[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-city-of-desire-kingdom-building":3,"chapter-city-of-desire-kingdom-building-city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-585":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","City of Desire [Kingdom Building]",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1846705,2449,"Chapter 587: If That’s What You Want","city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-585",585,"\u003Cp>Proofread By Thomas F\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Onyx Halcyon, Beyhelm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The kindness of his majesty has its limits, Lord Halcyon,\" said the man sitting across from me in my office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father, you shouldn't overuse his majesty's magnanimity,\" added my ungrateful son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know, Lord Guardian Danis. The opening is a few weeks away. This old man can live at least that long,\" I replied with a smile despite the rage I was feeling in my heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had given these bastards so much for decades, but despite that, they were not willing to even let me die with dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They've grown even greedier, trying to squeeze every last drop out of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please ask His Majesty for just a little longer. A day after the casino opening, His Majesty will have what he wants,\" I replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will try, Lord Halcyon,\" the man said before leaving the office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They will never get what they want. I've given them enough, and I won't sacrifice my dignity in death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father, why are you making His Majesty wait? You've given my sister what she wanted—more than you've given us,\" he accused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and his brother had received more than their sister, yet they complained that I had given her more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you want your father to die so quickly?\" I shot back angrily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the king is asking will, without a doubt, kill me. Not that I have much left—my small heart attack nearly took me two days ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's precisely why these bastards are clamoring for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they can't force me. If I don't want to, they won't be able to do a damn thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We are nearing the city,\" said Eva, looking through the window of my suite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is where we had spent most of the time in the past one and a half days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We have a few minutes more,\" I said, kissing her chest gently before going down slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop, haven't you had enough already?\" she asked, resisting, but her eyes were filled with the desire. \"No,\" I replied, grinning at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the following minutes, the familiar moans rang out through the suite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We only stopped when the port came into view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are we going to do once we reach the city?\" she asked, putting on her clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We'll do what we have been doing,\" I replied, appearing beside her and taking her lips in mine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm an old woman. People will talk, and there's also Carla,\" she said, finally meeting my gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are not old. As for people, let them talk.\" I said, shaking my head. \"As for Carla, she is the last thing you should be worried about,\" I added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at me intently, and I smiled before kissing her neck; it was her sensitive spot, which was why she pushed me away immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can we keep it secret? At least for a while?\" she asked, and I was about to shake my head, wanting to reassure her not to feel ashamed. But when I saw the emotion in her eyes, I hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that's what you want,\" I replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had harbored a crush on her for a long time, and after spending more time together, I realized just how much I liked her. As for her age—it didn't matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She may be a little older, but I thought that only made her more intriguing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, we finished putting on our clothes, and I activatedGet Readyto wipe away the lingering scent of sex that clung to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We stepped out of the room and onto the deck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They're working fast,\" she said, looking ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are,\" I replied, surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'd been getting daily reports, but seeing it with my own eyes really highlighted just how much progress they had made on the bridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trollmouth is a wide river. It would have taken two years to build it on Earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, six months will be enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The magic makes even the most time-consuming tasks feel incredibly short, especially here, where we've received a considerable sum from the Synod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wish the academy could be this simple, but judging by the terms, it doesn't seem likely. I can only hope I'm wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the yacht docked at the port, and the ramp lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Welcome back, my lord,\" welcomed Robin and Lola as I walked down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's good to be back home,\" I replied as I looked at the city's bustling port. Even this early in the morning, there are a lot of people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We walked toward the carriage while Eva walked with her son, who had come to receive her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I am going straight to the city hall. There is a lot of work waiting for me there. I will be lucky if I can go to the tower today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How are things?\" I asked Robin. \"Good, aside from a few things, of course,\" he replied, and I smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We talked, and they informed me about general things. I listened while looking through the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the carriage crossed the gate, and I felt the control. Now, I am in command of hundreds of spells. Anyone who dares to attack me here is in for a nasty surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city feels different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It isn't just the unfinished buildings that are now finished—more are being constructed—but the city's energy feels more vibrant than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the carriage entered the city hall and stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I got out and walked inside with many people bowing. I nodded at them as I walked toward my office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The trip was a success; we have accomplished 80% of the things we wanted and even received a few unexpected surprises,\" I said as I sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I agree, It's quite surprising. Especially the deal about the academy,\" said Robin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, what are the things we couldn't talk about it remotely?\" I asked, and Lola placed a file in front of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I opened it and began to read. There is some good news and some not-so-good news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They have created their own trade route with Navr,\" I sighed as I put down the file.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deerpond had resumed the trade with Navr, but instead of using Greltheaven to access Mirador Hold. They are using Brimbale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it had just been Deerpond alone. I wouldn't have been worried, but it's not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Port Midlet, where that bastard, Zanav, controls. Along with Riverbell. The unofficial dominion of Deepond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is also Peguexe and Wildhelm. All of it will move to that route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is why. The bridge will be invaluable to us,\" replied Robin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They may have those cities, but they represent a small part of what we could earn from our trade with Navr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The empire matters the most. It is a hungry beast for the goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We have the best connections with Navr. My people and merchants in the city acts as middlemen to help them get what they want.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They are still nervous about dealing directly with the undead kingdom, which is good for us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We have a well-developed direct road to it. The bridge will make things even easier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We need to maintain the lead. Deerpond has money and resources that everyone wants, and you can bet they'll use them with surgical efficiency,\" I stated with all seriousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We discussed a few more things before Robin left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Josie came running through the open door, and behind her, Heron followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing them, a wave of shame hit me. I had failed them. I couldn't bring their mother with me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I missed you,\" Josie said, wrapping her arms around me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I missed you too,\" I whispered, holding her tight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few minutes later, they sat across from me, and we shared breakfast. I wished Carla was with us, but she was out on business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They left after breakfast. They had school to attend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is the report on hotels?\" I asked Lola. The casino will be opening next month, and I need hotels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is one of the jobs I ask her to focus on the most. The legacy is vital for the economy of the city; the casino will make its importance even greater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I need hotels for it. I don't want them to enjoy themselves and leave; I need them to stay longer and contribute to the other parts of the city's economy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most of them are on time. Some might be able to finish before the expected date,\" replied Lola before handing me the file.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It has a progress report on hotels, inns, taverns, and every other hospitality establishment under construction in the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I read them while closing my eyes now and then to examine the progress personally with the Eye of the Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The skill is amazing. It lets me look at nearly everything in the city. I don't have to visit them personally to see their progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, I finished and put the file down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How are the orcs doing?\" I asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the huge tide was building and even after the battle, a large number of orcs were coming to the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the tribes that were safe so far begin to have the monster problem. It isn't just on the Baronies and merchants' sides but also on Navr's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This tragedy is giving us a lot of people—the people we need.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good. The people from the resettling office are doing a good job,\" she replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We have learned much from the orcs' migration and created a sub-department to help those orcs settle in the two cities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They will provide them with housing and quickly find them a job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the speed, the city is growing. There are a lot of jobs in the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, despite their increased numbers, they aren't even half of the new people settling within the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many people are coming from the empire. The conflict has been spreading, displacing people, some of whom are coming to Greltheaven despite the risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked a few more questions before readying for my next appointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door opened, and General Stone and Cardin walked inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord,\" they greeted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stone, Cardin. Take a seat,\" I replied. \"Thank you, my lord,\" replied Stone, and they sat before me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have the undead made any movement?\" I asked. \"No. They had not crossed their boundary even once,\" replied Stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you heard any whispers about that incident from your connections?\" I asked, and he sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Too many. Some say it is a move from the undead to confuse enemies, while some say it was triggered by the dungeon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some are even saying it is a grand spell,\" he replied, shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On Mayhurst Island. A massive horde of undead had simply disappeared, along with a Lv. 40 commander. The only thing that remained was an enormous crater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had made quite the news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had my suspicions about the incident as it happened at the same time I was meeting the Archmage. I didn't believe for one moment that it wasn't related. I smiled internally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are the recruitment numbers?\" I asked. \"Very good,\" replied Cardin with a smile and forwarded a file.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I opened it and read through it swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The orcs didn't disappoint,\" I said as I finished with the file. \"They do not,\" replied Stone with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newly coming humans pale in comparison to orcs when joining the army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Human numbers are greater only because they have the advantage of sheer population, but when counted as a percentage, Orcs surpass them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over 50% of newly arrived Orc men enlist in the army. In the forests, most of them are warriors by necessity, constantly facing the myriad threats that lurk there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The army offers them the best path forward—not only for protection but for opportunity. I ensure they're well-compensated and provide them with additional benefits to make it worthwhile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm pouring a significant amount of money into the army. A large portion of taxes, along with many of the resources I acquire in exchange for essence, is funneled directly into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's essential. For the next six months, we'll push recruitment and preparation harder than ever because when those six months are over, the undead will come—and they won't come in small numbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your gamble with Axsteel paid off,\" I said, praising Stone as we wrapped up most of the discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was risky, but that woman has the potential and power we need,\" Stone replied with a confident smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's already being headhunted,\" added Cardin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baxzar, Kalgha, and even some non-Orc states had already approached her. She's a spirit shaman—the kind highly sought after by many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, even I'm surprised by her performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't just the power she demonstrated but the authority with which she commanded. I haven't read the full report yet, but even old man Harrods called me personally to praise her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then we will have to make sure she doesn't leave,\" I replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap on to readover 20Advanced Chapters.Become a Free Member and enjoy the Character Art, Maps, and other interesting things.\u003C\u002Fp>",2168,"2026-06-09T06:55:02.855Z",1,"novelbin.me","8aa77aa73628102a46cfa949449a6cef20675b5d46c48ae586c2651e3e24b182","city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-586","city-of-desire-kingdom-building-chapter-584",917,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcity-of-desire-kingdom-building-cover.jpg"]