Madam Shin grabbed Rae by the hands as soon as they were in. "Did you really get it done that fast? You didn't cut corners, did you? I want this to be the most memorable present he will ever get. It's our twentieth wedding anniversary."
She made a motion, and the maid brought in the body double from a side room. The big demon sighed in resignation as he realized that he was to serve as a mannequin again.
Rae took out the armour and set it on the table, then began her prepared speech.
"As you know, the base layer is quilted Monarch Rank Bloodbath Spider Silk, Then over that, we have created a thematic scene, where the panels of the armour depict the battle against the undead horde. We thought it might be the most memorable event of the year that would relate to armour. If you look here, we have recreated the Governor's battle against the Captain over the ocean on the chest panel.
Down the legs, we have the defence of the Sprawl, finishing on the shins with the reconstruction efforts and the new market towers.
The right arm is a detailed battle scene featuring the Governor, while the left arm features the pair of you visiting the city in the aftermath.
The back panel of the armour is the defence at the central docks, and that should cover the outward theme. As for the actual enhancement, we have started with a base of natural regrowth, so the wooden panels will repair themselves, along with extreme durability at the Monarch Rank.
Added to that, we have the user buffs. First, we have enhancements to comprehensive attack damage. We also have a significant boost to the user's strength, but those aren't the primary benefits.
As this is armour, we designed it for survivability. This set of armour has had a [Trollish Regeneration] buff permanently added to it, which will activate whenever it is worn.
And finally, for a bit of over the top flamboyant capability, the armour has a truly prodigious amount of mana storage and an Earth Shield barrier ability added for emergency defence.
Rae fit the armour on the body double as she worked, showing off his ancient and dignified fashion.
"That is beautiful. What did you do to make the runes glow like that?" Madam Shin asked.
"It's a side effect of the process. Unless we attempt to hide them, they will naturally glow red at Monarch Rank. So, he will be flashy wherever he goes. If you look closely, runes have been deliberately carved into the windows of the houses, so it looks like the windows are lit from the inside. The panels are also carved around the edges for decorative effect.
If we turn the lights down, you will get the full visual effect, but even in bright light, it is still magnificent, if I may shamelessly praise my own design." Rae explained.
All of the servants were staring at the body double in awe, and a tear slowly slid down Madam Shin's face.
"You really did it. It's magnificent. I can even tell which panels feature me and my husband together, you got the faces that well detailed.
I didn't know that this level of artistry was possible, even without the enchantments. I know that it's decorative, but this is a mighty set of battle armour in its own right, and I think that he will even wear it to public engagements.
In fact, I want him to wear it to our engagement party next week. Someone go fetch my husband so he can bond this armour and show it off for me." She demanded.
A maid ran out and came back a minute later with a very concerned looking City Governor, as well as two people who appeared to be his personal assistants.
The armour was laid out on the table again, and he skidded to a stop as he noticed it.
"This... how? Where did this come from?" He stammered.
"Happy anniversary darling. I had it made for you by the Darklight Host. Now, bond the item and put it on, I need to make sure it looks right on you." She demanded.
The Governor reverently ran his fingers over the carvings, staring at the battle scenes. Then he focused for a moment and the item vanished before appearing on his body.
[It worked. She gave it to him early, and it bonded.] Rae informed Karl happily.
People were so happy with her art that they were crying. The last time that happened was when she made that Ettin statue for the battlefield outside the Capital.
The Governor activated the buffs, and his power level surged, while the lines of weariness vanished from his face.
Then he raised a hand and activated an Earth Shield in front of him for a second.
"That is beautiful. I can use the shield at my own Rank, and there is enough mana storage to take multiple hits. Ellasbeth, my beloved. This is too much. How am I supposed to compete with a priceless treasure?" The Governor whispered, while his wife beamed in pride.
"Everything has a price. Not a cheap one, as this one is a culmination of two decades of affection. I am glad that you like it, darling. As lovely as it is, one day when we retire, we can pass it down to our oldest warrior." Madam Shin replied, before being pulled into a tearful hug.
Loros was caught up in the emotions, while Rae admired the way that the runes worked with her carvings as the armour moved.
Nobody else had noticed yet, but she had designed the overlapping panels of the layered shoulder pads to look like the warriors on different layers were fighting each other when the arms were moved.
Rae bowed to the Governor and his family as they finished celebrating the gift. "Now, I should return to my duties. Happy anniversary, Madam and Governor. The Darklight Host appreciates your business."
Then she grabbed Loros and vanished from the Castle with [Shadow Step].