บท 163: [Chapter 161] The Beginnings Of A Kind King

I stand up as a calm smile rests on my face, 'This solves the issue with plumbing, next are the public facilities and housing.'

I glance over at the large group of people gazing at me with mixed feelings, probably not knowing how to feel about their new king doing all this work. And the work is physical labor at that. But I notice the most common appearance, stars gleaming in their eyes with happiness and pride.

However, I notice that a few clearly have other motives towards me, killing intent slipping from their figures.

'Spies are here already. It was hard to notice them as they keep their killing intent hidden well, but not to me. I didn't expect for them to arrive so soon, with our kingdom being so small and just starting out. I better keep my eye on them.' I think as I wave at the crowd, trying to dispel any suspicions of their discovery.

After waving, the knights immediately get to work, having already accumulated a pile of metal. I feel another tugging as one of the knights approaches my side.

'Oh yeah! I need to figure out how to heat and quench the metal for the toilets or else they aren't going to last long.' I remember as I slap my hand on my head. I begin to ponder as I rub my chin, 'I could create another machine to do it....but I have another idea.'

I clear my throat as I step towards the large crowd, gathering the attention of everyone.

I speak as loud as I should, trying not to burst anyone's ear drums, "Anyone that can use water and fire magic! Please raise your hand!"

People look at each other for a moment before a large group of them raise their hands. I wait for a moment as a few more pop up, seemingly nervous. "Now anyone that has experience in blade and armor smithing! Please raise your hands!"

A smaller variety of people raise their hands as the words leave my mouth, leaving the people still confused.

"Will everyone who has their hands raised step forward!" I yell as the people murmur within the crowd.

The large group of Dragonborn leave the crowd, various heights and ages emerging.

'Is that an 8 year old?' I ask myself as I look at the short blue Dragonborn, his eyes filled with wonder and amazement. I crouch down as I look at him eye level, him being the only one in the group under 20.

He stutters nervously as he speaks, "I-I only know a little ma-magic and blade making stuff but-but I want to help."

Everyone looks at the little Dragonborn with adoration and pity in their eyes, even with his confidence, there is no way the king would let him help.

A hurried figure quickly emerges from the crowd as he scrambles towards the kid, picking him up while apologizing.

"I'm so sorry, I lost track of my son in the large crowd just to find out he volunteered for this. I will bring him back to our tent, I am again sorry."

I smile and wave, "Wait a moment, he could definitely help and even then, if his mana runs low, he can take a break and watch how others cast their spells."

The father halts as he looks at me with wide eyes, his kid smiling and the crowd staring at me with awe. Never would they of thought that the kid would be allowed to help, shocking everyone in the crowd.

I suddenly think of something as I say, "You know what, anyone who has the fire or water affinities and want to learn magic can watch. The more the merrier, but keep a safe distance of 12 feet please."

I walk over to the man as I speak, "But your little boy can come and help, and if you don't feel comfortable with that, you can stand by his side. Speaking of, what affinity does he have. The father nervously looks down as he says, "We don't really know, we never had enough money to have him tested."

"..."

I inwardly laugh at myself, 'I just promised this kid could help but I not even his parents know his affinity. Guess I should of asked that first, I am an idiot. Oh well, live and learn.' But then, I suddenly remember something as a smile forms on my face.

"Wanna find out?"

He has a confused look as I wave my hand, causing a bag to drop in my hand. His jaw practically falls off as I pull out a blue stone, it's surface causing everyone to gasp.

'Even after five years, I kept these in case I ever needed them again. And now is the perfect time.' I hold out the crystal to the boy who gently grabs it and holds it in his hand, his snout looking between me and the crystal.

I gently ask him, "Do you know how to channel mana into it?" He takes a moment before nodding and closing his eyes tight, yet the crystal doesn't react.

He slowly opens his eyes and a sad look appears on his face. I smile as I reassure him, "I guess you don't have the water affinity! Let's check the others!" I hold out my hand as the young Dragonborn puts the stone in my hand. I dump the bag of stones into my hand as another gasp flows through the crowd like a wave.

A little ways away, in the crowd, one of the assassins pull out a stone as they quickly murmur into it, "We have an issue, and a mandatory one at that. I need an audience with the queen immediately."