Upon hearing the question, William hesitated, his lips caught between a bite, his gaze lowered in contemplation. When his eyes met his son Thorian's, the latter's raised eyebrow prompted an immediate reaction. "Is something amiss?" Thorian inquired, curiosity lacing his tone.

"It's just that... we weren't certain you'd appreciate the compromise we've come to," Tristan chimed in hastily.

Taking a moment to regain his composure, William began to unravel the predicament. "The crux of the matter is Tristan's indispensable role in Locksley's development, particularly in shaping the military framework. His presence here is non-negotiable."

Thorian, understanding yet inquisitive, nodded. "I see. But my offer extended beyond Tristan. Robert, too, was considered for this mantle."

William exhaled a weary sigh. "That complicates matters further. Robert is entrusted with safeguarding my son, James. He believes his duty to James precludes accepting such a charge. Furthermore, his humble origins make him question his entitlement to the position."

Pensively stroking his chin, Thorian considered the situation. "So, Robert's involvement is contingent upon James's. Could they not undertake the role together?"

At Thorian's suggestion, relief washed over Tristan and William. "That was precisely our next proposal. James himself wishes to assume the vassal lordship. Although parting with him would be difficult for me, knowing Robert would remain his protector offers some comfort," William admitted.

Thorian's smile then dispelled any lingering tension. "It appears there is no issue after all. As for your concerns regarding your son, rest assured, visits can be frequent since he will be stationed nearby. He may even bring along his friend, Little Roo, to keep him company."

William's response was a nod of gratitude. "Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.”

"The matter is settled, then," Thorian said, his smile reflecting satisfaction. "However, let's shift our focus to today's significant event for Locksley. The election - have there been any complications?"

William's expression grew contemplative before he replied with a gravity that matched the seriousness of the situation. "Just as you anticipated, a noble attempted to tamper with the election. They are now detained, stripped of their privileges and rights."

Thorian's response was laden with a cautionary tone. "This issue isn't isolated to a handful or two of nobles. It appears a faction within your city would have preferred if Nalia had succeeded in her attempt on your life."

"We're fully cognizant of that threat," Tristan interjected, his voice tight with barely contained anger, his fist clenched in resolve. "And we intend to eradicate that corruption at its root."

There was a brief silence, punctuated only by the weight of their shared resolve, before William allowed a measured chuckle. "As my son has indicated, we're well aware of the problem. Now that I have reassumed control, their schemes will find no foothold. I plan to methodically dismantle their influence, eradicating them one by one."

"Excellent," Thorian approved with a nod. "You possess the necessary resources, including access to my dungeons. With these at your disposal, you'll amass strength more rapidly than any of them could anticipate. The key is to utilize this power effectively."

"We're grateful for the support," William acknowledged with a nod of his own.

With that, Thorian wrapped up their discussion. "It appears we've addressed everything on my agenda. Alacritas will introduce you to Ventus's group shortly."

Following the conclusion of the meeting, Thorian, Tristan, and William exited the room. Thorian delegated the task to Alacritas before joining Zogarth to deliberate over the integration of the new orc recruits.

"We've formed new squads to manage the influx. This has somewhat skewed our military composition, creating discrepancies in unit sizes, but I foresee no issues. Each unit remains capable of navigating both the Verdant Labyrinth and the Thunderous Citadel," Zogarth explained.

"Admirable efforts," Thorian commended. "While future adjustments may be necessary, we'll hold off on any major military restructuring until we've bolstered our ranks further. Continuously altering our formation with each new wave of recruits would be inefficient."

Thorian returned to the Village Hall, immersing himself in the practice of water manipulation. With the day's urgent matters addressed and nothing but time on his hands until William's return from the dungeons and Forlune's arrival with new inhabitants, he seized the opportunity to sharpen his abilities.

Two hours swiftly elapsed as Thorian advanced to the point of effortlessly orchestrating eight orbs of water to encircle him, a dance of fluid precision. This practice confirmed his theory: there was indeed a synergy between different forms of elemental manipulation.

As he ventured to command a ninth orb, Alacritas materialized beside him with news. "My lord, William has returned to Locksley after a successful excursion into the dungeons. Meanwhile, Forlune is en route to our village with a significant assembly of kobolds and kobloids."

A broad smile broke across Thorian's face upon hearing this update. Today marks a pivotal moment for Wolvendale's advancement, he thought, energized by the prospect.

Without delay, Thorian accompanied Alacritas to the outer wall, where Forlune awaited, flanked by an impressive gathering of more than two hundred kobolds and kobloids.

"You've surpassed expectations," Thorian praised as he approached Forlune, “I did not anticipate you to bring this many, considering how small some kobold communities are usually.”

"Luck was on our side," Forlune replied with a chuckle. "Most of these individuals came from a single large settlement. Their leader was exploiting them severely, expanding without respite. His downfall at my hands made them eager to join our cause."

"Well done," Thorian responded with a laugh, surveying the crowd.

After delivering his customary address to bolster morale and articulate the village's culture to the newcomers, he instructed Forlune to guide them into the Village Hall for official registration as citizens.

While the cohort was making its way to the Village Hall, Thorian quickly counted their numbers.

Around 250 strong, it seems. The moment they’re properly registered, I can upgrade the village.

Standing in front of the Village Hall, Thorian observed the lengthy procession of kobolds and kobloids making their way through the registration process. With some time to spare, he resumed his water manipulation practice, eager to maximize every moment.

An hour and a half later, mastery over the ninth water orb was his, and the attainment of control over a tenth orb soon followed, mirroring his experience with fire manipulation.

Congratulations. Your skill "Water Manipulation I" has been upgraded to "Water Manipulation II"