Rick was given a large room in the biggest building in the Hessel Clan to rest for a few hours.

  In the meantime, the rest of the Clan was in full swing.

  Chiefess Hugala had brought back many instructions for the members of her Clan. Most of them centered around the house that was already in the process of being constructed.

  Of course, nothing was actually being built yet, but hundreds—soon to be thousands—of Goblins were on the move.

  Materials were being gathered, blueprints were being drawn, and all other manner of plans were being worked.

  This included the Hessel Clan.

  The best weavers of the 14 Goblin Clans.

  It would be their responsibility to create the tapestries that would soon adorn the walls, ceilings, floors, and halls of Rick’s house.

  They have quite literally not received a greater order in their entire lives.

  So it was no surprise that all members of the Clan were moving with more vigor than Chiefess Hugala had ever seen.

  Of course, she was included in this too, and after a few hours of Rick resting, she went and got him and now lessons could begin in earnest.

  Well, they would begin in earnest.

  Rick was currently standing in a room with his feet shoulder-width apart and his arms held out to the side as three TinkGoblins carefully took note of all his measurements.

  Chiefess Hugala was watching the process intently.

  “I’m assuming you guys are taking my measurements to make me armor?”

  “That is correct, My King. And it is not just armor. Other garments will be made as well.”

  Rick frowned for a moment.

  “Is something wrong, My King?”

  “No, your efforts are appreciate—ow!”

  “Remember what we talked about, My King.”

  “…I remember. Then nothing is wrong per se. But my current armor set means a lot to me. It was created by a TinkGoblin by the name of Wala, and she dedicated a lot of time and effort into its creation.

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  “A Goblin that is... likely no longer among us.”

  “I understand, My King. Do not worry. Every effort will be made to not only preserve your current set but to improve on it as well. Wala’s efforts will not be forgotten, My King.”

  “I remember what you said, Chiefess Hugala… but thank you. This means a lot to me. A whole lot.”

  Chiefess Hugala’s stick didn’t move even an inch as she felt the sincerity in Rick’s voice. Part of her would’ve still preferred if Rick didn’t thank her for this, but spitting in the face of a King’s sincerity in this moment is a bigger crime in her heart.

  So she received it with grace.

  She and even the other three TinkGoblins in the room all knelt right then and there as Chiefess Hugala spoke.

  There was a small part of Rick that wanted to rush to tell them all to stand up and that they didn’t have to kneel.

  But not even he was so dense as to not realize that this is one moment where he definitely shouldn’t do that.

  “Good. You may stand.”

  The Goblins stood, and measurements continued to be taken.

  “That was good, My King. I was worried you would’ve rushed to make us stand. It seems I was worried for nothing.”

  Rick smiled awkwardly at that.

  It took roughly another hour for the measurers to finish their work, as they were extremely thorough and double-checked every single measurement they made due to the importance of it all.

  And as they left, Rick asked a question that’s been on his mind for a while now.

  “Chiefess Hugala.”

  “Yes, My King.”

  “Have you ever served another King?”

  “No, My King, I have not.”

  “Then, how do you and even the other Clans know how a King should be treated, and likewise how that King should act?”

  “Ah, that is a great question, My King. The answer is simple. You are not the first King or even Queen of Goblins. There have been at least ten others according to our records, My King.

  “And while we have lost a lot of things to time, the way in which we treat our Royalty and our Leaders wasn’t one of them.

  “Even Goblins that weren’t raised in the Clans would instinctively know to show you deference even if they didn’t understand what you were exactly, much less us who know who you are and also possess records of the past, My King.”

  Needless to say, Rick was shocked.

  How couldn’t he be?

  Of course, it was logical to assume that other Kings or Queens existed, but to hear it—and to understand where their knowledge of Kingship comes from—was shocking in a way for Rick.

  “I can see you are a bit surprised at this information, My King.”

  “Honestly, just a bit. It would’ve been nice to be able to talk to one of them. To learn from their experiences and decisions. To understand why they did what they did, and how I could improve on it. Or just to talk to someone who once stood where I stood.”

  “I understand, My King. Then let us ensure your successors will have you there to guide them as they accept the mantle of being our Monarch.

  “Though with that being said, I do think this is a good time to go over a bit of the history of the 14 Goblin Clans of Mir, My King.

  “There is much to learn from understanding our past, and I’m positive it will help you in your lessons to come.”

  “Wait a second, my successors?”

  “Yes, of course, My King. It is expected at some point you will pass the throne down to one of your children.”

  “Wait, slow down there Chiefess Hugala. Children???”

  “Yes, My King. It is one of your responsibilities as King to father a new line of Royals. It is very important to us Goblins that a proper Royal Family be established. It will be best for you to find another Royal to start this family, but that might be highly unlikely at this point— but we will discuss that at a later date.

  “For now, let us get into the history of the 14 Goblin Clans and how we came to be.”