Reaching their destination, the woman knocked on the door of her neighbor. A fairly nice looking man and a woman answered the door. They saw who it was, and there face showed a faint look of disgust. It wasn’t enough to make it visible, but Han had seen enough people look at him that way to be able to recognize it.

“I have returned with the food you have requested.” the woman said, trying to sound upbeat.

Glancing over at the basket he was carrying, the woman sneered and said, “you expect us to give you money for those pathetic plants? They look all butchered by your poor gathering skills.”

“Even the last ones we requested were all torn up and low quality,” the man chimed in. Looking annoyed, he said, “even though they look horrible, I will at least give you a piece of copper for the bunch. I don’t want other people to accuse me of theft, so this amount should cover it.” He went back into his home and came back with a single copper piece. Tossing it at the woman, he accused, “next time, I expect you to do a better job or else we won’t give you even a single copper. I’m sure some people would be grateful and do a better job than you could.”

The woman bent down and picked up the single copper coin, from the ground. She didn’t defend herself, and instead just took the abuse the couple was giving her. “Thank you, for your patronage,” she said, and took the basket from Han's hands and presented it to the couple. Receiving the basket, the couple went in and slammed the door on her. Turning towards them, she smiled and said, “my Lord, thank you for your assistance. If there’s anything I could assist you on, please let me know.”

“Would you know if this village had an inn?” He asked her, trying not to embarrass her after witnessing everything.

“I’m sorry, but our village isn’t large enough to have an inn. Most people pass our village, on their way to their destination. Even the merchant that comes around will camp outside with his armed guards.” She answered, apologetically. Seeing his frown, she said, “I hope this isn’t presumptuous, but if my lord and my ladies are willing I offer my home.”

“We would be honored, by your gracious offer.” He said to her.

Following the woman, Han and his creations were led by the woman to her home. Though she stated that she was taking those plants to her neighbors, her home was several houses away. The term, neighbor, likely refers to anyone in the village. Her home was slightly smaller than the others next to it, with only one window next to the door.

Entering into the house, they saw part living room and dining room setup. There seemed to be a door that, presumably, led to a bedroom. With a communal kitchen area, they probably didn’t need to incorporate one inside of the homes. Against the wall seemed to be a place for various food ingredients, but nothing like a refrigerator to keep the items fresh. The people here must have a high turnover for food, considering it would all spoil quickly. Inside of her home was fairly empty looking, just the bare essentials. There was a carpet, but that seemed to be the only thing to brighten up this dreary place. Even the table only had one chair, considering she was the only one living here.

“Master, I don’t think we should stay here. I can take us back to the stronghold, and you could sleep in your chambers. This place does not suit a being such as yourself.” Helania whispered to him. The whispering wasn’t due to her being considerate, but because she didn’t want to reveal themselves without her Master’s permission.

“I do not mind staying here. I find this to be amusing, and this woman intrigues me.” He informed them, ending any further discussions.

“As you wish.” Helania intoned. She was not satisfied with the situation but would fulfill her Master’s wishes.

The woman looked back at them, looking embarrassed. “I apologize for my home. Ever since I began living on my own, this size is all that I can afford.” She tried to explain it to them.

“Nonsense. You are generous with your hospitality, allowing us to stay here when we have only met one another.” Han expressed himself. “If you have not eaten yet, please allow me to express our appreciation for your consideration.” He estimated that it was slightly after midday now, so it wasn’t likely that she had eaten if she spent her morning gathering those plants.

Looking perplexed, the woman exclaimed, “my lord, how can I expect you to prepare a meal for me?!”

“I will not hear another word. Do not concern yourself, and just enjoy my humble meal.” Han said.

"Brittany, I would like you to bring me four steak meals. Also, include a refreshing fruit drink. Bring all the necessary things for four people.” Han commanded his personal maid.

“Yes, Master! I will bring everything to you, forthwith.” Brittany replied.

Waving his hand, Han made two comfortable looking sofas appear. The woman was startled by the sudden appearance of the two sofas. He sat down, with Queen, on his left, and Helania, on his right. With a sigh, Han relaxed into the couch and pulled the two towards him. The two of them squealed in delight, from the sudden public display of affection. Seeing the woman looking dazed, he laughed and said, “have a seat. I assure you that these sofas are extremely comfortable to sit on.” He attempted to reassure her.

Sitting down, and sinking into the sofa, the woman asked, “how did you make these appear?”

“I’m sure you understand that magic exists, correct?” He inquired, and seeing her nod her head he continued. “You can think of me as being a simple magician. My companions [glancing at Helania and Queen] and I are just taking in the sights of this Kingdom, and happen upon this village.” The way he said it made everything sound like such a simple task, which it was but not for a human.

“I’ve never seen someone able to perform this kind of magic before.” She tried to rationalize everything she was seeing and hearing.

“Just think of this as being a minor thing. Aside from this, I have another thing I want to demonstrate to show my appreciation.” As he said this, a portal opened up, and several waitresses appeared bringing a table, silverware, and other elaborate dining accessories. After they had set up everything, they curtsied to him and then proceeded into the portal. Brittany then came out with a single dish, for him, and was followed by other waitresses bringing in the remaining plates. The waitresses and Brittany, then went off to the side so they could be ready to return anything needed.

Sweeping his hand to indicate everything, Han asked, “I hope this is all to your taste? If the food is not to your liking, the waitresses can bring a different dish. Feel free to eat.”

Rubbing his hands, in anticipation, Han began cutting up the steak and eating a piece. The beef was cooked to perfection, and he smiled at how amazing it tasted. Seeing that he had started eating, both Helania and Queen began eating. They looked elegant, the way they moved their fork and knife. With their mannerism, anyone would have thought them to be nobility.

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The woman initially hesitated but seeing them eating she also tried the food. When the steak went into her mouth, the taste was nothing like she had experienced before. Even back when her husband was able to bring in meat, it didn’t taste anything like what she was eating. The morsel seemed to dissolve in her mouth, so she barely needed to chew. Looking at her plate, she could see teardrops falling onto her food. Touching her face, she realized that she was crying. This was the first time that anyone had done such a kind thing to her in ages. The way the couple treated her was very much what she experience all throughout the village. She was treated with contempt and seen as an eyesore, probably due to her having no one to help her. Lately, all she was able to eat was what she was able to gather in the forest. Even the vegetables on her plate seemed entirely different from what she had eaten before.

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Watching how she reacted to the food, Han found it adorable and endearing. It made him happy to see someone enjoying food to such a degree. Thinking back to what he had seen, he doubted that her life in this village was easy. “I am glad that you are enjoying your food. You should also try the fruit juice.” He said while smiling.

Queen looked like she was confused by how the woman was eating. The fact that this woman was allowed to eat with her Master was beyond what this cretin deserved. She thought about how her Master was so caring and thoughtful, to be even thinking about this lowly being. Her feelings and admiration for her creator grew to new heights. A part of her wanted to summon a legion of skeletons and raze this village, for disrespecting her Creator.

Sensing their thinking, Han placed his hand on their thigh. As he caressed their thigh, he could see that he was getting a reaction out of them. He enjoyed watching them hold themselves back, especially in front of an outsider. “I am terribly sorry, but I forgot to introduce myself and ask for your name. I am Han, and [indicating to Queen] this is Queen and [pointing to Helania] this is Helania. They are my dear companions.”

Putting down her utensils, the woman bowed her head and said, “my Lord, I am called Elis. Thank you for everything that you have done for me. Your kindness knows no bound.” Seeing him indicate for her to lift her head and to continue eating, she tackled the remaining food on her plate and drank the fruit juice. The drink was amazingly refreshing, a sweet overtone with hints of a tart undertone. Compared to fruits she had eaten before, there was more depth to this flavor as if it would wash over her. “Where did these nobles come from, to have such amazing magical abilities and food?” Elis thought to herself. From tales she had heard from merchants, there were some mages in the capital, but the term magician was not one she was familiar with. Are magicians stronger than mages or sorcerers? Being inside of a small village didn’t allow for much exposure to the world, so she found this all fantastic.

After they had eaten, he had Brittany bring them some tea to help digest the meal. Drinking the tea enabled him not to feel the usual food coma he would feel, after a good meal. While they drank their tea, Han discussed with Elis about basic things in this world. He had a general understanding, from what the system provided him with but not a detailed picture. “Are all the villages similar to this one?” Han asked.

“No, my lord. Due to how far away this village is to the capital and with few resources, we don’t get a lot of merchants or travelers coming here. We make enough from trade to survive, decently at least, but nothing like the towns and villages towards the center of the kingdom.” She spoke, feeling a little forlorn.

Placing his hand on this chin, Han mulled over this. He then said, “This probably means that the more interesting things are closer or at the capital.” Considering it was still ways until nightfall, Han believed they could continue with their travels. It wouldn’t be so bad to enjoy the beautiful weather and travel, instead of just appearing in the capital. “Hmmm...” He continued to think about this. Reaching a decision, he looked at Elis and smiled. “Elis, how would you like to travel with us and see the rest of the kingdom?”

“M-my Lord??” Elis asked, surprised by this invitation.

“From what I’ve seen in this village, there isn’t much here for you. You have no strings keeping you attached to this dreary place, and the village doesn’t seem to treat you with the respect you deserve. Also, I would enjoy having you around to help us with the local customs. I believe this would be beneficial for both parties.” He reassured her. Calmly, he blew into the teacup he was cradling in his hands, enjoying the warmth of the tea. There was an enjoyable quality of drinking tea while talking about new events. A lot better than coffee, the way you get all jittery from the caffeine. Drinking the tea also gave you a semblance of looking calm and patient, making the other party think that such a request was only natural.

After getting her cup filled with more tea, and lightly added with milk and honey, Elis brought the cup to her lips and drank the cleansing beverage. She thought about what life outside of the village would be like, no longer being verbally abused and getting to experience new and beautiful things. A part of her felt some pain, thinking about leaving behind the memories of her late husband, but she knew that this is what he would want her to do. Looking at Han, she answered, “my Lord, please allow me to travel with you.”

“Fantastic!” Han said, clapping his hands.

Both Helania and Queen glanced at one another, enjoying their Master looking so happy. They didn’t understand why this woman needed to accompany them, but if their Master was pleased, then that was all that mattered. The two of them could handle anything if she tried to harm their precious Master, so they weren’t concerned about this woman comes along.

Looking around Elis’s home, Han said, “unless there are any objects of sentimental value, you won’t be needing to worry about taking anything along with you. [Looking over at Brittany] I will need you to prepare several outfits for Elis so that she will have something to change into. Make sure they are outfits that showcase her figure. She doesn’t need to look like some common village woman, any longer.”

“Yes, Master. I will have one of the tailors prepare a wide selection for you to approve. They will be ready by the end of the day.” Brittany informed him. Seeing that she was dismissed, she indicated for the other waitresses to begin removing the food items they brought.

Standing up, Han told them all, “unless there are any other issues we need to go over, I feel like it is time for us to depart from this vapid place.” Seeing Elis getting up and not refusing his idea, he nodded his head. Both Helania and Queen got up and made no counterpoint as if his thoughts were only logical at the moment. Snapping his finger, Han made the two sofas disappear. Elis didn’t react as strongly as she initially did when the couches appeared. Han thought that she would fit in with them well, unlike other humans. Heading to the door, Queen had opened it for him already allowing him to walk out of the confining home.

This time when Han looked around at the village, he didn’t seem to see cheerful people but instead spiritless individuals who only cared about themselves. He snorted at this place and headed to the other entrance, which faced the direction of the capital.