The Goblin Nation

The lovely spring weather made the day more pleasant for tea. Mari probed Shuja about her time amongst the women in Maston and how Isla was doing. Isla maintained her position as the most venerated elder in the tribe. Everyone respected her, more so than Shuja.

The tribe's relationship with Shuja was different compared to Isla. They still respected her, but their respect was nowhere near as formal as is with Isla's. Shuja was seen by most like their older sister. Always nagging, but never harsh, and she was a goblin anyone can depend on. Meanwhile, Isla was the mother, loving and caring, but not to be a mess with when angry.

Shuja was slightly embarrassed when sharing her stories. It took Shuja several weeks before getting used to the role as Chief. And even more time when dealing with the children. Sun love listening to her story, however, so she kept going.

Her time with the Maston truly brought out a new Shuja. Once harsh, she was now more empathetic. Maybe this was due to Isla and the need to differentiate herself from the previous head? But Sun believed that Shuja was always soft in the heart and that she was just hiding it away because she was scared to show weakness. Especially in her former home tribe.

While they were talking, White and Root appeared from behind Sun with their report. White and Root looked exactly the same, red skin and leaned built. And they had glossy black hair tied in a ponytail. It was hard to distinguish them apart, but their behavior made it possible.

Root, despite his numerous achievements, still had a habit of rubbing his thumb and index finger together while talking to others besides his sister. Root gave his draft of the current map of the city. He found it much easier to draw the map of the city in comparison to the underground system because he didn't have to worry about elevation as much.

White gave his papers next. He always had a smile on his face whenever he talks to someone. A habit that Sun only noticed after his transformation. White's report was the final report for the census. Before the siege, the city population numbered nearly 1,700 goblins. After the battle, the enemy suffered 550 casualties and 250 dead. The five tribes now had an average population of 200 each. Then there were the remaining 280 former slaves forced to live underground, making King's firearms. Then there was the introduction of the Lev and Razin tribe in the city, which replaced the dead and even added 250 goblins more. When added together, Everflow City had a population of 1,530 goblins, excluding Sun and his court members.

Speaking of his court, Pagasa wrote a list of positions that must be filled before the arrival of the Lev and Razin tribes. Flute and Violin were in charge of the castle ground as the Chief Maids, with their caretakers assuming the job as the castle's maids and gardeners. The Knight of Arms was given to Sun's five lieutenants. Knights were special ranking soldiers, much like special operatives from Sun's former world, and both fought with and part from the common foot soldiers.

Sun hesitant to assign knights to his army, but he could combine the knights with his modernized army. Finally, the Court Wizard was given to Pagasa. The most obvious position. The other court official was more challenging to fill.

Court Marshal was given to Stick. His planning and combat experience made him the best candidate among his brothers. Smoke was the second-best choice for Court Marshal, but he was the number one pick for the Court Physician. Chamberlain was given to Horder. His love for hoarding gold and other trinkets was problematic before, but Pagasa saw usefulness in his greed. He was now in charge of the castle's treasury and castle management. Horder's d.e.s.i.r.e to save up money is an important trait for a Chamberlain, but it can also lead to corruption, so Pagasa will keep a close eye on Horder's movements.

His sister, Gever, received the title of Stewardess. After the battle, Gever grew more assertive when talking to her brother. She was the lance that kept Horder's flawed nature at bay. The Steward position was in charge of domestic affairs outside the castle. Her kind and generous personalities are great when it comes to domestic affairs and politics, but it's also detrimental. The coffer's gold is limited and the resource found beneath and above the earth finite. And gold not given to the King and his courtiers can be stolen by those that d.e.s.i.r.e it.

Horder's greed and Gever's generosity should balance the two roles. Still, Pagasa will keep watch of the brother and sister. Making sure that their dynamic relationship continues in a positive direction. And finally, the City Architect, in charge of designing and maintaining the capital city, Everflow City. This title was given to Root and Mist.

There were still other positions left open. Lady-in-waiting was left for Sun's mother to decide. The Lady-in-waiting will be Mari's personal assistant. And then, there was the King's wife, the Queen.

Sun sat back on the table and dismissed Root and White. He kept the report inside two separate folders and put them away. Mari and Shuja finally finished talking. "So what about you, Sun?" Shuja raised her cup, "Tell us a little about your training with Pagasa. I heard he had you run across a field while he tried to shoot you with explosive arrows. Rock told me you almost blew up!"

Mari spat out her tea, "He did what? You never told me this!"

Sun held his hands up, "Please, that's not important right now. What's important is that we get you a Lady-in-waiting." A red goblin with curly brown hair entered the garden with a plate of green cakes. She placed them next to Mari. "You!" Sun pointed at her.

"Me?" She pointed at herself.

Mari raised a brow, "Pin?"

"That's Pin?" Shuja asked.

Pin began to twirl her index fingers together. "Yeah, she can be your Lady-in-waiting."

"Sorry, Chief," Pin said, "But I'm Flute's go-to girl. I can't be Ms. Mari's personal assistant."

Mari placed her hand on Pin's shoulder, "Don't worry. I think I have a candidate ready to take this position. May has always been there by my side since you were off in the mountains training with Pagasa. She knows as much as I know her. In fact, I think I know more of her than she thinks." She glances at Shuja, "I'll have her be my personal assistant."

"Perfect!" Sun clapped his hands together. "And there's one more thing I need to do. I need someone to come with me to Scoffing City and Womva Isla."

"Can't you just take your brothers?"

"Well, I can, but Pagasa told me to take someone else." Sun scratched the top of his head. "Shuja, I need you to come with me to the mock exam."

"Oh, you need as your bodyguard?" Shuja smiled, "Didn't think you need a woman to protect you?" She giggled.

"I need you there to be my Queen."

"What?" Mari and Shuja's jaws dropped.

Sun sighed, "To become a ruler of any kind, they have to be with a partner. A life partner." Sun laughed, "Haha, I think it's starting to make sense why that crow mercenary wanted to marry Artio. But yeah, I need someone there to act as the heir to the Queen, and I want you to be that Queen, Shuja."

Shuja looked away, trying to hide her blushing cheeks, "Well, if you need me to go there as your so-called Queen, sure. It's not like I can reject the King's demand.