Surprise visitor

After disentangling yourself from Elys and Rachel in the morning, you dress and make your way to breakfast. Anna is there, smiling as usual, despite her morning sickness. “You know, you can rest if you’re not feeling good, Anna.”

Anna shakes her head. “I’m fine, master! It makes me happy to serve you, you know that. I notice Elys and Rachel are still in bed. Have a good night?”

You chuckle. “Yeah, it was very good.”

Anna giggles. “I’m glad, master!”

A guard appears in the dining room doorway. “Sire, I hate to interrupt your breakfast, but there’s someone here to see you. She claims to be your ally, saying her name is Ky Dura.”

You look up in surprise. “Let her in. I know her well.”

“Very well, your majesty.”

You grimace. Despite your best efforts, the guards still refuse to refer to you by name. You don’t have time to dwell on that, because a giant, smiling orc chieftess steps into the room. “King Josh! I hope I’m not interrupting anything?”

Her eyes flick to Anna, who laughs. “Just breakfast, Miss Dura! Master just got up. A busy night!”

You chuckle. “Yeah. So what brings you here, Dura?”

The orc woman plops down into a chair, which creaks slightly under her muscular form. “War, as usual. I know you want to move on the demon lord soon, and my people and I intend to join you. I left a small **** behind to guard our village, children, and elders. The rest are here, camped outside the city.”

You nod. “I’m not moving yet, I’m awaiting word from Ellon. I don’t want to see my people in a bloodbath, even if we win.”

Dura smiles. “Fair. You want to have something left to rule after your victory.”

You shake your head. “No, the demon lord isn’t the end. The triumvirate needs to be taken care of as well. Besides, I am not a big fan of bloodshed anyway, even when it’s necessary.”

Anna speaks up. “Master wants a world of peace. A world where our children can have good lives.”

Dura nods. “That I understand. So, how long before we go?”

You shrug. “As soon as I get word from the messenger we sent to Ellon. It shouldn’t take long, Queen Kallista said she would ask Daigo to go.”

Dura’s eyes go wide. “The dragon of the south?”

You smile. “And Maya’s father.”

“Oh yes, your dragon girl. Will he be fighting with us as well?”

“I hadn’t asked him yet. I hope so, it would be a huge help.”

Dura nods. “Well, it doesn’t sound like you need my help planning. I’ll hang out in the castle until it’s time, if you don’t mind. Maybe you and I can get properly reacquainted…”

You laugh. “I wouldn’t say no to that. I also would like to see how you fare in a sparring session with Uzume.”

Dura raises an eyebrow. “The Oni? I’m game if she is!”

You chuckle.