Chapter 175: Meeting the King
A few days passed uneventfully.
Riku was back in his room at the inn, sitting on his futon. He felt a profound sense of peace. A new long-term goal. A secret sanctuary.
However, his peace was disturbed by a noise from outside. It wasn’t the usual village hum. There were many voices, the clatter of armor, and a respectful murmur.
It looked like visitors had arrived.
Riku sighed, pocketing the Seed. So much for a quiet afternoon.
He stepped out of the inn. The village square was bustling. Villagers gathered at a distance. They looked both awed and nervous. In the center stood the Royal Guard. Their silver-and-blue armor gleamed.
And with them, standing near the well, were two figures Riku recognized instantly.
It was King Harius III and Grand Luminar Seraphina. The King looked stunned. Seraphina tried to look calm, but her own surprise showed.
Barou, Lord Gregor, and Lord Arnold stood with them, gesturing to the overflowing granaries and the clear, running water of the irrigation channels.
"In all my years," the King said, his voice low with disbelief, "I have never seen such life. Our largest agrarian towns yield a fraction of this. Barou, how is this possible?"
"We have been blessed, Your Majesty," Barou replied with a proud, beaming smile.