26. The Preparations Begin

With the promise of Emperor Tyron, purchasing the territory became a simple matter. Within two days, Vivian brought Mo Fei to the royal palace, and together they bought the Misty Mountains.

“Kane, now that I’ve bought the Misty Forest, it’ll still take a lot of time to develop it, and we’ll need a great many hands to help with construction. It seems we’ll have to pay a visit to the Dwarven tribe,” Mo Fei said to Kane, looking at the deed to the territory in his hand.

Vivian, standing by, looked at Mo Fei with eager anticipation upon hearing he was going to the Dwarven tribe. Despite being a princess, Vivian had always loved adventure since she was a child; otherwise, she would never have formed a mercenary team with Klo and the others.

“Mo Fei, could you take me with you to the Dwarven tribe?” Vivian pleaded, shaking Mo Fei’s hand coquettishly.

In front of Mo Fei, she was nothing like the dignified young woman he had first met—now she was simply a playful girl.

“All right, all right, I’ll bring you with me,” Mo Fei replied, unable to resist Vivian’s gentle entreaties, thoroughly enjoying the feeling of his first romance.

The next day, Vivian refused Klo and the others’ request to accompany them, setting off with only Mo Fei and Kane on their journey to the Dwarven tribe. She simply wanted to savor more time alone with Mo Fei—Kane was already a third wheel, and she didn’t want even more.

Noticing that Mona was missing from the farewell crowd, Mo Fei quietly sighed. No doubt she was still unhappy about him and Vivian. There was little he could do about it.

Since there was no rush to reach the Dwarven tribe, and Vivian wanted more time with Mo Fei, they chose to travel by carriage rather than riding their Windchaser Beasts, allowing them to enjoy the scenery along the way.

Kane took charge of driving the carriage. Inside, Mo Fei held Vivian gently, marveling at the strange twists of fate. Never would he have imagined, upon arriving in this world, that he would fall for a woman from another continent—let alone a princess. Vivian nestled in his arms, her expression radiant with happiness.

After ten days of leisurely travel, the three finally arrived at the Dwarven tribe.

As Kane drove their carriage to the great gates of the Dwarven settlement, the guards immediately recognized him and led them inside, hurrying to inform Elder Orff.

Thanks to Mo Fei’s medicine, the cough that had plagued the Dwarven miners was completely cured, and the Dwarves held him as a great benefactor to their people.

That evening, the exuberant Dwarves hosted a lavish welcome banquet for Mo Fei and his companions. During the feast, Mo Fei stated his purpose to Elder Orff.

“Elder Orff, I’ve purchased the Misty Mountains near Stormwind City and want to build a territory of my own. I’ll relocate all of Kane’s people to live there. But building a city that can house tens of thousands is a monumental task, and the Dwarves are the greatest builders on the continent. I’d like to ask you to oversee the construction! Of course, I’ll pay you for your work.”

Elder Orff listened in silence, lost in thought.

“Is there a problem, Elder?” Mo Fei asked, concerned by Orff’s quietness. “If it’s too much to ask, I’ll think of another way. After all, it’s a massive undertaking and would demand much of your people, likely disrupting your lives.”

“You misunderstand, Lord Mo Fei. You have done a great service to our people, and we will do all we can to help you build your city. I was simply thinking, since you mentioned moving the Tauren tribe to the city once it’s built, of something else. Lord Mo Fei, our Dwarven tribe will build your city for free, if you can grant us one request,” Elder Orff said, looking earnestly at Mo Fei.

“Elder, you may speak freely. If I can help, I will. But how could I let you build the city for free?”

“With the size of the Misty Mountains, you could easily build a city to house hundreds of thousands. We only ask that, when the city is complete, you allow our Dwarven tribe to move in and live there as well,” Elder Orff said hopefully.

Though the Dwarves were better off than the Tauren, their tribe still faced many challenges.

“That’s all you ask? Of course, that’s no problem! I want this city to be a place of my own, where I can do as I please and help Kane’s people. There’s no way I could fill such a vast place with only myself and the Tauren—I’d love for the city to be lively!” Mo Fei immediately agreed.

“To build the city swiftly, we’ll need a great many hands. The Dwarves alone won’t be enough. Kane, tomorrow you should return to your tribe and bring all your people here. In the meantime, we’ll focus on building housing for the Tauren. Once everyone’s arrived, we’ll start on the main structures,” Mo Fei outlined his plan.

“That won’t do—the Misty Mountains are full of beasts, and young master needs protection! You can send someone to the Tauren tribe to inform them,” Kane replied to Elder Orff.

“Very well, but how will your people know to trust us?” Elder Orff asked.

“I’ll give you my token. My people will recognize it.” With that, Kane took a necklace from his neck and handed it over.

The next day, Elder Orff sent several clansmen to the Tauren settlement, while he himself led the able-bodied Dwarves, along with Mo Fei and the others, to the Misty Mountains.

“Lord Mo Fei, we’ve surveyed the area around the Misty Mountains. It’s an excellent site for a city. The surrounding peaks provide a natural barrier, and we can build the walls against the mountains to save time. Materials can be sourced locally, cutting costs,” Elder Orff reported, already calculating carefully, since he too would one day live here.

“Elder Orff, you’re the expert on construction—do as you see fit. Just let me know what you need,” Mo Fei replied, listening with Vivian as Elder Orff explained his plans.

Soon, Elder Orff had his Dwarven craftsmen set about transforming the Misty Mountains. Trees fell in swathes to provide building materials, and vast tracts were cleared and leveled for construction.

Though building houses wasn’t their forte, Mo Fei, Vivian, and Kane couldn’t just watch idly. So, they took charge of clearing out the magical beasts in the area—providing the workers with food as well. The Misty Mountains didn’t harbor many powerful monsters; the mirage beast they had encountered before was a rare exception. Mo Fei had no intention of turning the entire range into a city—just the area they would use in the coming days.

True to their reputation as master builders, the Dwarves had, by nightfall, constructed a swath of wooden houses, enough to accommodate the Dwarven craftsmen, Mo Fei, and his companions, sparing them the hardship of traveling back and forth.

That evening, everyone feasted on roasted beast and homemade ale. When sated, all but a few sentries retired to their rooms for rest.

When Mo Fei and Vivian arrived at the quarters Elder Orff had arranged, Mo Fei realized why Kane, who usually stayed close by, had left with the other Dwarves.

Though the Dwarves worked quickly, a half day was not enough to build private rooms for everyone. Except for the sentries, all the others were crammed together, several to a room. Yet Elder Orff had “thoughtfully” reserved a room just for Mo Fei and Vivian.

On the only bed in the room, fresh straw and furs had been laid. Vivian’s cheeks flushed bright red. Though she and Mo Fei were now a couple, it was hardly time to share a bed!

“Er… perhaps you should sleep here, and I’ll squeeze in with the others?” Mo Fei suggested awkwardly.

“No need—they’re already packed in. Besides, I’d be scared sleeping here alone,” Vivian replied, her voice growing softer, her head nearly buried in her chest from embarrassment.

“All right, then. You take the bed, and I’ll manage on the floor for a night,” Mo Fei said, watching her shy expression.

“Hmph, then sleep on the floor if you like!” Vivian said, clambering onto the bed and turning her back to him, ignoring him henceforth.

“Stupid Mo Fei, blockhead Mo Fei, so dense! Must I spell everything out for him?” she fumed inwardly.

Mo Fei couldn’t help but laugh at her antics. Though inexperienced, he had been teased enough to recognize such obvious hints.

He crept quietly to the bedside, gently lay down beside Vivian, and drew her into his arms.

Vivian, still nursing her indignation, felt Mo Fei’s approach. As he held her, she turned, ready to scold him, but as soon as she opened her mouth, his lips met hers, silencing her. Vivian felt all her strength melt away, and, unable to resist, returned his embrace, soon losing herself in the passion of his kiss.