"A New Dawn in the Palace"

Two days had passed since the war concluded, and a whirlwind of events unraveled in the aftermath of our hard-won victory. As we marched into the town, the jubilant crowd had gathered—a sea of faces brimming with joy and gratitude. People filled the streets, their hands clapping in rhythm, their eyes glittering with a newfound hope. The atmosphere was charged, a palpable energy vibrating through the air; this was a celebration of resilience and courage.

Together with my comrades, we approached the imposing white palace that had once been the stronghold of our enemy, a physical representation of oppression. The building stood at the edge of the town, its grand structure adorned with intricately carved stonework and flanked by vast gardens. Tall walls encircled it, an impenetrable fortress, with a heavy iron gate that served as a barrier between the past injustices and the promise of freedom.

"So this is the palace erected on the backs of these once impoverished people," I mused aloud, the weight of history bearing down upon me.

Standing before the great iron gate, I could sense the awe around me. Each fellow warrior marveled at the craftsmanship, the elegance of the palace that loomed above like a beacon of both hope and betrayal. The grandeur was almost suffocating—such beauty had been built on the suffering of others.

"Master, you are the only one fit to inhabit this place," my loyal companion Ignite remarked, his voice tinged with reverence.

"Guildmaster, did you ever reside within these walls?" I inquired, curiosity edging into my tone.

"No, my lord. This palace was constructed after my passing. Prior to this, we called a modest guild office, a simple cottage, our home. The marbles and ornamental stones, the garden statues and flowers—all of these must have been imported, showcasing superior craftsmanship," he replied, nostalgia in his voice.

We stepped through the gate and into the palace courtyard, our footsteps echoing against the cobblestones. A long cobalt path stretched before us, leading through vibrant flower beds and under the watchful gaze of fruit-laden trees. The fragrance of blossoms enveloped us as we advanced deeper, each step pulling us into a world of wonder and strangeness.

Upon entering the palace, an older man approached us, bowing his head respectfully—a butler, as I quickly discerned. His gray hair and dignified demeanor suggested years of service committed to maintaining the estate.

"Are you my new lord? A brave and strong warrior indeed," he said, his voice warm yet cautious.

"Yes, well, I am the leader of the group, so you could say that," I replied, trying to maintain authority amid the newness of the situation.

"Thank you, my lord. Please, come inside your new home. And to all the gallant soldiers who fought valiantly alongside our master, you are welcome here too," he gestured, ushering us into the brightly lit interior.

Inside, vibrant light flooded the space, illuminating the plush red carpet that sprawled across the grand entrance. The palace was three stories tall, adorned with whitewashed walls and embellished with exquisite paintings and sculptures. The lavish furniture in the main hall bespoke wealth and comfort, a stark contrast to the struggles that preceded this moment.

"Release Chloe, the guildmaster's daughter, from her imprisonment," I commanded, my voice steady.

"Yes, my lord," the butler replied, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

With a nod of understanding, he turned to head down the stairway that led to the dungeon depths, with the guildmaster shadowing him. I sensed a gathering tension among us as we awaited her freedom.

While the butler descended, a group of fifteen women emerged, each embodying a distinct beauty and elegance that bewildered the senses. Their voluptuous forms and shapely figures were draped in scant attire, a token perhaps of their servitude in this grand establishment—a stark reminder of the past's oppressive shadow.

"My lord, we are here to serve you," one of the ladies spoke up. "All of us, including myself, stand ready to fulfill whatever chores you desire."

As my gaze swept across the room, I noted how they instinctively lowered their eyes, perhaps conditioned by the harsh treatment dealt by the ruler they had known. "Everyone, look up!" I ordered, my voice resonating with authority. "I am Red, your new lord of this town. I am not like that tyrant who held power before me. Those among you who do not wish to remain here are free to leave. You shall receive whatever compensation you desire, for you are no longer shackled."

Shock rippled through the maids. For a brief moment, silence hung heavy in the air. Then, one timid maid stepped forward, her voice trembling. "Lord, if we leave, you won't harm us or torture us, will you?"

I couldn't suppress a chuckle, a nervous but genuine response to her inquiry. "Of course not! Why would I do that? I said you are free to leave whenever you wish. You are not obligated to remain here."

The leader of the maids, with an expression of disbelief, stepped forward, her eyes wide. "Are you truly offering this? We can reclaim our freedom?"

"Yes, yes. You may leave at any time," I confirmed, feeling a weight lifting off my shoulders at the prospect of redefining our new beginning. 

The atmosphere shifted subtly as I extended my hand toward them, offering not just a new lord, but the opportunity to awaken from a dark chapter of their lives. Each face reflected a myriad of emotions—hope, trepidation, and perhaps, for the first time, the flickering light of possibility.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the estate, a spirited discussion erupted among the maids. Their voices, a blend of excitement and trepidation, filled the air as they deliberated their futures in the service of their lord. Finally, the consensus emerged, and one maid, her voice steady yet tinged with uncertainty, stepped forward to address me.

"My lord, among the fifteen of us, seven maids have expressed their desire to leave and rest, while eight wish to remain in your service. They find you fascinating and wish to serve you further."

A chuckle escaped my lips, a sound that seemed to echo through the lavish hall. "HAH! I hope I don't break your expectations. Well, the seven maids who wish to depart may do so."

With a curious gaze, I turned to the maid who had spoken, intrigued by her commanding presence. She was a striking blonde, tall and fair-skinned, with a bob cut that framed her delicate features. Her eyes sparkled with an enigmatic beauty, a blend of strength and vulnerability.

"What is your name?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

"I am Serine, my lord, the head of the maids," she replied, her voice steady despite the weight of her responsibilities.

"Serine," I continued, "these are my companions. Please prepare rooms for them and ensure everything is arranged. They are severely tired from the war." I gestured toward the peculiar creature at my side. "And that strange creature," I pointed toward Ignite, "is my skill. Do not fear those who are painted in black with odd patterns; they are merely manifestations of my abilities. Moreover, I have a Bison King and a giant snake that will be residing in the garden, so please do not be alarmed by their presence. They are my pets."

Serine's eyes widened in disbelief, and a hesitant tone crept into her voice. "Ah, master, what kind of man keeps such strange creatures—a giant snake and a Bison King as pets?" Her words were met with murmurs of shock and astonishment from the other maids. Their reactions were a mixture of disbelief and amusement, as they struggled to reconcile the extraordinary with the mundane.

Yet, as the truth stood before them, there was no room for doubt. The goblins I had summoned were ushered into the hall, and one by one, the maids were shown to their rooms. I took a moment to check on Chloe, whose fragile state had worried me. Upon entering her chamber, I found her unconscious, her pale face contrasting sharply with the vibrant decor around her. Lilly and Charla were tending to her, their expressions a blend of concern and determination.

As the day drew to a close, I retreated to my own quarters, anticipation thrumming in my veins. The moment I had awaited had finally arrived. Upon entering my room, I was greeted by the sight of a magnificent bed—so large it could comfortably accommodate eight people. The luxurious fabric, a blend of silk and various soft materials, beckoned me to its embrace. 

Without a second thought, I leaped onto the bed, the softness enveloping me like a warm cocoon. As I sank into its depths, a wave of gratitude washed over me. I had longed for such comfort since my arrival in this world, and after the intense battles I had faced, this moment felt like a well-deserved reward. 

With my thoughts drifting to the events of the day, I closed my eyes and silently thanked the heavens for this blessing. It was in this tranquil moment, cocooned in warmth and softness, that I drifted into a deep slumber, the day's exhaustion finally surrendering to the gentle embrace of sleep.

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Author's Note: Hi dear readers, with this chapter, our first story arc is completed. The next chapter will start the next arc, which will focus on world and town development, as well as a big war, personal development and also love banters will be there. Thank you for reading the first arc. I promise the next one will be better, and I will do my best to maintain and improve my writing. If you have any suggestions, feedback, or if there's anything extra you'd like to see or are hoping for in the future, please let me know!