Elias woke up with the sun, fitting in his usual two-hour workout before dawn.
His muscles were getting more defined, a testament to his rigorous training regimen.
After a quick shower and breakfast, he changed into practical clothes – leather armor with tough gray earth dragon hide for protection.
It wasn't the flashiest attire, but it offered solid defense against the wilderness he was about to navigate.
He looked different now, stronger even. His morning training sessions and the battles he'd participated in recently were starting to show.
Last night, he leveled up his character to 12 and used his points to boost his well-roundedness.
He allocated most points to strength and dexterity, essential for a warrior king, but also sprinkled some points into intelligence, wisdom, and charisma.
A good leader needed a sharp mind as well as a strong body.
Today, Elias decided to go solo. While the two ancient spirits, Moonshade and Nightshade, always insisted on accompanying him, Elias felt the need for some solitary focus.
He grabbed a well-worn axe from his inventory and checked his kingdom's progress through the system: level 1, needing wood and stone to upgrade.
It was a humble beginning, but every kingdom had to start somewhere.
__________
Kingdom Management System
Kingdom Name: Faeloria
Levels: 1
Materials needed to level up:
Wood: 1000
Stones: 1000
__________
Elias spent the morning chopping down trees for building materials. The rhythmic swing of the axe was almost meditative, the scent of fresh pine filling his nostrils.
Four hours later, he only had a measly 20 logs. He stacked them all together, frustration simmering beneath the surface.
It seemed like collecting enough materials would take ages at this rate. He sighed, wiping the sweat dripping from his forehead.
"Hm, too light," he muttered, hefting the bundle of wood on his shoulder. It barely felt like a challenge.
He lowered the wooden ties and, with a grunt of effort, joined all four bundles together. Now that was a proper load.
He hoisted the hefty stack onto his shoulder, his muscles rippling under the strain.
With a determined stride, he walked back to the Shadowbloom tree, the main building of his nascent kingdom.
Meanwhile, a diverse group of people from various races had gathered in front of the Shadowbloom tree.
They were all there at Elias' request the previous day.
Moonshade and Nightshade, the two ancient spirits, stood in front of them, their ethereal forms casting long shadows on the ground.
"You guys wait here until my master comes back," Nightshade instructed, his voice resonating with a quiet power.
The assembled crowd nodded and bowed in respect. They were a mix of seasoned warriors, eager young recruits, and curious townsfolk.
Patience seemed to be the order of the day, although some who hadn't seen Elias at the banquet yesterday couldn't hide their growing curiosity.
Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd as they awaited their enigmatic king, the rumored being of immense power who now led their fledgling kingdom.
Nearly an hour crept by before a heavy thud broke the silence.
A lone figure emerged from the trees, a monumental bundle of wood groaning on his broad shoulders.
The assembled crowd parted like waves, whispers erupting amongst them.
Moonshade, Nightshade, and several others who had been present at the banquet the night before gaped in astonishment.
Elias had returned, drenched in sweat, the weight of the timber a testament to his arduous labor.
With a resounding THUMP, he deposited the wood near the main staircase of the Shadowbloom tree.
After a brief pause to catch his breath, he ascended the stairs and settled before the grand entrance.
A warm smile played on his lips as he addressed the diverse assembly. "Welcome, my people. I commend your swift response to my summons."
He swiped a hand across his brow, wiping away the clinging sweat.
A hush fell upon the crowd. As one, the two ancient spirits and every single person present dropped to their knees. Wide-eyed stares were exchanged, a mixture of awe and confusion washing over their faces.
Elder Faelan and Elder Elandor, two Sylvan Elves kneeling at the forefront, hesitantly opened their mouths to express their surprise at witnessing their king perform such manual labor.
Elias chuckled, his smile widening. "Rise, Faelan, Elandor. Such tasks are no stranger to me. Though it must be said," he continued, a playful glint in his eye, "gathering a significant amount of wood alone is a rather laborious endeavor."
Moonshade emerged from the doorway, a cool glass of water cradled in his hand.
"My Lord," he intoned, offering the refreshment with a gentle bow.
A Lycanthrope stepped forward, his voice booming with conviction. "My Lord, allow us to serve you! Such strenuous work is unfit for a king of your stature."
His sentiment was echoed by Vargr, another Lycanthrope, who spoke for his entire group.
Elias met their concerns with a steady smile. "I appreciate your devotion," he acknowledged, raising the glass of water to his lips and draining it in a single, grateful gulp.
"However, I cannot offer you entry just yet. The main chamber lacks the space to accommodate such a grand congregation."
Pausing for effect, he continued, "I have summoned you all today for a most important reason. Our kingdom has been entrusted with a critical mission."
A ripple of anticipation ran through the crowd.
Leaning forward, his voice firm and collected, Elias declared, "Therefore, I will be delegating a series of tasks among you. Each assignment will be overseen by a capable leader."
With newfound purpose in his stride, he descended the stairs. "Faelan," he called out, his voice carrying across the courtyard, "Rise and step forward."
Elder Faelan, a tremor in his movements, slowly rose to his feet and approached the king. Kneeling before Elias once more, he awaited his command.
"Faelan," Elias proclaimed, his voice ringing with authority, "I hereby appoint you High Council of Elders. You shall oversee the administration of our kingdom, implement essential policies, advise on matters of state, and manage all internal affairs."
With a flourish, Elias materialized a gleaming sword from thin air. Its polished surface glinted in the afternoon sun.
He gently placed the blade on Faelan's shoulder, symbolizing the weight and honor bestowed upon him.
After granting Elder Faelan permission to return to his place among the crowd, Elias continued his task.
One by one, he summoned individuals from various races, strategically assigning them critical positions within the fledgling kingdom's government.
High Council of Elders
Chancellor: Elder Faelan (Sylvan Elf)
Responsibilities: Overseeing the administration, implementing policies, advising on state matters, and managing all internal affairs.
Royal Council
Steward: Elder Sylvina (Sylvan Elf)
Responsibilities: Managing the royal household and estate, overseeing domestic affairs, and ensuring the smooth operation of the palace.
Marshal: Vargr (Lycanthrope)
Responsibilities: Commanding the army, organizing defense, and ensuring military readiness.
Chamberlain: Elder Thalorin (Sylvan Elf)
Responsibilities: Managing the royal household staff and taking care of the monarch's personal needs.
Treasurer: Elder Vaeloria (Sylvan Elf)
Responsibilities: Managing the kingdom's finances, collecting taxes, and overseeing economic policies.
Seneschal: Elder Ilantris (Sylvan Elf)
Responsibilities: Managing lands, overseeing vassals, and ensuring agricultural productivity.
Master of Ceremonies: Iliana (Dryad)
Responsibilities: Planning and executing royal events, managing protocol, and ensuring smooth conduct of state functions.
Royal Guard Captain: Garon (Centaur)
Responsibilities: Ensuring the safety and security of the royal family, protecting the palace, and overseeing the royal guards.
Ambassadors/Diplomats:
Nerissa (Nymph)
Responsibilities: Conducting diplomacy, negotiating treaties, and managing international relations.
Rhylen (Sylvan Elf)
Responsibilities: Conducting diplomacy, negotiating treaties, and managing international relations.
Chief Justiciar: Cyrion (Lycanthrope)
Responsibilities: Overseeing justice and law enforcement, ensuring fair trials, and upholding the kingdom's laws.
High Priestess: Evelyn (Nymph)
Responsibilities: Conducting religious ceremonies, providing spiritual guidance, and overseeing religious affairs.
Master of Trade: Rodr (Lycanthrope)
Responsibilities: Regulating trade, managing markets, and fostering economic growth.
Chief Engineer: Theron (Centaur)
Responsibilities: Overseeing building projects, maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring technological advancement.
Royal Historian: Elder Vaeloria (Sylvan Elf)
Responsibilities: Documenting events, preserving archives, and educating future generations about the kingdom's heritage.
With the government framework established, Elias ushered the newly appointed representatives into the familiar grand hall they'd used the previous day.
The remaining crowd was politely asked to wait outside.
Once everyone was settled, Elias addressed the room.
"Now, my esteemed advisors, I need your assistance in organizing your respective people. We must gather the materials needed for the kingdom's growth."
A deep bow from Elder Faelan signaled his desire to speak.
"My Lord," he began, "with the diverse races represented here, I believe we can acquire a substantial amount of materials in less than a day."
"Not only wood and stone, but iron and magical stones as well. We can provide them in significant quantities."
"That's impressive," Elias acknowledged.
A smile touched Elias's lips. He then directed his attention to Garon, a centaur standing beside the Elder, who bowed respectfully.
"Garon, any thoughts you wish to share?"
"Indeed, my Lord," Garon replied.
"The centaurs, alongside every other race present, would be more than willing to relocate our stored resources to the heart of the kingdom, placing them at your disposal."
"With your permission," he continued, "some of us would return to our settlements and bring back everything we can offer."
Elias pondered this offer, his gaze sweeping across the eager faces. "Hmm," he murmured, seeking further input. "What are your thoughts on Garon's suggestion?"
A wave of agreement rippled through the room.
Despite Elias's earlier declaration that their personal possessions belonged to them, the representatives were adamant about contributing their resources to build their new kingdom.
They insisted on pooling their collective wealth for the benefit of their new community.
Inside the grand hall, Elias delved into the details of Faeloria's new government structure. He then dropped a bombshell that left everyone stunned, yet brimming with joy.
"For the next two years," he declared, "there will be no taxes levied upon any citizen of Faeloria."
A murmur of surprised delight rippled through the room.
"After these two years," Elias continued, "we will reassess our kingdom's financial health. If our coffers remain stable, we may consider extending this tax exemption."
Elder Vaeloria, newly appointed as the kingdom's treasurer, rose with a deep bow.
"Forgive me, my Lord, but may I speak?"
"Of course, Elder Vaeloria," Elias replied.
"Thank you, my Lord," the elder began, glancing briefly at Elder Faelan.
"While I wholeheartedly agree with your decision – and I'm certain everyone else here shares my joy – I can't help but worry about the kingdom's long-term finances. Without taxes, we'll need alternative sources of income to sustain ourselves."
Elias offered her a reassuring smile.
Elias nodded in agreement. "You raise a valid point. A strong economic and financial system is vital for our long-term success."
"In these early years, our focus will be on establishing a strong foundation for Faeloria."
"We'll prioritize improving the lives and well-being of all our citizens. Once everyone is settled and prosperous, we can gradually introduce a fair tax system in stages."
A contemplative look settled on his face.
"While immediate taxation isn't the answer, fostering an environment where commerce thrives will naturally lead to prosperity for both the kingdom and its citizens."
"Once we've secured the initial resources and begun construction on essential structures, I propose establishing various guilds."
He leaned forward, his gaze sweeping across the assembled representatives.
"Imagine a Merchant's Guild, facilitating trade and ensuring the smooth flow of goods within Faeloria and beyond its borders."
"An Adventurer's Guild could attract daring individuals seeking challenges and lucrative opportunities, bringing wealth and renown to the kingdom."
"A Hunter's Guild, focused on acquiring valuable resources and maintaining the safety of our lands, would be invaluable."
"And lastly, a Mercenary Guild, comprised of skilled warriors willing to lend their expertise in exchange for fair compensation, would bolster our defenses and deter potential threats."
A spark of enthusiasm ignited in Elias's eyes. "These are just some initial ideas, of course. We can delve deeper into the specifics of each guild once we've made some progress and have a clearer picture of our kingdom's needs."
Elder Vaeloria seemed mollified. "Thank you, my Lord," she said with a bow before taking her seat.
Discussions and lively debates continued for about thirty minutes.
Once the leaders from each key position had been briefed, the group split into two.
Some returned to their homes to gather their promised treasures, while others dispersed throughout the kingdom to collect the required materials.