The Merchant had departed, and Duke Klaus I sent to escort them has returned to the throne room.
"Let's move this meeting to the Ruler's Hall." I said to my Lords and Dukes.
The White Palace an enormous palace built with many meeting rooms and halls. Among those was the Ruler's Hall. A meeting room made only for the Emperor, Guardian, Lords and Dukes.
It was a large room with a round table with chairs surrounding them. Only two chairs looked different in design and size. And those were Jordan and Millis's.
With everyone except Millis in attendance, the meeting continued.
"How was the dungeon, Jordan?" Ash asked.
"Haaaaaaaa!" I sighed. "It was fun. Together, we were able to go down further than I ever did on my own. The storage pouches were almost filled with the different beasts and their mana crystals."
"Oh! Sounds like an amazing harvest."
"Is there any among the beasts parts that I can use to finally make my new weapons?" Mikey asked.
"Of course. I personally set up Decal Millennium beasts for all rulers and the captains of the squads too. I have ordered Nick to take it to the Main forge. He will put it in storage and explain which goes to who. I have also put down some specific ones for me. So that when I evolve, you can use those beasts parts to upgrade my weapons too."
"Nice." Mikey said.
"I will make sure to use the materials well, your majesty." Sean said.
"Now, I want you all to give me another report of all the happenings in the last three months."
"First," Ash began. "according to the plans we drew up, all major buildings, roads and facilities have all been completed. With the help of the Klaus and the Master merchant Ronnie. She helped us get supplies we needed and also kept our secret from her Guild."
"I see. Then we will have to make sure she is well rewarded."
"Most of the smaller roads have almost been completed. And when they are done, transportation would be at its best. As we started building from inside out. The towns at the outermost end of the cities are the ones that are still under construction. We made sure that the construction would not be hindered even when the war begins."
"Alright..... Construction. Check. What's next."
Rouge started. "As you instructed, the training of the soldiers were overseen by Roger and I. And we made sure to be thorough. I can say for a fact that the newly formed Imperial Army would give most counties a run for their money. Their training was strict, and they all excelled. Those who did exceptionally were given posts among the Knights. The once divided military are now united as one army. That, I assure you."
"Just as Rouge said, you no longer have to worry about our military, for now. Margrave will not be an issue." Roger added.
"That's good to hear." I said.
"But I was shocked the Merchant guild were the ones who approached us first." Lisa mentioned.
"They must have been someone among them who decided it would be better if monsters were allies rather than enemies." Ash added.
"Or maybe they were scared that the prophecy Ronnie mentioned was spreading was true." Klaus said.
"You mean the great change?" Ash asked. "Its possible they felt that Jordan might be the king mentioned in the prophecy."
"Now that I think about it the prophecy might actually be true."
That was when I started snickering loudly. They all stared at me wondering what made me laugh.
"The prophecy about the great change." I said. "I started it!"
"...What?!!"
"What do you mean you started it?"
"When did you do that?"
"Well it's not like I started the prophecy. More like I started the rumour about the prophecy."
"Why would you do that?" Ash asked.
"So we would have this outcome. Imagine if I never spread the fear and drama about the great change and war. Would the situation with the Merchants have gone this smoothly? Or would the other kingdoms have kept quiet about us? I spread the rumour about the prophecy so we could be sure not to have any unwanted situation on our hands."
"When did you spread the rumour?" Lucy asked.
"Back when I was still on the way to the wolf clan's city from the Underground Tower. I told you I passed through many places before finally getting here. I wasn't just walking aimlessly you know. After I found out about the veil, I came up with a very elaborate plan. And all this is part of it. To be sure the plan succeeds, there are many little details that have to be added. And you won't know about them until it's time. Just trust me. Trust my plan."
"Speaking of plan," I continued. "the last phase of part two, was gathering information. The spies we sent to all the kingdoms. Did they bring back a the information needed?"
"Yes, they did." Lisa answered.
"Okay. Let's go over the information gotten from Margrave, shall we."
Ash and Lisa then proceeded to explain the information gotten for me.
Firstly, the adventurers had a hard time getting into Margrave because the people of Margrave discriminate against monsters. The only reason they were able to get into Margrave, was because of the Five Guild's protection. Anyone under the Five Guilds can work anywhere on the continent without prejudice.
Secondly, was information about the royal family of Margrave. Their names, ages, personalities and other relevant things.
Third was the citizen's view of the royal family. Apparently the royal family was respected by the people to the point of almost being revered. But there will always be some people who don't follow the norm.
Last, was their military might. Officially, among the rankings of the six kingdoms. Margrave Empire was said to have the third strongest army. Overshadowed greatly by the Elven Empire and the greatest military strength, the Salvador Federation. But, even though they were only third, this was enough to completely destroy any other kingdom. Thus, they were feared.
This information may seem simple and easy to obtain, but it has all I need to know. All I need to know to Win.
*
*
When the meeting with the Rulers ended, I had only one place to be.
Ash had mentioned that all the buildings were built according to my plans. So I knew exactly where it would be even without ever being there.
The Guardian's Tower.
The tower Millis and I planned to build right behind the palace so we could watch over the Northern Empire together. That's where she would be. Atop her tower.
The White and Gold Tower stood twelve stories tall. With only one entrance at the front.
I entered the tower, climbed the long stairs to the top, and came out to the roof.
And there she was. Waiting for me.
She turns back, and our eyes meet. Then we smiled to each other. I walked forward and stood by her side. Our gaze shifter from each other to the horizon.
"So?... Is everything going according to our plan?" She asked me.
"Yes." I answered with a smile. "Everyone is moving the way we expected them to."
"What about them?" I asked her.
"Same. No movements." She replied.
"Alright then. We proceed to the next part."
"How does the Empire look from your eyes?" I asked.
"Beautiful and vast."
*
*
The next morning.
I called Ash to the palace telling him I want to talk to him. But I had other things in mind.
He got to the palace quickly and met me in my resting room. Which was basically the room I stay to avoid doing anything.
"Good morning Jordan." Ash said.
"Morning Ash." I replied. "I want you to take me places today. But, officially, I never left the palace."
"So you want me sneak you out so you can wander around."
"Exactly. I knew you of all people would understand."
"Aaahh!" Ash put his hand on his face and exclaimed as he shook his head. "Sure. Why not. As long as we are back before anyone notices. So? Where do you want to go?"