Noah walked through the stone halls of the castle, flanked on both sides by armored knights.
The clanking of their metal boots echoed off the walls, a tense atmosphere settling between them.
No one said anything, both Noah and the knights aware of the gravity of this particular situation.
He wasn't particularly worried. He had dealt with powerful businessmen and politicians who thought they could strong-arm him into deals before. This was just a more medieval version of the same game.
The massive double doors at the end of the hall swung open, revealing the throne room.
Golden chandeliers hung from the ceiling, but instead of LED lights, there were candles on them. Hung on the walls were torches which provided most of the lighting, illuminated the space.
Running from the door to the other end of the room was a long red carpet that led to a golden throne.
Seated upon it was a man with a thick white beard, a heavy crown resting on his brow. His blue robes were embroidered with gold, his expression one of regal authority.
To his left, nobles lined the walls, their curious gazes fixed on Noah. Servants stood motionless, waiting for orders, while guards kept their hands on the hilts of their swords, ready to act if necessary.
Noah took in the sight with mild interest before focusing on the man's eyes. They weren't those of a fool. This king knew his way around power.
The knights stopped at the base of the throne, and the captain stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we present to you the summoned hero."
The king's eyes settled on Noah, and his face lit up with relief and joy. He stood, arms outstretched as if welcoming a long-lost son. "At last, the hero has arrived! The prophecy was true!"
"I am King Cillian, hero! And with your strength, we shall cast the darkness from our lands!"
Noah didn't move. Instead, he crossed his arms and sighed. "Yeah, about that. I'm not fighting your war."
King Cillian blinked, his smile slowly disappearing. "What?" He asked as if he hadn't heard Noah properly.
"Yeah. You summoned the wrong guy." Noah said. "I don't know what you were expecting, but I'm not here to play the hero. I just want to go home."
Murmurs spread throughout the court. The gathered nobles and attendants exchanged confused glances, some whispering among themselves.
The knights beside Noah shifted uncomfortably, as if unsure whether to draw their weapons or step away. One of the nobles, a man with graying hair and a fur-trimmed cloak, leaned toward another and muttered, "Unbelievable."
King Cillian took a moment to regain his composure, then gestured for silence. "Surely you must understand your duty, hero. You were called here for a reason. The Dark Lord's forces threaten our lands. Without you, our people will suffer."
"Yeah, that's rough." Noah said, shrugging. "But it's not my problem. I didn't ask to be here."
King Cillian narrowed his eyes. "If not for honor, then surely for reward. Tell me, hero, what is it that you desire? Gold? Jewels? I will grant you wealth beyond your wildest dreams."
Noah chuckled, shaking his head. The man was trying to entice him with money? "Nah, I'm good. I'm already rich."
King Cillian blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting that answer. "Then power? Land? I can make you a lord. You would have servants, estates, influence over my kingdom."
"Pass."
The murmurs in the court grew louder. Noah could feel everyone in attendance staring at him, as if they couldn't understand why he was rejecting such offers.
King Cillian, for his part, looked frustrated but confident.
After a moment's thought, he clapped his hands. The side doors of the throne room opened, and from them stepped a young woman, dressed in an elegant white gown.
She had golden hair that shimmered in the light, soft blue eyes, and a graceful air about her. Every step she took made her look like she was walking on water.
Royalty in every sense of the word.
The murmurs among the courtiers turned to gasps. Some even looked at Noah with envy. But to him, this was just another Teusday. He'd met and been with models that are just as stunning.
"This," King Cillian said, gesturing toward the woman, "is my daughter, Princess Ines. She is the jewel of our kingdom, desired by many. If you agree to aid us, she shall be yours as your wife."
Noah looked at Ines, then back at King Cillian. "Not interested."
The entire throne room fell into stunned silence.
Even Princess Ines herself seemed taken aback, as if she had never been refused before.
A noble off to the side nearly choked on his own breath. Even the knights standing beside Noah seemed to stiffen.
King Cillian frowned down at Noah. "You would refuse my daughter?"
Noah shrugged. "I'm sure she's a great person, but I'm not interested in being bribed into a fight I don't care about."
The princess remained composed, but there was a flicker of something behind her eyes.
Amusement? Interest? It was hard to tell, but she didn't seem insulted. Instead, she studied him quietly.
King Cillian sank back into his throne, exhaling slowly as he rubbed his temples. It was clear that he had exhausted every option he had thought would work.
After a long pause, he finally said, "Then what will you do?"
Noah considered his answer carefully. If he pushed too hard, they might decide he was a lost cause and lock him up, or worse.
Judging by the fact that they were able to summon him, they had magic. But he himself had no magic, no weapons, and no allies in this world.
But if he played it smart, he could buy himself time.
"I'll stay." He said. "But only until you figure out how to send me back."
King Cillian studied him, as if weighing the risks of allowing him to remain while refusing to fight. Then, he nodded. "Very well. You may remain in the castle as our guest while we search for a way to return you home."
A collective sigh of relief spread through the throne room. The tension, though still present, lessened considerably.
"Good." Noah said. "Where do I stay?"
King Cillian gestured to one of his attendants. "Prepare chambers for the hero. Ensure he has everything he requires."
A young steward bowed quickly and motioned for Noah to follow. As he turned to leave, King Cillian spoke once more. "Hero—"
Noah stopped, turning slightly to stare at the King.
"Though you may not see it now, fate has a way of guiding those who resist it." King Cillian said. "In time, you will come to understand your role."
Noah smirked. "Well, only time will tell."