Smash’s skin had already transitioned from a combination of rock and hide to solid stone, and now there were also large spikes around his body. Lucas also noticed that Smash’s hands and belly had nearly tripled in size. The giant Grobendiss was evolving right in front of Lucas’s eyes, and Lucas was left to watch as the monster continued to grow new features.

“Hey, you two,” Lucas called out to Rowland and Dennings. “Will you stop that for one minute?”

“What?” Rowland was the first to break the embrace and look over at Lucas. “What is it you want? Can’t you see we’re celebrating? Can you come back in a few days when we’re done?”

He can’t be serious. But when Lucas saw the guards’ expressions, he knew that Rowland was serious.

“No, I can’t. We have to talk now,” Lucas insisted. When he did, Dennings grabbed Rowland’s hand and ripped the ring of nobility off of it.

“Honey, I’m done. You have to pick: either me or this stupid castle and your stupid title. I don’t need this place or anything that goes with it. I just need you, so will you just give it all up and come with me to the mainland? The capital of the Imperium is so nice at this time of the year, and Mother and Father will be thrilled to see us,” Dennings said.

“But, my . . . my duty . . .” Rowland tried to protest for a second, only to get a stern look from Dennings. “And what will I do for income?”

“Dear,” Dennings sighed, “we’ll figure that out when we get there. We’re not cut out for this violence and mayhem. These subhuman fiends are just so barbaric, always fighting and complaining, and wanting things, and if you give them anything, they still come back for more.”

“Ugh! You’re right. They’re just so ungrateful. We came all the way from the capital to make their lives better, and this is how they treat us! Signing up to kill us for a few pieces of copper from that filthy maid-banging philistine? So short-sighted! We’d have made this a utopia. They don’t deserve our love.” Rowland took the ring from Dennings’ hand and threw it at Lucas as well. “Here, take this, and—” He suddenly paused, disappearing in the middle of the conversation in the direction of the throne room.

“Uhh . . .” Lucas wasn’t sure what to say as silence descended upon the group.

“Just wait. He’ll be right back,” Dennings said. “I know he sounds ungrateful, but he’s really not. We can’t thank you enough. Every second extra I have to live with him is a treasure, so we’re both very appreciative.”

“You’re welcome,” Lucas said. “I know the feeling of wanting more time.”

“It really is precious,” Dennings said, staring off in the direction Rowland had gone.