A new chapter for the kingdom
Vol. 3 - Chapter 11 - A new chapter for the kingdom
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Two days passed after the failed meeting attempt of Katerine, and inside the Administrative Palace and outside of its neighbouring zones, the Black Army soldiers could be seen patrolling the vicinity in a disciplined manner.
The citizens of Sol and the entire Sagletius heard about the event staged by Vlad and walked closer to the Administrative Palace looking around at the people walking accompanied by the Black Army soldiers in a respectful way.
"Sorry guys, the Administrative Palace is off-limits for today. All activity with the public has been halted. The ones wishing to deal with their taxes and admissions, come back tomorrow and the following days." said one officer to the group of people who were gathering to watch who were the ones attending the event.
The officer thought those citizens wanted to deal with their business and taxes, but he was wrong, because a new wave of people arrived, watching from distances the procession of important people to their kingdom.
"We understand the rules, officer. Don't worry, we will not break them." said a woman that was in her late twenties to the officer.
He could only give her an awkward smile, before taking his snail dial calling for more people to attend the gathering crowd.
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Each guest that was invited by Vlad and who played a major role inside the Civil War could be seen arriving at the Administrative Palace, from the Major Officers, such as Bolt who was raised to the rank of General which spread like wildfire from the mouths of the soldiers and reaching the general public.
"Ohh, it is General Bolt! May the Sun Bless you, General!!! Hooray for the victory!"
"Thank you for everything General!" shouted the ladies as Bolt was walking with Flex and his two brothers toward the Administrative Palace, yet stopping to wave at the crowd.
"Hehe, the ladies love you, boss." said Flex in a sarcastic manner, to which Bolt just continued waving at the crowd, causing them to react more passionate into wishing him blessings and confessing their thanks and admiration.
"I can't do anything about it, I am a General now."
Entering the building, what followed next was the arrival of Brogg and Prim who didn't cause as much ruckus, nevertheless, they also received some praises from the crowd. Next in line to arrive at the scene, were the nobles who allied with Vlad, those being Count Rohan, Count Arden, Viscount Brune, Baron Dalt, Baron Belmore, and with the one in front of them, Count Alderhine Grigos who was by himself this time.
"They are the nobles who fought for us! You have our thanks, lords! We will never forget your gesture in helping us fight the traitors!"
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The nobles who passed turned to look at the crowd of people praising them, and out of custom, they waved at them with a dignified expression. Only Grigos remained unfazed, not stopping for any attempts at boosting an ego by basking in the praises of the crowd as the following person to get to the palace was.
"Isn't he the bastard who groped my but in the tavern?"
"It is Faust!"
"Ewww, is the creepy guy, I wonder what use does he have for His Highness to keep him around."
Meanwhile, Faust who heard those comments from the girls dashed moving past the soldiers and arriving at the girls, who got scared when seeing him. Nevertheless, this time Faust had his long blonde hair combed and tied down in a respectful manner while the clothes he was wearing were also appropriate for the occasion.
"Come on my ladies. Do you think of me so low? Oriana, you know it was an accident at that time. You too Parline, how could you view me so low when His Highness looks so favourable at me. Listen, girls, soon I will become big! My name will exit your beautiful lips constantly in the future. Remember this, my beautiful ladies." said Faust with a confident smile which looked quite charming that the girls in the crowd he approached turned a bit shy, giving him double looks.
However, that spellbound lasted until the voice of an old man cracked the image created by Faust, shouting at the young man.
"Get your ass here you little shit. We don't have time for you to mess around with those little girls. The meeting will start in 15 minutes. Sigh, why did I have to sleep in your house when you had such a hard bed."
"Tsk, give me a break annoying old man, it isn't my fault you wanted to see my sketchbook." said Faust in a quiet manner that could only be heard by himself, yet he got fooled on his own.
"Brat I am watching over you so you don't do something stupid! I am an annoying old man? I will show you what it means to be annoying."
"Motherfu.. he heard me? Fuck."
Saying that once again with a quiet voice, as he walked from the group of girls, he could see old Patrick wearing his casual clothes, not trying hard to impress anyone. Looking at his face, Faust could see the old man smile at him in a creepy manner, giving him goosebumps.
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Time passed and more people began appearing, with the mark for the Council Meeting being at 16:00. Along the way, Kavos and Johan made their presence felt, with Kavos receiving a warm welcome from the public, being an indispensable key person to the success of Sol. Afterwards, the leaders of Dawn City appeared too, being led by Felicia who was wearing a purple dress that put her mature body in the spotlight.
For the citizens of Sol, it was the first time seeing the Dawn City leaders, but after listening to the introduction of the soldiers who were relaxing, talking with the public, a new group of people arrived, this time led by Katerine, the noblewoman from Serene City.
The public didn't say anything, they didn't cheer as they did the leaders of Sol, yet still keep a decent welcoming entrance for them, without being booed, understand that their legendary protector, Blood, their Prince would in the future be crowded and rule everyone in the Kaysang Kingdom.
That silence didn't last long because an old man with shoulder-length hair and a full white beard appeared walking by himself toward the Palace, and the citizens were shocked by the manner the soldiers shifted, turning at the old man, and bowing deeply at him.
"Who is that old man? I don't remember seeing him in Sol serving in His Highness army." asked a curious person, trying to recall his memory but failing to find an answer.
The same was for the rest of the younger generation people, but the older people who saw this old man wearing casual clothes with something strapped by his waist in full bandages could only say with shocked voices.
"He is alive after all these years."
"Who is he, grandfather?"
"Marshal Galleot Nius, Chief of the Royal Guard, Commander of the entire forces of Kaysang Kingdom. The one said to have betrayed the Kingdom 19 years ago. It should be a lie spread by the traitors to sully Marshall's reputation."
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Nius who saw the most respectful manner of salute inside Kaysang Kingdom military orders, looked with his keen eyes at the younger generation Vlad has raised from simple people without a background.
"We salute you, Marshall! Long may you live!" shouted an officer who had the rank of Captain in the Black Army, followed by the rest of the soldiers stationed to keep order.
"You may rest valiant soldiers." said Nius in a calm voice while his eyes trembled a bit when being received in such a manner.
Yet the soldiers still bowed their bodies low, waiting for him to pass, and not even getting back from their position of respect, another newcomer came along.
This time it was an old man wearing clean clothes with a noble flavour to them, embroidered with a crimson bird on the back of his clothes, while beside him was a handsome young man wearing a black suit assorted with a white golden lined shirt, holding the hands of a young woman with long white hair, and a blue dress that she stylized with some simple jewels, earrings and a necklace.
"SALUTE YOUR HIGHNESSES, YOUR MAJESTY OPHELTIUS!
"Long live the King, long live the Prince and Princess!"
The atmosphere turned on its head when the captain, tasked to keep the order of this area, went to one knee to bow toward the passing Opheltius, Vlad and Sofiya.
"That young man, I know him. He used to play chess with me in the park!"
"Yea, that's right, he used to visit our bookshop quite a lot!"
"No way! He is the respectable doctor from the hospital! What is he doing here? Wait, His Majesty? His Highness?" asked the people who were boiling with questions, starting to move closer to Vlad, but the soldiers instantly reacted, forming a barrier, keeping them at bay.
"You must be having a lot of questions that you want to ask me and the King, right? Don't worry my citizens, soon you will know everything. I invite you next week to the Royal Palace Plaza, to attend the king and my address to everyone, not just you people of Sol." said Vlad walking toward the crowd, getting up close, having the soldiers back away.
The citizens could see from up close this familiar young man, who in some circumstances used to talk with them in a casual manner, in other occasions using to teach at the University, but the one most imprinting was him curing them of their sickness.
"You are our Prince, young man? Are you also Doctor Vlad?" asked an old lady who moved her hand to touch Vlad's face, not minding their curiosity.
"Indeed Granny Ulin, it is a complicated story which would take me a lot to tell you. I would keep the others waiting at the meeting which is bad manners. What is important to remember is that I will be there to support you, talk with you and heal you at times."
"Ahh. I am too old for those things."
"Your Highness, do you remember me? You talked with me about the nature books." asked a middle-aged man, to which Vlad gazed deeply at him, taking some seconds to search his memory before nodding, calling out his name, which took him aback.
"Sofiya!! You have so much to share with us!" called out some young ladies looking at Sofiya from a distance, which followed the old man who walked toward the crowd.
When the crowd noticed the old man walk toward them they instantly acted, bowing and greeting him respectfully.
"We greet you, Your Majesty Opheltius. We hope you have a long and healthy life."
"Ahh, I am not deserving of your respect. Please raise up dear citizens. This old man can't bring himself to accept such welcoming treatment."
"Your Majesty, we know you disappeared because the traitors planned to harm you! Please accept our bows!"
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It was a warm atmosphere with the citizens reconnecting with their lost King who some found familiar seeing him walking in the city with some young ladies and children, being like a grandfather to those children.
After those moments, with Vlad having the soldiers instructed to return back to their duties, he took Sofiya and Opheltius to the Council Room, and with his pocket watch in hand, seeing that it was only 2 minutes before the meeting would begin, he entered, being greeted by the people inside the room.
With Opheltius taking the central seat watching over the rest of the people attending the meeting, and him with Sofiya seating next by, without lengthening to talks, the meeting began.
Opheltius was first to address the gathering, congratulating them for winning the Civil War and also for their efforts of not persecuting the people who they fought against, even if they had the just cause.
"General Bolt, Colonel Brogg, Colonel Prim, Captain Flex, I've heard from my grandson about your achievements and I can only praise you, this new generation of people who got their flames awakened.
Right now, I might be just an old man babbling about something, but you don't know how proud and pleased I am for knowing the killer of my son was culled. Even with all my kindness, I wouldn't be able to stop myself from delivering the finishing blow to that kid who spits in the face of kindness."
Addressing the gathering of people while talking about his past moments, drawing some good learning experiences which were welcomed by the council with exception to Patrick who at all occasions he had he would snort and scoff at his speech.
Vlad shifted his attention on the old man which was sensed by him, returning the gaze back, before he nodded, remaining quiet and no longer releasing sounds of displeasure when Opheltius was talking.
"I am old, my fire is on its way to being extinguished, but for as long my breath remains, I promise you, my only wish is to see every one of my people live a good life. It seems that I will also not be alone in these difficult times, and with this occasion, I will thank you again for thinking of the future of this country."
"Don't worry Your Majesty. We will serve the kingdom to the best of our abilities. The prosperity of our lands is something everyone regardless of status will want to see achieved." said the old administrator Aldenis to Opheltius, followed by Kavos and Felicia who took on this occasion to add certain things.
After their chance at easing the old king's mind, Opheltius left Vlad to take over the meeting, addressing the first points of the meeting.
"First of all, I would like to welcome the new people attending the meeting. Lady Katerine Vernize, I take it you are representing the nobles of Serene?"
Katerine, who was mentioned by Vlad that she met on the boat on her way to Serene, got on her feet, giving Vlad a respectful bow, thanking him for allowing her to attend the meeting.
"It is alright. While at first intended to bring my unjustifiable wrath on every noble, you helped me see another side of the picture. Don't worry, everyone will be treated fair, and if they didn't commit any crime, they will not be judged regardless of the past events and allegiances."
Katerine understood, and remained quiet, while Vlad began in the same way, by doing his congratulations, but they were short and in a monotonous manner, before passing to the next point. He began by having Aldenis bring a full-scale map of the kingdom that was placed on a vertical board which also included the sea island territories that were under his sovereignty.
With a blood long pointer, he walked toward the board and with each stroke of his pointer, the map was drawn.
"Everything I have marked on the map are the territories that were left without an administration. Right now this might not seem as troublesome but with each week, month those territories are ungoverned, unrest might settle in the hearts of the citizens from those regions.
The reality is that those regions were still under the Feudal System. In the following weeks, each of those territories will be subjected to large selections for the right candidate to take the title of Governor."
" Aldenis, please inform the gentlemen and ladies what territories are ungoverned to this day."
Aldenis who was beside Vlad, nodded his head, taking the blood pointer and starting to name the territories whose nobles got killed in the Civil War and whose territories were left unruled.
Count Alderhine, had a pondering question on his mind, and not hesitating, he raised his hand, before getting Vlad's approval.
"Your Highness, you said those territories are ungoverned because the noble heads who participated in the Civil War were killed and now you want to allow people to participate in a selection for the rightful ruler of those places, correct? Then, what about the families of the noble heads who got killed in the process. Aren't some of them innocent?"
Vlad looked casually at Alderhine, before explaining to him a cruel reality.
"I see, then the reformulated question of yours is, 'Should I allow the noble families who are still alive to rule those territories?' To tell you the truth, I would rather not have a bunch of incompetent people administering the territory of Kaysang.
Sigh, since we got to tackle a sensible question, I will tell you what my intent is with the nobles who rebelled against Vermilion House. Each of their families will be removed from the privileges given to their ancestors of ruling their respective pieces of land, their fief. Nevertheless, I will not try to kill them by stripping them naked, and as a kind gesture, I will let them retain their estates and fortune, but know this and better remember.
Count Rohan, Count Arden, Viscount Brune, Baron Dalt, Baron Belmore, Count Alderhine, Baroness Vernize, the Feudal System is over. Because of such an old system, our country has stagnated, descended into unrest for so many times, slowly dying off like the phoenix the people outside those lands like to portray us."
"However, because you have become my retainers, I will allow you certain privileges, but not the exact ones like when the Feudal System was in place."
"We understand Your Highness." said the nobles, while their faces turned a bit sour when pondering what could the future look like for them, yet the image of Sol and of the people here, fortified their idea that everything will be fine.
"Your Highness, I will tell it to your face because I am not going to hide behind your back. You have the power after winning the Civil War to reform the country, dealing already with your opposition, but there are still the neutral nobles who you didn't consult with."
"I will be lenient on them, giving them a unique chance, but only once. The era where the nation would be divided will be over. What I want to build is a modern country following the teachings of people who could only dream about such concepts.
The country must be unified, because if not unified, it is not possible to mobilize all our resources which would push this country ahead, becoming a great Leviathan. A unified strength where everyone could find prosperity, even the nobles who at first might seem to be on the losing side."
The nobles kept their quiet, and only the Dawn City leaders could barely contain their wide smiles, but Felicia was the only one not containing her smile, giving everyone a fair display of beauty, but she was outshined by Sofiya.
"Felicia, do you hear what we hear?" asked the small Lucil in a whispering voice, while Felicia gave him a silent sign.
Settling down one of the biggest subjects in one go, later allowing Aldenis to mention the territories needing Governors, he walked toward his seat and continued from where he was after Aldenis was done mentioning the territories along with their population and potential resources.
"Now, I would like to give you a rundown of my targets for the following year. I call them my 'Guiding Light' which wouldn't allow me to derail the plan for our country. First, it is the reconstruction of the Kaysang. With this centralized wealth, it would be easy for me to distribute the wealth in a fair share to build projects of need for the citizens.
You have the first model of what the cities would look like in Sol. Kavos and Aldenis will introduce you to the first essential projects we would build all over the country, please my friends." said Vlad inviting Kavos and Aldenis to take the word into telling the people in the meeting the constructions required.
"Thank you for allowing us to speak Your Highness." said Kavos, who got on his feet, walking toward a part of the room, where he had Aldenis guards inside the room carrying a lot of building models made from wood on a lower scale.
"You can retreat Pablo."
"Well, gentlemen and ladies, what you have in front of your eye is the newly designed Aqueduct System that would run underground and assure the citizens of Kaysang with fresh running water.
I know some of you might still remember the old ruins of the Aqueducts in our kingdom which were left unmaintained, being a thing of the past. This is their descendant, which would cost less to construct and run at a better capacity."
"Water is essential for people to live and this should be the most basic need for them. The investment in building those water systems would prove worthy in the long run, from what my people calculated, those aqueducts will repay themselves in the span of 3-4 years." mentioned Aldenis explaining the prices for materials to the people in attendance.
The Guild leaders took notes and even did some calculations, especially Lucil the Guildmaster of the Bankers and Wilhem the Guildmaster of the Constructors who took interest in this project.
"Lord Aldenis, Lord Kavos, a small question to your Excellencies. Will only the Crown be able to build those water systems or even citizens who might want to invest into such technology and build it in other cities can take part?" asked Wilhem, getting an idea about this water system project.
"I have the same question as my friend next to me." said Lucil, after Wilhem placed his question to Kavos and Aldenis.
"Sir Wilhem, Sir Lucil, right now as His Highness plans stands, the Crown will be the one placing the "foundation" the building, and as more people prosper and have enough funds to invest in such costly projects, it would be normal that we wouldn't stop you. However, I know where you want to hit with the question, but I can't tell you with certainty. Your Highness?" explained Aldenis to the guild leaders, while turning to look at Vlad if he wanted to complete him.
"As Aldenis said, The Crown will take care of the big hurdle for the people, and in the future, according to the needs of people, we will give a fair share to the guilds, merchants and overall citizens to invest in different assets.
Nevertheless, I will give you an friendly advice, sirs. I don't recommend you to place your hands in the assets of the Crown because we will enter into a conflict of interest and it wouldn't be nice for both sides."
"Well, I kind of understand what you mean, Your Highness. Yet, I was thinking you might need my Guild to help you construct those water systems. My people are experienced builders that might outshine even the dwarfs."
"Every helping hand is welcomed, of course at their rightful prices." commented Vlad, to Wilhem, while shifting his gaze on Lucil who got quiet after hearing his response.
The banker was fiddling his hands nervously underneath the table, while pondering.
'It would be a bad investment if I get in His Highness way and start investing in building water systems that I would tax people. Hah, but it was such a good way of making money. No wonder they said the investment will be refunded by itself in some years of use, probably because of taxes on the citizens. Well, no doubt there will be more openings for me to invest as the country will start growing in trade and opportunities for business.'
Soon, after settling down the problem of the Aqueduct System, Kavos went to the other models that he began explaining to the people, leaving them surprised and in a Baron case even dumbfounded.
Pushing aside the construction aspect of Vlad's plan which from what he could notice didn't receive any unfavourable remarks, he went to discuss about the army plans and his internal policies, not briefing them much, just telling them he planned to build a national army which would look similar to the structure of the Royal Guards of the past, or how his Black Army looked by on a grander scale.
Filling in the people inside the meeting about his reforms, he went to tell them about his external policies of befriending the islands and countries not aligned to the World Government inside South Blue, raising the prestige of the country.
"For this to be achieved at best capacities, I will need an Adventurer Guild. Felicia, I want you to find someone to establish this guild and run him the details I told you."
"It really doesn't matter who joins the guild? Even wanted pirates?"
"There's always an exception to the cause, my lady. Just look at my general, Bolt, he used to be a pirate, does he seem to you a pirate?" said Vlad before his eyes shined with a crimson red, turning serious, as if an idea came to his mind, later telling Felicia in a calm manner.
"No need to search for someone for the guild, I know the right person for this job. I will tell you the details in privacy."
"Understood, Your Highness. Don't forget about what you promised me."
"I did not, don't get impatient to know everything, Lady Felicia. Sometimes knowing too much might prove harmful."
Finishing with his first set of reforms, which might soon turn the entire Kaysang Kingdom over its head, he allowed everyone to ask him questions about things they didn't understand from his reforms, taking the meeting until the night time, until everyone was left without doubts.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Vostarian
Vostarian The end of the Feudal System has come. Can you guys tell me what comes after the Feudal System? I am too oblivious to know about such concepts. Give me some help.
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Don't forget to vote guys. We returned back to action with Vlad at the reigns of the throne. Don't make Vlad frown, better make him smile. So vote.
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