Rumba, meanwhile, stared at the food, drooling.

They had meat in their village, yes, but this looked different. And those red and orange fruits were especially tempting.

Tumba's eyes widened in fear. He realized that Aaron had known about his spying all along. He glanced nervously at the Village Chief, waiting for him to make the next move.

The old chief took a deep breath to calm his mind. He regretted not bringing his smoking pipe, it always helped him think. But unlike the last time strangers arrived, this one gave off a completely different impression.

He stepped forward, followed by Jumba, Rumba, and Tumba.

Stopping in front of Aaron, he spoke in a loud, commanding tone, "Stranger, state your purpose for visiting Green Fort."

Aaron responded just as firmly, "I have been appointed as the Baron of Green Fort by Duke Alaric. I've come to rule over it."

As he spoke, he took out a badge, the official proof of his identity.

The old chief stared at it, stunned. He remembered the last time a stranger had shown a badge, and then slaughtered villagers simply because they hadn't knelt.

But this man… showed no such arrogance.

His father had once explained the ways of nobles, how their badges were real, their titles legitimate. So he knew Aaron's identity was genuine. Just like the last one.

But one question lingered in his mind: Why would anyone come here?

This land was plagued by monsters. His people had long since adapted to survive. They had accepted the danger as part of life.

Although the old chief was lost in thought, he suddenly asked, "Baron, I have just one question. How will you treat our people? The last time a noble came to Green Fort… they killed many of us. So I'm afraid…"

Aaron responded without hesitation, "Don't worry, old man. I give you my word. As long as your people listen and follow the rules, they will not be punished. I won't ask them to do anything impossible. All tasks will be achievable, and those who contribute will be rewarded, just like everyone else."

Then Aaron turned to Torvald and said, "Torvald, it's time to fulfill your promise."

Torvald was stunned. He remembered Aaron's vow to free all slaves in his territory, a promise he had once thought was a joke. Many of the slaves had felt the same.

But now, hearing Lord Aaron's words, hope stirred in their hearts.

Torvald walked over to Jake and said, "Call your men. I need to retrieve the papers."

Aaron, meanwhile, took out a bundle of slave papers from his storage bag. These documents were dangerous, they could be submitted in any territory within the Verdia Kingdom, and runaway slaves could be hunted down.

He turned to Kelly and the other slaves.

"As I've said before, in my territory, there will be no slaves. I now grant you all the right to be free. As long as you remain here, you will enjoy my protection."

He handed the papers to Kelly, "Distribute them. If you wish to be free, burn them… or tear them apart. The choice is yours."

Kelly took the bundle of papers with slightly trembling hands. She quickly found her own and her sister's documents, then took a deep breath to steady her emotions.

"Please come forward and pick your papers," she said softly.

"Aunt Rita, Aunt Rina, Uncle Toro, Uncle Monty, Uncle Toky…"

One by one, names were called. One by one, people stepped forward and took their papers. They still couldn't believe it, freedom, something they had only dreamed of, was now within reach.

Rita and Rina had tears in their eyes. So did the children.

Aaron watched silently. He didn't know how to comfort them, so he turned to the old man and asked, "Hey old man… have you thought about it?"

The old chief had seen slaves before, brought in by strangers, treated like living dead. Their lives were worse than death.

But this man…was different.

Suddenly, he remembered the prophecy his father once spoke, "When three ships dock the shore, the gears of fate will begin to turn."

Looking at the scene before him, he realized, for these people, fate had already begun to shift.

Perhaps… this was the man they had been waiting for.

He stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said in a loud voice, "Lord, my name is Khumba. The people in my village call me the old chief. You may call me whatever you see fit. May I know your name?"

Aaron breathed a sigh of relief. Jumba, Rumba, and Tumba were stunned. Even the previous nobles hadn't earned such respect.

Though Khumba looked old and simple, 

he was a powerful figure, the reason more than five hundred villagers were still alive.

Aaron gently helped him up and said, "My name is Aaron. You don't need to bow to me, old chief. And since you've chosen to stand with me, I promise to make Green Fort the strongest place in Verdia Kingdom."

He paused, then smiled, "But first, let's eat. We'll talk about everything else afterward."

The old chief nodded, feeling reassured. He had not misjudged this man.

Rumba, Jumba, and Tumba exhaled in relief. Their respect for Aaron had grown immensely.

Then Khumba turned and knocked each of them on the head, "You foolish boys, greet Lord Aaron properly!"

Tumba, Rumba, and Jumba immediately bowed.

Seeing them, the others, including Torvald, followed suit,

shouting in unison:

"Long live Lord Aaron!"

"Long live Lord Aaron!"

"Long live Lord Aaron!"

Aaron raised his voice slightly, chuckling, "Alright, that's enough. I'm still young, no plans on dying anytime soon."

Laughter rippled through the crowd, and the atmosphere lightened.

Then Aaron's tone shifted, "We'll be meeting new people soon, so I expect everyone to behave. But first, it's time to reward those who helped build Ballistia, and the sailors who brought us safely to our new territory."

He turned to Kelly and said, "Kelly, come here. Bring the list and read out the names and rewards I've prepared."

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