Book 5: Chapter 114

Book 5: Chapter 114

Its quite convenient being king, huh? Helden asked as he looked around. Contrary to his expectation, Vur hadnt gone to the adventurers guild; instead, a skeleton was found, and orders were given. Then, they had gone to the housing district. Helden let out a chuckle as he examined the fancy buildings in the area. I suppose you could forcefully take one of these houses, and you wouldnt even get in trouble.

I could, Vur said. But I dont have to be king to do that. He placed his hands on his hips and stared up at the sky. Helden couldnt tell what Vur was looking for, but evidently, Vur had found it. Vur nodded his head and shifted three houses to the side. This is the spot.

Helden stared at the house Vur had stopped in front of. It was three-stories tall, and thick white pillars supported an outdoor balcony while also providing a roof for the porch. The windows were arched, and red curtains with golden embroidery could be seen from the outside. Not bad, Helden said and nodded his head. Although it isnt as practical as a few other houses here, I understand why youd select this place. My party members will definitely love living here. As king, do you get to keep the servants working inside the house if you forcefully claim it as your own?

Vur frowned at Helden. Why would I want this building?

Helden raised an eyebrow. Youre going to tear it down?

Vur patted the brown rune on his arm, and Diamant let out a sigh. Do you want me to tear it down for you? the mountain elemental asked. Theres still people inside.

No, Vur said. Just make space. He gestured with his hands. Move it to the side. Move that houseVur pointed at the house closest to the one he was standing in front ofto the other side. Push the house behind and in front of this one apart, and make sure the space is flat.

If I move these buildings to the side, wont they be too close to the other buildings nearby?

Move those too, Vur said.

If you say so, Diamant said. The runes on Vurs arm shone with a bright light, and the ground rumbled. The buildings shifted apart, and an earthen platform rose out of the space that the house had previously occupied. Faint shouts and screams were heard in the distance, and Helden swore someone said something about taking cover for an earthquake. After a while, the trembling of the earth stopped, and the map of the kingdom had to be updated. A few residents came out of the houses, but upon seeing Vur, they kept their mouths shut and went back inside.

***

Gloria sighed and rested her head on the backs of her front paws. Leila and Grimmy glanced at the dejected cursed dragon lying in the corner of the room. There was a bowl of grapes in front of her, but she hadnt touched a single one. Grimmy nudged Leila, and Leila shook her head. You do it, she whispered. Youre better at cheering her up.

Grimmy climbed to his feet and plodded over to Glorias side. He plopped down beside her and curved his neck to stare at her. Whats wrong?

Nothings wrong, Gloria said, staring straight at the ground.

Did your grandma beat you? Grimmy asked. If she did, you can tell me. If your mom and I work together, we can beat her back. Itll be a bit tough, but if you joined in too, wed definitely win.

Grandma Gren didnt beat me, Gloria said.

Grimmy scratched his head. Did Ramon bully you again?

Ramons eyes widened. All he did was lie in a corner and eat a piece of meat. Why was he suddenly drawn into this? If anything, he was the one bullied by Gloria when she took his food away to feed those humans!

Gloria shook her head.

Grimmy stroked his chin with the tip of his claw. What happened to those humans you brought back? Did your grandma punish you for bringing them into the house?

She didnt punish me, Gloria said and frowned. She sniffled. She sent them to the farm where theyll live happy lives forever.