Lu Ming stood in his war room, staring at the map of his domain. The cities of the dwarves and elves were marked on the parchment, marking the most recent conquests of his empire. Although he had managed to take over the City of Stone and the City of Silver, he knew that the true test was yet to come. Military control was only the first step; now he had to consolidate his political authority.
He had decided that it was time to travel to the City of Silver and declare himself its new king, a symbolic act that would show the elves that the power of their former government had been completely replaced by his own. He remembered that during the campaign of conquest, he had sent General Thalor and Priestess Lyra along with his troops to secure the city. It was time to meet with them and make his rule official.
He ordered his subordinates to prepare his transport and set off at dawn with a small retinue of elite soldiers and mages. This time there would be no flying dragons or grand displays of force. Lu Ming knew that his presence in the elven city needed to be imposing, but not oppressive. He wanted to be seen as a leader, not just a conqueror.
***
Arriving at the gates of the Silver City, Lu Ming was greeted by General Thalor and Priestess Lyra, both dressed in their battle finery. Around them, the elite soldiers they had brought with them maintained defensive, yet relaxed, positions. It was a delicate balance: showing strength without provoking unnecessary fear.
"Welcome to the Silver City, Master Lu Ming," Thalor said, bowing his head in respect. His voice was strong and clear, filled with the authority of a military leader who knew what was necessary to maintain peace in a conquered city.
"Thank you, Thalor," Lu Ming replied, dismounting from his mount. "I see that everything is in order. How have the elves responded to our presence so far?"
Priestess Lyra stepped forward, her expression serene and eyes full of wisdom. "There is resentment, as expected," he said calmly. "Some have accepted the new reality, but there are those who still harbor thoughts of rebellion. We have done our best to show them that we are not oppressors, but not everyone is convinced."
Lu Ming nodded. "That is to be expected. Today, that will change."
Thalor led him toward the central plaza, where a large crowd of elves had gathered. They had been summoned to listen to the man who now controlled their destiny. Some watched with obvious distrust; others with fear, and a handful with cautious curiosity.
"Citizens of the Silver City," Lu Ming began, raising his voice for all to hear. "I know that these past few days have been difficult for you. I know that you have lost much in battle, and that the change you have experienced has not been easy. But I am here today to assure you that under my rule, your future will be bright and prosperous."
As he spoke, he could feel the tension in the air, a mix of resentment and hope. He knew he needed to win these people over, and quickly.
"Today, I proclaim myself your new king," he declared, letting his words echo in the silence that followed. "But not as a tyrant, but as a protector. From now on, this city will be part of a larger, stronger empire. Together, we will build a future that will benefit us all."
At that moment, Lyra raised her hands, and a soft, warm light began to emanate from her. It was a spell of calm and confidence, designed to ease the tension of the crowd. Slowly, the restless murmuring began to fade, and more and more of the elves seemed willing to listen.
Lu Ming continued, "As a sign of my commitment, I have ordered that provisions and gold be distributed to the families who have suffered in the war. I did not come here to destroy your home, but to rebuild it. Together, we can make the Silver City shine brighter than ever."
General Thalor, seeing the opportunity, stepped forward and added in his authoritative voice, "Serve the new king, as I have chosen to serve him. He has brought order and purpose, and under his leadership, I know we will all prosper."
The combination of Thalor's presence, Lyra's magical charm, and Lu Ming's words began to take effect. An elderly elf, one of the remaining community leaders, stepped forward from the crowd.
"King Lu Ming," he said with a formal bow, "if your promises are true, and if you truly bring peace and prosperity to our people, then we will accept your leadership. But be aware that we will watch you closely."
Lu Ming nodded, acknowledging the challenge implicit in the old man's words. "I expect no less," he replied with a confident smile. "Judge me by my actions, not my words."
As the day progressed, preparations were made for an impromptu coronation ceremony. Thalor and Lyra, as the elves of the Lu Ming's top commanders and advisors crowned him in the center of the plaza. With the elven crown now on his head, Lu Ming knew he had taken an important step toward consolidating his rule, but he was also aware that the real work had only just begun.
During the celebration, Lu Ming took note of the faces in the crowd. Not all had accepted his leadership, and some remained dangerously hostile. He knew he would have to remain vigilant. But for now, the Silver City was his.
With the ceremony concluded, Lu Ming met with Thalor and Lyra at the former elven palace, which would now serve as his temporary residence. "You did well to keep the peace," he told them. "But we must remain cautious. There are many here who still consider us enemies."
Lyra nodded. "I will have our mages reinforce the city's magical defenses. And I will send scouts to nearby villages to monitor any suspicious movement."
Thalor added, "I will also strengthen our patrols and have our men rotate constantly to ensure there are no weaknesses in our defenses."
Lu Ming nodded, satisfied with his answers. "Perfect. Remember, keeping this city safe is just the first step. If we can prove to them that we are capable of leading, we will eventually gain their loyalty."
That night, from the highest tower of the palace, Lu Ming looked out over the vast expanse of his new kingdom. The elves were just the beginning. He knew that the dwarves in Stone City would be closely watching what was happening here, and he would have to be prepared to face their challenges as well.
But for now, in the quiet of the night, Lu Ming allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. He had taken the first step toward consolidating his new empire, and he had no intention of stopping until all the lands were under his control.