My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 107: Wealthy

Sonja was growing impatient that Kace had not awoken yet. She had spent the time waiting for him planning her wedding and beating the crap out of Sophia day-to-day. 'At this rate, will he ever wake up?' She wondered just as Celia arrived.

"There has been no change. Your Majesty." Celia respectfully reported as soon as she entered the room.

"If he does not wake up in the next two days maybe I really should kill him. Just for making me wait." Sonja mused as she sat back in her chair. It felt extremely comfortable to sit in, relieving her of her frustration somewhat.

"It's a bit late after you spared him in front of the crowd." Celia chuckled. "On another note. The armour you ordered for your disciple is ready. However, I'm unsure whether he will appreciate his coat being modified."

"That rag was already ruined when he arrived here." Sonja waved her hand as if the matter was already settled. "If it were not for Grugda stressing how important it was sentimental to Kace I would have thrown it out."

"Still though, don't you think you've gone too far with armour? You've had the best smiths we have working on it, and you've used a considerable amount of precious materials on it." Celia scolded. "If nobody knew any better, they would assume it was being prepared for a Prince."

"Well, if all goes to plan that's precisely what he'll become, no?" Celia stated matter of fact. As though Kace and Sophia had no choice in it at all. "Besides, I can't afford to be seen as being stingy with my very first disciple."

Celia could only nod her head at this in understanding. It would indeed be very unbecoming for the queen not to give her student a lavish gift as her disciple. The nobles would look down on her for it. Besides, the armour would also serve as proof of his social position.

"Would you care to take the time to inspect the gift you bought then?" Celia teased. 

"Hmm, it's not a bad idea. Let's head there now." 

"I meant later! I've just sent Sophia over to the training hall for you." Celia scolded her with a dark look.

"Whatever, the girl needs to learn some patience. It will do her good to be left standing for a while. Let's go." Sonja replied with an uncaring tone.

As the pair walked through the castle towards the lower floors where the forge was kept, Celia noticed the lustful glances that the males were throwing at the queen behind her back. 'It's only a matter of time before they try something. They always wanted to tame her, but she proved herself to be unattainable, even to Sophia's father. Now that's changed.'

Celia had a worried look plastered on her face as she made a mental note of who to keep an eye on for the time being. Personally, she would prefer it if the Queen were to take a husband from noble faction who had supported her for all of this time. That or for Sonja to maintain the status quo.

Before long they finally arrived at the entrance to the armoury off to the side of the forge room. After all, Sonja was the queen. She could not afford to be seen visiting the actual forge. It was far beneath her station.

As Celia pushed open the heavy door, a warm gust of air blew out. Rustling Sonja's short white dress. Even Celia had to stop and admire her graceful legs for a moment. Sonja however, wasted no time at all. Stepping into the hall beyond the door, she let out a whistle.

Right there in front of her was the armour that she had ordered. She had a keen eye for these kinds of things and could tell that the smiths had not let her expectations down. Casting a curious glance over it, there was only one thing she could say.

"Double their pay, immediately," Sonja demanded causing Celia to feel flustered.

"You've already paid too much! What am I meant to say to the finance minister?" Celia complained at the thought of the argument that was certain to happen.

"Fine then." Sonja tapped a delicate finger on her cheek a couple of times in thought. "In that case, pay the extra from my own personal funds."

Celia almost choked when she heard this. 'From her own funds? Who is this guy! Trying to get money from her is like attempting to get blood from a rock!' Although she was thinking this at the time, she did not dare to argue about it. 'This will undoubtedly cause a commotion when word gets out.'

When Celia left the room to perform the queen's command, Sonja took her time to look over the craftsmanship. It was a set of full plate armour, with multiple overlapping plates that covered the torso. A unique metal had been used for it that was black and as light as leather. The edging of each plate was done in a crimson colour; there was no helmet to go with it as that would hamper the wearer's vision.

During their brief bout, Sonja had noticed that Kace relied on his eyesight more than anything. 'This is definitely acceptable.' She thought as she cast her eyes over the wolf head ornaments on each shoulder. 'Very fitting.

Last but not least, draped over the shoulders and back was the cape. It had been modified using Kace's old coat and fitted in very well. It was evident from the look on her face that she pleased with the work that had been done on it.

In keeping with his old style, there were hooked claws on the forearms and shins. She felt that these would still prove useful for his fighting style. 'After this, he will undoubtedly look the part of royalty. Now, there's only one question remaining. How to get him to accept becoming a member of my family.'