Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1373 The Four Guardian Cities

"Trouble?"

Straightening his back, Orion eyed Lilith with familiarity. He understood her nature intimately. Delilah might slip into his quarters to mock him or lure him into wicked pursuits, but Lilith had no interest in a midnight flirtation this time.

Her presence signaled serious matters.

"Orion, Kronos and his mother have left Soaring Bird City," Lilith announced, her tone even. "What’s your plan for their impending arrival?"

Orion arched a brow. He examined her expression, sensing the hidden tension in her statement.

"My dear Lilith," he whispered, "do I detect a spark of scheming in your gaze? Or maybe a hint of hesitation?"

Long years of collaboration had built an intuitive bond between them. No explanations were required.

"Princess Ava will stay in the castle, naturally."

Lilith held his stare. A flash of jealousy appeared—a spouse's rightful claim—yet it hid beneath veils of teasing tact. Her choice of the official "Princess Ava" served as a sly poke at the circumstances.

"And the hundred thousand humans following in her wake?" Lilith pressed, getting straight to the core issue. "Shall we allow them to settle in Stoneheart City without end?"

She halted, allowing the suggestion to linger. "That could turn into a chaotic mess of supplies and management."

Orion nodded thoughtfully. Ah, so that explained it. This journey wasn't truly centered on Ava. It revolved around the flood of refugees accompanying her.

Welcoming Ava to the castle was obvious. The true challenge lay with the enormous group of uprooted humans. They hadn't pledged loyalty to the Stoneheart Horde; the leadership viewed them as foreigners. Still, Ava and Kronos's protection rendered them off-limits.

This created a tricky diplomatic bind for Lilith. Scattering them might provoke Kronos and Ava's ire. Permitting them to gather freely could spark rebellion and disorder in the heart of the city.

"You've already devised a fix, right?"

Orion extended his hand, gently placing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, then pressing a kiss to her brow. The act went beyond simple affection; it conveyed quiet gratitude.

"My King," she breathed, pressing closer to his caress. "Your three heirs... they've all reached maturity. Staying in the castle beneath your influence isn't suitable anymore."

Orion's gaze intensified. Now he saw the real purpose.

With Kronos and Ava's coming as the spark, his Succubus Queen was subtly guiding him into discussing inheritance and land allocation. Her timing was impeccable.

"The kids behave as if they're adults," Orion reflected.

He leaned back on his throne, drawing Lilith onto his knee while gazing through the window at the vast spread of Stoneheart City.

To be precise, Caelus, Kronos, and Pallas had all surpassed eighteen. It was high time to launch them from the family stronghold.

"Time slips away like a shadow," Orion sighed, a uncommon wave of wistfulness coloring his words. "You sow the fields one day, and before you know it, the crops are reaped and the seasons fade. Years dissolve into fleeting instants."

Suddenly, it struck him how vast his lineage had grown in this realm.

"What advice do you offer?" he inquired gently.

"Mmm... that's your call to make," Lilith replied softly, nestling her head on his torso. She shut her eyes, relishing the comfort of his hold.

She gave a faint shake of her head. Lilith possessed sharp intellect, and she respected her limits. Only the King of Giants could bestow territories and honors. She would never overstep that domain, nor tolerate others doing so. Her part was to guide; his was to decree.

Orion fixed his eyes on the far-off skyline, where azure heavens floated with lazy clouds. He permitted the quiet to extend, his thoughts tackling the practical details.

At last, he glanced down and kissed her once more.

"We'll construct four outpost cities," Orion proclaimed. "Two guarding Stoneheart City on either side, and two shielding Blackstone City. Our offspring will rule them, creating a protective barrier around our central lands."

He ran his hand along her spine. "In this setup, their domains stay nearby. Should we long for them, we can call them back. Or you might journey to see them whenever the castle feels too restrictive."

His words carried deep honesty.

Ever since claiming the throne and forging the Horde's unity, Orion had become captive to his triumphs. The liberty to roam, a vision from his rebirth, had fallen victim to obligation's demands.

And Lilith had shared his confinement. As he pursued strength and assets, she had been bound to the Horde's bureaucratic machinery, battling endless documents and coordination. He couldn't recall her last casual outing beyond the capital.

"You've shouldered far too heavy a load for ages," he stated.

Lilith grinned, denying it with a shake. Silence sufficed.

"Regarding the humans with Kronos," Orion went on, his voice shifting to authoritative resolve, "they fall under his charge. Assign them to him. Have him guide them to his fresh city's location."

"They'll erect it on their own," Orion declared. "Brick upon brick. That's the sole path to truly owning it."

"If they sweat and strive for it, it'll claim their loyalty. Only through that will they merge with the Stoneheart Horde."

It formed a practical resolution. Kronos gained laborers, and the displaced found direction.

"Naturally," Orion noted, "we're no despots. The affluent may purchase entry into Stoneheart City's ranks. The unwilling to toil can employ stand-ins from various peoples. But those lacking funds or drive... they should depart. Idlers have no place here."

Lilith inclined her head in consent.

"And Pallas?"

"Pallas manages fine on his own," Orion replied with a casual lift of his shoulders. "Send him to the Giant Tribes for his laborers. This is familiar ground for him. Just hoist a banner, and Giants, Succubi, Gnolls, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems will rally to his side."

That was Pallas's edge. He belonged to the land itself.

Lilith voiced her assent with a murmur. She lacked the power to rule, but she could certainly evaluate, and she deemed his strategy impeccable.

"What of Caelus and Elara?" she inquired.

Even Lilith sensed a migraine brewing at their names.

Caelus resembled a specter. Sightings of him in the Stoneheart Horde were scarce. He regarded the capital as a mere inn, appearing only when drained from blade practice in the Valkorath Realm. And his visits never lingered.

Lilith held formal oversight of Caelus, yet she wisely avoided tethering a tempest. His prowess daunted; even Orion granted him autonomy. Her duty was merely to provide a cozy resting place and nourishing food upon his returns.