I head towards the fort that Leonarr is using as a base, stopping to drop obelisks every so often. When I get to the fort, I place a final obelisk and then head inside to find Leonarr and Muyaun. I don’t bother trying to search for them, I just sit in the main hall and wait until they come to me.

  When they come in I brief them on recent events and then tell them about the new plan. They both seem excited when they hear that we are now going to conquer the peninsula. Although, the only part we really need to conquer with force is the empire.

  Leonarr says “Don’t worry, Your Majesty. Our forces are more than capable of dealing with the empire!”

  “I’m not worried, but I still think we should let them weaken each other before we make a move.”

  Muyaun says “That might not be possible. At least not if you want to keep the emperor’s daughter for yourself.”

  “Why? Did the eastern duke make a move?”

  Muyaun says “Yes, he has announced his son’s marriage to the emperor’s daughter.”

  “What have I missed? Did he already defeat the forces of the eastern duke?”

  Leonarr says “No. The eastern duke is still marching his army towards the western duke’s territory.”

  “Wait, the western duke announced the wedding while an army is marching towards him?”

  Muyaun says “That is correct.”

  “Then he is either supremely confident that he can win, or he is playing a trick.”

  Muyaun says “What kind of trick?”

  “He is probably trying to make the eastern duke rush. If they rush, they are less likely to notice an ambush waiting for them. Leonarr, send scouts and if they find an ambush, ruin it. Muyaun, are your people good enough to prevent or at least delay the wedding?”

  Muyaun says “My people are good enough, but they aren’t in the right positions. I can probably disrupt the preparations once, but no more than that.”

  “Alright, do what you can. If the wedding looks like it is going to take place anyway, let me know and I will crash it myself.”

  Leonarr says “Is our goal still to let them fight it out? Or can I just wipe them out?”

  “Ruin the ambush and let them fight first. You can wipe out whoever is left. Keep in mind, the priority is preserving the lives of our men.”

  Leonarr says “Understood! I won’t let you down!”

  Muyaun says “Any other orders for us?”

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  “No, but I do have something for you both. These are the markings of your ranks. Muyaun, as promised you are now the Minister of Intelligence. Leonarr, you are going to be the Minister of War. Not only are these to mark your position, they also give you access to the system I have created.”

  Before they can ask, I start explaining all of the current functions of the system that they have access to. It will help Muyaun less since most of her work is outside of the range, but that will change eventually. Later, when her job is more of keeping track of internal affairs, it will be priceless.

  The same is true for Leonarr as well, the system will be much more useful for him later on. For now, I focus on explaining the messenger function and telling them who else has the system. That way they know who they can talk to through it and who to ask for what.

  That is probably the only use that they will get out of the system for now, but at least they can get used to it. Although, depending on how fast Jarvis is, Leonarr might be able to use the maps. In fact, I am sure the maps will come in handy before we are done conquering the empire.

  Muyaun says “So, should we use this messenger to contact you instead of the medallions?”

  “Um, no not currently.”

  Muyaun says “Don’t tell me that you haven’t given yourself permissions?!”

  “Um, I still need to re-enchant my crown for that, but I have been busy doing other things.”

  Muyaun laughs and says “You put all this work into the system and didn’t give yourself access?! That is hilarious!!”

  “The crown is the most heavily enchanted item I have seen. It is also extremely complex. So, I am leaving it till last.”

  Muyaun says “Sure, sure. Whatever you say, master.”

  “Enough of that, I still have a lot to do. Any other questions?”

  When both of them say no, I leave the fort and gate myself to the palace in the capital. Seeing that no one is around, I take a few minutes to craft and enchant a necklace for Core. Other than a slight difference in look, it is the same as Sarah’s necklace, since Core will be a governor as well.

  Once the necklace is done, I leave the palace and start wandering around looking for Core. I could easily scan for her with mana, but I want to relax and walk around a bit. I have only been walking around for a few minutes when Brightfire runs up to me.

  Brightfire says “Ash! Were you looking for me?”

  “Actually, no. I thought you would be training with your guards. I was looking for Core to give her her necklace of authority.”

  Brightfire says “If you are looking for Core, what are you doing in this area?”

  “Oh, I was just enjoying walking around. I figure I will run into Core eventually.”

  Brightfire says “Well, if you are just walking around, can I join you?”

  “Sure. I was here to see you anyway. Looking for Core was just something to do while you finished training. Or at least that is what I thought you would be doing.”

  Brightfire says “Oh, I was training, but I was told as soon as you were spotted in town. Then I rushed over to find you.”

  “I’m guessing that Lin has already told you?”

  Brightfire says “Of course she did. She also told me about the plans for the future.”

  “What did you decide?”

  Brightfire says “That having part of you is better than none. Were you expecting something else?”

  “No, not really. I just wanted to give you one more chance to think things through.”

  Brightfire says

  “Well, I have and I haven’t changed my mind. So, are you going to run away? Or are you going to go through with it?”

  “I am not going to run away. I am here to spend the night with you.”

  Brightfire wraps her arm around mine and has a huge smile on her face as we walk down the street. It is a little weird having her hanging on my normal form, so I shapeshift to beastman form. She is obviously happy and has no problem showing it to anyone who glances our way.

  Since I am no longer wasting time, I do a quick scan to locate Core and head her way. Along the way, we pass through the market street, so we stop and try some of the food stalls. This is basically date-like behavior and Brightfire is obviously enjoying it immensely.