Chapter 373

With morning comes more news. Large portions of Niman Territory were entirely depopulated overnight, leaving only children and slaves alive. The survivors tell an insane tale of Eldritch Horrors and Avenging Angels bringing about the end of the world that most take as a form of traumatic response, but the news has brought the Long Fang Valley Manor several esteemed guests this morning. 

“I see you are still working on the subtle and not overboard part of keeping your species alive?” King Aggramor jokes when he arrives with his usual guards. 

“Minor technical oversight. I forgot to specify what a civilian was, and they eliminated everyone who the system deemed an enslaver.” Cain shrugs, and the old Demon smirks. 

“So what do we do now? Are you claiming an entire country?” King James asks. 

“Not just no, but NO. That honor is all yours. You have an army there, civilians to rescue, and a nation full of formerly enslaved people to comfort. Speaking of which, how is that Harem working out for you?” Cain responds. 

King James blushed and declined to respond, but the assistant he brought with him was happy to elaborate. 

“As of this morning, it is confirmed that both Consort Princess Rae and Consort Princess Adalynn are with child.”

Cain smiles and gives the King a congratulatory pat on the back. “My man. Excellent work. The childhood friend and the tomboy Beastkin in the same month. I’ll bet the palace is abuzz now speculating who will be the first born.”

“That is already obvious. The Beastkin pregnancy is only 19 weeks long on average. But for the sake of suspense, The Palace will not be testing to see if they are sons or daughters. Both names will be picked for every child and announced after the birth.”

The attendant smiles, enjoying this plan they have come up with to let everyone get worn down by speculation instead of getting overworked about the sudden news.

“How long do you have left?” King James asks Misha, who can only shrug. 

“According to the Healer, they will most likely be Ancients, so we don’t know if it will be a human term or significantly different.”

None of them have any additional information on that front. Ancient pregnancies weren’t common knowledge to the outside world even when they were still alive. 

“Will everyone be staying for the celebration? Skyview just gained new territory; I say that’s worth at least a night of the party.” Cain declares, changing the topic back to things that do have answers.

“We Party!” Neffie declares, running over to hug King Aggramor with Lickity following behind her. 

“You heard the Princess. A party it is. Do we need to bring anything?” Aggramor declares with great dignity. 

“Not today, I don’t think, but we should do this again to hold a baby shower for King James’s wives.” Misha smiles. 

“At this rate, we need another whole city…” Cain begins, then tails off.

In the corner of his interface, which he opened to tribe s few items for the party, Cain notices that he is still carrying the title of Mayor of Petros, the Ancient city in the mountains. 

“On second thought, I think I know where we can find another city ready and waiting. One of the Ancient Cities is hidden in the mountains inside Dwarven territory near where many of the Bear Kin came from.”

“You are already aware of the ruins? But the entry hasn’t been found again since the time of stories.” One of the Bears points out.

“I’m an Ancient; I can fly through the mountain and into the city. It doesn’t exist for my people. The door must have locked when I left the last time.” Cain explains, and everyone looks confused. 

“Skip that part. Yes, I can get into the city, and I clearly recall where it is. I should check up on a ruin in the desert first, though. Oh, and I got a working Gnomish Moped that we should send to the smiths, or whatever design team handles things like that.”

The look on Neffie’s face is such an effective pout that Cain almost lets her take a ride on it first before changing his mind. 

“No, they would never forgive you if it broke before they could duplicate it. But I would bet that you can do the product testing for the ones they make afterward.” Cain teases. 

“Yes. Mopeds are fine, right, mom? I can fly faster than they move, so they’re safe.”

“I don’t see any problem with them. Were you planning to have the Guild make more?” Lickity asks Cain. 

“Yeah, both as mopeds and in dirt bike form for wilderness travel. I know the Guild can Summon mounts to fly us to our destination, but most of the world can’t, and an electric bike would make travel so much more efficient, even around town.”

Both Kings look rather intrigued at that prospect and speak simultaneously. 

“We are willing to help.”

James and Aggramor share a dirty look at the other trying to steal their plan to be the first outside the overseas gnomish cities to have this technology but give up, realizing that Cain will share them with both nations anyhow, for a price. 

[Dimnys. I got a moped and solar charging panels. Like new condition and fully functioning. If you want to pick it up and get the engineers and smiths on it, everyone wants more of them. And I would like you to look in to making larger wheeled versions with more suspension travel for offroad use.] Cain sends through Guild chat. 

Most of the involved people know what he means, as they have been working on rebuilding the one Dimnys recovered from Muzz, so a brand new one is like a miracle. Especially one with brand new batteries and clearly legible, working inscriptions on the charger. 

Those have been their two big hang-ups since the physical structure wasn’t too hard to duplicate. 

[We will be over right away. Give it to me before the party, and I will keep it safe.] Dimnys answers, and soon after, the sound of Dwarves and gnomes running across the garden pathway sounds through the open windows. 

“Cooks, I am sorry for the short notice, but we need a party spread and lots of liquor. Tonight we celebrate Skyview’s victory.”