บท 162: Morgans Journal inside Kaysang?
Vo.3 - Chapter 6 - Morgans Journal inside Kaysang?
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With his gaze on Leif, the journalist of the World Economy Newspaper, he opened his mouth, saying calmly to him.
"As you might have noted, Kaysang is a member of the World Government, and as every member, we have to pay our dues for the services offered by the lords over our heads. Like any future monarch of Kaysang, I will abide by the rules and pay what dues I have."
"What about the kingdoms who fail to pay the Heavenly Tribute? What do you think should happen to them?" asked Leif quickly after, to what Vlad responded relaxed.
"This is something you should ask the Star Elders, not me, just one of the 170 countries that hold a decision on the round table. Nevertheless, I know how impossible such feet would be for you, so I will give you my opinion. This is strictly how I view things. For countries that can't manage the mark imposed by the Government, there should be set a standard for those who can't pay that amount to do it step by step or simply have the amount being halved for specific cases."
Ended Vlad saying while giving a casual smile to the journalist who noted something on his notebook, that was also surprised by how specific to certain problems could be this young Prince.
Leif nodded his head and marked as verified some questions, passing a question that was as the following. -Ask if he is prepared to pay for the Heavenly Tribute-. Crossing that question without asking Vlad that, he calmly asked the young Prince.
"Your Highness, as we stand right now, your soldiers are now taking the soldiers of the nobles who rebelled against the Vermilion House. What are your plans for those people who might not even have a fault for taking part in this war?"
Humming at such a question that was easy for him to respond to without pondering too much, he replied to the journalist.
"If you can figure that aspect about the soldiers who might not even know for who they were fighting, do you think that I, their future Monarch, can't bring myself to forgive them for their mistakes? They will be judged according to the new judiciary system of Kaysang Kingdom, and if they are found guilty of treason, they will be sentenced to certain punishments, working for their community, imprisonment or worse, capital punishment. Nevertheless, I hope we don't get to such prospects because every citizen is worth something in my heart."
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Following that, about 15 minutes passed with Leif asking his questions and Vlad doing his answers, focusing on promoting his country to everyone in South Blue, building his own image in the eyes of the citizens with now his new accomplice, Leif, that he viewed in a good light.
A person curious about many things, but also sensible concerning certain things, such as the question that would put Vlad in some trouble, about him paying the "Heavenly Tribute". A subject that even now pondered Vlad on what he should do with the Celestials.
Meanwhile, his answers to the pirate question might bring some unwanted enemy for him, but it was something he prepared himself to gather more people to his country and build up his powers and the prosperity of the country.
With Leif stopping his recording device, he bowed deeply at Vlad, who got off the throne chair and walked toward the journalist, saying something surprising to him.
"Sir Leif, if I may. I wish to offer your company an offer and let you settle down for good in my country, reporting the news of the kingdom."
"Your Highness, this is unexpected. I have to call my boss about that. I'll let you talk with him for more details. I am sure he might want to listen to you."
"I see, please do so." said Vlad, while glazing at Leif, who took a dial snail, walking toward the window and calling it with an excited expression.
After some seconds, the voice was heard, asking with a severe voice.
"Leif, are you still alive in that kingdom? How is there still war? To tell you something, you might get a promotion from that report you did from inside the war zone. You can't even believe how many subscriptions we have gotten since today."
"President Morgans, the Civil War in Kaysang is over. I am alive and well. Ahem, I managed to take an interview with Prince Vermilion. But, I didn't call for this, president. His Highness wants to propose you something. Are you available to be able to talk?"
"Kuwahaha, this is 'Big News' Leif, truly unexpected. Come, hand me to the Prince. I'll take over the talk if it comes to business."
"Understood, president." saying that, Leif walked back to Vlad, and with a smile, handed the dial snail that looked a bit at Vlad, trembling.
"I greet you, President Morgans. This is Vermilion Vlad talking with you, Prince of Kaysang."
"Likewise, Your Highness. I heard from my employee, you have something to talk about with me. I am curious, what could that be?" asked Morgans, with a calm voice, while inside an island covered in vegetation, there was a zeppelin-like vehicle where many gulls rested their heads.
Inside this Zeppelin, a man of very tall stature, in the shape of an albatross mutated person with small eyes and a large beak, was surrounded by a group of people, wearing casual clothes but everyone holding some papers in hand.
This albatross man had his body covered in white feathers, holding the dial snail into his wings resembling human arms. Aside from that, he was wearing a blue top hat with a large striped feather in it, a blue button-down shirt with a yellow bow on the top, with some blue checkered pants and a dark cape.
"Well, President Morgans, I don't know if you know the situation inside my country, but the royal faction has won over the nobles. With my grandfather back at the helms of the country and me, we plan to advance forward, getting side by side with the other prestigious kingdoms and modernize. For that, I want to make a contract with you, allowing you inside my country, creating along with my citizens a journal similar to what you do worldwide, but talking about the events of the kingdom, a smaller scale operation centred on South Blue."
The people next to Morgans, who listened to Vlad's young mature voice, were excited since they could be said to still be just started their endeavour into the world of journalism, holding considerable resistance from the other journal agencies.
"Interesting proposal, Your Highness. But I'll have to think about it with my team."
"Apart from this, President Morgans, I am willing to let you host your Headquarters inside my Kingdom and assuring your protection against any of your enemy."
Morgans looked back at his team, especially at a gorgeous blonde woman who nodded her head enthusiastic about this offer.
'Can he even protect me from the Emperors? Kaido wants my head because I called stupid his plans inside the New World. The other Underworld Emperors also want my head because I made my entrance too flashy.'
"Let me ask you, Your Highness, what are you looking for approaching my company like this and me offering me all these privileges."
"Nothing much. I just want friends, those who I can rest my head on their shoulder when I am tired of all this dirty politics."
"I see." replied Morgans, with his beak turning into a grin before he recovered and asking another question.
"One last question. Are you sure you can protect me against even people like Emperors of the Sea?"
"Ohh, why ask such a question, President Morgans. Are you by chance threatened by some of those dirty pirates?"
"Ahem, something like that, just because I reported the truth, they are now targeting me with my other competitors."
"I haven't fought one or had any encounters with them, but you shouldn't worry. The Kingdom of Kaysang survived in this world for hundreds of years. Compared to newly formed children around us, we are an old Vermilion Bird awaiting rebirth in its ashes, reaching a new cycle of life. We are now in the process when the ashes are set ablaze."
Morgans heard the calm voice of Vlad, which sounded a bit cold when mentioning the Sea Emperors, and turning his head at his people who were nodding like kids, he did his infamous laughter, replying back to Vlad.
"Prince, I'll be down with this. We'll meet in one or two weeks in person. Show me around your country, and later we will sign a contract."
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Back to Vlad and Leif, the young Prince had an evil smile on his face before saying with great satisfaction to Morgans.
"You will sure like my country. Here, I'll give you back to Leif and talk for a bit."
Tossing the dial snail that was a bit colder than usual, it started recovering when arriving in Leifs hands, who had Morgans, saying with a satisfied voice.
"You did it, Leif. We will talk face to face when I get to Kaysang."
"Ahh, yes, Mr President. I will await your arrival. Right, boss, there's also the report I made about the war. When I edit it, I'll send it to you."
"Kuwahaha, marvellous. Guys, prepare everything for departure. I got sick of this island full of beasts." said Morgans, who closed the call, leaving Leif alone with Vlad.
The journalist bowed his head and walked toward the exit of the throne, while Vlad just walked back to the throne chair and sat there, listening to the footsteps that departed from the first floor, slowly making out of the palace.
Only after that did Oliver appeared back in front of him, observing Vlad seem pleased, with a smile on his face.
"Prince, the journalist is out from the palace. The Princess is still sleeping."
"Indeed. Oliver, when Morgans arrives, I want you to be his shadow, watch his movements, and if he seems trustworthy, we will see if we can protect him for real. Also, another thing, how would you see me fare against a Sea Emperor, one of those big pirates who made it in the world?"
"Those four ones? Prince, sorry, but I didn't see you fight to know your abilities, but I can tell you this, Lord Galleot is close to reaching their level. If not, he already entered their league, and I am just now aware."
"Hmm, my willpower is equal to the old man. I guess without even fighting to find out, I am walking closely to those guys. I might lose to them, but not in an embarrassing manner."
"I'll go to Sofiya. If anything happens, tell me."
"Understood, Prince." said Oliver, who vanished from the room, leaving Vlad walking toward Sofiya's room.
Returning back, he spotted Robert looking with a worrying expression at Sofiya, and when he noticed Vlad entering inside, he asked him with a quiet voice.
"Big brother, what really happened to big sister?"
"Sigh, it is really complicated, little Robert. Sofi is most likely suffering from permanent side effects to her body because of my powers."
"What?? Will this harm her?"
"No… I don't know. I hope she will be fine because I can't look at myself if anything would happen to her because of my own power." explained Vlad, who made himself and Robert an armchair sitting side by side.
"I pray she will be fine. I can't even put my head together to see big sister, suffering from some wounds." confessed Robert to Vlad, as he was gazing with a worrying expression at the sleeping woman.
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The two spent their time like this, sitting and talking softly about random things, while Leif reached Sol and was welcomed warmly by the citizens who were celebrating the victory of the Royal House.
"Wow, I didn't expect to see such a difference between Dawn and Sol. I need to get to a spot where I can finish my report and send it to President Morgans.
Walking inside a large garden like a park, he got to a bench and started writing on the sheet of paper he left uncompleted.
Swiftly, he finished and made a photo to the report before sending it to Morgans, whose Zeppelin was flying over the skies of Paradise Seas, moving in the direction of South Blue.
"President, the report from Leif has returned back!"
"Give it to me right away! Let me see how much money this young Prince can generate for me."
Dashing and taking the sheet of paper from one of his employees, he started reading the report of the situation and later the detailed interview Leif wrote from the recording.
"This smells like money!! It will be on the front page of tomorrow's journal. Add the Prince picture as a cover. It will sell like hot bread for the young ladies with fantasies about Royalty and princes. He is the best image of a handsome royal appearing in the world.
"Right away, boss!" responded the employees who got to work immediately, beginning the entire process of formulating the newspaper, adding the rest of the events that got in their hands.
Leif, who was done with the report, walked back to see that the citizens started to calm down and move toward the Royal Zone, starting the cleaning process.
He followed them with a curiosity specific to journalists and could see another part walking toward Dawn to help the rest of the citizens.
Then from the other part of the Royal Zone that connected Serene District, belonging to the Nobles, was opened up where an army composed of Black Army soldiers and noble guards stepped inside. On the horses of the cavalrymen were strapped some people wearing lavish clothes.
Leif could see from the soldiers stationed inside the Royal zone the guy with blonde hair wearing a black uniform with lots of decorations compared to the rest of the black-uniformed officers.
It was precisely Bolt who knew about Flex's Company arrival from their report about their own success outside of the Capital Region, managing to defeat all nobles who wished to rebel and join Lacilet's Army together with Count Alderhine Grigos leading his own army.
Flex, who was riding one horse, along with his own brothers, and Valen's group, got off their horses to salute Bolt, while Count Alderhine, who was holding closer to him his daughter Aria that wanted to join in the adventure, and also meet Vlad, got off the horse.
"Colonel Bolt, salute!" saluted Flex with his brothers, together with Valen, Bors, Kane, Morlocc, Maisha and the rest.
Bolt smiled at them, patting their shoulders, letting them off before turning his gaze at the Count holding his daughter in his hands.
"I assume you are Count Alderhine, and this little princess is Countess Aria? My greetings, I am Colonel Bolt, well, you should call me General. Don't ask why. It is complicated."
"My greetings to you, General Bolt. I come bringing my meeting gifts for His Highness Vlad and His Majesty Opheltius, in question the nobles I managed to defeat along with your soldier."
"That is good news. I am sure His Highness would be pleased to hear them. Come, follow me. We can't have you sitting here in all those rubbles." invited Bolt, the newly arrived to get to a cleaned part of the Royal Zone.
As they walked deeper inside the Royal Zone, Aria, who was in Grigos carry, pointed out at the Wisdom Palace in the distance who suffered from the bulk of the war.
"Daddy, the palace! Look how sad it got, all the gorgeous windows got destroyed, and the towers are also down."
Bolt, who was closer to Grigos and heard the little girl, and said with a bitter tone while smiling at the girl.
"Countess, don't worry, we will surely repair the palace, making it as it was before. I don't think His Highness would want to live inside a half-destroyed building.
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Then not too long after their arrival, Bolt settled Flex and his company to rest inside a camp built in the Royal Zone, later getting toward the palace with Count Alderhine, being stopped by Oliver.
"How is His Highness right now? Available?"
"Yes, he noticed the newcomers arrival and is waiting at the throne room."
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Bolt nodded his head and guided Grigos and Aria toward the throne room, saluting himself Vlad in a military fashion, where the latter just waved his hand.
"Bolt, no need for formalities between us. You did well. I am sure to reconsider that problem of yours and give you the title of general. But, we need more men for you to fully earn that high title."
"Hehe, this is all I asked for, Vlad. Then, I will not keep you and take my leave since I heard Sofiya has been wounded. My apologies to you."
"It will be fine, Bolt. Let's not think about such possibilities."
Taking his leave, Count Alderhine and the young Countess stood in front of Vlad, who got on his feet and greeted the two, Grigos with a polite smile and Aria with a friendly smile.
"My greetings to you, Count, little Countess. I am Vermilion Vlad, the Prince of this Country."
"Indeed, you truly look close to Lucius. My greetings, I am Alderhine Grigos. My family has been Counts of this lands since the Kaysang has been born."
"Greetings, big brother. My name is Alderhine Aria. I am the future Countess of Alderhine."
With a smile on his face, he patted Aria's head, making some blood butterflies for her to play around, while he turned to Grigos and signalled to him to get to the throne with him while the daughter was playing with his creations.
"I appreciate the gesture of rounding up all the fools who could believe they had enough to take me on. You really have excused me from all the hassle of fighting guerilla warfare with some fools. Congratulations, you and your family will be Dukes from this on, going so for how long this blessed kingdom stands tall in the world."
"Let's not waste our talk on empty talk. I am not really a materialistic person. I just accepted your offer back then because it was the only option suiting me. It is not like I could fight you, probably I would have been destroyed, and all my family work for so many generations vanished because of my foolishness and desire for power."
"Hah, what was that called Elective Monarchy? Like Republics, correct?"
"Indeed, all of the 20 nobles who gathered forming the union would have a fair chance of getting elected every 4 years. But it seems we have just lied to each other."
"No, no, it is a system that might work in certain places. But this concept also brings heavy corruption and instability, especially if outsiders start buying the throne with money, electing outsiders. You haven't thought of that, correct?"
"Who would be able to bypass the council?"
"Someone like a Celestial House? The World Government? Come on, Count, don't make me think you are an idiot. It is visible from a distance that this system is flawed."
"What about you? What system will you bring?" asked Grigos, seeming a bit irritated by the ridiculing tone Vlad was talking of the nobles ideas.
Vlad gazed deeply with his green eyes that started to shift into a crimson color, later saying with a serious voice.
"Absolute Monarchy. The system the writers here could only imagine in their minds, the Imperial System."
Grigos was surprised to hear about such a concept, something he too only heard from books of people fantasizing about certain kings.
"King of Kings?" inquired the Count, half asking himself, trying to remember what the stories were saying.
"Emperor is a more beautiful word. Adds for more flavour. Indeed an Emperor, the legit one, not those stupid brutes who call themselves "Emperors". Bah, some pirates think they can be called King of Kings. Not in my age. Only Monarch deserves such titles, the low-life can drown in waters if they think is easy to be called such prestigious titles."
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Morpheus146
Morpheus146 How is it guys, more of the OP world is shown to your eyes and the iceberg still has to melt a lot before we reach deeper and deeper in the story? You only got some hints for the future plots.
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We will start pushing the gas pedal more and push the story forward on the right track.
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Hope you liked this chapter and I will await your comments and criticism.
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Word Count: 3398
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Vote, comment, review, do all that good stuff you readers can do on this platform.
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Also, don't forget to join my discord server, link in the synopsis, easy to copy-paste it.
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