Ahem*"

None of this made much sense. Well, he was here now, most of the people here looked reasonable enough and likely wouldn't harm him, plus, in any case there wasn't any use in crying over spilled milk. While he figured things out... why not go along with it?

A thoughtful expression broke past his stoic facade and materialized on his face.

"Thank you for your kind introductions. I'll admit, I lack in strength and experience, but seeing as you're all here, my confidence has grown."

"My name is Leigh, and I'll be in your care."