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Standing at the edge of the port, Anos looked at the crowd with a faint smile on his lips.
Nanniwa Port had not changed much in the months he had been away. However, the significant increase in the number of ships docked there was a testament to Losta, the Minister of Commerce, and her successful management in recent months.
"Rise, and assign someone to guard the Infinity. Everyone else, return to your posts. Losta, follow me back to the palace," Anos commanded.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Losta responded, bowing respectfully.
The palace remained just as it had been before Anos left majestic and unaltered. Though the night had fallen, the illuminated corridors provided a warm and familiar atmosphere.
By now, it was nearing 8 o'clock in the evening. Apart from the few who remained on duty, the palace was quiet.
Anos and Losta sat across from each other in the grand hall, their focus on catching up on the changes and developments in the kingdom.
As a maid brought in two cups of tea and quietly exited, the doors to the hall closed, plunging the palace into tranquil silence.
"Let's begin. Report everything that has transpired during my absence," Anos said, taking a sip from his teacup.
"Your Majesty," Losta began, producing a thick portfolio, "I have compiled a detailed report on the last three months. I'll summarize it now, and you can review the documents later at your convenience."
She placed the portfolio on the table between them, straightened her posture, and began her report.
"Since Your Majesty's departure, the administrative reforms have been implemented across the Tru Kingdom. The industrial projects planned for key regions have been initiated, with factories now operational. Infrastructure development, particularly roads, is also underway."
"Trade has flourished. Merchants from across the four seas have begun congregating at Nanniwa and Trova Ports. The Kingdom's economy has seen rapid growth as a result, with most efforts focused on economic recovery and improving the people's livelihoods."
"To date, 86 new factories have been established, employing nearly five million citizens. By year-end, we project an additional 200 factories, creating jobs for an estimated ten million people."
"Beyond domestic efforts, the kingdom has also initiated diplomatic outreach to neighbouring South Blue nations. Notably, Crimea, a world government affiliate, has shown promise due to its rich mineral resources and relatively sparse population, making it an ideal partner for our future ventures."
Anos listened silently, his expression unreadable, as Losta continued her detailed summary. When she finished, she sat quietly, waiting for his response.
The only sound in the room was the soft clink of Anos placing his teacup back onto the table. After a brief pause, he spoke.
"These are all commendable achievements, Losta. But tell me, what challenges have arisen during these months?" Anos asked calmly.
"Your Majesty," Losta replied, her tone slightly nervous, "the rapid pace of development has created a strain on the kingdom's finances. The treasury has been significantly depleted due to large-scale investments in infrastructure and industry, as well as efforts to alleviate the poverty of our citizens."
As the Minister of Commerce, Losta was well aware of the importance of financial stability.
Yet, discussing a lack of funds in front of the king was no easy task. Still, Anos remained composed, leaning back in his chair and sipping his tea with a disinterested air, which only made Losta more uneasy.
"Currently," Losta continued, "the kingdom's monthly industrial revenue is approximately 25 billion Beris. However, with our current trajectory, we anticipate monthly income to surpass 130 billion Beris by March of next year."
She spoke carefully, watching Anos for any hint of his reaction. Despite her thorough explanation, his expression remained unreadable.
After a long silence, Anos finally placed his teacup back on the table and leaned forward slightly.
"Losta, you've reported well. But I trust you understand numbers and growth projections are secondary. What I want is the long-term vision for Tru Kingdom. I expect more than just economic expansion," Anos said, his voice steady but commanding.
Losta nodded earnestly, understanding the underlying challenge in his words.
Anos was not just a ruler concerned with immediate success he sought to build a legacy that would establish the Tru Kingdom as an unshakable power in the South Blue.
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