Chapter 182: The Royal Reception
Logan quickly landed to check on the situation. He did not expect such a change in nine, almost ten, days. The castle walls were huge, fortress-like, and filled with crystals, making him wonder how they were embedded into the stone.
As he was observing, someone came running from inside. It was Rubina and three others who Logan did not know.
"You should have arrived from the main gate; it would have been better!" Rubina yelled.
"Sorry to ruin my expected entrance, but what happened?" Logan asked, scratching his head.
"A surprise from the townspeople, your monsters, and well, me. So go back with the caravan and enter normally again. Your townspeople and even the Warks are waiting to see your reaction," the red-haired girl said, gently pushing Logan away.
"Fine, fine. We will be arriving in like half an hour or so, so prepare whatever you had planned," Logan sighed and took flight, getting on Zephyr's back to exit before anyone else saw him.
Soon, he was back with the group who were traveling back from the labyrinth. Everyone wondered why he returned, but he just placed a finger over his lips to silence them.
"Whatever… I am too tired to care right now," Alma said, placing a towel on her face. She thought it was just some joke until she heard cheering as they approached the town gates.
"What the?" Alma removed the towel that acted as a blindfold, looking around a little scared.
"Don't worry, you will see…" Logan waved as the cheers rose in intensity. Unsure of what to do, he called out for Scorch, who was nearby the gate, and got on his back. Everyone knew Scorch was his mount.
As the red dinosaur passed now with Logan on his back, the cheers grew, seeing the strength displayed by Logan. To make things even grander, Marie created large screens projecting from crystals, showing Logan walking towards his castle.
Logan cast his wings to cause those around him to feel his power. He knew that it was no time to cower, as showing himself correctly would improve his citizens' opinion of him.
Lisa knew she couldn't stay still now that they were back, especially with Rubina around.
She created her own wings and gently stood behind Logan on Scorch. The dinosaur did not mind, as he was strong enough to probably lift twenty or thirty people.
"Why are you…." Logan wanted to ask.
"Don't look at me like that. Keep waving, get used to this, Logan," Lisa said, patting his back to remind him to look normal.
Using the long straight road that led from the gates to the new castle, the caravan kept moving forward. Lisa and the others who saw the majestic building now understood why Logan was forced to go back.
"Your new home?" Lisa whispered in awe.
"Seems so… Digger and his colony must have done most of the final touches… Marie sure taught them well…" Logan could now see why Rubina had him return.
"That castle… I wonder why that design," Logan muttered, face-palming as he saw a replica of a certain castle that appeared in a movie of a sleeping girl.
"Well, if you want money, why not? It will be an iconic spot for years to come," Lisa said, admiring the detailed castle from a certain amusement park. Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire
"Ugh… I guess. I hope my room isn't in that tower," Logan sighed as he continued forward, waving to those who stood in the final stretch of the long road. "Why did they place a gold road also…" Logan tried to keep a smile on his face.
As soon as they finally arrived, fireworks were shot up, just high enough so they wouldn't hit the thorn dome.
"Well, at least everyone is happy," Logan said, seeing the cheering crowd that began forming around the castle.
Rubina and those inside got close to Logan's group as a day of celebration unfolded. Logan was made to give a speech as food and money were distributed. As soon as the celebration ended, Logan looked towards Rubina, who knew what he wanted to ask.
"Well… why didn't you tell me earlier?" Logan fumed a little, as four hours were spent in the tiresome endeavor.
"And have you miss the fun? No, I knew you would run. Now then, King, please tell us if you want to change the name of your capital or keep it. We also need a name for your new nation," Rubina asked as one of the guys who was with her nodded.
"I… haven't given it proper thought. What do you all suggest?" Logan said, sitting at a large ovular table in a new meeting room made for the occasion. He was told to sit in his throne but still had to take everything in.
"Think about it, Logan. It's your city and nation; we don't want problems by having someone else choose," Lisa said, and the others agreed with her suggestion.
Logan sighed, knowing it was true. He began mumbling various words, wondering which one would fit.
"For the capital… Rosethorn, since we live protected under a huge thorny dome. And for my kingdom… Highrule Kingdom, it should be fine, right?" Logan smiled as Lisa rubbed her temple, while Marie, on the other hand, clapped.
"I have finished recreating games like those. They are in the arcade if you want to check them later. Of course, I will make a copy for you," Marie said in a low tone. She was, of course, talking about a certain RPG.
"Well, you can have a little more time to think it over. We have sent news to all nearby countries. Of course, the Kingdom of Elris is a little mad, but seeing how they treated you at the start, they seem willing to accept it to make amends. We have sent a few crystals to show our appreciation," Rubina informed.
"If I may, my name is Leonard. I have worked under the royal advisor of the Kingdom of Elris's King. There will be no problem, or so I can say. They are economically in turmoil, and your crystal offerings will help them, but do think about the future when the demons are dealt with…" the young man bowed after saying his piece. He looked thin, frail, but with a face full of wisdom. His long greyish hair was braided back.
"Welcome to my kingdom, Leonard. I hope we can form a trust-filled relationship… anyways, just speak with me normally," Logan said, looking at the other two new employees.
"My name's Lydia. I will be the one in charge of the economy, sir. I hope we can speak later to find a sustainable solution to keep our finances healthy. I am not from these parts. I had worked with a lord from the north and heard about the job offering. He passed away, so I had to look for work." The lady was in her mid-twenties, with a stern but gentle expression when she spoke about what she liked.
She had long amber hair like Chloe, letting Logan understand her core element. It was on the weak side by the look of things.
"Welcome… Lydia. I guess there is much to speak about. Let's work on that later, though," Logan replied.
The girl nodded, unable to take her eyes off her new boss. The young boy should have been in his late teens, but something changed him to look like the perfect man, radiating a look of maturity.
The third guy also noticed that all of those around Logan looked strangely perfect, even if they weren't heroes.
"I am Ferris, the one appointed to be your herald as well as run the spy networks within your kingdom. I hope to work to keep your city safe and keep demons out," Ferris winked as he looked towards Rubina and Serena.
"Of course, those you consider enemies," Ferris said in a whisper. Logan made a crystal appear within his hand, crushing it into pieces that made everyone look in amazement.
"Good, you should understand. Please tell me if you need anything then," Logan nodded while smirking at Ferris, who bowed as if understanding the small warning Logan gave him.
Logan did not just break the crystal for show; he redirected the mana using Kryst's skill to empower the man who wielded darkness energy for his spy work. The short, black-haired man in his thirties tensed his muscles after feeling the energy well up in his core.
"Understood, Sir. I will work hard!" he bowed sincerely this time.
"Well then, I think we can start working on future plans. I was thinking about visiting Midar to see the goblins dwelling with Zephyr and Krexa. She will be needing a group of her own soon," Logan suggested. He had already blessed Krexa, but she never had the chance to find more of her kind; she just didn't like going out.
"About that, I think you should wait a little. It seems the king has sent someone over to speak. They will arrive within a few days. I think it's best for us to show our power when whoever was sent arrives," Leonard, the new advisor, added.
"Very well, I wonder who it will be," Logan mused, placing a hand on his chin.