Awakening Domination System: But I'm a Slave?-Chapter 353: Thiaman Kingdom!

Dawn came slowly, creeping through the forest canopy in shades of grey that gradually warmed to pale gold. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Alaric yawned. His jaw cracked audibly.

He pushed himself up from where he’d been slumped against the log and stood.

And stretched arms above his head, then side to side, working stiffness from muscles that had spent the night in uncomfortable position.

Then dropped into push-up position.

Started counting silently.

One. Two. Three. His wounded shoulder screamed.

He ignored it.

Four. Five. Six.

Henry emerged from his tent, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Stopped when he saw Alaric.

"You’re... exercising?" His tone carried disbelief. "After last night?"

Alaric didn’t respond. Just kept going.

Fifteen. Sixteen. Seventeen.

Moved to squats. Then core exercises. Working through routine designed to assess damage, to test his body’s current capabilities.

Shoulder’s compromised. Side wound restricts rotation. But everything still functions. Good.

Henry watched for another moment, then shook his head. "We’ll be moving soon. I’ll wake my wife."

He disappeared back into the tent.

Alaric finished his set and stood up, then rolled his shoulders experimentally, wincing at the sharp protest from bandaged wounds.

Vanessia emerged minutes later, rubbing her eyes. Still wearing the same clothes from last night, now wrinkled and showing signs of stress. Her hair was slightly disheveled.

She saw Alaric and stopped. "You’re injured. You should be resting, not..." She gestured at him. "Whatever that was."

"I’m fine," Alaric said flatly.

Vanessia’s mouth opened. Closed. She clearly wanted to argue, maternal instinct warring with the knowledge that this boy had single-handedly killed a dozen bandits hours ago.

She settled for a disapproving look that said ’I think you’re being stupid but I won’t stop you.’

She and Henry moved to preparing breakfast. Simple fare, bread, some preserved meat, water from their stores. Henry ate standing. Clearly used to rushed mornings on the road.

Vanessia handed a bowl to Alaric. "Eat."

Alaric took it.

Then he sat on the log and started eating without comment.

While he ate, they worked with practiced coordination, dismantling tents, packing supplies, loading everything onto the wagons.

Henry picked up Anya—still sleeping, bundled in blanket—and carefully placed her in one of the wagons. The girl stirred but didn’t wake.

Vanessia finished securing the last of their supplies. Checked the horses. Made sure everything was ready for travel.

It hadn’t been couple of minutes when the wagon door opened.

And Anya stood there, rubbing her eyes with small fists. Hair mussed.

Face still puffy with sleep.

Vanessia turned immediately. Her expression softened completely. "My baby’s awake."

She moved to her daughter. Scooped her up when Anya reached for her, small arms wrapping around Vanessia’s neck, legs around her waist, face burying into her mother’s shoulder.

"Morning, mama..." The words came out muffled, followed by a small yawn. "...hungry."

Vanessia chuckled. Pressed kiss to her daughter’s head. "Morning, sweetheart. Sit here..." She placed Anya near the driver’s seat of the lead wagon. "And I’ll bring you breakfast."

Anya nodded sleepily. Turned to see her father preparing the horses. "Morning, papa."

"Morning, little bird," Henry replied, pausing to ruffle her hair gently.

When he finished with the horses, he turned to Alaric.

"Do you know how to ride a horse?"

Alaric grunted. "Of course."

"Then you can take the second wagon." Henry gestured to the trailing vehicle. "Follow our lead. Stay close."

Alaric moved to the indicated wagon. Climbed onto the driver’s seat. Took up the reins with practiced ease.

Henry picked Anya up again, letting Vanessia climb onto the lead wagon first, then handing their daughter up to her.

Vanessia settled Anya in her lap. Unfolded a small cloth napkin to reveal a sandwich, simple but fresh. Handed it to her daughter, who immediately began chewing with the single-minded focus children brought to food.

Then Anya turned suddenly. Looked back at Alaric on the second wagon. "Good morning, big brother!"

Her voice was cheerful. No more fear from last night. Just child’s resilience and acceptance.

Alaric met her eyes and nodded once. "Morning."

Henry snapped the reins.

The wagons lurched into motion. Following the trail out of the forest, heading toward civilization and safety.

---

They traveled in relative silence for the first hour. Just the sound of wheels on packed earth, horses’ hooves, birds calling in the trees.

Vanessia finished her sandwich. Took another from their supplies. Tore a piece off, then turned in her seat and offered it back to Alaric.

"Want some, big brother?"

Her voice was hopeful and expectant. Like sharing food was important gesture of friendship.

Alaric shook his head. "I’m not hungry."

Anya’s face fell. Her smile disappeared. She looked down at the sandwich piece in her small hand.

Vanessia turned and gave Alaric a look. The universal mother’s expression that said ’you just made my daughter sad and you’re going to fix it right now.’

Alaric sighed internally.

Really?

Then he guided his horse closer to the lead wagon until he was riding alongside.

"Well..." He started.

"I wouldn’t mind tasting it, though."

Anya’s face lit up immediately. She leaned over carefully, because her mother’s arm tightened around her waist protectively and held out the piece.

Alaric took it.

And ate in one bite. "Not bad."

Anya giggled. "Mama makes the best sandwiches!"

"I believe it," Alaric said.

They continued traveling. Anya kept talking, small observations about trees, birds, clouds. Questions about whether Alaric had seen this or that. Child’s endless curiosity slowly overwhelming her earlier fear.

Alaric mostly just nodded or gave brief responses. But he didn’t shut her down. Let her chatter fill the silence.

After couple hours, Anya’s words became slower. More sporadic. Her head drooped against her mother’s shoulder.

Within minutes, she was asleep ,curled against Vanessia, breathing deep and even.

Vanessia adjusted her grip carefully. Made sure her daughter was secure and comfortable. Pressed another kiss to her head.

The silence that followed was more comfortable.

Then Alaric spoke.

"How much longer?"

"Just an hour," Henry answered without turning. "We’ll reach Ashfeld’s outer gates by midday."

Alaric nodded.

"By the way... where exactly is Ashfeld in the kingdom? Which region?"

Henry turned to look at him. Eyebrows raised. "You don’t know?"

Alaric shook his head. "I was in a dungeon for a long time. Got injured..." He gestured vaguely at his head. "Lost some memories. Everything’s fuzzy."

Vanessia gave him a sympathetic look. "Oh, you poor thing."

Henry just nodded, accepting the explanation. "Ashfeld is in the central region of Greyford. It’s the capital city of Thiaman. I’m sure you know this much."

Alaric’s eyes went wide.

Greyford... Thiaman? Not Vedgard.

His grip on the reins tightened fractionally.

I’m in a different kingdom.