I stood on my balcony overlooking the imperial capital, watching its bustling streets and narrow alleys that stretched like a chaotic labyrinth below. The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows over the ancient stone palaces, while the towering spires of churches and temples loomed like spears pointed at the heavens.
This world was now mine. But was I ready to bear its weight?
I would be lying if I said I didn't feel awe.
But awe was not fear. It was merely my mind's warning—what I was about to undertake was monumental, and I had to be equal to the task.
The beginnings of true kings are never easy. The birth of great empires starts in chaos.
But… this chaos would be rearranged as I saw fit.
I turned and stepped back inside, where my council of advisors awaited.
---
I sat upon the throne, staring at the tense faces of the commanders and advisors standing before me. None of them knew exactly what to expect.
"First, let us discuss our most pressing issue: the economy."
One of the advisors, an old man with wise eyes behind thin spectacles, spoke up.
"Your Majesty, as you know, tax revenues have fallen by 40% over the past five years due to corruption and peasants fleeing to border regions or other empires. Moreover, the nobility has been stealing more than they send to the royal treasury."
I wasn't surprised. My late father had been a weak emperor in matters of governance, leaving many affairs unchecked.
"Then we must reclaim control over taxation first."
I raised my hand, pointing to one of the financial officers.
"Prepare a new decree: All noble lands will be reassessed, and we will impose a new tax based on actual production per region. No more bribes or falsified records."
The economic advisor's eyes widened, but I continued before he could object:
"Additionally, we will establish royal inspector teams, reporting directly to me. Any noble caught manipulating records will have their lands seized immediately."
The silence in the chamber was heavy. No ruler before me had dared challenge the nobility so directly.
"But, Your Majesty… this could spark a rebellion among the high lords!"
I smiled faintly, drawing a small dagger from my side and twirling it between my fingers.
"If they rebel, it means they are guilty."
Some shuddered at my words, but none dared protest.
---
"As for the military…"
I turned to General Marius, now my right hand in military affairs.
"I heard you've already begun purging traitors from the army's ranks."
Marius nodded, his eyes gleaming. *"Yes, Your Majesty. So far, over 120 officers suspected of corruption or disloyalty have been arrested. They will be replaced by capable soldiers who have proven their loyalty in battle."*
"Good." I rested my chin on my hand in thought.
"But that's not enough."
"What do you propose, Your Majesty?"
"We need a complete military restructuring. Instead of the old system where soldiers swear loyalty to local lords, all troops will now receive their pay directly from the royal treasury—not feudal lords. This way, their allegiance will be to the empire, not their former masters."
Marius looked stunned for a moment, then smiled in understanding.
"A bold idea, Your Majesty. But it requires massive funding."
"We'll get the funding from the taxes we reclaim from corrupt nobles."
Marius let out a dry chuckle.
"Now I understand why the aristocracy fears you, Your Majesty."
---
As we discussed internal affairs, a knight entered with a letter sealed in red wax.
"Your Majesty, this is a message from the Empire of Valkor."
I paused, then slowly opened the letter and read its contents.
"To His Imperial Majesty Kyles I,We have taken note of your rapid changes within your empire and wish to invite an envoy of yours to our court to discuss current affairs.
We hope your reign marks the beginning of new diplomatic relations between our empires.
Emperor Ragnar of Valkor."
I set the letter aside, deep in thought.
The Valkor Empire was neither an enemy nor an ally. Yet, merely receiving an invitation from an emperor like Ragnar meant I was beginning to draw attention across the entire continent.
"Your Majesty, will you accept the invitation?"
"Not yet."
I smiled faintly as my mind raced.
"Let them wait a little longer. Let them wonder about our intentions before we reveal our hand."
---
After the meeting, I returned to my balcony, where the moon now hung high in the sky, illuminating the city that was slowly changing under my rule.
Enemies were moving. Nobles were plotting. And all were watching to see if I was just a reckless youth… or a true king.
But they were all mistaken about one thing.
I did not merely want to rule this empire.
I intended to reshape the entire world… according to my vision.
In the quiet nights, when the moon hung high in the sky, and when most of the people were deep in slumber, the conspiring minds began to work. The night was not a time for rest for the nobles and lords, but rather the time when secret meetings were held, coded messages were sent, and plans were drawn to overthrow the new rulers, such as myself.
But I would not allow them to move freely.
I stood on my balcony, gazing at the faint lights scattered across the capital, where candles still flickered in some of the grand palaces.
"They are plotting…" I whispered to myself, then turned towards the room where my military advisor, Marius, sat before a massive table covered with a detailed map of the empire.
"Marius, tell me… how many spies have we planted among the nobles so far?"
The man raised his eyes from the map, then said with confidence:
"So far, we have thirty spies within the palaces of the great lords, all disguised as servants, merchants, or even bodyguards.
As for the capital, we have sent spies to the most prominent merchants and members of the old advisory council."
I smiled slowly, placing my hand on the map.
"Good. We will watch their movements closely. Any noble who shows even the slightest hint of rebellion… we will move before he has a chance to do anything."
Marius nodded, but I saw a question in his eyes.
"What is it?"
"Your Majesty… you are managing the empire in an unprecedented way.
Most new rulers try to gain the loyalty of the nobles first before imposing their authority. But you have acted from the first day as if you are their master, not a ruler who fears their betrayal."
I let out a cold laugh, then turned to him and replied:
"Because I am not like other rulers, Marius. I do not seek the satisfaction of the nobles, but rather their complete submission. This is not a kingdom where everyone participates in governance… but an empire led by one man."
Marius stared at me for a moment, then smiled with appreciation.
"I understand now, Your Majesty. I will ensure your orders are executed precisely."
The next day, I donned a simple cloak and disguised myself as an ordinary citizen, heading towards the bustling markets of the capital.
The air was thick with the smells of fresh bread, spices, and the scent of sweat mingled with the loud calls of vendors hawking their wares.
But I was not here to enjoy myself. I was here to observe… and to learn.
I approached a vegetable seller and asked him in the dialect of a common man:
"How are things going these days? I heard the new Emperor has begun to make changes."
The seller looked around cautiously, then said in a low voice:
"Indeed… there are many changes. Taxes have become fairer, but the big merchants are angry because they can no longer evade payment as they used to."
I laughed inwardly. So, the impact of my decisions had already begun to show.
"What about the people? Are they satisfied?"
The man sighed, then said:
"Ordinary people like me are happy with the changes, but the rich are afraid. Some have begun to plan to leave the capital for the remote provinces, where the Emperor's authority does not reach easily."
I shook my head slowly and said:
"They won't be able to escape for long…"
The man looked at me curiously. "What did you say?"
"Nothing, nothing."
Then I bought some fruit from him and left the market while thoughts raced through my mind.
The economy was beginning to change… and the rebels were beginning to feel the pressure. Good. Now, it was time for the next step.
After returning to the palace, I sat at my desk and began to write a formal reply to Emperor "Valcour's" letter.
"To Emperor Ragnar,
I appreciate your concern for the internal affairs of my empire, and I understand your desire to build new diplomatic relations. However, the changes I am currently leading require me to remain within the capital for a longer period.
Therefore, I suggest we postpone any formal meetings until the time is right."
Then I sealed the letter with the imperial seal and gave it to one of the knights to send immediately.
My refusal of his invitation was not just a political maneuver… but a test.
If he insisted on meeting us, it meant he wanted something more than just diplomacy. And if he accepted my postponement, it meant he was only watching me for the time being.
Whatever his reaction… I would be ready.
While I was pondering my next move, one of the military commanders entered the hall, his eyes narrowed with concern.
"Your Majesty… we have a problem."
I raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"We have received reports that a group of mercenaries attacked one of the northern villages, killing the local officials you recently appointed. It seems this is a message from one of the angry nobles."
I smiled coldly. So, I was finally forcing them to show their fangs.
"Has the one behind the attack been identified?"
"Not yet, but we have information suggesting that one of the northern dukes may be involved."
"Oh, the northern dukes…" I muttered, then rose from my seat, heading towards the large map hanging on the wall.
I placed my finger on the northern region, where aristocratic influence was strongest.
"So, they want to test my strength? Well… I will give them a lesson they will never forget."
I turned towards Marius and ordered him in a firm tone:
"Prepare our forces. We will respond to this insult… and we will leave them no room to breathe."