The noon sun hangs high in the sky above the city of Uro. The hybrid workers and the human workers formed their own circles to enjoy the lunch provided by the servants. The lunch meal is a cream veggie stew with wheat bread. A common but delicious dish for human workers became rare delicacies for the Misbegottens, who were used to food that is worse than pig feed, or even no food at all. Thus, having a hot meal is already very satisfying for them. Now they are more certain that the heartless and puppet-like ruler that was Marika was no more.
In the barracks of the city, the recruits who finished their morning training were also enjoying their lunch. Under Marika's orderst, the Godrick soldiers were encouraged to get along with the militiamen of Uro City, increasing mutual trust. Thus, now, the recruits and the Godrick soldiers are sitting at some long tables chatting and eating lunch.
"So you mean that Lady Marika is actually a god? Brother, are you kidding me?" A militiaman showed a suspicious expression to the Godrick soldier who was preaching the Golden Order to him.
"Of course not! Are you telling me that the divine hymn that night and the Erdtree blooming in Her Majesty's mansion were all fake?" Another Godrick soldier who was at the same table with the militiaman continued to preach without giving up. The Godrick soldiers are all staunch believers in the Golden Order, it is no surprise that they will try to preach their beliefs to what they consider new recruits to the Golden Order.
"Umm..." The recruit caught in the middle of the two Godrick soldiers felt trapped. On the one hand, the Erdtree in full bloom in the middle of the city was indeed an undeniable evidence, on the other hand, he was afraid that if he dared to reject these two, they would definitely let him taste some veteran's 'tough love'. In the past few days of training, the recruits in Uro City have fully realized the terrifying fighting capabilities of the Godrick soldiers.
"Alright that's enough, leave Jimmy alone. He can believe in whatever he likes, as long as he is loyal to Her Majesty. You two hurry up and eat, the food is going cold." The exiled soldiers on the side stopped the missionary behavior of Godrick soldiers just in time. Seeing he was finally saved, the recruits gave the exiled soldier a grateful look. The Godrick soldiers knew that they would not be able to convince the recruits for a while, so they had no choice but to give up. But both of them secretly hope that Marika will perform more miracles, so that these recruits can one day realize the beauty of the Golden Order.
Thus another week passed between the days of recruit training and the construction of fortifications. Many old city walls were overthrown with the help of Marika's power and replaced with cement-strengthened walls. Most of the moat pits outside the city had been completed, and Marika specially asked the soldiers to add wooden spikes under the pits to make it even more difficult for enemy troops to move forward. Although the recruits are still not up to the level of Godrick's soldiers, their strength has improved significantly. Marika also slowly increased her manpower through summons during this week. Now she has more than 200 Godrick soldiers and more than 100 exiled soldiers in her command.
But today, the system finally judged that the city wall is strong enough and the fortifications are complete enough. This task, which took Marika more than a week, was finally completed.
In celebration, Marika decided to hold a banquet in the courtyard of the mansion with help from the maids, and invited the human and hybrid workers who had worked hard during this period, as well as all her subordinates and soldiers, and prepared to reward everyone.
Malika first paid the workers the wages they deserved. This move made the citizens and the Misbegottens who were used to being squeezed of their labor all elated.
"Thank you for all your hard work during this period of time. Your hard work will play a vital role in preventing the incoming enemy troops. So I specially set up a banquet tonight to reward everyone. It is also for our upcoming welcome party for our new citizens." Marika said to everyone present, and let Hewg and the forty normal and scaled Misbegottens that she had summoned before the banquet began to enter the courtyard. Of course, Malika let them bathe and change clothes as soon as they were summoned, so there was no stench on them.
The Misbegottens were very happy to see their own kind, and the banquet started. But just as everyone was enjoying the delicious food at the banquet, Hewgappoarched Marika anxiously.
Noticing Hewg's abnormality, Malika asked:
"Hewg, what's the matter with you?"
"Your Majesty, I'm a little worried about whether I'm qualified for such an important job as training new blacksmiths. After all, I'm just a lowly Misbegottens who just happens to be able to do some smithing." Hewg expressed his doubts. He was surprised when Marika appointed him as Master Blacksmith when he was first summoned. The old blacksmith thought that he had nothing outstanding except for his ability to forge and tune spirits, so he didn't understand why he was appointed to such an important position.
Seeing Hewg's doubtst, Marika had an idea and said:
"Hewg, do you know why I chose you to forge God-killing weapons?"
"Your humble servant doesn't understand." Hewg replied.
"That's because you shine with characteristics that no other blacksmith has, your incomparable persistence and love for forging. Even if your freedom is deprived, even if your consciousness gradually blurs, even if you have to violate taboos to forge god-killing weapons. None of these have affected your love for forging. That's why I chose you again, because I know that you will pass on your love for forging to the next generation of blacksmiths, so that your technology can continue to benefit the Golden Dynasty."
Marika knew that what she said might be different from the original Marika's thoughts, but if her words could relieve the pain in this loyal old blacksmith's heart, then she was willing to tell a white lie.
"Your Majesty..." After hearing Marika's affirmative words, Hewg couldn't help but feel that the pain he had endured for many years was released at this moment, and everything he had done was worthwhile. With mixed feelings, Hewg couldn't help but quietly weep and bow deeply to Marika.
At the banquet, the knights communicated gracefully, the soldiers drank to their heart's content, and the citizens of Uro and the Misbegottens ate with gratitude. Artorius and Siduri quietly enjoyed the rare cheerful atmosphere on the edge of the banquet. Ladybug mingled with all the people and celebrated happily. Although there are still some minor doubts among the people, everyone is undoubtedly standing on the same front now.