The Monster King's Legacy

"I see." Lance leaned back. "Can't help but say, he did a really good job." Lance said, praising the youngman.

"Hahaha, thank you Lord Lance. Sometimes I even worry, the boy's too stout for his own good. If he had the strength to back it up, it would be different, but…"

Listening to the man, Lance saw Eran's face scrunch up as the man spoke. Lance wasn't sure of the relationship between them both, but he could clearly see that the man obviously cared for the youngman a lot, and that the youngman was aware of his shortcomings, and didn't appear happy about it at all.

Looking at him, Lance couldn't help the soft smile that came across his lips, as he understood that feeling too well.

"If a man can't even stand for himself or those he cares about in the face of danger, then, can he still call himself a man?" Lance said, the words leaving his mouth simply.

The youngman's eyes that help a quiet anger lightened up immediately as he heard what Lance had said, his gaze shooting up towards Lance with marvel. The rest also appeared with similar gazes as they stared at Lance as though he had spoken something philosophical.

Lance whose eyes was closed for a bit, opened them to see all the eyes on him. 'Did I say something wrong?' he thought to himself, before he was shocked.

"Such great words… words Lord Lance." Once of the men said, his mouth almost agape as he continued.

These words, "If a man can't even stand for himself or those he cares about in the face of danger, then, can he still call himself a man… a powerful reflection on courage, responsibility, and identity." He said, a deep gaze in his eyes as he studied the words in his head, everyone waiting on him at this point.

Lance though, was a bit taken aback, he didn't expect his simple words to cause such an effect, and certainly, not for the dumbest and brawny looking member of the group to be the one to decipher his words like this.

Then, as though understanding the signs from a star, the man looked skyward as he spoke. "If a man can't even stand for himself... This challenges the idea of self-respect and integrity. If someone can't defend their own dignity or beliefs when it matters most, doesn't that rais questions about their strength of character and will?" He said, causing everyone listening apart from Lance to widen their pupils in realization.

"...and those he cares about... in the face of danger... Protecting those and things one cares about, a core part of what it means to be a responsible and honorable man, especially when things get hard, when fear, risk, or adversity are present… true character is revealed." He continued.

"...and lastly, can he still call himself a man? A rhetorical question that challenges one's identity, manhood, courage, honor, and responsibility… Truly profound." He said, his eyes starry at this point, those listening showing a greater seriousness.

"What this all means, what Lord Lance is saying in other words… True strength isn't shown in words or appearances, it's proven in the moments when you choose to stand up for what's right, especially when it's hard and faced with impossible circumstances. Without that, the title of "man" loses its meaning."

By now, everyone listened with the look of greater realization etched in their faces, while Lance could not believe how deep the simple words he had said in the moment had gone. Suddenly, the ugly thirty something year old man who looked almost like an ugly brute shone brightly in Lance's vision, he could almost see him in monk robes chanting mantras of an enlightened monk.

'Damn… I guess you really can't judge a book by its cover.' Lance thought to himself.

At that moment, a small tear dropped from the man's left eye as he turned towards Eran. "I always believed in you, but never that much. Today however, I can say for certain, you are destined for greatness. If Lord Lance has said it, it must be so…' he said, causing another to nod in agreement.

"To think Lord Lance would understand young Eran to such a degree… Lord Lance, you must have gone through such trials on your way to becoming such a great man and king." He said, bringing all eyes on Lance.

"Haha, you are not wrong…" Lance said.

'Though I can't guarantee just how much I would sacrifice myself like that against an impossible odd.' He thought to himself. Feeling the unshaken gazes on him, he cleared his throat as he spoke, looking at Eran with a smile.

"Just remember this, stupidity or courage, only the results will tell. Though the end doesn't always justify the means, there are exceptions." He said, his words bringing the same reaction as the first time. He could only hope this hidden scholar amongst them didn't go another deep dive into his words.

'I don't think that tallies here…' He thought to the later parts of his words. 'But, if they buy it like this… I can't take it back now, can I?'

"Anyway, you won't have to worry about the bandits while I'm here."

The mood around the fire grew even more positive and reverend towards Lance, easing with the confidence in his voice.

"You'd really help us with that?" Eran asked, now calmer.

"I wouldn't feel right not helping," Lance replied. "You're as good as citizens of my kingdom, after all." Lance said, as he now recalled this particular leader of the merchant group who he had met once long ago before he even left with Aelyndra. Though they only met once, he was very respectful and welcoming despite the goblins with lance back then. He must not have recognize that this was the same Lance. Anyway, he didn't mind.

They talked into the night, also going over trade routes, the condition of the roads, the changing weather, and other little things, including the monster kingdom's growth and how goblins now ran artisan shops, or how beastkin ran major supply chains across borders.

"We take shifts during the night," the caravan leader said, "but you're free to rest. We'll keep watch."

"I can help," Lance offered, rising.

But the man shook his head. "We'd rather you be well rested. If something does happen, we'll need your strength at full, after all."

Lance didn't argue. Instead, he lay down on a spare mat near the fire.

The forest remained quiet that night.

By dawn, they were readying to move again. Horses were hitched, wheels checked, goods secured. The air was brisk, the fire long extinguished, and a new sense of purpose buzzed through the group. It felt like they weren't just traveling anymore… Instead, they were being led.