--
The moment stretched as I studied the woman before me. Her elongated ears, slender and pointed, marked her as something otherworldly.
"Your Majesty," she said, her voice carrying a melodic cadence that lingered unnaturally. "I am Aeris, Barns' mentor and the true architect behind the elven potions you've so profitably distributed. My transformation is... a side effect of my research."
I kept my tone neutral, despite the unease curling in my stomach. "Side effect? Explain."
"The elven potions you've sold are fragments of ancient alchemy," she said. "For most, they grant enhanced magi abilities. But I, as their creator, became attuned to their essence. The transformation you see is irreversible."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Your Majesty, I've come not to explain, but to offer a proposition. Let me lead an Alchemy Division. Together, we can harness dungeon resources—artifacts, rare herbs, even the essence of mana itself. With innovation, we can elevate your kingdom to unmatched heights."
"And why," I said carefully, "should I trust someone who's hidden so much?"
She smiled faintly, touching her elongated ears. "Because, Your Majesty, I have more to gain by your success than your failure. Allow me one month to prove my worth."
I hesitated, weighing the risk. But the promise of her knowledge was too tempting. "One month," I said. "But know this—I'll be watching closely."
As Aeris left, my thoughts turned to the broader implications. The emergence of dungeons, the arrival of adventurers, and now the rise of an elven alchemist—my kingdom was rapidly evolving.
I opened the official forums, searching for updates on dungeon appearances. The chatter was lively:
"Discovered a new dungeon near the eastern borders! First clear gets exclusive loot!"
"Beware of the slime dungeon. A dragon is up as a reward, it's nothing but a scam."
"Any kingdom recruiting adventurers? Looking to sell potential talents for a good price!."
The influx of adventurers could be both a boon and a challenge. They brought opportunities, but also unpredictability.
---
After Aeris left, I sat back, pondering his advice. "More jobs, more pay." It was a simple enough idea on the surface, but the devil, as always, was in the details.
The problem wasn't just attracting people to the kingdom—it was making sure they stayed. Our defenses were solid, the dungeons were ripe for exploitation, and we had gold to throw around. But would that be enough to convince people to uproot their lives and settle here?
I called for Lucia. She entered quickly, her assistant trailing behind like a shadow.
"Lucia," I said, "we're going to run a campaign. Effective immediately, I want every border town, trading hub, and adventurer's guild to know this kingdom is the land of opportunity. Draft a royal decree: tax breaks for settlers, free land for families, and generous bounties for dungeon explorers. Make it loud enough that even the deaf hear it."
Lucia nodded, already scribbling notes. "Your Majesty, should we include incentives for craftsmen and merchants as well?"
"Yes. Prioritize skilled laborers, but don't turn anyone away. We need numbers first; quality will follow. Double the funding for the resettlement bureau. And ensure security along the borders—refugees and settlers alike should feel safe on their way in."
Her assistant looked startled by the sheer scale of the plan, but I waved them off before they could protest.
---
By mid-afternoon, Lucas stormed into my chamber, his boots clattering against the stone floor. "My lord, are you certain about this? We're already stretched thin maintaining law and order. If we double the population without expanding the guard, we risk chaos."
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I'm aware, Lucas. That's why I need a contingency plan. Focus your efforts on strategic outposts—place soldiers where they're most visible. Law is as much about perception as enforcement. And while you're at it, recruit from within the new arrivals. Train settlers to police their own communities."
Lucas frowned but gave a curt nod. "As you command, my lord."
---
Later, Benny returned with updates. His cheerful demeanor hadn't faded, though it was tinged with curiosity.
"I've taken the liberty of contacting merchants from neighboring kingdoms," he said. "They're spreading the word to overpopulated regions about our opportunities. We can expect an influx within weeks."
"Good." I leaned forward, steepling my fingers. "Next, I want you to draft plans for infrastructure development. Roads, housing, markets. If we're taking in this many people, we'll need to support them properly."
"And the funding?" Benny asked, his eyes glinting like a man who knew he was about to hear an absurdly large number.
"Use the surplus from dungeon profits and whatever taxes we can scrape from the adventurers. They'll grumble, but they owe us for the safe haven we're providing."
Benny's grin widened. "Understood, Your Majesty."
---
By the evening, I was reviewing the final drafts of the decrees when Barns arrived, his usual nervous energy amplified by urgency.
"My lord! I have news from the laboratory. My master has developed a potion that could speed up civilian recovery from exhaustion—perfect for newcomers struggling to adjust to kingdom life."
Results are coming in fast. I thought to myself.