"So? Where do you want to go?" Ash asked.
"First. I want to see the people of Millis." I said to Ash as we jumped over the roof of buildings. "I want to see how well they are living."
"Alright." Ash said.
We moved quickly and silently until we got to what was essentially the residential area of Millis.
*
Ash took me to the city's main residential areas first.
We roamed around in normal clothes as we went from place to place. Then we climbed the roofs of buildings undetected as watched monsters of different clans, and subraces, and dwarves, interacting with one another.
It was amazing, to say the least.
Finally a common home far all monster clans. Just how Millis and I imagined it. This is why Millis is the best name for this city. It wouldn't have been possible without her.
Ash and I watched in silence from the roofs as everyone went about their day.
Next we decided to checkout the largest Market in Millis. The Prince's Plaza. Apparently it was named after me. The prince who came to unite the North. Kinda corny.
But, ever since we allied with the Merchants guild, the market size has expanded tenfold. Now we are to import anything we need and export everything we produce. The money made from this trade is making the north rich.
This is happening even when everything is still being conducted in small scales because the kingdom is still closed because of the war. When the war is over.
We will have many more expansions to make. And the Northern Empire will become a major trade centre on the Mavis continent.
Seeing all this made me glad. It showed me how much progress we had made. An how much we can make.
Then I told Ash to take me to the Headquarters of the Imperial Military. It was time to check out the soldiers and see how much progress they've made.
We got to the large, well guarded compound. But, seeing as we snuck out of the palace, we couldn't walk in through the front gate. The security of be the barracks was tough, but not tough enough.
Ash and I snuck past many guards and finally got inside.
The Headquarters of the Imperial Military was a large compound surrounded by tall well guarded walls and four huge metal gates in each side of the walls. The compound was divided into sixteen parts. Each was part was divided by walls that have guard guarding them at all hours of the day.
Each part had a building and large training ground in front of it. Fifteen of the smaller compounds were for the fifteen squads headed by each captain. The sixteenth building was the main building located in the middle of the compound. The Imperial House.
This building was the largest and it also had the largest training ground. The building had the offices of the generals and commanders. This was also where they had their meetings.
We had entered the compound from the west side and got to the building of Squad 12.
As this was the headquarters, everyone in this particular compound was a high ranking member of the military.
Most of them were probably accomplished warriors of their respective clans before the north was reunited. We moved secretly and watched each squad as they trained.
"Ash." I whispered. "Did you ever watch their training before today?"
"Yes." Ash answered. But he didn't whisper. "I came often with Roger and Rouge. You put them in charge of training remember?"
I nodded at him in response.
"Each of the Lord's and Dukes took turns and helped them train. And not just in Millis. We all went to the military outposts in this city and the other eight cities. We've all being busy this past few months. We made sure all the soldiers were trained personally."
"How are the leaders of the other military outposts in the other cities devised?"
"I tweaked the method you suggested. You picked the strongest warriors from each clan yourself and made then captains of each squad before you left. But as a captain can only be one place at a time, each captain has been appointed a lieutenant under them. The lieutenants head the other squads in other cities. Making a hundreds and twenty. The lieutenants are divided by colour."
"That's interesting. But who leads the barracks as a whole?"
"I made a new rank for that. One that is above the lieutenants and report to the Generals directly. The Knights. They are Minora's former seven generals, and the strongest dwarven warrior."
"Oh. Lieutenants report to their captain. Knights report to their General. That's perfect.
"I also made a military disciplinary body has also been made. They report directly to you."
"Directly? That's interesting. Who are they?"
"They are ordinary soldiers you see in every squad and in every barracks. But special. I called them. The Emperor's Eyes."
"All of this. You did it to make sure that no internal conflict can ever arise from the army, right?" Ash gave a slight nod. "Hmm. That's alright. Anyway, enough about that. I am about to conduct a test here, now."
"Huhn." Ash said feeling confused.
"They failed my first test since we were able to infiltrate the HQ so easily. I will now conduct another test."
"Haaa." Ash let out a sigh and continued. "Well, I can't argue with that. What did you have in mind?"
"I want to see how they react when they sense an intruder. I will let out a little of my presence show and release a little murderous intent. Let's see who reacts and how. From what I can tell, only two generals are here. Rick and Trent. And all the captains are present except Grey, Ace and Jade."
"Yes. They are in the palace with Lisa. She is assigning duties to them.
"Good. Those three and Nick would probably sense me and catch is quickly. Let's see who gets us first."
"I like this plan." Ash said. Then he smiled excitedly.
"Lets do it. This will be an interesting test."
*
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*
Dear valued readers and fans of "The Slothful King,"
I want to extend my sincerest apologies for the unexpected hiatus in posting new chapters. I realize that my absence has left many of you feeling disappointed and frustrated, and for that, I am truly sorry.
I had recently enrolled as a medical student at a university, which have made it difficult for me to dedicate the time and energy needed to continue writing and updating the story as regularly as I had hoped. I understand that this is no excuse for leaving you all in the dark, and I take full responsibility for any disappointment or inconvenience this may have caused.
Please know that I have not forgotten about "The Slothful King" or its dedicated readership. Your support and enthusiasm for the story mean the world to me, and I am committed to returning to it as soon as possible. I am currently working on resolving the personal issues that have kept me away and hope to resume posting new chapters in the near future.
In the meantime, I appreciate your patience and understanding. Your passion for the story is what drives me to continue writing, and I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support.
Thank you for your understanding,
F.I.G.S