How do I handle things? Koul's mind computed, his sense of pain now numb and overtaken by the sheer determination to complete the task before the time elapsed.
Think back. How did I handle things? What did I miss?
He had to think back to the past events, knowing fully well the system wouldn't give a task with the time limit of five hours if the task couldn't be completed within such a time.
They're cruel but I don't think they'd do something like that this early. It's only just my first task, after all.
He knew it had to be something he missed. After all, he couldn't just gather everyone together out of nowhere and start displaying his authority.
Even the system wouldn't count it, that much he knows.
As he racked his brains trying to find an answer or a hint at least, it finally clicked.
Koul came to a freeze, his body flooding with goosebumps like he wasn't in a steamy bath.
That must be it, he said, eyes alight with sudden clarity.
He snapped up from the bath at once, surprising the system and making it flinch.
[What is it now? Do you now know what you have to do?]
"Yes," Koul replied curtly, getting out of the water. He walked toward the waist cloth hanging by the wooden rack and wrapped it tightly around himself.
Then he turned, walking out of the bath. His back was exposed, revealing all the tears gotten from the punishment.
As he walked down the hallway leading to his room, he sighted two guards by either side of his door and two maids in front.
Huh? What are they looking for here now?
He paused for a moment, wondering what they were doing there. Then, without a word, he continued walking until he reached them.
As he stood in front of them, the maids and guards dipped their heads, awkwardly averting their gazes.
This is good anyway, I needed them for something.
"??" Koul raised his brow at them, silently questioning their presence.
"S-since your majesty has returned to his room, we also have to resume our duty," one of the guards said shakily.
Duty? Like you could stop any harm from getting to me just 'cause y'all are out here.
Then to the maids, Koul directed his gaze coldly, questioning their presence in turn.
"Ma-majesty, we are here to help you dress," one of them let out lowly, almost in a whisper.
koul's lips creased upward, irritated at the mere thought of them touching his skin. But he immediately composed himself, sighing lowly.
Seriously, what is this hatred I hold toward them? I'm not even the real Koul, sigh!
His eyes rested on the girls for a moment, contemplating whether to send them away or accept their offer—their duties to be correct.
With a sigh, he gestured to the maids to go in.
"Fine, get in there and wait," he ordered and the maids bowed and went inside.
To the guards he turned.
"Go out there and gather everyone," he commanded strictly. "The workers, the maids, the knights, everyone."
The guards exchanged a glance, confused by their Lord's orders.
"Including your wives?" One of them asked.
Huh? He raised a brow, confused why the guard would ask that.
Have his wives always been excluded in gatherings? Why? Did Koul hate them?
Uh…well, it's not like I can include them since the system forbids me.
Tsk! So unfair.
"No, leave them out and only gather everyone else."
"Yes, your majesty."
They bowed and ran along to carry out the order.
[Host, just what are you planning?] the system asked.
"You'll soon find out," Koul replied, entering his chamber.
With a nod of his head, he signaled the maids to start their work and they started dressing him up.
As he stood still and allowed them drape him in fine clothing, the maids felt the urge to at least put some ointment on his wounds.
But a mere glance at Koul's face wiped that thought clean off their minds. They focused sinply on dressing him up, and dressing his hair.
Done, they bowed and left.
Koul checked himself out in the mirror, smirking at the rich, dark blue and black attire. And his silky hair with a few strands tied behind him with a red ribbon and let to cascade freely.
I haven't looked this good in a while, he smiled, then paused, reconsidering his words.
Not that I've been here for long, he corrected.
But I've really upgraded, eh. Dude really got the looks, he said, checking out his jaw and face.
And indeed, Koul couldn't be said to be someone with average features. He was what people would call hot in the modern world.
As he admired himself, realization hit him like a rock, bringing him back to reality.
Fuck, time! The time is running out.
Koul turned with urgency, rushing to the door. And just as he opened it, he met the guards about to knock.
"We have gathered everyone, your majesty," they relayed.
"Yes, escort me there."