The table fell quiet for a moment as the practical decisions settled into place. Lord Alaric was the one who finally changed the subject.
"There is something else we must address," he said. "We have been frozen for years. The world outside has continued without us. Alliances, kingdoms, trade routes, even the balance of power may have shifted completely. If we are to survive, we need to understand what has changed."
Lord Cassian supported him. "We cannot make proper decisions about trade or diplomacy while we are blind to the current state of the continent."
Several other nobles murmured in agreement.
Yen Sid looked toward Lucian. "The knowledge we possess is limited to what little we have gathered since waking. We need reliable sources."
Lucian rested his hands on the table.
"I know two people who can help," he said. "There is a young woman named Belle who lives in a town near the edge of the Dark Forest, and the librarian who works there. Both of them are well-read and already know some of the older stories about this region. Belle in particular has a strong interest in history and forgotten knowledge."
Duke Victor De Vil raised an eyebrow. "You trust them with the truth of Lumièrea's return?"
"I trust them enough to ask for information," Lucian replied. "We do not have to reveal everything at once. But they are better informed about the last few decades than anyone currently sitting at this table."
Marquis Dimitri studied Lucian for a long moment. "And if they choose to spread word of our return before we are ready?"
"Then we deal with it," Lucian said evenly. "But right now, ignorance is more dangerous than cautious contact."
Yen Sid gave a small nod of approval. "I can arrange a discreet message to them. If they agree, we can send a carriage to invite them to the capital and request specific information about the major kingdoms, the current ruling houses, and any major events that occurred after the curse fell."
Lord Reginald leaned back in his chair. "Especially anything concerning the witches."
Lucian took note of the comment, then continued. "We will proceed carefully. We begin gathering knowledge. Once we understand the current landscape, we can decide how openly we wish to return to the world."
He looked around the table.
"Is there anything else that must be decided today?"
No one immediately spoke. The major issues had been placed on the table, and the first directions had been set.
Yen Sid finally stepped back from the holographic map.
"Then I suggest we adjourn for now," he said. "The knights will begin their new assignments within the hour. I will prepare a message for the librarian and the young woman Belle. We will reconvene once we have more information or when the food situation requires further decisions."
Lucian gave a single nod.
"So be it."
One by one, the nobles rose from their seats. Some offered formal bows before leaving. Others simply inclined their heads. Hiccup, Fishlegs, and Astrid waited until most of the nobles had filed out before standing as well.
Yen Sid remained behind. Once Hiccup and the others reached the door, Lucian called out to him.
"Hiccup."
Hiccup turned. "Yeah?"
"Can you call the others here? I need to talk to them about a few things." Lucian said.
"Got it." Hiccup nodded and left with the others.
Lucian remained seated for a moment longer, lost in thought.
Yen Sid looked at him. "Is there something bothering you, Your Majesty?"
Lucian turned to him. "It's about the lock you placed on my heart. Can you undo it later today and help me with it? I want to start learning how to control this power."
"Certainly," Yen Sid said, stroking his beard. "I can assist you tonight and help you work with the power inside you."
Lucian nodded, then added, "One more thing. Can you spare a few scouts and help me find people who have disabilities, those who only have one arm or one leg, or knights who have already retired. Ask for their consent. I plan to try something… an experiment of sorts. If they refuse, do not force them."
"I can spare some," Yen Sid replied. "I will speak with them right away, if there is nothing else you need."
"Please do."
Yen Sid walked toward the door. Before leaving, he said, "I will call for you when it is time for your study, Your Majesty."
"Thank you."
The door closed behind him.
Lucian let out a quiet sigh. There were so many things that needed to be done. This was exactly why he had once preferred the idea of being reincarnated as a prince rather than a king and yet here he was.
It was a good thing he had skills that helped him stay steady, especially the one he had received from Merida's mother.
[Grace Under Pressure: The ability to remain perfectly calm, composed, and clear-minded no matter how chaotic or dangerous the situation becomes.]
As he thought about it, the door opened again. The full group entered, Hiccup, Astrid, Merida, Ariel, Fishlegs, Snotlout, and the twins.
Tuffnut swung the door shut behind them, looking around the room with wide, curious eyes before turning straight to Lucian.
"Alright, so…" he began, planting his hands on his hips. "Why exactly are we all here? Did someone break something already? Or did you decide you need our help to figure out how to be a proper king? Because I've got some great ideas, you could start by declaring me Official Royal Advisor on… well, everything. Also, is there food? That's important."
Astrid elbowed him aside, stepping forward. "Ignore him. He's just here because he thought 'meeting you' meant 'free lunch.' So what do you actually need from us?"