章 585: A glorious project

Solaire along with Ciri, Geralt, and the Prospect leaders all watch as two large statues are erecting in the town square of the settlement.

Ciri and Kuretz chuckle as it's finally unveiled to everyone, Geralt looks on while trying to hide a knowing smirk.

Solaire "Aha! It's finally done my friends, when Reima returns I'm sure he'll be happily surprised!" he says as he walks to the base of the statue and carves a name into a golden plaque.

*Flash*

Behind the group a turquoise portal opens, revealing Reima on the other side, Geralt turns and almost loses his composure, palming his face to hide his amused and disbelieving expression.

Solaire "My friend! You've returned!"

Reima "Yeah, yeah. Gimme a sec, I've got some friends coming through." he says as Asgore ducks through the portal as Reima holds it open.

Asgore "Ahem, excuse my intruding. I am Asgore King of Monsters, Reima has gracefully allowed my people and I to join this settlement." he says with a bow towards them.

...

Ciri nudges Kuretz with her elbow, "Er, is it just me or is there a giant goat talking to us?"

Kuretz nods, "I'm seeing the same thing... I must still be drunk..." he mutters.

Reima "We can talk after everyone is across, move your ass Asgore." he says, causing the monster king to chuckle and walk to the side of the portal.

Sans casually walks through next, "Heya folks" he winks with the everpresent grin still on his skeletal face.

...

Talem "Are you perhaps related to someone called Vamos?"

Sans shrugs as monsters start walking through the portal, "Nope, but I've been known to be empty-headed." he says.

Kuretz snorts, "Oh, I like him already."

The group continues to watch as monsters stream out of the portal, each carrying a suitcase full of everything they own. And each looking at the sky in shock and awe.

After an hour all of the monsters are finally in the settlement, their numbers making it look like a festival of some sort. Priscilla steps through with Carimir in her bosom and Snuffles on her shoulder, Reima walking through and closing the portal behind him afterward.

Solaire "Aha, my friend! You've finally returned my sister!" he says with a laugh, walking up and hugging Priscilla.

Priscilla "We had a wonderful vacation brother, the monsters have many exciting things like television and anime!"

...

Solaire "I am unsure what this "Anime" you are referring to is, but I hope to hear more about it later." He says, patting her head.

Priscilla smiles, "It felt good to watch it while Reima stroked my tail." she mutters as Solaire rubs her head, freezing the jolly expression on his face.

...

Kuretz laughs, "Hahaha! Reima's been catching tail while he was gone! Hahahaha!" he exclaims.

Ciri crosses her arms and has a conflicted expression as she watches the events progress.

Reima walks up to Solaire and pats his shoulder, "Don't worry bro, I didn't do anything "uncouth"."

Solaire looks at him deeply, "My friend, not even I have had the opportunity to stroke my dear sister's tail. You have stolen this from me!"

Reima shakes his head, "First come first serve." he states as Priscilla watches the duo bicker.

Risryn interjects and pushes the squabbling duo away from each other, "So, what's the deal with these... Monsters?"

Reima er's for a moment before calling Asgore over, "Asgore's already introduced himself, so you already know he is a King. Someone who's run a kingdom for a long time apparently. I helped them out and asked him whether or not he'd want to join us."

...

Risryn crosses her arms, his mask stopping them from viewing her baffled expression, "So you've taken in thousands of people so you could dump all the work onto their leader?"

Reima nods, "Man, how does everyone find out so quickly... Am I that easy to read?"

Risryn nods, "You left Solaire in charge of the settlement in a fit of anger... Finding someone suitable for the role would be the logical thing to do, especially when you include your unique abilities."

Reima nods, "So... How'd Solaire do while I was gone?" he says, glancing at the sun bro who'd just began to beam at him.

...

Risryn sighs, "Well... Take a look for yourself, just know I had nothing to do with this." she steps aside and gestures towards the large gold plated statue in the middle of the town centre.

Reima's happy face instantly sours, going pale and clammy. "No... This is a joke right?"

Solaire pats his back jovially, Of course not my friend! This is a representation of everything we've done, build, and accomplished... I'm sure you're unsure how to react to such a sincere gesture, but I assure you I wished for it to be built."

...

Reima can't find any words to say as he looks up at the statue... It's comprised of two people, Solaire and Himself plated in gold and beautifully sculpted. They both clasp arms with smiles on their faces while he rests against the Staff of Manus, Solaire resting his hand on his sword which sits in its sheath on his hip.

His throat feels parched as he turns towards Solaire, "W-what is it called?..." he asks, hoping it would at least have some kind of meaning to it.

Solaire beams and points to the plaque that he'd just recently carved, "I call it... "Jolly Cooperation."

...

Reima palms his face, a smirk trying to find itself onto his face as a tear attempts to slip out of one of his eyes... "I-...This... It is a... Statue." is all he can get out, the name making the whole thing seem comical, while also cementing Solaire and Himself as leaders of this settlement. There's no going back now it seemed.