The morning sun filtered through the windows. Despite being absorbed in the preparations for the marriages, César had not stopped being diligent; he had taken the time to investigate and get to know the new member of the clan.
César smiled to himself as he thought about her. At first, his plan had been to use the same method he applied to most of his women to prevent betrayal. However, after speaking with her and receiving reports from Shasa, he discovered something that made him change his mind and reserve his brainwashing ability for another occasion.
As he stepped out of his residence, César admired what he had managed to build in just two months in this world. He couldn't help but drift into his thoughts, recalling the path he had taken: from defeating his goblin father and establishing the village, to subjugating the murlocs, purging the pigmen who worshiped the evil god, and absorbing the adaros and minotaurs to completely reshape his domain.
Almost without noticing, he arrived at Brizna's room. The gnome was sleeping on the floor, curled into a ball, mumbling in her sleep about how hard the stone was. César crouched down and gently touched her shoulder.
"Brizna... wake up, my beautiful artisan."
The gnome opened one eye, rubbing it lazily.
"Ugh... Goblin Chief. What is it? Why are you waking me up so early?"
"Don't be lazy, it's time to get up," César replied, amused. "The sun has been up for a while."
Brizna pouted but got up without much complaint. César caught her off guard, lifting her and placing her on his lap as he whispered:
"So, what about the proposal I mentioned last night?"
"This... I... I don't know..." she stammered, recalling their previous conversation.
"Brizna, I already told you the Great Bird showed me our future," César continued, his hands running along her body. She tensed, but did not resist. "It showed me that your talent and my vision are meant to unite. Our union will be sacred."
"Umh..." was all Brizna managed to say, trying to steady herself.
"You will have the best food and a warm home. Everything you ask for will be yours... and you will have sisters who support each other," César added, pausing briefly. "Of course, even if you refuse to become my woman, that won't change our agreement. Your people are already part of my clan; as long as they work and contribute, they will always be rewarded."
Brizna didn't hesitate any longer. The promise of a life of comfort was too much for her simple mind.
"I accept!" she exclaimed, hugging César with a strength that nearly crushed his ribs. "I'll be your wife!"
'That was easier than I thought,' César reflected with satisfaction. For a brief moment, he felt a faint pang of guilt, as if he were deceiving a child, but he quickly dismissed it. This gnome was actually older than him, who had only been alive for a few months.
'In reality, I'm the youngest here,' he thought with a hint of humor.
The next day...
César walked as he observed the forges that the strong minotaurs had moved from the former gnome settlement. The heat was intense, but the sound of fifty runic hammers striking in unison was music to his ears.
In the distance, he spotted Brizna. Now that she had moved into his residence and met her new "sisters," she radiated energy, directing the gnomes enthusiastically in the new working area.
"Brizna!" César called.
"Husband!" she replied, jumping toward him, her face smeared with soot but her smile bright. "Look, we've already set up the furnaces!"
César observed with interest. He had expected technology for mana weapons, but quickly realized he had overestimated their current level. They were excellent craftsmen of conventional weapons, but still far from the level of dwarves.
"If we had mana weapons, everything would be easier..." he muttered.
"Darling, I don't know how to make those magical weapons," Brizna said, hugging him and thumping her chest with confidence. "But I'm sure that once I reach that level of mana, I'll be able to do it!"
César stroked his chin. He knew it wasn't their fault; in this continent, the mana system was crude and primitive. According to his conversations with Gorn, most races couldn't open their mana veins —with exceptions like dark elves and lycanthropes— and instead relied on consuming energy-rich food to strengthen their bodies from the inside out: first muscles, then eventually the skin.
César shook his head and watched the gnomes forge the first swords for his soldiers.
A flame of ambition burned in his eyes.
He smiled slowly as he wrapped his arm firmly around Brizna's waist.