Five days had passed since Jonady and Kaylen Sienna meeting.
Now settled in the castle Jonady, with his impeccably styled black hair, had fully adapted to his role in the palace.
Clad in military attire he spent his days, seated behind a large desk a pile of budgetary and administrative documents before him.
Across from him, Kaylen, dressed in a long white tunic, worked with meticulous precision, greatly streamlining Jonady's workflow.
Since Kaylen's arrival, the king's administrative pace had accelerated. Without needing to speak, Kaylen anticipated his needs, completing future tasks with such efficiency that they seemed to form a true symbiosis.
As they worked side by side, Kaylen looked up, a sly smile on his face.
— "Jonady do you know that the palace servants constantly talk about you? They admire the changes brought by your recent reforms: the overhaul of schedules and the seizure of corrupt nobles' assets. Your work is quietly praised in the halls."
Jonady sighed, setting his pen down on the desk.
— "If they have time to admire me, they might as well work. It's crucial that certain noble factions understand they are not above the kingdom's laws. Isn't that right, 'White Tiger'?"
This nickname, given to Kaylen by the servants for his sharp intelligence and quick wit made Jonady smile as he had adopted it to tease him.
Kaylen, accustomed to the nickname, let out a slight sigh.— "Yeah you've got a point. However it was an excellent decision to make military conscription mandatory for all citizens, noble or not. In the future, we must build a strong navy."
Jonady nodded silently. He reflected on the recent invasion by the coalition, which had caused considerable losses to their fleet. The remaining ships were in poor condition leaving maritime defense precarious. Action was needed.
Kaylen continued:
— "If we want to ensure peace, we must prepare for war."
This phrase, echoing the saying Si vis pacem, para bellum ("If you want peace, prepare for war"), resonated in Jonady's mind. He recalled the example of England, an isolated island that, through its Royal Navy, had imposed the Pax Britannica. With Sienna's help, he dreamed of transforming Ednia into an untouchable island power equipped with magical trains powered by energy stones and a fleet of ironclad warships.
A Strategic Vision
Jonady gave Kaylen a resolute look.
— "Ednia is an island. Our insular position exposes us to invasions. But with a strong armed force and a powerful navy, we will become untouchable. Katakiel and the Dragon Kingdom will rule the land, but we will have maritime supremacy."
Kaylen, sharing this vision, nodded.
— "And with a strong land army, we'll be ready to respond to any threat, whether it comes from the sea or the land."
At that moment Raelia entered the office, her long hair tied back and her striking orange eyes lighting up the room. Her presence brightened the atmosphere.
Jonady seeing her smiled.
— "Raelia perfect timing. I was just about to call a maid to call you to for come here ."
Then, turning to Kaylen, he added:
— "Summon the different army leaders. We have plans to discuss."
Kaylen gave a crisp salute a spark of determination in his eyes.
— "Yes my king."
Without delay he left the office to carry out the order.
A Path to the Throne
Now alone with Jonady, Raelia approached him and took his hand.
— "Shall we go to the throne room?" she asked with a smile.
Jonady nodded.
— "Yes."
She gently squeezed his hand, and together they left the office, walking side by side toward the throne room. Their camaraderie drew admiring glances from the palace staff.
In these moments Jonady felt a mix of confidence and responsibility. He knew the decisions he was making now would shape not only the kingdom of Ednia but also his legacy. With Kaylen the pragmatic strategist and Raelia his source of inspiration he advanced along a path filled with challenges but brimming with promise for the future.