When Kaen and Tifa arrived outside the town, the officials who had gone to Rivendell for studies were already waiting, escorted by a company of Elven cavalry.
Since Kaen had only recalled the administrative officials this ti, the engineers led by Joanna and the healers led by Aliah had not returned. They remained in Rivendell, continuing their education.
Elder Jack, Minister of Administration; Araphor, Minister of Justice; Will, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Hubert, Minister of Oversight—all four dismounted quickly upon seeing Kaen and saluted him with barely contained excitent.
"Your Majesty! We have returned!"
"At ease."
Kaen imdiately stepped forward to lift them up, his gaze sweeping over them with satisfaction at the noticeable changes in their deanor and presence.
"Very good! I can see the transformation in all of you. These past few months of study have clearly borne fruit."
Old Jack nodded respectfully. "It's all thanks to your wise decision, Your Majesty. We were given the opportunity to receive so of the finest political instruction. You might not know this, but Lord Elrond himself often took the ti to personally ntor us."
"I do know."
Kaen nodded. "I've been in regular correspondence with Lord Elrond. He has taught many things as well."
Just then, the captain of the Elven cavalry stepped forward and bowed to Kaen.
"It has been a while, Lord Kaen—or perhaps I should say, Your Grace."
"You are…?"
Kaen looked at the captain in confusion before realization dawned on him a mont later.
"I rember you. When my n and I first arrived in Rivendell, you were the one who led us inside."
"I am honored that you rember . My na is Thaliondir, Captain of the Riders of Rivendell."
"A pleasure to et you again, Thaliondir."
They exchanged a few words, and at that mont, three more figures approached.
"Well t again, Lord Kaen. Or perhaps I too should follow Thaliondir's lead and address you as Your Majesty."
The speaker was a handso young man, bearing both a long spear and a bow across his back.
Seeing the youth and the middle-aged man beside him, Kaen's eyes lit up with recognition.
"Sigilion! And Master Adant—what a surprise. I didn't expect you two here as well."
"It's not just us," Master Adant said with a knowing smile, glancing toward the third youth beside him and then back toward the group behind them.
Seeing this, Sigilion quickly stepped forward. "This is Reger, a descendant of one of the ancient heroes. He's long fought beside , and he's been deeply inspired by your deeds, Your Majesty. When he learned of our return, he insisted on coming with us."
Kaen turned his gaze to Reger.
The golden-haired youth, clearly not of Dúnedain descent, carried a longsword and wore the bright-eyed, eager look of one at the cusp of destiny. His face still bore the innocence of youth, but his spirit burned with fervor.
Noticing Kaen's gaze upon him, Reger bowed nervously and said, "Your Majesty, your legend has been etched into the depths of my heart like a sacred song. It is an honor to set foot in your kingdom, mighty King Kaen."
Seeing the boy's sincerity, Kaen couldn't help but feel amused—and flattered. So I have admirers now, too.
He chuckled warmly. "Glory is not born of fate—it is forged through will. Every great deed begins with a single decision. I believe you'll carve out your own legend here."
Reger was so overwheld with emotion that he nearly dropped to one knee to swear his oath of loyalty then and there.
At that mont, Will stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, while we were studying in Rivendell, word of your victories in the Troll-woods reached the Elves. Your triumphs spread like wildfire. Many descendants of ancient heroes have since co to admire you. They've followed us here, hoping to swear fealty to you."
Only then did Kaen truly notice the multitude gathered beyond the initial group—a crowd of several hundred, many of them unfamiliar faces.
Sensing the king's gaze upon them, they bowed respectfully in unison.
Kaen hadn't expected his returning officials to bring back so many people.
Then again, it made perfect sense.
Rivendell was a sanctuary, yes, but its heart belonged to the Noldor Elves. The descendants of ancient human heroes, while offered refuge, remained citizens—not leaders.
Old tensions from the First and Second Ages had long severed the bond between Elves and n. The Elves no longer entrusted key positions to mortals.
So now, with a human king rising in the North of Middle-earth, offering hope and purpose—many would naturally flock to his banner.
Understanding this, Kaen was genuinely pleased. His kingdom was still short on talent, and these new arrivals were a tily blessing.
With a burning intensity in his eyes, he raised his voice.
"Welco to Eowenría!
Here, you will all be given the chance to shine—to put your knowledge and skills to the test. I trust that in this land, you will craft legends of your own."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Then, Captain Thaliondir gestured toward several wagons laden with sacks and crates.
"Your Grace, before we departed, our lord instructed us to deliver these supplies—food, blankets, and more."
"My lord is aware of the harsh winter this year and of the suffering along the lower Anduin. In years past, many refugees would have fled to Rivendell."
"But things are different now. Your rise has given them another path—another hope. And it has also eased the burden upon Rivendell."
"For this, my lord sends these provisions, hoping they might assist you and your people."
Kaen let out a long breath.
In his heart, his respect and admiration for Lord Elrond deepened even further.
From the mont they first t, Elrond had helped and guided him, never asking for anything in return.
He was, without a doubt, Kaen's greatest ntor in this world—a true teacher, in every sense of the word.
Kaen took a deep breath and looked to Thaliondir. "Please tell Lord Elrond that he is the light that guides upon this path. I will forever rember this kindness."
Thaliondir nodded. "I shall deliver your words to him without omission."
…
That night, Kaen held a grand feast in honor of the newcors—a celebration to welco them to Eowenría.
But just as the celebration neared its end…
Sigilion, Master Alante, and Reger stepped forward and approached Kaen with serious expressions.
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