Ambrose says "Is that any way to talk to your city master?"

Roddick says "Do you want to be turned into a statue again?"

Ambrose says "Um, no thanks!"

"Roddick, did you really petrify Ambrose?"

Roddick says "Sure did! Then we put the city master stamp in his hand, Jezzel said it worked out great!"

Ambrose says "Enough of that! Where is Gregor?"

Borrik says "Probably still hiding, or sneaking out to follow Pine."

Pelos says "If he was going to go with Pine he would have left when the others did."

Roddick says "True, he probably got ordered to stay behind and keep an eye on us."

Borrik says "That seems more likely."

Ambrose says "Alright, let's get started without him."

"Get started with what?"

Roddick says "The merchant guild has requested that you assume the post of guildmaster. Since you are not human it requires a vote."

"Denied! I have no time to be a guildmaster!"

Ambrose says "You can just take the title and have someone else handle the duties."

"Nope! Not interested!"

Borrik says "I told you he would say no."

Ambrose says "We had to at least try. Now the merchants can fight amongst themselves for the position."

Scott says "Is there even a point? The entire market is controlled by Pol, he can crush any merchant he wants to."

"Pol won't crush anyone who doesn't deserve it. He only took control of the market to take care of Pine. Now he will release control slowly and let the market recover."

Ambrose says "You can keep control of the market if you want. Things have never run smoother! Trade profits and incoming trade are at higher levels than we have ever seen before!"

Borrik says "Ash, do you have any idea how much money you are making?"

"No, I actually haven't talked to Pol yet. I'm not all that worried about making money, as long as I have enough to fund projects."

Roddick says "Even without what my guild owes you, you are probably richer than Pine ever was."

"That's good. Forming a nation probably won't be cheap."

Ambrose says "So, you are planning to do more than just unify the tribes?"

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Yes, I plan to turn the beastmen into a true nation. Or at the very least start the process."

Ambrose says "Then as soon as you are recognized as the Beast King, Illium will offer you a formal alliance treaty. We will also begin construction on the beastman embassy."

"Thank you, I appreciate it."

Ambrose says "There is another matter to discuss. We want to increase your noble title."

"Why? What's the point? It won't mean anything once I am a king."

Roddick says "It will still be a while before you are recognized as the king, right?"

"Yeah, probably."

Roddick says "Then a higher title will help spread your fame. How famous you are is going to have an effect on how people receive you as a king."

Ambrose says "Not to mention, becoming a noble through such a merchant victory will mean a lot to the Free Union. If they see you as a merchant they will be more willing to deal with you."

Borrik says "Pine has friends in the Free Union, so you have enemies already. Anything you can do to counter that will make a difference."

"If Pine has friends in the Free Union, why did he run to the empire?"

Roddick says "We aren't sure. Logically he should have run to the Free Union."

"That worries me. Wait a minute, are you still planning to mine the Armatite?"

Scott says "Yes, we are."

"I remember someone saying the Armatite is actually under the empire's land?"

Roddick says "Yes, that is correct."

"Did Pine know about that?"

Scott says "No, he shouldn't have."

Borrik says "Bah, who are you kidding? We all know Pine had spies in every guild. I would almost guarantee he knows about it."

Ambrose says "What are you getting at, Ash?"

"What if the Armatite is the reason Pine ran to the empire?"

Roddick says "Informing the empire about it would definitely get him rewarded."

Borrik says "Yes, maybe even a noble title. Armatite is that valuable!"

Ambrose says "Especially with all the chaos in the western dukedom. Since Sevaris died things have been completely nuts over there!"

"Oops!?"

Borrik says "Why are you saying oops? Wait, the drake that killed Sevaris, that couldn't have been you?!"

"Yes, it was a magical disguise. My goal was to prevent Sevaris from invading the kingdom."

Borrik says "Well, you certainly did that!"

Roddick says "A magical disguise? You and I need to talk later!"

Ambrose says "Alright, enough of that! Scott, quietly send some people across into the empire to see if there are rumors of a new mine."

Scott says "Alright."

Ambrose says "Now, back to the topic at hand. Ash, we are promoting you to a Duke."

"From Count to Duke? Isn't that skipping a few ranks?"

Ambrose says "Yes, but we already agreed on it. We talked about making you the king, but decided that it could cause problems with the beastmen."

"I wouldn't have accepted anyway. Now if there is a vote to make you the king I will vote for it!"

Ambrose says "No way! I don't want to be king!"

Borrik says "He wouldn't make a very good king anyway. Now if he married Jezzel, she would make a very good queen!"

Ambrose says "If she hears you say that, I will kill you!"

Roddick says "Is that because you are afraid she will like the idea?"

Ambrose says "Don't you start!"

"You know, if you were king you could just throw them in jail."

When Ambrose stops and looks like he is seriously thinking about it everyone starts laughing. Luckily, Sarah arrives with dinner before the teasing goes too far. With the arrival of food the conversation is put on hold until everyone is done eating.

Ambrose says "Now, are you going to accept the title of Duke?"

"If I say no, are you going to pester me until I say yes?"

Roddick says "Absolutely! That is his speciality!"

Borrik says "You kind of need to be a Duke. Otherwise we need to talk about the fact that you brought a personal army into the city!"

"Fine, fine! You can name me a Duke, but don't expect me to act any differently!"

Ambrose says "Having Sarah continue to handle everything is fine! She is very capable and has a good head on her shoulders!"

Borrik says "Not to mention, when she wants something she brings delicious food to bribe us with!"

Roddick says "So, that's why you are always backing her proposals!"

Borrik says "Yeah, doesn't she bribe you guys the same way?"

Pelos says "That's how she bribes me!"

Scott says "Me too!"

Ambrose sighs and says "No wonder she can get anything she wants passed! Even Pine never had this much support!"

Roddick says "Between Sarah and Pol, Ash pretty much runs the city already!"