The Monster King's Legacy - Chapter 150

Chapter 150: A Joyful Reunion
The bustling goblin capital seemed to grow quieter as Rikka, Lance and Aelyndra approached the grand hall that served as the center of governance for the kingdom. The building was an impressive structure, a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the rising nation. Of course, they hadn’t gone in through the main door, but through one to the side. It didn’t take too many steps before they reached their destination, a double door.

“Ready for the chaos?” Aelyndra teased, her golden eyes sparkling.

Lance smiled. “Not really. But I’ve missed them.”

From outside, Lance could hear the familiar voices through the walls.

“They’re almost always in here around this time as of late, it’s just as I expected.” Rikka said, pushing open the door to introduce Lance, catching everyone off guard.

The room fell silent the moment Lance stepped in. For a heartbeat, no one moved, their eyes locking onto him, their expressions remained blank. They didn’t recognize him.

Rynne, ever the warrior, was the first to speak. “Who are you?” she asked, eyes sharp and wary.

Zarra tilted her head, fingers resting on her twin daggers. “You don’t seem like a stranger, but…” her words stopped as she observed.

Lia, always the perceptive one, studied him closely, something flickering behind her gaze, while Mira remained quiet, watching the ordeal in confusion.

Lance exhaled, a small smirk playing on his lips. “Have I really changed that much?”

A moment of silence passed. Then, realization struck.

Rynne shot to her feet. “Wait… no way.”

“It can’t be…” Zarra said, her daggers clattered to the table as she rose.

Lia’s hands flew to her mouth, while Mira’s eyes shimmered with emotion.

Lance chuckled softly seeing their reactions. “It’s me.”

Then, like a dam breaking, the women rushed forward, their expressions a mix of joy, disbelief, and relief.

“You’re back.”

“You really came back.”

“We thought we’d never see you again.”

Rynne reached him first, pulling him into a fierce hug that nearly knocked the air out of him. “You idiot! Do you have any idea how worried we were?”

“Rynne, you’re crushing me,” Lance said, though his laughter betrayed his statement.

Mira was right behind Rynne, her soft hands cupping his face as she inspected him. “Lance… your eyes, your skin… you’re different. What happened to you?” She asked, Lance chuckling lightly.

Zarra, always the playful one, slipped behind him and tugged at his cloak. “How come no one’s mentioning his height? Tall, handsome, glowing eyes… What have you been up to, Lance? And who’s your new friend?”

All eyes turned to Aelyndra, who stood a few steps behind Lance, watching the scene with an almost amused smile. The rest pulled away slightly, finally turning their attention to the tall, regal woman standing behind him.

Aelyndra met their gazes evenly, her red hair cascading down her back, her stature exuding elegance.

Lance smirked. “You already know her.”

They stared at him, confused. Then, understanding dawned.

“Everyone, this is Aelyndra,” Lance said, gesturing toward her. “She’s… well, the dragon you all know. She’s been my companion during my time in the dragon lands, as you know.”

There was a brief silence as everyone stared at her in disbelief.

Rynne’s mouth parted in sheer disbelief. “No. You’re joking.”

“That’s not possible.” Lia shook her head as she studied the lady before her very eyes.

Mira blinked rapidly, looking from Aelyndra to Lance and back again, then Zarra voiced out “Aelyndra…? The dragon?”

Aelyndra gave them a small, amused smile. “In the flesh.”

Silence filled the room as they processed this. It took a couple more words and explanation for them to finally believe, bursting in surprise and wonder as to how such a great and frightening creature could turn into such a beautiful and elegant looking human lady.

“No way.”

“This is insane.”

“How… how is this real?”

Seeing their reactions, Rikka chuckled. “I had the same reaction.”

The shock eventually gave way to excitement as they crowded around Aelyndra, marveling at her transformation.

“You’re so tall and beautiful.”

“I can’t believe the terrifying dragon with the thunderous voice is now… this.”

Aelyndra raised an eyebrow, amused. “I could still be terrifying if you’d like.” She teased.

They laughed, warmth filling the space.

After some time, Rikka stepped away. “I’ll go inform Kaeli.”

“Thanks.” Lance said as he gave a nod.

As Rikka left, the excitement still buzzed in the air. Then, after a short while, the doors opened once more as Kaeli entered, almost rushing in. Her gaze fell on Lance, and for the first time in a long time, her expression cracked.

“Lance.” She muttered.

A brief pause followed, then, she strode forward, eyes locking onto him. “You’re back.”

Lance nodded. “I am.” His voice seemingly filling Kaeli with a kind of joy and relief.

Kaeli’s gaze flickered with something unreadable, before shifting to Aelyndra. “And this is?”

Lance smirked as he gestured. “Aelyndra.”

Kaeli stared for a long moment, trying to make sense of it, before exhaling. “Unbelievable.” She had the least reaction out of all of them, but it wasn’t out of character.

Before Lance could say more, Kaeli punched him lightly on the arm. “And you didn’t think to write or send word even once.” Listening to her, Lance could only wonder where she even learnt such words, or when she learnt how to read to be expecting letters.

…

Once the excitement settled, the group gathered around Lance, their curiosity palpable.

“Now, explain,” Mira said, her voice kind but firm. “What happened to you? You look so… different.”

Lance leaned back in his chair, a wry smile playing on his lips. “Where do I even start? The sacred dragon lands were… intense, to say the least.”

He recounted his journey, from Kaelthara’s brutal training to the Chasm of Life and the blessing of the Dragon God. He told them about the trials he faced, the growth he achieved, and the oath he swore to protect the balance of the world.

As he spoke, the room grew quiet, the ladies hanging onto his every word.

When he finished, Rynne shook her head, her expression a mix of admiration and exasperation. “Of course, you couldn’t just train and come back. You had to go and become some kind of chosen protector of the world.”

Kaeli leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “The Chasm of Life, huh… That alone sounds like a great ordeal. You’re lucky you survived.”

Lia nodded thoughtfully. “Even normal dragons are great beings. The blessing of the Dragon God is definitely no small thing. You’re carrying a great responsibility now, Lance.” She said.

Zarra, however, grinned wickedly. “And here I thought you’d just gone off to woo a dragon princess. Turns out you’ve been busy becoming a demigod.”

Aelyndra’s cheeks flushed, and Lance groaned, rubbing his temples while the rest chuckled. “Can we focus, please?”

Despite the teasing, the warmth and joy in the room were undeniable. Lance’s ladies embraced both him and Aelyndra, welcoming her into their circle with open arms. Especially now that she no longer exuded intimidation.

As the evening wore on, the group shared stories, laughter, and plans for the future. Lance couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for these women who had stood by him through everything.

Aelyndra, too, found herself relaxing in their company, realizing that these were not just Lance’s companions but his family.

Lia then turned to Lance, her sharpness returning. “Your return changes things. We need to let the others know. The city must hear it. This calls for a celebration!”