The Monster King's Legacy

Lia gathered all the available leaders to greet Lance as quickly as she could, also because they had to meet him before the celebration officially began.

Lance sat at the head of a large refined stone table, his golden eyes scanning the faces of those gathered before him, some of them he could recognize, other he couldn't. The other leaders of the city and various races who were sat, ogres, orcs, beastkin, and goblins, all sat with expressions ranging from excitement to curiosity. His return had come as a surprise to many, and even then, some still seemed to be processing it.

Kaeli stood at his side, arms crossed, while Aelyndra remained a step behind him, silent but attentive. Despite her human form, her regal presence made it clear that she was no ordinary person, and her height alone was not only attractive, but a silent show of power.

One of the ogre chieftains, a broad-shouldered warrior almost the same height with Lance, with thick, grayish skin, was the first to speak. "So it's true. Our chief has returned." His voice rumbled like low drums, and the weight of his words settled over the room.

A beastkin elder, a feline-featured woman whom Lance recognized, leaned forward. "We had our doubts…"

Lance chuckled lightly, resting his arms on the table. "I don't blame you. I would hardly recognize myself either."

Kaeli glanced at him before speaking. "Regardless, he is here now, and that means things will change. He is still our leader, and now that he is back, he will fill that position. If anyone objects, speak now." She said.

A low murmur spread through the room, but no one objected. Despite the years of his absence, despite the changes in his appearance, Lance's authority had not wavered, even more so now that his strength also spoke for him. For those who could feel it though he had been restraining his strength, Lance appeared like a wild beast sleeping under a soothing shade, restrained, but unsealed.

An orc, a towering figure with dark green skin and curved tusks, grunted. "I won't deny it's good to see you back, but you should know… we built this city in your absence. The people moved forward without you."

Rynne's expression twisted as she heard the bold comment, her eyes suddenly holding a cold light before she spoke, looking at the orc. "Why not be more direct, instead of being witty with words?"

Lance raised a hand to calm her as he nodded, his expression unreadable. "And that is exactly why I am proud." He said.

The room quieted into a deeper silence before he continued.

"You all took what was just a start up city and turned it into a proper city. You didn't just survive, you thrived." His gaze swept across the leaders, his voice steady. "That tells me that my absence did not weaken us. It made us stronger."

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The beastkin elder tilted her head, her sharp ears twitching. "You don't resent that we moved on?"

"Resent it?" Lance smiled. "Like a father coming back from a long and tedious trip to see his son a grown and capable hunter, I celebrate it."

There was another pause, then the ogre chieftain let out a booming laugh. "Then let us celebrate properly! The feast has been prepared, and the people wait!"

The little tension in the room dissolved into agreement, and with that, the meeting ended.

Lance noticed that the race he had not gotten a lot of opportunity to interact with much before he left had remained quiet for most of the meeting, so while the others left, he approached one of them, the same one who was the first to talk.

"You didn't have much to say?" He asked. Sharp words, but a warm tone.

The ogre grinned faintly as his eyes met Lance's. "Only a fool with question the authority of a warrior as mighty as you, unwarranted. Although we didn't get to witness your leadership in the past, we look forward to it, Chief… No, Lord Lance." He said, then following a nod of his head, he left.

Lance was taken aback by the ogres words, but his words weren't so surprising to shock him. He wondered why Rusak was absent, but soon learnt that he was away, so were a few others. Following the meeting, everyone moved outside for the main celebration.

…

The city's central square had been transformed into a grand banquet. Long tables stretched from end to end, laden with roasted meats, fresh fruits, and jugs of rich ale. Bonfires blazed, casting flickering light over the gathering crowd. The scent of food, woodsmoke, and excitement filling the air.

When Lance stepped into view, a hush fell over the people. Hundreds of eyes turned toward him, goblins, orcs, ogres, beastkin, all waiting for their leader to speak.

Lance took a deep breath, then raised his voice so all could hear.

"My people." His words carried easily through the square. "It is good to be home."

Cheers rippled through the gathered crowd.

"I left behind a settlement," he continued, "but I have returned to a city." He swept his gaze across the faces of those before him. "You have built something greater than I could have imagined. Stronger than I could have hoped for."

He let the words settle before continuing.

"There was a time when we were hunted, scattered, forced to live in the shadows. But I see, those days are behind us now." His voice rang with pride as he continued. "We are not weak. We are not lost. We are a people united. And seeing what you have built, what you have accomplished in my absence… I know we are greater than ever.

I am proud of all of you. Of the warriors who defend our walls. Of the craftsmen who shape our homes. Of the scholars who build our future. Every one of you has a part in this city. Every one of you matters."

The crowd stirred, a wave of emotion passing through them.

Lance clenched his fist and raised it high. "We have come far. But we will go further still!"

A roar erupted from the people, voices shouting in unity and in celebration. Some waved banners embroidered with the symbol of their kingdom even.

Rynne stepped forward, a bright grin on her face, as she raised her mug. "To our glorious Leader, the heart of our kingdom!"

The crowd echoed her toast, their voices blending into a single roar of approval, bringing a smile across Lance's face as he stepped back. The feast had fully begun.

…

The air filled with music as drums and chants brought a lively tune. Goblins danced with ogres, orcs clashed mugs together in laughter, and beastkin feasted heartily.

Lance sat with his closest companions, watching the festivities unfold. Aelyndra sat beside him, a bemused smile on her lips as she observed the revelry.

"I never imagined such a gathering," she admitted, swirling a goblet of deep red wine.

Lance chuckled. "It's been a long time since I've seen them this happy."

Rikka sat across from them, tearing into a roasted leg of meat laughed as she spoke before biting into her meal. "You should leave more often, then," she teased.

Lance gave her a flat look, and she smirked in response. He rarely saw her this loose and happy, it was like he had triggered an Easter Egg in a game.

Nearby, Zarra and Lia were laughing together, while Rynne was in a heated drinking contest with an orc warrior, Mira and Kaeli sitting together, deep in conversation.

Everything felt… right.

For the first time in years, Lance let himself most relaxed.

The night stretched on, filled with laughter, dancing, and the clinking of mugs. The fires burned bright, and for that night, worries were forgotten as the city celebrated its leader's return.