In the main hall, after a prolonged silence…
Below, the three maidens exchanged glances, tinged with fear. Above, the Manor Lord sat, shrouded in a dark, distorted aura, his entire presence evoking a demonic figure. If not for desperate circumstances, they would never take such a risk. They'd have fled like the others.
The hall remained silent.
On the throne, someone's face flushed, unsure what to say. Too embarrassing… My image is ruined. They've seen me like this.
Face frozen, purple as a yam…
Below, the three maidens sensed the air grow heavier, the silence oppressive. The Manor Lord…
The youngest princess, trembling slightly, lowered her head in fear.
Noah noticed something amiss.
System, what's happening? Why do they look so scared?
System: Manor management mode is activating. Your image will always be maintained in its most majestic form. Until they are recognized by a token and become manor members, they will only see a vague silhouette of you.
So, they haven't seen my real appearance this whole time?
Noah breathed a sigh of relief. What a relief.
"You need not fear. Each of you, introduce yourselves. From left to right."
Lalatina Celeste . Introduce ourselves? Is this a test?The steward had said their past identities no longer mattered.
Stepping forward, the first spoke.
"Reporting to the Manor Lord, my name is Lalatina Celeste, 17 years old. I was the daughter of a family with a long-standing tradition. My parents, well-known figures, planned to marry me off to forge an alliance. I refused. Hearing of a sage emerging on Strong Bull Mountain, with celestial omens in the sky, I came seeking the Dao to escape my dark fate. Now, I am a member of your manor."
Noah. As expected, the Heavenly Dao is heartless, altering a young girl's memories.This place was once a bandit den, notorious far and wide. What reputation? A sage?
Poor girl.
"Good. Next."
" My name is Luna Hart, 16 years old. I risked my life to gain my father's permission to come here and learn the Dao. If I fail, I won't return. Thanks to your kindness, my lord, I stand here. I am grateful and will not disappoint you."
"Very well…"
"What do you think of this manor?"
The youngest maiden stepped forward, trembling, her voice soft.
"My name is Aurelia Liora, 14 years old. I followed my brother here. He was chosen, but I was rejected. My brother is my only family… But you, my lord, are kind. Thanks to your mercy, I'm here. I won't let you down."
So adorable…
"Little sister, no need to be nervous. I'm not a bad person. You can all relax. I'm fair and just."
After some discussion, it became clear these were ordinary mortals, guided here by the Heavenly Dao, their memories altered by its intervention.
Good, a smooth start.
"Zhao Yu, you're back. These three girls will serve as my personal maids. Take them to their rooms. Rest well, you'll start work tomorrow. If anyone's hungry, ask the steward. No need to be overly formal."
"Thank you, Manor Lord!"
The meeting concluded. Noah returned to his room under the cover of night. No idea what time it is…
Summing up, the manor now has 24 people, three directly under me, three beautiful maids, the same status panel, and a few items.
"System, how did these servants find their way here?"
System: They were led here by the Heavenly Dao.
So, these are the ones the Heavenly Dao chose to nurture? But why servants, not disciples? System?
System: Currently, I can only address issues within the manor and provide appropriate guidance. The task assignment process is flawless. This group was summoned by the Heavenly Dao as servants.
"I see… Well, it's late. I'm looking forward to tomorrow."
Can't sleep.
How can I, a reincarnated emperor, get so flustered over a few serving girls? Calm down. Outside, countless stunning beauties await me.
His body felt itchy and uncomfortable. Even though the system dried me off, I haven't bathed in over a day. I only have this one set of clothes. The kitchen has tools but no food. No spare clothes either.
"System, are there no daily necessities?"
System: I don't provide for the host's every need. I suggest establishing an emblem soon to unlock relevant tasks.
"Right, that's why there's nothing. No tasks."
Exactly. Time to focus on priorities.
An emblem… I need an emblem.