Shovels In Spades

"Interesting," Daz said after hearing what Avulaway had to say. "So, you think I should just spend everything on increasing Grid's size, and, as a result, more of the city's original land will return?"

Avulaway swallowed her saliva nervously. This was where things usually fell apart with the previous rulers that she and her people had served under.

"Indeed, My King. Admittedly, this will initially do nothing, but with time, should the Gravitation Distortio-"

"GriD CrosS!" the gem in question yelled in indignation.

"... Gravitation Distortion Control Sphere reach certain size milestones, then it will be able to move Fort Sky at its current max speed - and even faster - for far longer than its current limit of only 3-minutes, and additional features will get added to the city like the ability to traverse through space, the power to hide itself in a secret dimension, gaining its own gravitational field, and many, many more features," she explained as calmly and as simply as she could while also trying her best to make it sound like a profitable endeavour.

Daz nodded slowly as he looked around at the many buildings that surrounded the open plaza. "Is that why there are no special structures here? There's the park on the east side and the bank and town hall that I added, but apart from that? Did none of your previous rulers buy any buildings?"

"No, they did not. They all agreed to my proposal and helped Fort Sky grow to the size that it is today," Avulaway said without even a shred of hesitance in her voice.

Daz put his focus back on her and his eyes narrowed. "That's a lie."

"W-Wha-"

"I'm an Archreaper evolved from a Justice Reaper. I can detect lies," Daz said very calmly. "Avulaway, tell me the truth, or I will never do as you asked."

GriD CrosS kept his mouth shut as he struggled to not tremble with excitement. 'Master is so cool! That's right! You tell her! She keeps ignoring my preferred name! But... wait... if you can detect lies... then...' The poor crystal began panicking internally after thinking that particular thought.

"I... I did not wish to worry you... All of the buildings that the previous owners of Fort Sky have purchased were sold by me when they died or traded the city back to the system. When we are not owned, I am allowed to work to earn merit points which I can solely use to increase the crystal's size... I sell the buildings bought by rulers since they are never necessary," Avulaway admitted.

Daz stroked his chin. "That makes sense. I don't know why you chose to lie to me to cover that up, of all things. I'd sell the buildings were I wearing your shoes as well."

"Thank you," Avulaway said with a genuine tone in her voice for once. "I... I did not expect you to understand."

"It's fine. If making Grid bigger will let Fort Sky do the things that you said, then I'm willing to help make that happen. System, use all of Fort Sky's taxes on restoring Grid Cross, please," Daz requested with his usual polite attitude towards the system.