When I opened my eyes I was underwater, something was in front of me… but… I couldn’t see it. Then it opened his eyes. Not only one… but dozens of other eyes… I woke up… It was just a dream… or… another warning. It wasn’t my room in the inn. Where am I? This place looks… fancy. Wherever I look there is something from animals. Like skins, horns, and their heads. Once I looked out of the window I saw the center of the village. It looks like I am in… chief’s home? Or should I say Jarl?

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

In the doorway stood the old man that everyone respected. Maybe he is a Jarl… I was going to thank him for the shelter and for helping me but he was faster. 

[ Old Man ]

“Thanks to you… at least one of my sons is alive…” Said the old man as he was on his knees with his head on the ground.

[ Eric ]

“There is no need for that!” I screamed. 

I was surprised to see that from the Viking’s chief and isn’t a thing like that from Japan? I mean kneeling to thank someone. I only saw that in the anime that my sister watched… 

[ Old Man ]

“But… I can’t thank you enough…” Said the old man. 

It was too awkward for me to do anything. After a few seconds of silence, I was going to grab his shoulder and say “That’s enough.” But when I moved he fell on his knees and said again…

[ Old Man ]

“Thank you! From the bottom of my heart! I will do whatever you want!” 

Well, I didn’t like the idea of using the old gramps but… temptation was stronger than I imagined! He is a Jarl! I can take his money! Women of this village! Whatever he possesses I can have it! I can get a good start in my new life!

[ Eric ]

“Ekhm… I only want two things. One small and one bigger. The smaller one would be wome… Uhm… I mean… Warn the village that there might be an attack from the sea in the future.” 

[ Old Man ]

“I will do this! And what will be the bigger one?”

[ Eric ]

“House!”

[ Old Man ]

“House?”

[ Eric ]

“YES! A house! I just arrived here so I need a place to stay.”

[ Old Man ]

“Well… There is a hut close to the forest… but…” 

[ Eric ]

“I’ll take it!”

[ Old Man ]

“You sur…”

[ Eric ]

“Yes! I’m sure” I said it because I really wanted to finish this talk…

Here I was. Standing in front of my new hut. That will be mine… fully! No landlord no bank shit! Just… MINE! 

[ Old Man ]

“So… What do you think?” 

[ Eric ]

“I like it.” I said with one proud tear in my eye.

[ Astvar ]

“I almost forgot… My name is Astvar, Golden Edge.”

[ Eric ]

“Oh… My name is Eric… No title…”

[ Astvar ]

“No! It can’t be! You need a title after what you did! Today! Before the sunset! You will be given an official title!” 

[ Eric ]

“Oh… You flatter me!” 

While I was enjoying the moment I didn’t notice that old man… I mean Astvar left. Well. Nothing to complain about. Let’s see what the Hutt looks like inside. It isn’t anything flashy on the outside. There is a place for a campfire in the middle. Few empty shelves. And one bed. I didn’t ask for much but it’s better than living in the forest alone… Wait… I’m not alone…

*Knock* Knock* *Knock*

When I opened the door… there he was… A lost soul… Tae…

[ Tae ]

“Wow! You got a hut for us! I have seen you with a major! Or how do they call him?” 

[ Eric ]

“Jarl. He is a Jarl…”

[ Tae ]

“Oh! That’s it! So… where will I sleep?”

I took him inside and pointed the finger at the ground. 

[ Tae ]

“You’re joking right?” 

[ Eric ]

“If you want a bed, then buy one for yourself.” 

That closed his mouth for at least two hours. He was waning from time to time but what can I do? Nothing is free. Because then was the time for me to receive a title. And then he came up with questions about the title… I didn’t explain anything and just left. He was following me and still asking those questions. I stepped into Jarl’s house but Tae was stopped by the guard. Thank you kind guard for unconsciously helping me. On the wooden throne with some craving that looked like vines sat Astvar. I could see that he was happy to see me. 

[ Astvar ]

“Are you ready?”

[ Eric ]

“Yes! I am!”