Chapter 33: Governance and Order
Yuuma stood at the balcony of his newly acquired castle, overlooking the bustling activity below. He knew that to ensure the prosperity and stability of his clan, he needed to establish a solid foundation of governance and order.
"Now that I've created this castle on Gu Island, it's time to establish a government to hold the people to a higher standard of living and understanding," Yuuma thought. To make this process smooth, he decided to consult with the elders.
Yuuma gathered the most respected and knowledgeable elders from his clan. These individuals had long been the pillars of wisdom and guidance in the community.
Elder Mei: Elder Mei is a dignified woman in her late sixties, with silver hair neatly tied in a bun. Her deep-set, kind eyes reflect a lifetime of wisdom and compassion. She wears traditional robes of the clan, adorned with intricate patterns that symbolize the clan's rich history. Mei's presence is serene and commanding, embodying the respect she commands as the leader of the council.
Elder Hiroshi: Elder Hiroshi is a tall, robust man in his early seventies, with a rugged face marked by the scars of past battles. His short, graying hair and stern, piercing eyes convey his formidable nature. He often wears practical, militaristic attire, a testament to his background as a warrior. His posture is always erect and alert, a habit from years of leading and defending the clan.
Elder Sato: Elder Sato is a middle-aged man with a sturdy build, reflecting years of labor in the fields. His tanned skin and weathered hands are signs of his dedication to agriculture. Sato has warm, brown eyes and a friendly, approachable demeanor. He dresses in simple, functional clothing suited for farming, with a broad-brimmed hat often perched on his head to shield him from the sun.
Elder Kana: Elder Kana is a sharp, astute woman in her late fifties. Her short, sleek black hair is always impeccably styled, and her sharp, intelligent eyes miss nothing. Kana dresses in elegant, modern attire, often accessorized with jewelry that signifies her status and wealth. Her poised and confident demeanor reflects her expertise in finance and trade.
Elder Jiro: Elder Jiro is a gentle, scholarly man in his early sixties. He has a slender build and wears glasses that rest on the bridge of his nose, giving him a wise and contemplative look. His long, graying hair is usually tied back, and he prefers wearing simple yet dignified robes that reflect his scholarly pursuits. Jiro's eyes are kind and thoughtful, and he always carries a few scrolls or books with him, ready to share his knowledge.
Yuuma convened the first meeting of the Council of Elders in the grand hall of the castle. The elders sat around a large circular table, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and determination.
"Thank you all for coming," Yuuma began. "Our clan stands on the brink of a new era. To ensure our prosperity, we must establish a strong foundation of governance and order. Your wisdom and guidance will be crucial in achieving this."
Elder Mei spoke first, her voice calm and steady. "Master Yuuma, you have brought great fortune to our clan. With your diligence and providing us with this opportunity, we recognize you as the leader of the clan. From henceforth, we elders are under your control. I know this might be tough for someone of your age, but with your intelligence, we know that you can bring us to a new era. We've been on this island for so long that we've forgotten the wonder of what the world can hold. We've held back this clan long enough. You have honored us with this opportunity. We will follow your lead."
"Thank you, Elder Mei," Yuuma replied, humbled by their trust. "I have an idea I want to run by you all. I want to create a governing system now that we have 10,000 people under our rule. It's only right that we give them some kind of rule set. Originally, it was merely just the lower house and the upper echelons of the clan. The lower house would do the jobs that the upper clan would not want to do, like protecting the borders of the island, while the upper class lived in the true essence of the blessing, also known as Nen. I feel like the term 'blessing' is too long, so henceforth, also with the government, we will be learning about Nen."
Elder Hiroshi nodded. "I see. I understand that our ways of thinking have changed. What you say is reasonable. Obviously, with the power you've shown with the appearing of this castle, you have proven that we can reach higher powers that we did not know of. We would be honored to learn this Nen, Master Yuuma."
"Great," Yuuma continued. "From now on, you all will be considered the Council of Elders again. But from now on, we will be changing the name of the island. This will be the Kingdom of Ikeda. In honor of our clan's name, it's only right that we continue the name of our ancestors."
"We must keep our ancestors' name alive, Master Yuuma," Elder Jiro said with conviction.
"Alright then," Yuuma said, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "You six elders will be the Council of Elders. I will place my father in charge if I ever have to leave my position as ruler. Of course, with your council, I hope you would be able to stabilize any problems that may occur."
Drafting Laws and Regulations
With the council formed, Yuuma moved to the next crucial step: drafting laws and regulations. He worked closely with Elder Jiro and the council to develop a comprehensive set of rules.
Key Laws and Regulations:
Crime and Punishment: Establishing clear guidelines for dealing with theft, violence, and other crimes to ensure justice and maintain peace.
Trade and Commerce: Creating policies to promote fair trade, regulate markets, and manage resources efficiently.
Resource Management: Ensuring sustainable use of natural resources, including land, water, and agricultural produce.
Education and Training: Implementing mandatory education on Nen and other essential skills to empower the next generation.
Defense and Security: Organizing the militia, setting up training programs, and establishing surveillance systems to protect the kingdom.
Healthcare and Welfare: Providing healthcare facilities and support systems to ensure the well-being of all citizens.
Conflict Resolution: Setting up mechanisms for mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes peacefully.
Yuuma and the Council of Elders spent long hours discussing, debating, and refining these laws to ensure they would serve the best interests of the Kingdom of Ikeda.
Implementation:
Public Announcement: Yuuma addressed the citizens, explaining the new laws and the reasons behind them, ensuring transparency and understanding.
Educational Campaign: A campaign was launched to educate the populace about Nen and the new regulations, using schools, public forums, and pamphlets.
Community Involvement: Regular town hall meetings were scheduled, allowing citizens to voice their concerns and suggestions, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
With the governance structure in place, Yuuma felt confident that the Kingdom of Ikeda was on the path to a prosperous and stable future. The foundation was set, and now it was time to build upon it, ensuring the well-being and growth of his people.
With the laws in place, Yuuma focused on appointing trusted individuals to key positions within the administration.
Defense:
General Hiroshi:
Appearance: General Hiroshi is a tall, broad-shouldered man with a chiseled physique that reflects his years of combat training. His graying hair is tied back in a topknot, and his stern, weathered face is marked with the scars of past battles. He wears traditional samurai armor, polished to a shine, and carries a katana at his side, symbolizing his readiness to defend the castle at any moment.
Captain Ryu:
Appearance: Captain Ryu is a young, athletic man with a lean, muscular build. His short, spiky hair is jet black, and his sharp, vigilant eyes seem to miss nothing. He wears a more modern take on traditional warrior attire, combining lightweight armor with flexible, dark clothing that allows for quick movements. He often has a pair of dual swords strapped to his back, ready for swift action.
Finance:
Treasurer Kana:
Appearance: Treasurer Kana is a middle-aged woman with an air of calm authority. She has neatly styled shoulder-length hair, streaked with silver, and sharp, intelligent eyes behind stylish glasses. Her attire is elegant yet practical, featuring a finely tailored kimono with intricate patterns, symbolizing her role in managing the kingdom's wealth. She carries a ledger and an abacus, tools of her trade.
Accountant Emi:
Appearance: Accountant Emi is a petite woman in her late twenties with a meticulous demeanor. She has short, tidy hair and a pair of round glasses that give her a studious look. She wears a simple, professional outfit consisting of a fitted blouse and a knee-length skirt, accessorized with a belt holding various accounting tools. Her hands are always busy with papers and calculators, ensuring everything is in perfect order.
Agriculture:
Chief Farmer Sato:
Appearance: Chief Farmer Sato is a robust, middle-aged man with a friendly, weathered face that speaks of years spent working the land. His hair is a mix of brown and gray, and his sun-tanned skin tells of long days in the fields. He wears sturdy, practical clothing: a wide-brimmed hat to protect against the sun, a simple tunic, and durable pants. His hands are calloused from hard work, always ready to tend to the crops.
Agronomist Aiko:
Appearance: Agronomist Aiko is a slender woman in her early thirties with an inquisitive expression. Her long hair is often tied back in a ponytail, and she wears practical, earth-toned clothing suitable for fieldwork. She carries a satchel filled with notebooks, seeds, and various tools for testing soil and plant health. Her bright, observant eyes are always scanning the fields, looking for ways to improve agricultural techniques.
Education:
Headmaster Jiro:
Appearance: Headmaster Jiro is an elderly man with a kind, wise face and a full head of white hair. His eyes are gentle but keen, reflecting his vast knowledge and experience. He wears traditional academic robes, symbolizing his role as the head of education. A scroll and a quill are often seen in his hands, tools of his lifelong dedication to learning and teaching.
Teacher Yumi:
Appearance: Teacher Yumi is a young woman with a warm, approachable demeanor. Her hair is styled in a neat bob, and she often wears simple, comfortable dresses in soft colors. Her eyes are bright with enthusiasm, and she carries a bag filled with books and teaching materials. Yumi is always ready with a smile and a kind word, inspiring her students to learn and grow.
With these appointments, Yuuma ensured that every aspect of the castle's administration was in capable hands.
With that out of the way
POV: Nicolais and Biscuit Study the Jewel
Nicolais and Biscuit had spent several days meticulously studying the ancient jewel. It wasn't just an object of initiation into Nen; it was a powerful artifact that bestowed the user with a continuous regeneration of aura. As they delved deeper, their discoveries were both astonishing and alarming.
While conducting various experiments, Nicolais and Biscuit held the jewel and used their own Nen abilities. They noticed a remarkable enhancement in their aura regeneration. The jewel seemed to pulsate with a life of its own, shimmering brighter as it absorbed and amplified their aura.
"This is no ordinary jewel," Biscuit remarked, her eyes wide with fascination. "It's packed with an immense amount of aura, likely from a post-mortem Nen ability."
Nicolais nodded in agreement. "Whoever created this jewel was incredibly powerful and, from the looks of it, extremely greedy. They must have designed it to harness the aura of those around them, not just to regenerate their own."
Their suspicions were further confirmed when, after Yuuma used the Ruler's Blessing to bring 10,000 people to the island, the jewel glowed even brighter. It was absorbing aura from the island's new inhabitants, indicating that it was designed to draw power from a collective source.
"This jewel was likely created to empower its owner by drawing from the aura of many people," Biscuit speculated. "Its properties are almost otherworldly."
Nicolais agreed with her assessment. "This could be a game-changer in battles. Imagine never running out of Nen during a fight. But we need to test if it works off the island. If the jewel's power is tied to the island, it might not be as useful elsewhere."
They both realized the potential dangers of the jewel. If it fell into the wrong hands, it could create a Nen user with nearly limitless power.
"We need to tell Yuuma about this immediately," Biscuit said, urgency in her voice. "This jewel needs to be protected."
Meeting with Yuuma and the Council of Elders
Nicolais and Biscuit made their way to Yuuma and the Council of Elders, their findings heavy on their minds. They explained their hypothesis about the jewel and its potentially dangerous properties.
Elder Mei listened intently; her expression serious. "This jewel's ability to awaken Nen and regenerate aura could indeed be perilous if misused. Especially now, with so many new people on the island."
Elder Hiroshi agreed. "We need to ensure it is kept safe. It could attract unwanted attention from those who would use it for nefarious purposes."
Yuuma considered their words carefully. He had always known the jewel was special, but he hadn't realized just how powerful and dangerous it could be. "We need to test if it works off the island. That could determine the true extent of its power."
Biscuit nodded. "We'll need permission to take the jewel off the island for testing. If it still works, we can strategize its best use and protection."
Elder Kana spoke up. "The jewel's current location is secure, but with the influx of new inhabitants, we need to enhance its security measures."
Yuuma made his decision. "We'll conduct the test. If the jewel retains its power off the island, we'll need to consider moving it to an even more secure location. For now, let's ensure it is well-guarded and hidden."
Nicolais and Biscuit felt a sense of relief. The council understood the gravity of the situation and was taking appropriate action. As they left the meeting, they knew their next steps would be crucial in ensuring the safety of their clan and the incredible power of the jewel.
In this way, Yuuma's clan prepared for the future, aware of the immense power they held and the responsibilities that came with it.
Weekly Power Status
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