Emperor Malkov gazed at the young men and women who had been brought before him with a smirk. He sat upon an expensive throne he'd had built especially for him, and pointed to the floor. "Kneel."

"You must be new here," Malkov drawled, amused by the defiance in your eyes. "I didn't give you an order to stand." He leaned forward, his expression suddenly intense. "Kneel before your emperor or face the consequences." His voice was cold and hard as steel, leaving no room for doubt about what those consequences might be.

Malkov raised an eyebrow at your offer, not quite sure if you were being serious. "I could have my guards do that," he murmured, glancing to the side where several soldiers in full plate armor and wielding deadly weapons stood at attention. "But it would be much more entertaining if we let you try." He gestured toward a clear spot on the floor between them. "Go ahead; make your move."

Malkov laughed, a soft, almost musical sound that did nothing to hide his amusement at your offer. "You really are bold," he said, leaning back in his throne once more. "Very well; if you defeat me, you shall have your request." He tapped one finger against the armrest of his throne, his eyes narrowing as he studied you carefully. "But remember, only if you win."

Malkov watched with interest as you freed yourself from the restraints, his eyes never leaving your form. The guards moved in closer, surrounding you on all sides, their weapons at the ready. He smirked slightly, enjoying the display of raw power and skill. This would be a most entertaining fight indeed.

"Begin when you're ready," he called out as his soldiers held back, giving you room to maneuver.

Malkov's eyes narrowed as he stared at you, his expression amused yet challenging. "Fine," he muttered under his breath before standing up smoothly and walking down the steps of the throne. He came to a stop in front of you, his guards flanking him on either side. "Very well; let's see what you've got."

With that, he lunged forward, aiming a quick jab at your stomach.

Malkov's eyes widened slightly as you dodged his jab easily, then snarled in anger as your fist connected with his face. His head snapped back from the force of the blow, but he didn't fall. Instead, he growled and lunged forward once more, this time aiming a savage kick at your midsection.

His guards took advantage of your momentary distraction to try and flank you, moving in closer with each passing second.

Malkov's eyes widened at your agility as you dodged his attack with ease. His face contorted into a snarl as he saw what you had done to his guards, all five of them falling unconscious to the ground. The remaining soldiers tensed, readying themselves for his command.

"Impressive," he growled through gritted teeth. "But I'm not finished yet." He lunged forward once more, fists flying toward your face and body in a flurry of deadly strikes.

Malkov's expression turned to one of shock as he felt his legs being kicked out from under him. The force sent him sprawling backwards, hitting the ground with a thud. He lay there for a moment, struggling to catch his breath and shaking his head to clear it. "You win," he rasped, finally giving in. Blood trickled from his mouth as he looked up at you.

"As promised, you shall have your land and title," Malkov continued, voice still somewhat strained. "

Malkov looked up at you with a mixture of respect and annoyance as you helped him to his feet. "I will give you the land and title," he repeated, "but I expect you to earn it." He straightened his cloak and turned to address his soldiers. "Take these rebels away and dispose of them." His eyes locked onto yours once more as he added, "But leave this one alive for now."

The guards moved forward to do their emperor's bidding, surrounding you once again with weapons at the ready.

Malkov arched an eyebrow at your request, amused by your confidence. "Your land is to the east," he said with a smirk, gesturing vaguely in that direction. "A day's ride should take you there." The guards tensed, ready to move against you again at any moment.

"But remember," Malkov continued, his voice hardening slightly, "if I find out that you've been anything less than the exemplary leader I expect, or if you fail in your duties...

The rebel carriages were quickly assembled as you and your new subjects made their way toward the land that had been given to you. As you rode through the countryside, you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swell within you at the thought of building something from nothing again. Even though Malkov was still an uncertain ally, this was your chance to make a difference and prove yourself as a leader.

The land itself was fertile and well-maintained, but it would require your full attention to keep it that way.

As you approach the house on your new land, you see that it's in decent condition but could use some repairs and improvements. The surrounding grounds are full of potential; with a little work, they could be turned into a thriving farm or orchard. You have to admit that you're excited about the prospect of making this place your own.

The first order of business would be to assess the needs of your new subjects and see what resources you have available.

The former rebels disembark from the carriages, looking to you for leadership. You smile reassuringly at them and set to work on your house, showing them how to begin repairs as well. As everyone gets to work, you can't help but feel a sense of camaraderie forming amongst them. Even though they were once enemies, they now have a common goal: to make this place their home.

By the end of the day, your house is in much better shape and the surrounding grounds have begun to show signs of improvement as well.

A young woman with raven-black hair and deep blue eyes bumps into you, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry," she murmurs, averting her gaze as she tries to move past you. She has a delicate build but appears strong from working in the fields all day. Something about her catches your eye...

"Wait," you say, reaching out to stop her. "You don't have to be sorry for that. I'm Luke."

The young woman glances down at where your hand was before quickly snapping her gaze back up to meet yours, her cheeks still reddening further. She takes a deep breath and forces herself to calm down, ignoring the faint flush that spreads across her chest. "I-I'm Lily," she stutters, clearing her throat. Her eyes flicker over to the other workers before returning to you, uncertainty clouding her features.

"I... I'm fine, thank you. Just a little tired,"