Chapter 392: Returning to Esta [3] "Noah! Finally back from your mysterious disappearance," Elara said warmly, treating him as the friend he’d become rather than just a valuable asset to the kingdom. "Father has been beside himself trying to determine where your shop had relocated. You’ve caused quite the stir with your absence." Valeria arrived moments later, the accomplished swordsman moving through the parting crowd. Her expression showed relief mixed with curiosity. "Welcome back," Valeria said with a friendly smile. "I hope wherever your shop travels took you, it was productive." Before Noah could properly respond to his gathered friends, King Aldric himself arrived with a small contingent of royal guards. The monarch’s presence caused the crowd to immediately create a respectful space, though Aldric’s demeanour was warm rather than imposing as he approached. "Viscount Carter," King Aldric greeted him with genuine pleasure, using Noah’s recently granted noble title. "Your return is most fortuitous to this kingdom. We have so much to discuss." His eyes briefly flickered to Lola standing behind Noah, recognition in his expression. She is so much more powerful than before. She has crossed the master rank and stepped into the grandmaster rank. The king thought curiously. The last time that the king met Lola, she was at the master rank, much weaker than he was. But currently, the king himself felt threatened by her presence, as if she could kill him if she wanted to. Noah looked at the assembled group—his friends, allies, and the king himself—all gathered to welcome him back. This was exactly the foundation he needed to begin implementing his plan to strengthen Esta’s defenders and prepare for the larger conflicts ahead. "It’s good to see all of you," Noah said sincerely. "And yes, Your Majesty, we definitely have much to discuss. I have proposals that I think will benefit both the kingdom and everyone here considerably." Noah raised his hands to address the gathering crowd in the plaza, his voice carrying clearly. "I apologize to everyone here—I wish I could speak with each of you personally, but I have urgent matters to discuss with His Majesty and some close friends. The shop will be open for business soon, I promise." The common folks showed no disappointment, only continued enthusiasm. They were simply happy to see him returned safely, and the promise of the shop reopening was more than enough to satisfy them. "Take your time, Lord Carter!" "We’re just glad you’re back safely!" "The kingdom needs you more than we do right now!" Noah smiled gratefully at their understanding before turning to his assembled friends and the king. "Please, come inside. We have much to discuss in private." He led them toward the shop’s entrance—King Aldric, Princess Elara, Valeria, Kipp, Alissa, and Lola following behind him. The royal guards, various nobles who had accompanied the king, and curious onlookers all remained outside as Noah opened the door. The moment they crossed the threshold, the guards who had moved to follow their king found themselves being glared at by the king himself. Seeing that look in his eyes, everyone immediately stood back, understanding that they had made a mistake. The interior was as welcoming as ever, warm lighting casting everything in a comfortable ambience, while shelves displayed miraculous items that represented power beyond conventional understanding. King Aldric had been inside before, but he still couldn’t help glancing around with appreciation for the establishment’s unique atmosphere. "The shop had grown larger from the last time we were here. Oh? Some new items too." The king muttered in appreciation of the interior of the shop. Noah nodded his head. "Indeed, a lot has changed." They gathered in the seating area Noah had set up for consultations, comfortable chairs arranged in a loose circle that encouraged conversation rather than formal hierarchy. "So," Noah began, settling into his seat. "Tell me what’s been happening in Esta while I was away. I want to hear everything." King Aldric smiled, genuine pride evident in his expression. "The kingdom has truly entered its golden age, Noah. The changes have been remarkable—almost miraculous in their scope and speed." Elara picked up the narrative from her father enthusiastically. "We’ve expanded our connections with neighbouring territories significantly. Trade routes that were too dangerous before are now regularly patrolled and secured. We’ve established diplomatic relations with three city-states that previously refused to deal with us." "The royal guard’s strength has increased dramatically," Aldric continued. "Your enhancement items have allowed us to field forces that can actually compete with threats that would have overwhelmed us before. Master-rank practitioners are no longer rare oddities—we have dozens now serving in various military and administrative capacities." Valeria leaned forward, her eyes bright with satisfaction. "And the demon extremist problem that plagued us for so long? Almost completely resolved. We’ve eliminated their major strongholds, captured or killed their leadership, and reduced them from an existential threat to isolated bandits that our regular forces can handle." She gestured expressively. "Your items made the difference. Being able to heal injuries that would have been fatal, having consumables that let our people fight above their strength, it completely changed the strategic calculus." Noah felt genuine warmth at hearing about their successes. "That’s incredible. All of you should be proud—I just provided tools. You’re the ones who used them to build something better." Kipp’s tail swished with barely contained excitement. "Master Noah, I’ve been training so hard! Look, look!" The young catboy held out his hand and conjured a complex wind construct that shifted fluidly between different forms—blades, shields, concentrated pressure waves—all demonstrating masterful control over his element. Noah observed with genuine appreciation. Kipp’s elemental control was genuinely impressive, showing master-level manipulation despite his overall strength remaining at the peak of adept rank. The Tier 5 wind orb Noah had provided him ten days ago had clearly accelerated his development tremendously. "That’s exceptional control, Kipp," Noah said warmly. "Your fundamentals are solid enough that you’re already thinking and fighting like a master-rank practitioner. Your body just needs to catch up to your skill." Kipp practically glowed with pride at the praise, his ears standing fully erect.