Melissa says "So, no combat? Just advising?"

"Nope, no combat. We are not at war with anyone right now."

Melissa says "So, you aren't planning to use the army to become the Beast King?"

"No! I will unify the tribes with my own strength. The army is for fighting outside enemies, mainly the demon invasion. An army should never be used against its own people!"

Melissa says "I couldn't agree more! Wait, did you say demon invasion?!"

"Um, this is going to be a long conversation. Sarah, could I trouble you to get us some drinks?"

Sarah says "Of course!"

Sarah leaves to go get drinks and I start telling Melissa my story from the beginning. Melissa starts with a cocky look on her face as I start my story but it soon changes to shock. From then on she has a look of disbelief on her face and I can't help but smile as I continue talking.

Melissa says "I knew the king was scum, that's why I left, but I had no idea he was that bad!"

"Yeah, he was. How did you end up leaving?"

Melissa says "I went on a mission as ordered, but as soon as I hit the woods I used my skills to vanish. Then I made my way here through the wilderness."

"Smart."

Melissa says "It is all training. Escape and evade."

"So, are you interested in the job?"

Melissa says "Yeah, I am, but you should know I was a grunt. I can help with training and organization of forces, but not logistics."

"That's okay. The logistics will be different anyway because of magic."

Melissa says "Yeah, magic should make everything a bit easier. I was fairly disappointed when I found out this world had magic but my class didn't let me use any."

"If you don't mind me asking, what is your class?"

Melissa says "I am a Tracker, it fits well with my skills from our world."

"Well, maybe when you hit level twenty you will get an advanced class with magic."

Melissa says "That would be cool, but I'm not going to hold my breath."

"So, tell me what you need to get started?"

Melissa says "The first thing we should do is build a training base with obstacle courses with all the bells and whistles."

"Currently, the majority of the army is camped not far from where the city is going to be built. They are helping clear land and dig foundations. It shouldn't be hard to find a location that is suitable near there. Construction can start immediately."

Melissa says "Alright, sounds good. When can we get started?"

"Well, I can take you to meet Leonarr right now, he is the commander of the army. Then you can head out tomorrow and look for a suitable site. Don't you want to discuss the pay first?"

Melissa says "As long as my room and board are covered I am not too worried about it. My main concern is having something to do, there aren't many hunts in Illium and I've been bored."

"That's no problem. Okay then, let's go meet Leonarr."

So we get up and head downstairs, before we head outside I let Sarah know what's going on. Then we head outside into the street and make our way over to the next street. On that street is the building that the army is using as a command center for operations in the city.

There are guards at the door but they just salute and open the door for us. When we enter, all activity stops and everyone turns to salute me, then resumes once I salute back. A single question has us escorted into the room where Leonarr is currently.

Leonarr says "My King! What can I do for you?"

"This is Melissa, the one Sarah mentioned. She has agreed to be your military advisor."

Leonarr says "Excellent! I am really pleased to meet you!"

Melissa says "Likewise! I look forward to working with you!"

"Tomorrow, have someone take her out to the city site. She is going to look for a location for a permanent military base. Once she finds it, talk to Pol and get whatever she needs to build it."

Leonarr says "Understood! I will escort her myself!"

Melissa says "Whatever I need? You mean I don't have a budget to worry about?"

"Nope, no budget. Build it however you want."

Melissa says "This is going to be fun! I am going to build you the best training camp any army has ever had!"

Leonarr says "That sounds great!"

"Only until you have to run the obstacle course too!"

Leonarr says "What's an obstacle course?"

"You will find out!"

Melissa just laughs as I say my goodbyes and make my way back to the inn. I think they are going to get along just fine, and the army is going to end up very well trained. Even before I reach the inn my nose tells me that dinner is being served.

When I get upstairs I find Myria and the others are already back and eating dinner. Ekard and Haku are eating slowly, like they barely have the energy to chew. It looks like they ran themselves ragged on their adventure, but at least they are still awake this time.

Myria says "Welcome back, Ash. How was your day?"

"It was productive, but I did way more talking than I am used to. How was exploring?"

Windy says "It was really fun!"

Ekard says "Fun, mama!"

Myria says "It was exhausting! But it was fun too."

"Did you end up taking Lizzy with you?"

Myria says "Yeah, she was really helpful. Not only with the kids, but she also kept the crowds back too!"

"Hopefully, she had fun too, or at least wasn't bored."

Myria says "I am pretty sure she did. Or at least she looked like she was having fun. It's kind of hard to tell sometimes."

"Yeah, she is hard to read."

Myria says "What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"First I need to meet with Vacker and some of the guildmasters. Then I want to visit some of the crafters."

Myria says "Sounds like another busy day."

"Yeah, sorry. I will have some free time once I get everything sorted out."

Myria says "It's okay, I will take care of Windy and the kids while you take care of what you need to do."

"Thank you."

After we are done eating I spend some time playing with Ekard and Haku. In the end it only lasts about a half an hour before they fall asleep, but that isn't surprising. Once the kids are in bed I spend some time with Windy working on her magic.

After about an hour she can barely keep her eyes open, so I send her to join the kids in bed. Then I go downstairs and come back with drinks for me and Myria. We sit companionably as we enjoy our drinks in a comfortable silence.

Once our drinks are done I go to bed, and I don't say anything when Myria cuddles up against me. Her being pressed up against me makes it a little hard to fall asleep, but I manage. When I wake up in the morning she is still in exactly the same spot, but the kids have moved to my chest.