World Conquest Online

The drinking went on until late in the night as everyone was introduced to each other, by the time it was fully dark outside, with just the moon to guide their way, Shang Yang signalled for the evening to be over. The new Heroes would all be staying at one of the mansions that had been built for the night and would stay in Riverside as their base until Dom and his Senior Heroes had discussed the plans for the next steps.

Dom had agreed he would travel to Jia in the morning and inspect the new Town that had been built, with both Meritamen and Sun Shangxiang expressing an interest to attend with him. He also agreed that they would take the Galatea that was docked in Riverside, with Shang Yang, Xun Yu, Lucius and Tomoe who would return to her forces for an update from Qin Ming. Zhou Yu also offered to go with them to calm the citizens who may have had a shock with their home being moved with little information about it, however Dom told him to stay with his family and get himself set up. Instead Cheng Pu was asked to join them as he was well known across the Sun families land.

Dom tiredly and slightly light headed, made his way up to his room after the Heroes had all left, with Meritamen and Sun Shangxiang having left slightly earlier so that Meritamen could show Sun Shangxiang her part of the Palace and give her a tour. Before he reached his room, both of his wives were waiting for him on the first floor before he made it to his space on the second floor. The two women were both chatting, with a glass in each hand and Dom was happy to see that they were getting on.

They were both in a deep conversation, with laughter erupting as they spoke to one another. Dom didn’t know how to deal with the situation with two of them now living with him, it wasn’t a normal situation for any modern man. He was happy it had been a positive start, but he hoped that no disagreements would form in the future.

"Are you trying to escape?" Meritamen asked him jokingly as he began to head up to his floor.

"I just didn’t want to interrupt two beautiful women talking." Dom replied with a straight face, trying to disarm Meritamen who laughed at him, whilst Sun Shangxiang blushed slightly.

"That doesn’t seem like something you would do." Meritamen teased him, "myself and Lady Sun have been discussing how you met, it seems you had a strong impression on her."

"Most of the work was done by our Generals." Dom replied as he went in to the living space and sat down on a chair beside them. They were both sharing a large comfortable seat currently, seemingly as if they had known each other for a long time.

"They did, but you are their leader so the credit falls to you." Sun Shangxiang replied, "I heard that you lead the Cavalry charge yourself at least twice!"

"Did you?" Meritamen asked him, also impressed by how Dom was developing and maturing since they met.

"I did, but I had the best of our Warriors beside me." Dom replied with a slight tinge of pride, before realising the alcohol in his system was pushing him.

"We have been discussing the Living arrangements, I will continue living in this half, whilst Lady Sun shall take the other. There is still plenty of space for guests and family." Meritamen stated, which Sun Shangxiang nodded her head in agreement two. Thankfully the Palace was a large space and Meritamen seemed amicable with the development. "My father had plenty of wives, it’s normal. As long as you continue to show me affection and trust, I will do the same for you."

"My father also had three wives, including my mother and her sister." Sun Shangxiang commented, "Not as many as Lady Meritamen’s father, but definitely enough."

They both laughed, whilst Dom watched on slightly dumbfounded by how they interacted with each other. He decided it was best to leave the two alone to continue building a relationship and bid them both good night, before heading up to his room. The sound of them laughing with each other continuing.

.....

Dom awoke the next day, his head sore, but grateful he has slept in his comfortable bed in Riverside and not on campaign in a tent or a random bed. His armour had been cleaned and returned to his stand, whilst his weapons were also lined up and clean. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

He got dressed in to a simple outfit, before strapping the Zhan Lu to his waist. He decided that before he departed to Jia, he would bathe in the bathhouse and have a deep clean as even though he had bathed since the battles, he still felt unclean. First however, he planned to see the rewards he had gained for completing the missions. As usual, he headed to his personal chest and lifted the lid, bypassing the items he already had.

[Green Building Spawn Cube - Received from Li Shang

Green Related Warriors Hall Cube - Battle Victory Reward

Blue Related Elite Military Cube - Battle Victory Reward

White Resource Cube - Battle Victory Reward

Wooden Token x 2 - Save Civilians of Jiangxia Reward

Green Housing Building Cube - Save Civilians of Jiangxia Reward

Black Villager Spawner x 4 - Friends Reunited Reward

Green Barracks Building Cube - Population Increase Reward

Blue Related Elite Military Cube - Naval Power]

Dom was happy with the rewards, he had received enough rewards through the recruitment of the Heroes, Warriors and Civilians, as well as the arrival of the Town of Jia. However, additional rewards was always appreciated. He would discuss the items on the journey to Jia later, some of them seemed extremely helpful such as the Wooden Tokens, Elite Military Cubes and the Warriors Hall. The Black Village Spawners seemed the least helpful items, but they could be used in Renatus as a bonus when it was created, he also planned to use the Barracks in Renatus for his Navy force. He wondered if the housing cube was similar to the mansion, or if it would spawn some prebuilt houses such as when a city was founded, but regardless it would come in handy.

He headed downstairs and noticed how silent the middle floor was, he was unsure if that was because his two wives were asleep or out, but he suspected the latter. He decided to have breakfast in the market today, and popped his head in to the reception room where a plate of food had been laid out for him. He shouted for one of the servants and apologised that he wouldn’t be eating there today.

After speaking with the servant, he left the Palace, with Gregorios and Trojan waiting for him. Those that had travelled on the Special Quest Mission were given the day off to recuperate and Dom was joined by two of his trusted Hoplite.

"Where to Lord Lazarus?" Gregorios asked cheerfully as Dom began to walk towards the market.

"Food first and then the bathhouse." Dom replied with a smile, "Have you seen my wife?"

"Which one?" Gregorios asked with a cheeky grin.

"Both if possible?" Dom laughed, realising that everyone now knew that there was two ladies in the Palace now and not just one.

"Lady Meritamen was taking Lady Sun on a short tour, they intended to then head to the Galatea that is currently docked." Trojan replied, rolling his eyes at Gregorios. Dom was used to this relationship now, Gregorios was the overly relaxed Hoplite, whilst Trojan was slightly more professional.

"Is there any update on new Civilians registration?" Dom asked as they arrived at the market, finding a stall that sold sweet cakes that looked tasty.

"Xun Yu sent a note this morning that all those that arrived on land have been registered, whilst around a quarter of the ships have been disembarked. They are currently moving at a fast pace and should have them all done by lunch." Trojan explained, "I believe he has an update for you directly when you board the Galatea later."

"Thanks Trojan!" Dom replied, grateful for the update as he decided to pass on eating at a market stall that was selling strange looking bugs that had been cooked on sticks over an open fire.

Dom headed to a couple more stalls, greeting many of the residents who were star struck at him walking by them. Dom enjoyed the liveliness that had grown within Riverside and the speed at which it was growing. He soon departed from the inner gate, seeing General Xun Yan having a conversation with one of the other Centurion’s from the Forbidden Guard. After walking through here, he headed straight to the bathhouse, where he was greeted by the staff and directed to a private area that Crassus had assigned for the VIP’s.

He relaxed in the bathhouse for a while, cleaning himself and chatting with Gregorios and Trojan that stood nearby patiently. Gregorios had started talking to a woman from the tavern, and they had agreed to go on a date in the near future, whilst Trojan had explained that she would definitely want paying after the date, regardless of what Gregorios said on the contrary.

After bathing, Dom got dressed and headed towards the docks, where the Galatea was waiting for him, already full of those who would be joining him on the journey east and then south to Jia. Beside the Galatea was the Enyo that was waiting for a spot in the Shipyards for repairs. Further out Dom could see a large number of Transport ships that were waiting for their turn to dock and unload.

The large towering Louchuan stood silently in the middle of the Calm River, it’s imposing figure like a small palace in the water, whilst some of the fresher naval ships had been dispatched towards Tranquillity for additional docking space. The more damaged Mengchong’s and Doujian had been anchored temporarily on the southern bank of the Calm River, also waiting for a spot in the Shipyards, that were currently full of Trireme in different stages of construction.

"Himilco is going to have his hands busy." Dom mumbled to himself as he climbed up the ramp that was attached to the Galatea. He could see Helena the chief of the Riverside Dock in a furious conversation with one of the captains of the new Transport Ships, asking him to move his ship quicker so another could pull in. She noticed Dom’s arrival and was about to head towards him, however he quickly increased his pace up the ramp to avoid her.

"She won’t bite." Lucius laughed at him as Dom arrived at the back of the Galatea, having watched Dom’s attempts at avoiding Helena.

"I know, but I would rather speak to her when everything has finished." Dom replied, causing Xun Yu who was stood nearby to laugh as well.

"Your new wife is interesting." Xun Yu commented, as he directed Dom’s eyes towards the front of the ship where Meritamen, Sun Shangxiang and Shang Yang seemed to be in conversation as Shang Yang pointed out parts of Riverside. Cheng Pu was also onboard, sat talking with Tomoe by the central mast. There were also a small group of Civilians sat on the Galatea, resting along the side where the Marine Hoplite would normally be stationed. The naval forces were on a separate Trireme which was already waiting for them in the Calm River.

"In what way?" Dom asked, as the captain of the Galatea ordered for her ramp to be raised and for the two small rowing boats attached to her to help guide her out from the dock.

"It is like she has always been here." Xun Yu replied as he continued to watch the three at the front. "She has already fallen in with Meritamen and Shang Yang, I would have expected some nerves from her."

"Nerves? That is not something you will find on Lady Sun." A calm female voice said from the side of them, Dom turned and saw that it was one of the Civilians.