Fiona thought for a moment before answering, "The town is called Havencrest, and our castle has never been given an official name. It is simply referred to as the Allgora Castle."
I nodded in understanding while continuing to walk through Havencrest, observing the people going about their daily lives. I considered what Lachlan had said – taking care of more than just myself.
"Havencrest... it's a suitable name," I mused aloud. "As for the castle, we should give it a proper name at some point as well. But first, let's focus on improving the lives of those living here. We need to demonstrate that we are worthy rulers who are capable of caring and providing for all those who reside within our kingdom."
Fiona smiled warmly at me, her loyalty unwavering. "That sounds like a wonderful plan, my King."
"Let's start with ensuring everyone has access to clean water and nourishing food," I suggested, formulating ideas in my head. "We can also look into improving housing conditions and perhaps providing job opportunities by encouraging trade between humans and monsters."
Fiona appeared impressed, nodding in agreement. "These are excellent ideas, my king. The problem is that, as you can see from our surroundings, there is no land that can grow food. Places farther south that have food are charged extreme amounts to transport it up here, but that is because there are more monsters to the south."
"Then we need to find a solution for that as well," I said, contemplating the issue at hand. "Perhaps we can establish trade agreements with other towns and cities further south, where they have access to fertile land."
Fiona looked thoughtful. "That could work, but it would require negotiations with human settlements that may not be willing to cooperate with us initially due to their fear of monsters and us being said monsters."
"I know it won't be easy, Fiona," I said resolutely, "but it's something we must do if we want to prove that humans and monsters can coexist peacefully. We are going to need to send runners south with Waystones, and they can drop them in the places that are having the worst trouble. I think that many of the problems will be able to be sorted without violence, but I will deal with that."
Fiona nodded in support, her eyes bright with determination. "It will be a challenging journey, but I have faith that we can succeed under your guidance, my King."
"Thank you, Fiona," I said sincerely, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Start making preparations for us to send the runners south. Gather supplies and choose capable individuals who can handle the challenges of travel and negotiations."
Fiona bowed her head respectfully. "As you command, my King."
Now, it is time that we go see my lovely Kya. Even though she is my only forged weapon, it feels like this is the first time that we are really meeting," I said with a smile, and Fiona nodded.
"She is by the river, and I have no doubt that she knows you are awake now, and she is waiting for you eagerly. I'm sure she's excited to see you, my king," Fiona replied with a warm smile of her own.
With that, we made our way towards the river where Kya was waiting with Galor, the Shadow Wolf that had pledged loyalty to me.
As we approached the bank of the sparkling waterway, I could see Kya standing by the shore, her long hair flowing gracefully in the breeze. Even though it was my shell that had made the bond, I could still feel the deep connection between us.
"Kya," I called out gently as we neared her, and her head turned towards me, her eyes lighting up with happiness. Galor lifted his head from where he had been resting nearby and wagged his tail, acknowledging my presence as well.
"My King!" Kya exclaimed, her voice filled with relief and joy. She hurried over to me, her arms open wide for an embrace, which I gladly accepted.
"It's good to see you, Kya," I said quietly, holding her close for a moment before pulling back to look at her lovely face. "I've missed you."
"I have missed you as well, my king. I am so glad you are awake and recovering," she replied sincerely, her expression radiating warmth.
We spent some time by the river, talking about recent events and my plans moving forward for Havencrest and the kingdom as a whole. Kya listened attentively, asking questions and offering input when appropriate.
As the sun began to set on the horizon, I knew it was time to return to the castle and attend to other responsibilities. As much as I wanted to spend more time with Kya, there was still much work to be done.
"Come, Kya," I said softly, offering her a hand. "Join me in the castle. There is something important that I need your help with."
Her face brightened with excitement and pride. "Of course, my king! I am here to serve and support you in any way I can."
With that, we walked hand in hand back through the Havencrest, our bond stronger than ever after our meaningful reunion. There was so much more to do, but this was only the beginning and a very small part of that.
This new life was about doing things differently and trying new things. Some of them I would not like, and many of them would be rejected by others, but that was part of it all.
Nothing ever worth doing should be easy. The harder the climb, the greater the reward.
Together, Kya, Fiona, Melodious, Elara, Zulu, Illiana, and I would work tirelessly to reshape our kingdom for the better. We would forge new relationships between humans and monsters, establish trade agreements with other settlements, improve living conditions within Havencrest, and ultimately prove that lasting peace and harmony were possible.
As we walked through the castle gates, my heart swelled with renewed determination and hope. Such a future wouldn't come easily – there would be countless trials and tribulations along the way. But as long as we stood united, there was nothing that could hold us back.
Our path was set, and together, we would change all the worlds.