"One month? That fast?" Rhett asked in surprise, as this speed far exceeded his expectations.
"Uh... that's only considering your help in shaping the underground structure. Otherwise, constructing the underground pipeline might take four or five months," one of the alchemists said with an embarrassed expression.
"I see..." Rhett nodded, then smiled, "No rush. In the next few months, we won't need to worry about the city's population being too large for the current infrastructure. The underground pipelines won't be of much use right now. I can assist with building the underground structure, but I suggest you don't rush to construct the pipeline. Leave a small group to work on it slowly—meanwhile, the rest can help build the main cities across the kingdom. Wouldn't that be more efficient?"
"That makes sense. We are at your disposal. Over the next year, you can assign us to build anywhere you wish," the alchemist from the Gillon Royal Family replied. Given their status, it was rare for them to take part in construction projects.
In fact, involving them in such work was almost overkill—even in Gillon Kingdom, they were only called upon for occasional repairs to key parts of the royal city.
However, this time, their participation in building Green Kingdom carried great significance, strengthening the relationship between the two nations.
Rhett nodded slightly. "Thank you for your hard work. For the upcoming constructions, I won't be personally overseeing everything. Riley has already planned the major cities, so he will supervise the ongoing projects."
As he spoke, Rhett gestured toward Riley.
Riley, dressed in a blue overcoat, noticed the alchemists' gazes and nodded warmly. "I look forward to working with you all."
"You're too kind. Prince Riley has always been known for his wisdom. I'm sure the construction will go smoothly under your guidance," one alchemist complimented before hesitating slightly. "But for the cities we are to build, does His Majesty have specific plans in mind? It would be convenient if we had blueprints similar to the ones used for the royal city."
"Of course, my father has already considered that. He handed me the blueprints ahead of time—each one corresponds to a specific city," Riley replied with a smile as he pulled out a small stack of papers from his coat. Each blueprint was different in design, carefully detailing the layout of various cities.
The alchemists' eyes lit up as they eagerly took the blueprints and passed them around to examine.
"Though these city blueprints aren't as grand or imposing as the royal city's, they each have a unique charm. Take this one for Dalian City in the northern region of Green Kingdom—its light and dark blue color schemes and the incorporation of frost-element alchemical materials perfectly suit its icy backdrop. Once built, it'll make for an ideal summer retreat."
"And this one for Gianna City in the southwest is quite impressive. Unlike Gillon Kingdom, the western region here isn't blocked by mountains, allowing moisture from the west to pass through freely, making it quite humid and rainy. This city has taken that into account with underground pipelines and specialized alchemical devices to prevent flooding and create an efficient water circulation system. Brilliant! This city even has several rivers running through it, giving it a refined, elegant feel despite its large size. Living here would be incredibly pleasant."
"..."
As the alchemists discussed the blueprints, Rhett's daughters-in-law and his steward, unaware of the truth, looked at him in awe, believing all the credit belonged to him.
Rhett, the messenger of these designs, blushed slightly at the praise but maintained a calm and composed demeanor, acting as if it was all routine, even as the flattery continued.
—Only his three sons, who knew the truth, exchanged bemused glances, finding the whole situation rather amusing.
They cast sidelong glances at their father, who, despite his thick skin, finally couldn't help but clear his throat and wave dismissively. "Alright, enough flattery. If you can successfully build these cities, your names will be engraved on the monument of the Green Kingdom for all eternity!"
Hearing this, a spark of excitement ignited in the alchemists' eyes. For people of their stature, ordinary wealth and resources were no longer significant.
What truly enticed them was the prospect of eternal recognition—having their names spoken of by countless generations as the creators of these magnificent cities.
"Leave it to me! Dalian City is exactly what I've always dreamed of building. I must be a part of it!"
"I'll take Sigian City, with its desert charm! It's on Green Kingdom's southeastern border, close to the southwestern edge of Gillon Kingdom. It'll surely become a key trade route between our two countries, making me the perfect candidate to build it!"
"And I want Gianna City. I love this water city..."
In no time, the alchemists were eagerly competing with each other, their faces flushed with enthusiasm, each wanting to claim a city for themselves.
Rhett and his companions looked at each other in surprise. They hadn't anticipated such a fervent reaction.
A few minutes later, with no sign of the debate settling down, Rhett cleared his throat and waved his hand to get their attention.
"Everyone, quiet down for a moment."
At the king's command, the alchemists fell silent, all eyes turning to Rhett, waiting for further instructions.
Rhett continued, "Since you're all so passionate about building these cities, I propose a rotation system. Each of you will spend a few days working on the pipeline construction. That way, you'll still have plenty of time to participate in the building of the main cities. How does that sound?"
Although phrased as a question, his tone was definitive.
The alchemists exchanged glances and nodded in agreement, clearly having waited for such a proposal.
"King Rhett, your wisdom shines through. We'll follow your arrangement," one alchemist said, leading the others in expressing their support.
Satisfied, Rhett smiled and gave a few more instructions before leading his family and steward into the royal city for a tour.
Even the alchemical builders followed along, eager to experience the grandeur of the city they had helped create.
This royal city, a blend of Eastern, Western, and native elements, was a testament to Rhett's vision, shaped by the advice and experience of Manu. It did not conform to any singular architectural style.
As they entered the gates, they were greeted by a straight, golden street. The smooth, seamless surface had no visible gaps between the bricks, and beneath it were transparent, bubble-like particles that added a touch of beauty without reflecting the sunlight harshly, ensuring the road wouldn't blind passersby.
The city was arranged in a nine-square grid pattern.
At the center of this layout was an area significantly larger than the others, where the royal palace stood. This central grid represented the inner city, which, in Rhett's vision, would be home to elite individuals and powerful extraordinary beings.
The outer city, on the other hand, would be far more diverse and dynamic, welcoming all kinds of people to add color and vibrancy to the capital.
The group wandered through various parts of the city, marveling at its design.
For Rhett and those who had accompanied him, the experience was deeply personal. In other kingdoms, they might not have felt the same, but this was Hatchling City—the birthplace of a dream.
Not only did some of the streets retain names from Hatchling Town and Darkhawk City, but certain areas, like the plazas and scenic spots, also held a familiar charm.
After exploring the outer city, they moved on to the inner city before finally arriving at the palace.
The palace's name was simple—Green Royal Palace. Its outer walls were made of light green crystalline structures, shimmering like an illusion, making it appear as though the entire palace floated in a dreamlike ocean.
However, the interior of the palace was not yet fully decorated. Though it boasted towering castles and grand halls, there were no gardens or greenery to soften the stark, lifeless atmosphere. The lack of furnishings and décor gave it a strange, empty feeling—as if it were a brand-new but uninhabited ghost town.
Even Svetla noticed the oddness and commented, "It looks like we need to bring over the staff from Green Manor as soon as possible. We need to liven this place up and transform it into a true dream palace."
Rhett took in the scene and felt a surge of determination. "Let's go and take a look at our throne room."
The other alchemists, having seen enough, excused themselves to rest in nearby castles.
Rhett, with no reason to refuse, made brief arrangements before heading to the palace with his family and Svetla.
The palace was not opulent, but it was grand. The floor was paved with smooth, jade-like stones, and a red carpet ran down the center. On either side stood golden columns that stretched up to the ceiling.
At the end of the red carpet was a glass-like staircase leading up to a throne—a seven-colored throne.
This throne was not the dragon throne of an Eastern emperor. Rather, it symbolized the supreme concentration of power—much like the thrones of many Western kings and gods from novels, games, and legends.
Rhett was no exception.
With a serious expression, he suppressed his excitement and climbed the stairs, step by step. Under the watchful eyes of his family, he reached the throne and sat down.
In an instant, the entire throne emitted a faint glow, as if countless feathers were dancing in the air. The seven-colored light made Rhett appear like a god-king from a dream.
"Wow, Father, you look so cool!" Tucker cheered.
"You're the most stylish king in history!" Tyler added, his eyes wide with admiration.
Rhett sat on the throne for a moment, a smile tugging at his lips, clearly pleased.
The palace had nine floors, taller than any other royal palace in the land.
Rhett's reasoning was simple—his descendants and family would eventually grow, so it was best to prepare for the future.
After touring the entire palace, Rhett stood alone on the top-floor terrace, gazing out over the landscape.
His family and Svetla had scattered throughout the palace, exploring its various corners.
As the wind caressed Rhett's face, his hair fluttered freely. He stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the horizon, looking like a solemn statue from a distance.
Time seemed to stop.
After about half an hour, a faint ripple of emotion crossed Rhett's face, like a pebble thrown into a still lake. In a soft voice, carried by the wind, he spoke:
"Why aren't you accompanying your wives for a walk through the palace?"
A voice responded from behind him, "Father, we heard that we could see Mother there?"
Rhett turned to find Tucker, Riley, and Tyler standing in a row, their faces serious.
He raised an eyebrow. "So Tyler told you? Very well, it's true."
At his words, Tucker and Riley's expressions grew even more excited. Riley took a deep breath and asked, "When can we…?"
Rhett shook his head. "Soon. Since you're all so eager, and everyone's here, let's first fulfill another promise I made."
"You mean the simulation from ten thousand years ago?" Riley asked, recalling the conversation between his father and Manu during their last visit to the simulation space.
"Yes, it's been a long time coming. It's time to honor that promise," Rhett nodded.
"Alright, we'll follow your lead and witness the world of ten thousand years ago!" Tucker said solemnly.
"Afterward, we'll get to see Mother?" Tyler asked cautiously.
Rhett glanced at Tyler and nodded silently. He then stepped forward and extended his hand.
Having done this before, his three sons knew what to do and, with perfect coordination, placed their hands on his. They all closed their eyes.
The next moment, the world spun, and everything went dark. When they opened their eyes, they found themselves once again in the swirling, multicolored void.
"Greetings, members of the Green family."
A familiar voice greeted them as a beam of light darted through the air, taking on the form of Manu.
"Welcome, mighty master and his family—honored guests!" Ming, with his sharp voice, fluttered in the air behind Manu, brimming with excitement.
"Manu, no need for pleasantries. I just have one question—are you ready?" Rhett asked with a smile as soon as they arrived.
Manu, ever perceptive, knew exactly what Rhett was referring to. His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he spread his arms wide. "I've been waiting for this moment!"
Rhett gave a silent nod and issued a command to the system:
Generate the simulated world!
[Please select the start time for the simulation.]
"Ten thousand years ago!"
[Please select the participants.]
"Rhett, Tucker, Riley, Tyler!"
[Each simulated day costs 1 Fate Point. Would you like to begin?]
"Yes!"
As the selections were made, the multicolored light around them began to twist and shift, swirling rapidly as countless worlds were created and destroyed in the blink of an eye.
...