The Monster King's Legacy - Chapter 149

Chapter 149: Homecoming
After reaching a certain distance, they landed and continued on foot, as they didn’t want to cause a panic or give themselves away at first. They wanted to go around first, to see how things had changed before making themselves known. Aelyndra promptly changed into her human form, her clothes appearing on her simultaneously as she did, something Elder Naerys had worked on.

As they approached, they came before a great entrance into the city, a city gate. On both sides were beastkin soldiers standing guard, and Lance was impressed to see that these two were not slacking off while on their posts. Surprisingly, things were moving quickly, and the line of people and different races before the gate was moving.

Soon it was to be Lance’s and Aelyndra’s turn, but they had no idea what their excuse was to be. Though the scrutiny wasn’t strict, he still thought of the fact that he would need a solid reason as to why he was visiting. Surely, when their turn came, Lance’s imagination did a wonderful job of providing him with a simple excuse.

As they entered the outskirts of the goblin kingdom fully, Lance and Aelyndra were greeted with an unexpected sight. The once modest camp had grown into a sprawling capital city, teeming with activity.

Stone roads wound through the heart of the city, lined with well-built houses, workshops, and bustling markets. Goblins, orcs, beastkin, and even a few humans moved about, engaging in trade and conversation. The air was filled with the hum of industry and the chatter of a thriving community. Well, not literal industries, but a new modernization he had never imagined.

Aelyndra stopped in her tracks, crossing her arms as she surveyed the scene. “I have to admit, I’m impressed. They’ve really outdone themselves.”

Lance nodded, his chest swelling with pride. “This… this is incredible. Look at how far they’ve come.”

The pair wandered through the city, taking in the sights and sounds. Lance marveled at the advancements in infrastructure, stone buildings stood tall and sturdy, aqueducts brought fresh water to various parts of the city, and the markets overflowed with goods from across the land. It was looking at the ancient roman cities and wondering how they infrastructure most things, it was fascinating to witness.

At one stall, a goblin vendor enthusiastically demonstrated a set of finely crafted tools, claiming they were made by a master blacksmith. Lance couldn’t help but grin, recognizing Kaeli’s handiwork in the designs.

Elsewhere, bustling apothecary shops stood, where goblins and beastkin lined up for potions and remedies.

Aelyndra chuckled as they passed a group of young goblin warriors practicing drills in a training yard. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they are Rynne’s students.”

Lance smiled as they passed by.

Despite their impressive appearances, Lance and Aelyndra kept to themselves, avoiding recognition for now.

“Let’s keep a low profile,” Lance suggested. “I want to see more before we get swarmed by everyone.”

Aelyndra smirked, pulling up the hood of her cloak. “Fine by me. Though, I doubt we can stay unnoticed for long. Especially you. You’re an attention magnet here in case you haven’t noticed.”

Lance chuckled softly as they made a turn, leaving the prying gazes behind.

As they walked deeper into the city, Lance couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder. Children played in the streets, their laughter filling the air, while merchants called out their wares to passersby.

“It’s hard to believe this used to be a simple camp,” Aelyndra said, her tone softer now. “You should be proud, Lance. This is your doing.”

Lance shook his head, his gaze distant. “It’s their doing. I just gave them the tools and guidance. They made this happen.”

Aelyndra rolled her eyes. “Ever the humble one, aren’t you?”

Lance laughed softly, “but that is the truth.”

As the sun began to set, Lance and Aelyndra found themselves standing on a hill overlooking the city. The golden light bathed the goblin capital, highlighting its beauty and the vibrant life within its walls. From this view point, Lance could estimate the entire city was about a hundred and half or so square miles, it was more than accommodating.

Aelyndra placed a hand on Lance’s shoulder, her voice steady. “This is what you fought for. This is why you endured everything. It was worth it, wasn’t it?”

Lance nodded, his expression filled with quiet pride. “Yeah. It’s… incredible.”

Aelyndra, standing beside him, nodded. “They’ve built something truly great in your absence.”

The wind tousled Lance’s hair as he took in the sheer scope of the transformation. He had left behind a humble settlement just starting to take shape. What stood before him now was beyond anything he had expected.

Aelyndra glanced at him. “Do you regret leaving?”

“No,” Lance said, shaking his head. “They grew stronger because of it.” He looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers. “And so did I.”

They stood in silence, absorbing the view. Then, footsteps approached from behind. To be fair, both of them had noticed the presence since they had been standing there, but did nothing about it.

A young goblin lady stood there, her sharp golden eyes that looked inferior to Lance’s or Aelyndra’s unreadable. Her dark green hair was a bit long, flowing past her shoulders, though in a wild manner. She carried herself with the quiet confidence of a warrior.

As soon as he laid eyes on here, Lance recognized who it was.

‘Rikka?’ Lance said to himself. Though, she did not recognize them.

Her gaze shifted between them, cautious but composed. “Who are you?” she asked. “What business do you have here?”

Lance took a slow step forward. “It’s me, Rikka.” He said with a soft smile. “Oh, and this is Aelyndra.”

She didn’t react at first. Her eyes remained on him, searching his face for something familiar. Then, her expression hardened slightly. “You lie.”

Aelyndra crossed her arms, chuckling softly while glancing at Lance in a ‘I told you manner.’ After all, he was the one so cautious of not being recognized by those who knew him well. “Is it really so hard to believe?”

Rikka glanced at her. “I knew a dragon named Aelyndra,” she said, tilting her head slightly. “Her voice was like rolling thunder, and she was a force that shook the battlefield. I don’t need to point out how you are nothing like her.”

Lance smirked. “And the Lance you knew wasn’t like this.”

Rikka’s eyes narrowed, skeptical. “Then prove it.”

Lance met her gaze for a moment, as though searching through his brain for a prove, then with a flat expression, he said. “You saw everything that day you came upon us in the tent, didn’t you?”

Rikka flinched.

Her lips parted slightly, and her expression wavered. Forget an outsider, NOBODY should know that!

She hesitated, her mind racing. Could it really be him? The man who had once led them, trained them, fought beside them?

“Wow, when I left you were only about five feet tall,” Lance continued. “Look at you now.” He said, measuring her height with an invisible scale.

Rikka exhaled sharply, her cheeks still a little flustered, disbelief flashing across her face. “It… really is you.”

Finally, recognition settled in her eyes. She took a step forward, then another, before stopping herself, struggling to maintain her neutral expression. But the slight tremble in her voice betrayed her emotions.

“You came back,” she whispered, eager to inspect Lance’s physique to see for herself, as he was just too different.

Lance nodded. “Of course I did. You didn’t think I would abandon everyone, did you?”

Rikka’s gaze flickered to Aelyndra once more, still having trouble reconciling this elegant human woman with the mighty dragon she once knew. “And you… you really are Aelyndra?”

Aelyndra smirked. “Surprised?”

Rikka let out a breath, shaking her head in amazement. “I never imagined… a dragon with a human form. And your voice—” She trailed off before letting out a quiet laugh. “It’s so soft now.”

Aelyndra huffed. “I could make it louder if you prefer.”

Rikka smiled, a rare sight. She turned back to Lance. “Come. The others need to see this. Everyone! ”

Lance and Aelyndra exchanged a glance.

“Ready to make your grand entrance?” Aelyndra teased.

Lance chuckled, his golden eyes glinting as he turned to Rikka. “Lead the way.”