"That's not a problem! I will talk to Seronia about it right away. I'm sorry, I didn't think about how bored you probably get."

Lizzy says "It's fine, I normally just sleep when no one is around. Since you are getting them made anyway I figured one more shouldn't be a problem."

"No, it's not a problem. I just feel bad that I didn't think of it. I don't want you to feel like you aren't important to me."

Lizzy says "Don't worry about that! I know how much you care and I also know how many things you have on your mind. I just want a collar so I can watch you get yourself into trouble!"

"I don't get into trouble that often!"

In response Lizzy just gives me a look and I find it hard to keep a straight face. Once I can talk without laughing I fill Lizzy in on what happened today. Explaining all the politics and the history behind everything takes a couple of hours.

Lizzy understands everything I say and remembers it after hearing it once. By the end of the few hours she knows everything about Illium and the plans I have set in motion. I even go through and explain to her all the various crafts and what they are good for.

"Seronia, would it be possible to add one more collar to the reward?"

Seronia says "Sure, is it for Ekard?"

"No, actually it's for Lizzy. I think it will take a long time for Ekard to get big enough to need one."

Seronia says "For Lizzy? That makes sense, consider it done."

"Thank you!"

Lizzy says "What did she say?"

"Your collar will be added to the reward."

Lizzy says "Thank you, Ash!"

"You're welcome! Alright, I'm going to get some sleep, good night!"

Lizzy says "Sleep well!"

I give Lizzy's neck a hug and then return to the inn and head upstairs to bed. When I enter the bedroom I find Windy and Myria sleeping on one side of the bed with the kids between them. This leaves the other side of the bed for me, so I lie down and almost instantly fall asleep.

Somehow, when I wake up, I have Myria on one side, Windy on the other, and the kids on my chest. When I check my position, I haven't moved, which makes me wonder how they did without waking me. Especially Myria who is on the opposite side from where she started.

When I glance at the window I can barely see any light, it is not even dawn yet. Yet for some reason I am wide awake, but I don't want to disturb the others. So, I close my eyes and enter into my meditation, then watch some anime.

An hour passes before I sense movement and open my eyes, Ekard is waking up. Of course, once he is awake he has to wake up Haku and the two of them wake up the others. Windy seems embarrassed when she wakes up and finds herself cuddled against me.

Myria on the other hand just smiles at me and snuggles closer while ignoring the kids. Just as I am about to say something I hear footsteps on the stairs and smell food. When I tell everyone that breakfast is here they all get up and head towards the food.

Once they get off of me I also get up and head into the main room where platters of food are being put down. Ekard and Haku are up on the table, but at least they are waiting instead of attacking the platters. Windy puts plates in front of them and dishes out their food before taking her own.

Myria serves me up a big plate of food before getting her own, which is a little odd. However, I just thank her and dig in, a few minutes later Sarah comes up. She tells me that Pol, Annya, Grud, and Leonarr have arrived and are waiting for me.

"Ask them to come up and join us for breakfast."

Sarah says "Okay." and walks back downstairs.

A minute later the four of them come up and join us for breakfast. Sarah quickly sends up more food, beastmen eat a lot more than humans. Everyone eats their fill and it is a nice companionable meal which we all enjoy.

"Myria, are you okay with continuing the exploring with the kids?"

Myria says "Sure!"

"Ask Lizzy if she wants to go. She is very good at getting the kids to behave."

Myria says "Alright!"

"Alright, Leonarr, why don't you start?"

Leonarr says "Yes, My King. Everyone in the army was given as many options as we could arrange. Even with that a little over eight thousand chose to remain in the army."

"That many? That's a lot more than I expected. Where are they now?"

Leonarr says "Five hundred are here in the city, five thousand are camped near the new city location, and the rest are spread out between the villages. Some are stationed in the villages and the rest are running patrols."

"Mason found a location for the city?"

Pol says "Yes, My Lord. The army is clearing the land and digging foundations as part of their training."

"Leonarr, while you were with Mercy's army did you learn about the different roles needed in the army?"

Leonarr says "Yes, I did. The troops are being separated into heavy and light infantry. We also have a couple of squads of scouts and thanks to you and Myria we have some light cavalry."

"That's good. I would like to have some heavy cavalry, but I have no idea where to find mounts."

Grud says "There is a breed of mana beasts that might work. They are similar to the bison tribe, but I don't know if they can be tamed."

"I will keep that in mind, but I have no idea how to tame something. First we should find someone skilled with beasts, then let them find a suitable mount."

Pol says "Alright, I will send out a notice to all the villages. We might get lucky."

"Leonarr, Myria told me that Verica is taking over the light cavalry?"

Leonarr says "Yes, when she learned of their purpose she was desperate to do it."

"Alright, that's fine. You should start looking for capable people to promote. You will have a hard time managing things without good officers."

Leonarr says "As you command!"

"Alright, Grud, how are things on your side?"

Grud says "Everything is going well. Mason has helped us improve our quarries and taught us new techniques. The road to the new city is about three quarters complete and we have plenty of wagons. Construction of the city should be started within the month."

"Excellent! How about things with your tribe? Has anyone caused you problems?"

Grud says "Since we declared our loyalty to you no one has dared to pick on us! My people are happier than they have ever been!"

"That's good to hear. Before I left last time you mentioned the bison tribe would likely join me?"