Lexi P.O.V.
Ajax’s location for the new city he wanted to build was a headache all on its own, and I couldn’t wait for him to return from the capital even if it was only for a little while before he left again for the Wild Lands.
SNAP!
“Huh…” The broken quill in my hand just caused me to sigh. It wasn’t the first time this has happened, following the large number of dungeon floors cleared I was still having a hard time controlling my physical stats perfectly when I got emotional. It’s why I wasn’t using any of the high quality quills I had decorating my desk but instead pulled another plain disposable one out of a drawer. “Note for the school, advise the children that they spend at least a few of the stats they pick up on their physical Stats when they finally spend their points and on their mental Stats.”
One of the big features of the Apprentice Trait is that it greatly increases the body’s ability to adapt to changing Stats, one thing that isn’t mentioned that also gained me a Discovery when I finally put it together after the delving spree is that it also helps your body remember how to adjust to increased Stats in the future. Because I didn’t spend any of my own Stats on physical improvements besides Vitality it means it takes me a lot longer to adapt to physical Stat increases despite already having almost perfect control of my Mana and mental Stats.
“Now where was I?” I turn back to the document.
Right the city. Thankfully Ajax was amenable to moving it so it’s close to the mouth of the river feeding into it. It would have been a nightmare to build it on the edge of the lake but away from the river. There is a reason not even villages are built near the lake despite water being the first place where humanoids always settle. Without running water it wouldn’t take long for waste to build up in the water and lead to illness and disease. Even with warning there would be no stopping people from dumping everything in the water.
“He’s back.” Lancel all but burst through the double doors of my office much to the disapproving glances of the two guards that were stationed there. The entire House had guards watching over them following the attempt on Ajax’s life.
“Great, we can finally free up some space once we can burn all the letters.” The number of letters the other Houses sent for Ajax were already enough to build a pile the size of my desk. Many of them reached out repeatedly especially after they got no response to their first letters. We had to keep them until the head of the House was informed of them so they formed a neat pile in the corner of my office.
“Look on the bright side, there will be no complaints made about your House unofficially holding slaves.” Lancel said with a laugh as he guided me out of my office. My guards followed behind us but from a larger distance than usual, after all if there was any threat that could get past Lancel their presence wouldn’t matter.
“Yes, we do need Ajax’s signature on that thank you letter we will be sending them.” I nodded and added that to the long list of tasks I would need to discuss with Ajax in the short time that he will be staying.
To say House Silvertongue was excited about the boon their people got from the kitsune would be an understatement. The influence of their newest generation increased twofold from that boon alone as with proper usage it would allow their most promising delvers to have time to learn the political aspects as well by having a clone study them. Though that did bring up the question of whether or not clones could unlock Skills for the main body since they didn’t have access to them. It would be a while until we could confirm the negative we suspected on that.
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Unlike Lancel, I gave a polite knock before entering the conference room. Silvia, Tom, Alana and Kate were all gathered around a table. While I was working towards the settling of the new city they were dealing with the issue of housing the former slaves that would arrive in about two weeks.
It wasn’t a question of if the preparations would be done in time or not, they wouldn’t be. They were all working together to get as much of them done as they could while also ensuring the current citizens of Lessis didn’t start a revolt and integrated with the former slaves instead of forming an ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality.
“He’s back.” I informed them, it was nice seeing the effect this had on them, like part of the burden on their shoulders was suddenly lifted despite Ajax most likely not doing anything to help with their workload even after he arrived. Did I react the same way? Thinking back to how roughly I put the quill aside after hearing the news yet not damaging it in the slightless I must have.
Our little contingent kept on growing more and more as we went around the estate and collected all the members of House Heathboud. By the time we were all together and heading outside the manor to greet the returning head of our House, Ajax's carriage was just passing through the gates of the estate.
As the carriage stopped and the door opened I didn’t even get the chance to get a word out before I felt myself getting wrapped up in Ajax’s hug. “I missed you.” The whisper sent a shiver down my back as well as a promise to increase in Perception so that my eyes could at least better register Ajax’s movements.
I only got a moment to enjoy the hug before Jake started trying to peel Ajax off me to get a hug of his own that started a series of hugs for the entire family. After taking a moment to inspect Ajax both visually and with [Sense Mana] I turned my attention towards the Collectors.
While the word was out about what boon the nobles had gotten only Ajax, the royal family and the collectors themselves knew the details of the boon they had received. I was sure the three archdukes knew what Floor Boss had granted them their boon just from the eyes and ears they had inside the royal palace but the details were something we were all excited to hear about from Ajax.
“Duke Hearthbound.” Patrick, the leader of the squad that escorted Ajax here, cleared his throat. The two of them locked eyes, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Something had surely happened, and it wasn’t good.
“We best get dinner started.” Ajax said with a sigh and I could see the change in his posture, not good might be an understatement. “We have a lot to talk about.”
A lot to talk about was very much an understatement. Much to Jake’s displeasure it wasn’t long before he was not so subtly removed from the room and some more sensitive topics were brought up.
Starting with the good news the Collector’s boon was an extremely valuable one. Not something I would have given up my own boon for but I had to admit that overall most people would prefer their boon over mine. There was also something to be said about trying to figure out how to recreate their boon through Skills.
My grandfather’s conjectures about the increased danger in dungeons for those who held the boon was not welcome news. I hadn’t had the time or opportunity to delve since receiving my boon but I couldn’t help but worry about Anna, Xavier, Benedict or even Richard who were now in the capital and no doubt would be delving regularly once again.
“You don’t need to worry about them.” Ajax gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. “They aren’t delving right now. Just like you they are trying to stall their levels a little until they get a chance to delve the dungeons in Brightstone.”
That was something to be thankful for. I wasn’t worried about something happening in a delve there as there would be boosters to ensure our safety. Unfortunately the bad news didn’t end there as the confirmation of Ajax being specifically targeted for elimination by a kingdom took all of us by surprise.
“This is why I will be leaving for the Wild Lands the day after tomorrow.” None of us had had the time to process that Ajax was being targeted and he already had one foot out the door to head to the Wild Lands.
“Now wait a moment.” I could see Silvia trying to organise her thoughts as quickly as possible to form a coherent protest but for once Ajax seemed to be ready.
“As much as I would like to stay a little longer before I go, that would just put all of you as well as me in more danger.” Ajax said. “I’m guessing the messages that weren’t intercepted have already arrived and orders for assassins to mobilize have been sent. Patrick and his squad will escort me to the border of the Wild Lands before setting up camp there for a month to ensure I have no pursuers.”
A sombre mood settled over the room as Ajax suggested we all take the night to process everything and discuss it tomorrow as he was also tired from the journey. I didn’t let him slip away however. If I was to only have two nights with my fiance before he left again we would spend them together. I wrapped my arm around his as he led me towards our bedroom.