The first thing Mark had to do upon returning was to be seen.
Seven months was too long for a ruler to vanish without explanation, and during his absence rumors had spread across the entire south.
That he had died on the plains.
That the Demon Lord had kidnapped him.
That the kingdom was about to fall to pieces and his wives were only pretending to have everything under control.
And no matter how hard his wives had tried to stamp out the rumors, Mark knew words alone wouldn't convince anyone.
People needed to see him with their own eyes.
So he stepped out onto the palace's great balcony and planted himself before the assembled crowd.
Elves, beastmen, half-humans of countless species, and even dwarves who had come down from the mountain range just to see their savior again.
When Mark appeared on the balcony, thousands of voices erupted at once.
No speech was needed, no grand words. His presence alone was enough to put an end to months of rumors, doubts, and speculation.
