— Igris' Point of View —
With my arms crossed, I watched Bombur stuffing food into his mouth in front of me. It seemed I had underestimated his hunger. His arms were moving incredibly fast, and the mountain of Potato patties on the plate was rapidly disappearing. I sighed and spoke.
"I understand that Bombur is hungry, but I prepared other things as well. Let's take the food and move to the dining hall to meet the others."
Bombur stopped and looked at me with puffed-up cheeks. After chewing and swallowing, he spoke.
"You made other things too?"
When I nodded, he asked excitedly,
"Where are they?"
I fell silent, furrowed my brows, and stared at him.
"Bombur! We'll eat together with the others. Otherwise, tonight's dinner won't be made by me—it'll be the Elves. Just so you know."
Bombur went pale with fear. He shook his head violently, grabbed two plates, and hurried off. The others in the room laughed, and I sighed again.
"Alright! Uraz, Bamsı—you take the rest of the food and carry it with the others. Doğan, you as well."
The five men in the room nodded and picked up the food I had prepared. Just then, Ori, Bofur, Fili, and Gloin arrived. I nodded at them.
"Perfect timing, lads. Take what's left and let's head to breakfast."
The Dwarves nodded. One by one, they took plates and spoke in turn.
"Good to see you awake, Igris!"
"At last, real food!"
"I'm glad you're alright, my friend!"
"Good thing you cooked, Igris! Bombur was about to lose his mind."
As everyone left, I quietly grabbed Bofur by the shoulder. He looked at me in surprise. I raised a finger to my lips, signaling him to stay quiet. Once everyone was gone, I looked at him.
"Alright, Bofur. Out with it."
Bofur blinked in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
I folded my arms across my chest and spoke.
"Bombur had bruises and cuts on his face. His lip was clearly freshly split…"
Bofur tensed up as I narrowed my eyes and continued.
"Gloin's cheek was bruised too, and Fili's forehead as well. What kind of nonsense are you Dwarves getting into first thing in the morning?"
As Bofur grew more tense, I caught the scent of something interesting. Curious, I looked at him. He shook his head and spoke.
"Nothing happened… just a normal morning…"
I raised an eyebrow. That only made me more curious.
"Your face is telling a different story…"
Bofur stiffened, turned away, and tried to leave.
"Like I said, a normal morning! Come on, let's go eat!"
I thought to myself,
So something interesting definitely happened…
I quickly pulled out a bottle from my inventory and shook it. Hearing the sound, Bofur froze. Trembling, he slowly turned around as if in slow motion and swallowed deeply.
"Is that… fir beer?"
His mouth watered. I placed it on the table, then immediately pulled out another bottle and set it down. Bofur stared at the second bottle and swallowed again—I heard it clearly.
GLUP.
"Is that honey wild beer?"
I grinned.
"You give me intel, I give you these."
Bofur stared at the bottles in shock, then looked at me. He hesitated for a few seconds. When I saw that hesitation, my eyebrows lifted—now I was really curious. I pulled out two more bottles and placed them on the table. Bofur's mouth watered even more. Clearly, their beer stocks were depleted, and they hadn't had any in a long time. He dropped his hesitation, rushed forward, set the plates down, hugged the bottles, and spoke.
"Come to papa, my beauties!"
Then he looked at me and spoke without hesitation.
"You wouldn't believe what happened to us this morning, Igris! I was mostly unconscious, but what happened…"
Bofur began to explain. I listened carefully, and the more I listened, the more shocked I became. Bombur had gone berserk and plowed through the group. As the story continued, I found myself smiling despite myself—both amused and astonished.
"Wait! What do you mean Bombur fought Dwalin?"
Bofur shrugged.
"I was unconscious at the time. Fili and Gloin witnessed it. And then there was this as well…"
My astonishment grew as he continued, but I couldn't hold it in anymore and burst out laughing.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA! COUNT BROCCOLI? THE GREAT MEAT KING? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Poor Thorin and Dwalin—their charisma had taken a serious hit. Still, I was very curious about the fight between Dwalin and Bombur. I'd have to corner Gloin or Fili later and get the details.
Just then, Bofur cautiously glanced behind him and whispered softly,
"Igris…"
I nodded.
"I know. You didn't tell me anything."
Bofur nodded and handed the bottles back to me.
"Keep these safe. I'll take them after breakfast."
I nodded.
"Don't worry. You can come get them after breakfast. Now act natural—let's grab the plates and go."
Bofur nodded and composed himself. I returned the bottles to my inventory. We both picked up plates and left the kitchen, heading toward the dining hall.
A few seconds later, we entered a wide open area. The entire group was there. We placed the plates on the tables. Doğan and Ori's group went to fetch the second round. Within minutes, three long rows of tables stood side by side, filled with the breakfast I had prepared.
I greeted the other members of the group. After a brief conversation, I took a seat at a specific spot at the table—right between Gilan and Halt. Altay, Fin, Bamsı, and Doğan sat beside me. Across from us were Balin, Thorin, Fili, Kili, and Dwalin.
Kili looked around curiously.
"Isn't Gandalf eating?"
I sighed.
"He has things he needs to think about… he'll join us in the evening."
Thorin looked at me with curiosity and asked in a calm tone.
"What did you talk to him about?"
I shrugged.
"It was related to the matter we discussed… a somewhat private topic. I'll tell you when the time comes."
For a moment, Thorin looked at me oddly, but without saying anything, he nodded. We started eating. At that moment, something caught my eye.
"Gilan, did you get a new bow?"
Gilan proudly took out the bow and showed it.
"A High Elf bow I found in the troll cave! Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel officially gave it to me."
I was taken aback.
"Troll cave?"
'Aahhhh! I missed that event! I don't care about the swords! With the gold there, I could've bought more things from the shop! Damn it…'
Unaware of my thoughts, Gilan told the story and I listened. When I heard that Gandalf had taken all the gold to distribute it, I let out a relieved breath. Thinking of the system shop, I looked at Thorin.
"Thorin, after breakfast I need to talk to you and Balin about something—privately."
Thorin and Balin looked at me with curiosity, but when I said "private," they nodded. While eating breakfast, I received praise from the Dwarves. Dori was the first to speak.
"As always, it turned out wonderful, Master Igris."
Dwalin continued enthusiastically.
"HAHAHA! WELL DONE, IGRIS! YOU EVEN MAKE VEGETABLES TASTE GOOD!"
Fili and Kili said similar things. I nodded, accepting the praise. Thorin curiously picked up one of the warm loaves, broke it apart, and was surprised when the cheese stretched inside.
"What did you put in the bread?"
As I broke my own bread, I replied.
"Some have kashar cheese, some have regular cheese, and butter as well. They're really good while hot. Even if it's just warm bread, butter, and cheese, I can eat it without getting bored—the taste is great. Try it, you'll like it."
Thorin took a bite of the piece he had torn off, chewed, and looked surprised.
"Simple, but good."
I nodded and pointed to the honeycomb I had taken from my inventory and placed on the table.
"Try it with honey on top—it's even better."
Thorin did as I said. After tasting it, he smiled.
"It really is better."
Balin curiously pointed at one of the dishes.
"Igris, what is this red dish?"
I smiled.
"It's called menemen. I didn't name it—that's just what it's called. Eat it by dipping warm bread into it; it's really good."
Balin tore off some bread and did as I said, using the bread like a spoon. He closed his eyes, savoring the taste.
"Hmm… it really has a pleasant flavor."
Dwalin tasted it as well, nodded, then picked up a potato patty.
"What's this?"
I answered while eating.
"A patty made from potatoes. It has egg and flour inside—give it a try."
Dwalin tossed the patty into his mouth, chewed, and nodded.
"It tastes good."
I nodded. Kili, eating too quickly, suddenly started coughing and choking.
"KHEM!KHEM!"
Fili panicked and slapped his brother on the back, while Thorin poured him some water and handed it over. Kili's face had turned purple, but once he drank the water, he relaxed.
"Thanks…"
Fili let out a relieved breath.
"Eat slowly, brother. There's more than enough—and the cook is in our group."
Kili scratched his head in embarrassment and laughed. The others at the table chuckled as well. While eating, I turned to Altay.
"Altay, I heard Khuzait women are learning healing from the Elves. How are they doing?"
Altay, his mouth full, swallowed before answering.
"They're doing well. They're learning many things. I directed the ones best at memorization toward poisons and antidotes, and a few of them are memorizing medicinal herbs."
I nodded.
"Good thinking. What about the men?"
Altay thought for a moment before answering.
"Lord Elrond assigned an Elven lieutenant to train us. Our archery has improved significantly. On the fourth day after arriving in Rivendell, with the help of Master Halt and Master Gilan, we managed to set up an area where we can practice mounted archery."
Ohhh! Look at these men! I love people who think and act! This is exactly why I like people whose minds haven't been washed!
"Well done. Fin, how are your men doing?"
Veagir-born Fin, his mouth stuffed to the brim, was caught off guard and couldn't speak.
"NOMHOMMOM"
I grinned and nodded.
"Easy, Fin. Swallow what's in your mouth first."
Fin chewed quickly and swallowed, but it seemed he had choked. His face turned red as he punched his own chest. Altay quickly poured water, while Bamsı forcefully slapped Fin on the back. Bamsı spoke.
"Eat slower, brother."
Altay handed him the water.
"Here, brother."
Fin took the water and drank without stopping. Afterward, he let out a relieved breath and thanked them.
"Thanks, friends… I saw the white light."
The table chuckled. Then Fin looked at me.
"We've continued our training. I think being ready for promotion depends on just a few more days of practice."
Altay nodded as well.
"Same for us."
That made me happy. They were finally becoming ready for promotion. Dwalin asked curiously.
"What is this rank business? Is it a normal military rank?"
I nodded.
"Yes. Both the Khuzaits and the Veagirs have specific rank names. For example, Altay and his group are classified as Tribal Warriors—a mounted archer unit. It's the rank immediately after being a novice."
Bamsı burst into laughter.
"HAHAHAHA! THERE'S ONE THING YOU'RE WRONG ABOUT, MASTER IGRIS!"
I turned to Bamsı in surprise. Doğan smiled and continued.
"Bamsı is right, my lord. I, Bamsı, and Altay are not Tribal Warriors—we are noble sons."
I looked at Altay in pleasant surprise. He nodded proudly. Gilan looked at me with curiosity.
"Is there a difference?"
I nodded.
"It's not just a difference—it's a chasm. That means this trio is being trained to become Khagan Guards."
Halt asked curiously.
"What is a Khagan Guard?"
This time I stayed silent and looked at Altay. After all, my memory of the game mechanics was vague. Altay nodded and continued.
"Khagan Guards are the names of our elite units, trained through brutal regimens. They are the pinnacle soldiers of the Khuzaits. They receive training with bows, swords, and glaives, and fight effectively at long, mid, and close range. They are the apex of mounted archers, cavalry, and infantry."
As I nodded, Gilan and Halt were left stunned. Gilan looked at me curiously.
"If we compare them to knights, who is stronger?"
I looked at Gilan calmly.
"Are you asking compared to Horece knights, or standard knights?"
Gilan answered clearly.
"Standard."
I replied just as decisively.
"In mounted combat, they're equal to ten knights. On open ground with range, fifteen. In close combat, five. Never underestimate them, Gilan."
Gilan looked stunned, while Halt turned to me with curiosity.
"Are you exaggerating?"
I shook my head.
"No. Raising a Khagan's Guard is extremely difficult… only geniuses or madmen ever reach that level. Right, boys?"
Doğan nodded and grinned mischievously.
"İgris is right, my lord. Becoming a Khagan's Guard is a privilege."
I sighed. In the game, they had been nerfed, but when you translated these characters into reality, the Khagan's Guards of the Bannerlord world turned into genuine monsters. We were talking about professionals capable of fighting comfortably in all three combat domains. Dwalin asked with interest.
"What about Fin and his men?"
I looked at Fin, and he answered himself.
"We are called either veterans or elites. Those of our rank are either infantry or cavalry. My men and I are trained as cavalry, and our highest possible rank is knight."
Dwalin paused for a moment, then shrugged.
"Sounds simple."
I chuckled. He probably wouldn't believe any of this until he fought them or saw it with his own eyes. Still, the meal continued peacefully, full of conversation. The happiest ones at the table were likely the dwarves—and Bombur. Poor fellows had been worn down after eating raw vegetables and fruits for so long. A thought crossed my mind, and I turned to Halt.
"Halt, could you and a few others go find some meat? Our patients won't recover properly without eating meat, and I've been bedridden for seventeen days. I really need it."
Halt grunted and nodded. I laughed lightly and added,
"Don't worry, it won't be for free. I'll make you plenty of pies."
Halt suddenly looked at me. A sharp gleam flashed in his eyes as he spoke coldly.
"You can trust me."
Gilan snickered from the side.
"You're on the right path, İgris."
I chuckled.
"I know."
Halt shot us an annoyed look.
"Shut your mouths!"
After both of us laughed again, we focused back on the meal. Just then, I remembered that my shop had refreshed—and that I hadn't done today's draw yet. While eating, I focused inward.
'System, let's do the draw.'
System: [Acknowledged.]
A wheel appeared before me, visible only to me. I spun it. The rapidly spinning wheel slowed and stopped.
System: [Congratulations. You have summoned Matheld from the Warband world.]
'Ah! She was a companion, right?'
System: [Yes. However, she is also a noble. A noblewoman of the Nords—the Vikings of the north.]
I froze in surprise. It had been a long time since I'd played Warband; I was very young back then, and I had completely forgotten that detail. I took a deep breath. I absolutely couldn't throw a noble straight into the army camp without meeting her first. I needed to summon her to my side so we could get acquainted.
'System, summon her to me.'
System: [Acknowledged.]
'Now let's enter the Shop.'
---Shop---
[Flying Unit – Pegasus Cavalry, Valkyrie Unit (Tier 5) x16][Price: 25,000 Gold]
[Mage – Element: Darkness (Apprentice) x1][Price: 40,000 Gold]
[One-handed Sword (Common) x500][Price: 1 Gold]
[Warband World – Scout x55][Price: 10 Gold & Daily Rental Fee: 50 Silver]
[Coffee x50 Sacks][Price: 20 Silver]
[Common Poisonous Mushroom x50][Price: 15 Silver]
[Wind Phoenix (Subspecies) Knight (Tier 3) x1][Price: 550,000 Gold]
Current Balance: 382 Gold 30 Silver 23 Bronze
"PUFFF—KH! KH! KH!"
I nearly choked on my water when I saw the shop items. Gilan slapped my back and looked at me.
"Are you okay?"
I nodded.
"…More or less…"
Calmly, I spoke inwardly.
'SYSTEM, WHAT THE HELL ARE THOSE?!'
System: [Shop items.]
'…Hahaha, very funny! Don't mess with me and explain! Valkyries? Phoenix Knights?! A mage with the Dark element?! Can I summon these too?!'
System: [Ah, those… Valkyries are not exactly what you think. Although they carry Valkyrie blood, it exists at roughly one in a thousand. You could say they are on par with Elves—perhaps even approaching High Elves in strength. As for the price, these women are only two tiers below peak power. We are offering you fully trained flying warriors, descended from Valkyries, riding trained Pegasi that also descend from Valkyrie steeds. It is a very reasonable price.]
'…And the other two?'
System: [The Phoenix Knight allows you to summon a third-tier knight bonded to a Wind Phoenix subspecies. Wind Phoenixes are roughly as large as the Eagles of Arda and are mystical creatures. They excel in healing abilities and may even regenerate severed limbs. Thus, the price is appropriate.]
I nodded. Logical explanations.
'What about the dark mage?'
System: [You misunderstand, İgris. He is not a dark mage—he is a mage whose element is Darkness. Even across the multiverse, Darkness is a rare element. Even as an apprentice, such a mage is extremely valuable. We offered him at a fair price.]
'…Since when did you become a sales representative?'
System: [You asked, and I answered! Are you buying or not? It's your decision!]
'…Are you sulking?'
System: [That's how it seems to you.]
My eyebrow twitched. It was definitely sulking…Apparently, calling it a sales clerk hadn't gone over well…Whatever. Let's get back to work.
---
(2943 Words)