470 Building Freyas Temple (1/2)
While Zero engaged with intellectual debate to kill time, Dorgon hadn't been slacking off entirely. If he wasn't motion-sick, he was busy fiddling with wood or stone to refine his skills that he didn't put to use for a good number of decades. Getting a religious statue commissioned was the highest level of acknowledgement a craftsman could receive and even for Dorgon who was blessed by the God of Art, this was a first. It wasn't just honour, Dorgon also felt an incredible pressure of responsibility that came with the job. Part of him wanted to run from it but he knew that nobody else could take on such an important task. Hence, the current situation.
Zero had to stifle a giggle watching the guild master moving so rigidly. The dwarven hero even brought his formal clothes along when he knew there would be an audience with royalty. Everyone else was dressed formally but nobody looked more out of place than Dorgon. The dwarf's bulging muscles looked like they were going to burst through his sleeves. The suit looked too small for the short man and Zero thought he looked closer to a blacksmith than a craftsman. Looks could be deceiving and Dorgon was doing a good job.
The welcoming party eased some of Dorgon's tension but Zero knew better. If there was anyone feeling the stress about having the entire fate of giants on their shoulder, it would be Dorgon. Zero cured the mysterious plague but his suggestion for a more permanent solution relied on the guild master.
”Your name surpasses you,” King Richard smiled kindly to the guild master who bowed humbly, trying his best not to tear his clothes. Zero heard the faint sound of several threads snapping with that one movement and winced in pity.
”You flatter me, your majesty.”
Queen Rosalind laughed carefreely. ”Not at all, Dwarven Hero Dorgon. I've been pen pals with Queen Demora for a long time and I heard many of your accomplishments on and off the battlefields. Sorry about calling you out of your retirement for such a huge favour. The giants will forever be in your debt.”
As the talks became more serious, the king and queen excused themselves from the party with Dorgon in tow to discuss the details of the job. Zero was also invited away, leaving Bob with Zenobia and Schaf who were entertained by the kind giants with their stories. Zero wanted to be part of the crowd too but he knew that he had a more important task.
Dorgon and Zero were ushered into the study and they had to be lifted up by the giants to reach the specially prepared chairs on the table for a proper conversation.
”Healer, it's good to see your safe return. My heart almost stopped when Dorgon explained how you almost met death on your trip to Derby Desert in order to find a gnome technician. Nobody has heard anything about them for decades now, we simply thought they had become extinct!”
Laughing nervously, Zero shook his head. ”It isn't the case at all. With my brother around, I don't think death would even dare to come close. However, I must say that this new form is inconvenient. My mana hasn't been fully recovered and I will need a long time to recuperate. Please forgive me in advance if I cannot be in Magnus Hilda for the entire process while Goddess Freya's Temple is built. In return, I will ask Thomas to stay behind with Dorgon to help with the design. I hope this will suffice.”
King Richard agreed. ”It's best for you to return to the village for recuperation. I heard that it wasn't easy to repair the Crafter's Suit either. However, just before you leave, could we help with anything? I know that my wife has agreed to a reward should Magnus Hilda be truly saved but I think monetary benefits matter least now.”
At the offer, Zero didn't hesitate to propose an alliance with the giants. ”King Richard, Queen Rosalind... as you might already know, Half Moon Village is located on Endow Hill. The villagers there are no ordinary people and are powerful and skilful in their trades. However, I am about to take in more people with an allying village led by Monoman whom I met in Deadman Town before I left for Derby Desert. New Moon Village isn't anything like Half Moon Village and I am about to make a lot of enemies. Please grant us your alliances and lend us help when we require it!”
Even Dorgon was surprised when Zero told them everything that happened in Deadman Town from how he met Jermine to how he wanted to abolish slavery. Naturally, the thought was noble but Zero mentioned that Truen didn't allow it due to the consequences of suppressing slavery so suddenly when it was a lucrative business for some.
”I don't know the results of the negotiation yet but I need to meet up with Truen once I've recovered a little more. I can only imagine the enemies I would be making in the name of Half Moon Village for my selfish reasons but as a doctor, I cannot disregard the value of lives.”
Dorgon sighed heavily and so did the royal couple. They knew who Monoman was. Along with hero Dwayne who encouraged Zero's actions, who were they to refuse to support him? Zero might not know it but with three very powerful retired heroes, he was possibly the person with the most influence on the continent. Not even royalties could go against him.