Rojan held his bow until I spoke. “What do you want? I told Bartholemus to never return. I thought I insinuated well enough that he understood that meant any of you.” I don’t want to start this off with hostility, but given how the last meeting went I don’t really have the option anymore. “The very last we spoke about wasn’t something I can allow to stand.”

  Before I could get another word in, Rojan stood up raising his hand as if to tell me to hold on. “I wanted to express my genuine condolences for how that played out. He has been reprimanded, and Belinda isn’t on any list any longer. Furthermore, I removed all slaves released into this forest from any and all warrants. Should you come across any, they are yours.”

  They are mine? They’re individuals, I don’t have any need for servants. I mean, I could work with some comrades, but I don’t want anyone to be a slave. “Understood. Anything else?” I said, half lost in thought with the number of slaves that may have been set loose here that might be alive.

  “I plan to officially recognize you as the ruler of the Forest of Turantia. This entire domain will be yours. I will be back soon with official documents, I just wanted you to know. You will be the king of your own domain. You can even rename it if you wish.” Rojan said confidently.

  He must think he can buy me with nice words. He might be the general, but the church is the one I have had trouble with. The fanatics following Murak.

  “And what of the Holy Church?” I asked, narrowing my eyes on Rojan.

  After meeting my eyes, he seemed a bit shaken. “Yo-you don’t have to worry about them. I give you my solemn word that I will see that they do not step foot into your domain. I-I plan on holding a meeting with them as well once I return.” He said, bowing again.

  “Look, I will think on it. However…” I forced my aura to return from when I had lost control, but I didn’t tap into it. “The price for going against anyone in my family is blood. If you attack them, you court nothing but death. Am I clear?” I could see the dark red mist permeating from my body out of the corners of my eyes. Hopefully, he understands the situation and this is the end of it. I would rather never use this power again if I can help it.

  Rojan stood motionless, wide-eyed in shock. “Understood, King Tigressi.”

  Him using my family name stopped me in my tracks. How does he know that? I only told Bartholemus my given name…

  “Oh, how did you come by my full name?” I asked, fixing a cold gaze into his eyes.

  “Naturally, we had scouts who could use high-level appraise looking into you and the castle–” Rojan started, but was ultimately interrupted.

  “Naturally?” The thought of him sending people I don’t know here to keep tabs on us, it’s extremely worrisome. I haven’t had the best of luck dealing with the neighboring kingdom.

  Well, one of them at least. I found a map in the study, I am not sure how up-to-date it is. There were two kingdoms neighboring the Forest of Turantia. Given how this man is from the Holy City… He is from the Kingdom of Urell. According to Hulin’s notes, that was the headquarters of the, then newly founded, Holy Church. That’s actually where the name Holy City came from.

  “Sir?” Rojan looked surprised at how I blurted out the response mid-sentence.

  “I don’t know what you see as natural, General Rojan. However, I don’t want your troops in this forest again. Do you understand? Since you so eloquently put it, I will be the king of this domain. As such, understand that violating that statement is a cause for war.”

  Honestly, I just hope he takes the bluff and moves on. I haven’t really seen how strong people are yet and I don’t want to try my hand at fighting a country alone.

  “Please, forgive me for that. We didn’t know what was going on, and now that we do I will make sure that our scouts stay within our own territory. We don’t want needless bloodshed.” Rojan said, bowing once more.

  “Glad we came to an agreement.” The aura I was letting loose subsided, I wanted to make a point but I don’t want to over do it. “Don’t overthink it, as long as we can live in peace, then we should be okay.”

  If he can agree to that, then I don’t see any issue with them. I can start a country here and spread the word of Ysmiro that way.

  “That is fair enough. I agree to your terms.” Rojan said as he stood, turning back to the dragon that has yet to stop looking at me with anxiety. It’s kind of odd how these creatures react to me, the ones in the forest fled. Even the King of the Forest, Bellock, kept asking me if I were going to raze the forest. Once I started letting my aura come through, the dragon started shaking causing some of the blocks in the floor to rattle. I cock my head in confusion, but that caused the dragon to widen its gaze and freeze completely.

  “One last thing, I have a government official who will be overseeing you legally governing this territory. They are extremely talented, do we have your permission to continue these diplomatic discussions here?” Rojan said, scratching his chin. “If not, we can hold some in the Holy City as well, the choice is yours.”

  I don’t really want to go to the Holy City, and I still have a lot of work to do here. Looking around, the castle has come a long way but there are so many things that still need to be done to get it where I want it. Belinda has honestly done the most work with her Reinvigorate spell.

  “I would rather have them here. I plan on having a more formal setting the next time you arrive.” I said, waving him off.

  “Th-that is great news! I will get started immediately. Till next time!” Rojan bowed once more, and quickly boarded his dragon. It took off so quickly, I swear it looks like it wanted to run as fast as possible.

  “Papa, is there something wrong?” Belinda walked up behind me as I was staring off in the direction the dragon was heading.

  “Nah, it’s alright. I just have a few things I need to figure out. Do you mind finding us the coolest meeting room with a nice table and working on it so we can have formal meetings with our guests?” I asked, turning and patting her on the head.

  “Consider it done!” She said smiling, turning to run towards the staircase leading up to the inside of the castle.

  I need to speak with Bellock. If anyone would understand what is happening in the forest, it would be him. I can also work something out with him to help me get some coverage throughout the forest depending on what kind of governance he has over the creatures here.

  I make my way to the front gate, and move the wooden plank that is used as a locking mechanism for the large doors. Once I push the doors open, I find something I was definitely not expecting.

  “He-hey Lord Ken.” It was Bellock, who looked as though he were suffering from an anxiety attack. Not only was he stuttering but his body was trembling.

  “Oh, I was just coming to find you Bellock.” I stated plainly.

  “You do-don’t say… and why would you be looking for me specifically?” Bellock practically blurted out. Maybe he’s sick or something.

  “Come on in, let’s chat. I’ll make you something to help you feel better.” I said turning and waving him inside.

  We made our way to the courtyard again, this time I went and plucked a Turanti leaf from the garden before joining him.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Here, chew on this. It’ll help.” I said, handing Bellock the leaf. “I just wanted to ask you something.”

  Bellock practically devoured the leaf, sitting back upright as though he were waiting on someone to drop the biggest news he’s ever heard.

  Wow, he can put it down for a little guy. “Listen, I just had a meeting with someone from the Holy City again. This time it was the general, and he dropped some interesting news on me.” I said, sitting back down on the stone bench.

  “Is that what that aura was?” Bellock said wide-eyed. “That was the general?”

  “Well no, that was me. Sorry if it alarmed you, I didn’t think about if anything else could sense that. I don’t have full control of my mana yet so I couldn’t really control how far it spread out.”

  “So the meeting was a bad one?” He said, cocking his head sideways. “Do you need us to do something?”

  “See, you are already coming up with solutions. I was wondering, when you say ‘us’, who exactly do you mean?” I asked, smiling at Bellock.

  “Lord Ken, that look is very alarming. Please don’t look at me that way, it looks like you are wanting to wear me as a hat!” Bellock said, putting up his guard and leaning away.

  “Sorry, but just a thought, can you work with the other creatures of this forest?”

  “Why yes, that is what King of the Forest actually means. There is always a hierarchy, in every facet of life. Why do you ask?” Bellock said, calming down a little.

  He’s always on edge, I wonder if he is eating the proper foods or resting as he should.

  “Okay, so this is what happened…”

  I explained away, Bellock sat there looking surprised, alarmed, and then lost in thought.

  “So the Kingdom of Urell is declaring you King of Turantia? So you did plan on killing me to take the title?” Bellock said, looking gloomy.

  “Dude, no. What I had planned on was us working together. I could start a country here, but you would still rule over the forest. Do you have any opposition to that idea?” I asked, rubbing my chin. “Truthfully, I could use your help with stuff, too. And I would be willing to let you stay here and even create lodging for creatures that help out.”

  “Really?! You would be willing to do that?” Bellock said, considering his disposition he is completely surprised by the idea. “I am not against it at all, what kind of help would you need?”

  “There are a few things, I would need some creatures to track down any slaves that are still alive that were released into the forest.” I said holding up one finger.

  “Hmm… So you need trackers? I got just the ones for the job. What else?”

  I held up my second finger, “I need some eyes watching over the forest for trespassers that aren’t slaves. They might even try to appear like slaves, but I need creatures that can tell the difference.”

  “That one is going to be a bit difficult, but I have a creature in mind that can do that. I just don’t know how well they will want to work with you.” Bellock said scratching the side of his head. “Anything else?”

  “Yes, if at all possible, could I have some help clearing around the castle? I want to start a town here, but I don’t want to destroy the forest by doing that. If I can have some help clearing the land from the creatures that live here, we can set up clear boundaries that distinguish the town from the forest.” I said, holding up my third finger. “That’s pretty much it for now. I mean, I would love to have some stay close by as guards, but I don’t exactly know how well a monster would take that request.”

  “You would be surprised at how many creatures want a peaceful life, too. It’s not just a human sentiment. The bears for example, most of them are extremely strong. The ones in this forest specifically are extremely fearsome. Even with that fact, they would much rather live happily alongside others.” Bellock said matter-of-factly.

  I understand that feeling all to well. Maybe this will work out well.

  “Alright, then it’s settled. Could you please gather some creatures that would be able to help us out, along with any slaves you come across? I will leave the door unlocked so they can come into the courtyard.

  “You guarantee the creatures will be safe doing that?” Bellock said, raising one of his little raccoon eyebrows.

  “I guarantee their safety. Like I was hinting at, I want comrades not servants.” I said smiling, holding out my finger. Bellock grab it and shook, and started to smile.

  “I think this will be a very interesting endeavor. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. I will speak with you soon then.”

  After Bellock left, I did as I said and left the door unlocked. Belinda was on her way back waving with a giant smile as she usually does when she accomplishes a goal. “Ken! I found the perfect place! Come take a look!”

  “On my way!” I said, running towards the staircase.

  “Wow, you outdid yourself!” I said, mesmerized at the room she chose. It was a large room, easily able to fit twenty individuals around the huge round table in the center. There was enough room to pull a cart between the chairs and the walls, so I could have extra here too and they wouldn’t even pose a problem.

  “Do you like it?” Bel said, pressing her finger to her chin. I can’t help but smile at how adorable she is.

  “I love it!” I said smiling, patting her on the head. Her giggles echoing off the walls of the room.

  “We are going to have some special company soon. So don’t be scared if you see them roaming around, okay?” I said, lowering myself to meet her gaze.

  “Okay, so are they good or bad people?” She said, looking stern.

  “Well, they’re not people… technically.” I said grinning.

  Belinda left the room, and I took a moment to look over the furniture. Her spell really does make everything like new again. I wonder if it would work on living beings?

  “AHHHH! Papa! Help!” Belinda cried from down the hall.

  I sprinted, breaking the door as I left in a hurry to see what happened. Standing over Belinda was a large bear-like creature. “Appraise!”

  Spectral Bear (Level 47)

  HP: 117 Mana: 152

  Oh damn, this one might be a problem. I slide in front of Belinda and put my hands up in a fighting stance when –

  “Lord Ken! Please stop, this is one of the creatures you requested!” I heard Bellock scream from down the hall.

  “Tyse, I told you to wait in the courtyard!” He yelled at the bear.

  “Grr–grr–grrowl–grr” The bear responded, scratching his ear.

  “So, this is a friend of yours?” I asked Bellock.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact I already gathered quite a few of the creatures that can help around the castle. Most of them are sitting in the courtyard, well, except for Tys here. He is the head of his pack.”

  “A spectral bear, definitely a fearsome beast.” I said, grabbing my chin and sizing him up.

  The bear dropped to the floor in a kowtow, which caused me to jump back in surprise. What in the world is going on? “Bellock… what is he doing?”

  “He’s submitting. That is how he shows you he sees you as his superior, which doesn’t happen often. But seeing who he is bowing to, it makes sense.” Bellock said, huffing a breath in a sort of egotistical kind of way. As if he knew it would happen.

  “Okay, please rise up then Tyse. It’ll take me a while to remember names, so bear with me.” Hehe, bear with me. The bear stood up and lumbered back towards the courtyard. “Alright, Bellock, take me to–”

  “BELLOCK!” Belinda shrieked as she came flying around me to hug the raccoon. Even though she practically plowed into him, the sight was so endearing that I couldn’t help but smile. It looked as though Bel was cuddling her favorite stuffed animal.

  “Please, resist Belinda! I don’t want to upset Lord Ken!” He said between the face squeezes and Bel fluffing his fur.

  “Don’t worry, Bel likes you and I am happy about that. Let’s go see who you brought with you.” I said smiling.

  As we made our way to the courtyard, it looked like an ocean of powerful beasts poured over the castle walls and left a puddle right in the courtyard. Savage looking beasts, from the spectral bears, to others I am not even sure what to call. Large birds were incorporated there as well, as well as some that favor monkeys, if they had a bunch of tattoos.

  “Lord Ken, these are the creatures that wish to aid you.” Bellock said, puffing out his chest.

  This is a way better outcome than I was expecting, and I wasn’t expecting Bellock to show up so quick with creatures. I guess they do want a peaceful life.

  If the Forest of Turantia has the strongest beasts, so strong that nations are scared to enter… and they are our comrades.

  I started laughing, which bought some weird looks from Bellock. This is going to be so much fun.

  “Right… well, I guess let’s get started.” I said smiling, rolling up my sleeves and walking towards the courtyard full of creatures.