When word came from the cavalry that the number of incoming refugees had reached at least ten thousand, Kaen felt a mix of joy and unease.

Joy—because the more, the better.

Unease—because they simply weren't ready.

He didn't blame Lairon for the inaccurate report.

After all, Lairon's rangers were on foot. A round trip took two full days. In that time, it was perfectly reasonable for the number of refugees to increase.

But this unexpected surge put tremendous pressure on Tifa in Elariel , and Brie over in Azure spring.

The supplies they'd painstakingly gathered were once again dangerously scarce.

With no other choice, they had to resort to purchasing from the townsfolk themselves.

After exhausting every effort, they barely managed to scrape together enough provisions for ten thousand people.

As dusk began to fall, Kaen stood with his people at the outskirts of Elariel , waiting for the refugees to arrive.

And then, something miraculous happened.

The heavy clouds that had blanketed the wintry sky suddenly parted. The final rays of the setting sun poured down, casting golden light over Elariel .

Bathed in this holy brilliance, the entire town shimmered like it had been draped in a veil of gold—radiant and striking against the fading wilderness.

When Cathril finally arrived, leading the weary refugees, the sight that greeted them stole their breath.

People halted, overcome with awe at the divine scene before them. Reverence bloomed in their hearts, stopping them in their tracks even though they knew that warmth, food, and shelter awaited ahead.

In such a moment...

It wasn't just the refugees who felt it.

Even the townsfolk, even Cathril and her riders—stood stunned in silence.

They watched Kaen in his dark cloak, standing at the heart of that golden light. His long hair danced with the swirling snow and wind—like a figure out of legend.

A god in mortal form.

Kaen himself was surprised, though as a transmigrant, he didn't feel the same reverence toward so-called miracles. He chalked it up to a rare and beautiful natural phenomenon.

But when he saw the refugees frozen in place on the distant road, he frowned slightly.

Turning to one of the nearby rangers, he ordered, "Go and ask Cathril why they've stopped."

The ranger dashed off immediately.

"Lady Cathril," he called once he reached the front line, "His Majesty wishes to know why you've halted here."

Cathril and the cavalry snapped out of their trance, exchanging glances.

One of them pointed behind the ranger and said, "Turn around and see for yourself."

The ranger turned, confused.

What he saw struck him speechless.

In the dim light of winter twilight, Elariel gleamed under the falling sun like something blessed by the Valar. The image was simply too sacred to describe.

If, standing inside the town, Kaen looked like a god—

Then from the wild, the town itself looked like a haven under divine protection.

The ranger ran back, face glowing with excitement, and relayed everything he had seen.

His words sparked curiosity, and soon several townsfolk rushed out of the gates to see it with their own eyes.

Kaen could only laugh in exasperation.

But then again, this was a world of magic and myth. He chose to let it go.

Thinking for a moment, he then gave new instructions.

"This might work out for the better. Since the refugees aren't all rushing in at once, organize them into groups and have them enter the temporary shelter zone in batches."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

...

"We come by order of the king. All of you will now enter the shelter zone in an orderly fashion and by group."

"No shouting. No pushing. Those who cause trouble will be expelled at best—or executed on the spot at worst!"

There was no protest from the refugees.

The divine sight they'd just witnessed had moved them deeply. Even now, their hearts were full of reverence.

...

Under the watchful eye of the army, the refugees began filing into the shelter zone in neat lines.

What they found within overwhelmed them.

Row after row of tents.

Piles of firewood and charcoal stacked like hills.

At the entrance, each person received a hearty loaf of bread and a steaming bowl of rye porridge.

Tears welled up in many eyes.

Beside the food distribution tent stood Norman.

To each passerby, he proclaimed in a steady voice:

"What you see before you—the tents, the warmth, the food and fire—all of this is proof of His Majesty Kaen's mercy."

"In the depth of winter, it was his greatness that scattered the clouds. It was his compassion that filled your stomachs."

"Respect order. Remember gratitude."

"From the moment you stepped foot into the Kingdom of Eowenría, your hunger and cold were left behind."

"Here, you shall find food, shelter—and redemption!"

His words struck deep.

Refugees wept openly as they clutched their bread and porridge.

"Praise Eowenría! Long live King Kaen!"

"I wish to join the army, to fight for His Majesty!"

"My child was dying of hunger… It was the king's mercy that saved him. I'll make sure he grows up knowing he owes his life to His Majesty!"

"This land is blessed! King Kaen is the chosen of the gods!"

One by one, every last refugee was settled in the shelter zone.

Every one of them received food.

Each tent housed over a dozen people. Though space was tight, not a single person complained.

After all, it was far better than sleeping in the icy wilderness.

...

"Your Majesty, all the refugees have now been settled into the shelter."

It was deep into the night.

Norman stood in Kaen's study, having just finished his work. As the one overseeing the shelter efforts, he had led the operation from start to finish.

And judging by the results—he had done exceedingly well.

Kaen smiled and praised him warmly. "You've done an excellent job today. I'm genuinely impressed by your capabilities."

Norman remained humble, bowing low. "To serve you, my lord, is my greatest honor."

"Good."

Kaen nodded, then added, "Your future looks bright. Go rest for now. Tomorrow, the civil officials will return from Rivendell. I'll be announcing your new position then."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Norman bowed again, then turned and left.

...

The next morning.

The first rays of dawn had barely broken.

Kaen had just gotten up and was eating breakfast when Tifa walked in with a smile on her face.

She looked radiant as she greeted him: "My dear king, Cathril says your civil officials are not far from Elariel Town."

"What?!"

At her words, Kaen lost all interest in breakfast.

He jumped to his feet, confirmed the news for himself, quickly changed into formal attire, and rushed out of town at once.