When I said I was hungry, Seishan reacted almost instantly, signaling to a couple of handmaidens. They rushed off somewhere, only to return with plates full of food and set the table for us. In a few minutes, a feast was laid out before us.
As I stuffed my mouth with food, loudly expressing how much I enjoyed it, Gemma, the leader of the hunters and pathfinders, asked me:
"What should we do now?"
"How should I know?" I asked back, surprised.
Everyone was stunned, and I felt their gazes on me.
"Seriously, you have that True Name, but you are nothing like it..." Sunny sighed.
Once again, stunned faces all around.
"You know, I was actually wondering about that too. It's not like I did anything related to it in my First Nightmare. Maybe it's just because I'm strong."
"Ah, I almost forgot. I'm Christopher, just call me Chris, and my True Name is King of Men."
A moment of silence followed before booming laughter erupted from Effie.
"Hahaha! Of course, he has one. As expected of the boyfriend of the princess."
"He is not my boyfriend."
"But if you don't know what to do..." Gunlaug started, already losing hope again.
"Stop right there. I may not know what to do, but why should I?" I said. "We have a natural-born leader with us, with an oracle on her back who can see the future and shares everything with her. Am I right?" I turned my head toward Cassie, who visibly flinched.
"So, what should we do, my little Star?"
Pausing for a second, she started her monologue about how we would siege the Crimson Spire. She explained that we would focus on training and strengthening our cores until the winter solstice to see if anyone else ended up here. After that, we would arm everyone capable of fighting with memories or at least weapons made from nightmare creatures. She outlined how we should create teams of five to clear the Dark City, eliminating every nightmare creature within its walls and preparing other equipment for the siege.
By the time she finished, everyone was impressed by how detailed the plan was.
"See that? My little Star is really capable. As for me, I'm leaving for a month or two—you know, hunting and stuff."
I stood up and started walking away but stopped just before exiting the room.
"Oh, and no fighting amongst yourselves. Anyone who doesn't listen to her will answer to me."
With that, I continued walking away, though I took my time exploring the city first.
"I'm telling you, this guy is batshit crazy," Sunny muttered. "Does all this and then just leaves."
"But you know, he was kinda cool," Effie teased. "Setting everything straight for his girlfriend."
Nephis didn't even react anymore.
"Let's go. We need to get started. I expect full cooperation from you," Nephis said, directing her words at the ex-Bright Lord.
"...Of course," Gunlaug responded, still stunned.
Not even a few hours had passed, yet everyone was already settling into the Bright Castle. Though minor conflicts broke out, nothing too concerning happened.
Meanwhile, I was walking around the camp outskirts, gathering rations and collecting water for my trip to fill my second core.
Nephis approached me with measured steps. When she arrived, she asked bluntly,
"Are you leaving?"
"Yeah. What, can't bear to see your lover leaving?" I joked.
I think she was getting used to my teasing because she didn't react at all.
"Well, you know, I have some things to do, and this Dark City is necessary for the people here to grow stronger. But don't worry—I'll come back even stronger. After that, just point me in a direction, and I'll pave the way for you."
She nodded.
"Thanks. Why don't you take off your blindfold?"
"Are you getting curious about me?" I asked, smiling brightly.
She just turned and started walking away.
"How cold. You know, I'm so accustomed to it now that it feels weird to take it off. And, well, the flaw and all."
She simply hummed in response.
"Anyway, I'll be back in around three months. Until then, bye-bye."
I turned and walked away, waving.