The Vengeful One sat at her expansive desk, her crimson cloak draped over the back of her chair as she leaned forward, her elbow propped up and her quill scratching absentmindedly at her temple. In front of her were stacks of parchment, neatly organized into piles by Great Sage, each containing detailed plans, resources, and costs for the monumental task of bringing full plumbing to Ashwynd within two weeks. Her crimson eyes darted over the drafts, her lips twitching into an occasional frown as she tried to make sense of the numbers.
"You've outdone yourself, Sage," she muttered, her tone dry. "I asked for drafts, not a war strategy."
"Efficiency requires precision, my Lady," came the even reply of Great Sage in the corner of her vision. "Each draft accounts for real-world needs translated into the city's infrastructure. I have provided recommendations for cuts and reallocations to balance the budget."
She sighed, tapping the quill against the desk as she picked up the first draft. "Alright, let's see what we have here. Draft one: redirecting twenty percent of the city's military budget. That would give us... what? Enough for piping and initial installations?"
"Correct. However, this would delay the acquisition of new armaments for the city guard and halt the training of two incoming Marine battalions for at least three months."
She frowned, scratching at her head again. "Not ideal. I can't afford to weaken our defenses. Ashwynd may not be on the frontlines, but it's still a target if anyone senses weakness. What's next?"
Picking up another parchment, she skimmed it quickly. "Draft two: divert funds from the market expansion initiative. Well, that sounds tempting. What's the cost?"
"It would delay the construction of market stalls and trade hubs, resulting in a twenty percent reduction in projected economic growth for the next quarter. The city's merchants may perceive this as a lack of support, which could lead to unrest among the trade guilds."
She groaned, leaning back in her chair. "Wonderful. So either I annoy the merchants or I risk an underfunded guard. What else?"
Another draft caught her eye, and she grabbed it, scanning the lines quickly. "Draft three: temporary reduction of civic beautification efforts. Ah, flowers versus plumbing. Seems like an easy choice, no?"
"A short-term reduction in city beautification would save enough to cover the workforce wages for plumbing installation. However, it would lower morale among the populace, particularly those who view the beautification efforts as a sign of prosperity."
She groaned again, dropping the draft onto the desk. "Morale, defense, or economy. Why can't it ever be simple, Sage?"
"Complexity is inherent in governance, my Lady. Would you like a summary of my optimal recommendation?"
She waved a hand, gesturing for Sage to continue. "Let's hear it. Enlighten me, Sage."
"A balanced approach: reduce the civic beautification budget by fifteen percent, delay the market expansion by one month, and allocate ten percent from the city's general reserve. This will cover the costs of plumbing infrastructure while minimizing long-term impacts."
She tilted her head, considering the suggestion. "A balanced approach, you say? What about the reserve? Will we have enough left for emergencies?"
"The reserve will remain at seventy-five percent capacity. Sufficient for moderate emergencies but inadequate for prolonged conflict or large-scale natural disasters."
She sighed, tapping the quill against her lip as she thought it over. "It's not perfect, but it's the best I've heard so far. Any other recommendations?"
"You could consider a voluntary labor initiative, incentivizing citizens to assist in the installation process in exchange for tax reductions or other benefits. This would reduce costs by fifteen percent but requires substantial public support."
Her lips twitched into a smirk. "Interesting. Rally the people to invest in their city. That could work... if I spin it right. And if it fails?"
"Failure to garner support could result in public backlash and delays to the project, harming your favorability in the short term."
She leaned back, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly as she weighed the options. "A gamble, then. I do like a good gamble. Alright, Sage, here's what we'll do. Implement the balanced approach, but add the voluntary labor initiative. Frame it as an opportunity for the people to directly shape their city's future. I'll personally oversee the recruitment effort to ensure it gains traction."
"Acknowledged, my Lady. Adjusting plans accordingly. Estimated completion remains within two weeks."
She chuckled softly, shaking her head as she signed off on the balanced draft. "You know, Sage, I might actually pull this off. A fully plumbed city in two weeks... who would've thought?"
"You would, my Lady. As always."
Her smirk widened as she leaned forward, her quill scratching confidently against the parchment as she finalized the plans.
The Vengeful One knelt on one knee, her hands steady as she aligned two lengths of metal piping. She wore the standard-issue construction attire: a sturdy, dark gray work tunic with rolled-up sleeves, reinforced trousers tucked into heavy, dust-covered boots, and thick leather gloves. Her crimson hair was tied back, hidden beneath a practical cloth cap. The ensemble was entirely unlike her usual regal armor or elegant cloaks, but it served its purpose well.
Her Marines worked alongside her, their own sleeves rolled up as they hammered, tightened, and adjusted the plumbing infrastructure in unison. The rhythmic clinking of tools against metal filled the air, accompanied by the faint scent of earth and heated iron. The Vengeful One leaned forward slightly, ensuring the pipe was perfectly aligned before nodding to the Marine beside her to secure the joint.
"There. Good as new," she murmured, her voice low but filled with satisfaction. Her lips curled into a small smirk, hidden by her bent posture.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed several passersby slowing their steps, their curiosity piqued by the sight of their ruler working side by side with her troops. Murmurs began to ripple through the small crowd that had gathered, their voices hushed but audible.
"Is that... the Queen?" one woman whispered, clutching a basket of fruit to her chest.
"It can't be. Why would she be laying pipes with her Marines?" another man replied, his brows furrowed in disbelief.
A younger voice chimed in, a boy tugging at his father's sleeve. "But it looks just like her, doesn't it? She's even got red hair!"
The Vengeful One smirked wider, keeping her head down as she continued to work. She pressed her weight against the pipe, testing its stability, before reaching for another tool from the crate beside her.
"If she's doing this, what does that make us?" someone else muttered. "Pampered nobles? If our Queen's out here in construction clothes, we should be helping too."
"You're right. It's the least we could do, isn't it?" another voice added, the tone one of growing determination.
The murmurs spread like wildfire, rippling through the bystanders as they watched her, their awe and admiration palpable. Slowly, some began to disperse, their steps purposeful as they headed off with renewed intent—likely to volunteer their time to the project. The Vengeful One straightened slightly, brushing her gloved hand over her forehead, leaving a faint streak of dirt across her skin. Her smirk softened into a smile, her crimson eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she caught the whispered chatter.
She handed the next section of piping to a Marine, who took it with a sharp nod. Turning her head slightly, she murmured under her breath, "Sage, remind me to thank these clothes later. I think they've done half my job for me."
"Acknowledged, my Lady," Sage replied in her mind, its tone tinged with a faint trace of approval. "The impact of your actions appears to be spreading rapidly among the populace. Volunteer numbers are likely to increase by fifty-three percent in the coming days."
Her smirk returned as she crouched down again, aligning another pipe with practiced precision. "Let's make sure they have something to do, then. A queen who works inspires workers. Funny how that works, isn't it, Sage?"
As she continued her efforts, the Vengeful One felt a quiet pride settle over her. The sight of citizens inspired to action by her own example was more satisfying than any decree or speech she could have delivered. Actions, after all, spoke louder than words.
"Yeah, right. I'm definitely not doing this for the admiration." The Vengeful One chuckled as she knelt by the freshly aligned piping, tightening the bolts with a well-worn wrench. Her crimson eyes glinted with satisfaction as the connection locked into place, her gloves smudged with grease and dirt. Passersby continued to murmur around her, their admiration unmistakable as they marveled at their ruler working shoulder to shoulder with her Marines.
She straightened up slightly, resting her weight on one knee as she wiped a bead of sweat from her brow with the back of her glove. The corner of her lips curled into a smirk as a thought flitted through her mind. Her internal laughter echoed in her head as she glanced toward the growing crowd of curious citizens. "This is all about the plumbing and nothing else."
One of her Marines, a burly man with a patch of soot smeared across his cheek, handed her another section of pipe. She took it without a word, her smirk deepening as she turned it over in her hands. "And they say ruling is all about speeches and sitting on a throne. If only they knew how much fun I was having out here."
"Something amusing, my Lady?" came the familiar, steady voice of Great Sage in her mind, its tone a perfect mixture of curiosity and dry humor.
Her smirk widened, though she kept her expression outwardly neutral as she adjusted the pipe. "Oh, nothing. Just thinking about how inspirational I must look right now. Practically a saint, don't you think?"
"Indeed," Sage replied evenly. "Your efforts here will undoubtedly bolster public morale and strengthen your image as a ruler of the people. However, I assume you are aware that self-congratulation does little to further the project."
She chuckled quietly, her laugh barely audible over the clinking of tools. "Point taken, Sage. Let's get this done, shall we?"
Turning her attention back to the task at hand, she fitted the pipe into its slot, her hands moving with practiced precision. But even as she worked, the playful thought lingered in the back of her mind. A queen in construction clothes, laying pipes like a common worker. Who would have thought? If this doesn't make me legendary, nothing will.
Her smirk remained as she tightened the last bolt, the murmurs of admiration from the crowd washing over her like music.
The Vengeful One stood at the edge of the main water hub, her crimson cloak absent for once, leaving her in the practical construction attire she had donned during the past few days. Her gloved hands rested on her hips as she surveyed the network of pipes, tanks, and reservoirs that sprawled across the site. The air buzzed with the sounds of hammers, saws, and cheerful chatter as citizens worked alongside Marines to bring the project to completion.
Lian stepped up beside her, her polished armor gleaming even in the dusty construction zone. She watched the activity with wide eyes, marveling at the efficiency and sheer scale of the effort. "My Lady, it's remarkable. Over half the able-bodied citizens have volunteered. The progress is faster than I could have ever imagined."
The Vengeful One smirked, crossing her arms as her gaze drifted across the bustling site. "People like to be part of something greater, Lian. They see the pipes connecting their homes, their streets, their lives—and they understand that this isn't just a project. It's a promise. A promise that their lives will change for the better."
Lian nodded thoughtfully, watching a group of citizens hauling pipes under the guidance of a Marine. "Even so, my Lady, it's impressive. Just days ago, they seemed indifferent at best. Now look at them. It's as if the entire city has rallied around you."
The Vengeful One chuckled softly, her smirk deepening as a thought flickered through her mind. "Gullible fools. All it took was a few days of me laying pipes alongside my Marines, and they're already treating this project like divine intervention."
Her voice broke through Lian's musings, her tone calm yet instructive. "Lian, let me share something with you about leadership. To lead successfully, you must be willing to work in the grime with your followers. Show them that you're not above them, that their struggles are yours too. It's not about the work itself—it's about the message. People follow those who lead by example."
Lian glanced at her queen, her expression one of genuine admiration. "You're right, my Lady. I've seen it firsthand these past days. The way you stepped in to work alongside them—it inspired them. You've given them hope. I'll remember this lesson well."
She chuckled again, this time aloud, though it was a low, private laugh that Lian couldn't decipher. "Oh, if only you knew, Lian. Inspiration isn't as noble as it seems. It's manipulation, plain and simple. But it works—and that's what matters."
Outwardly, she maintained her composed demeanor, her crimson eyes glinting with a subtle satisfaction. "Good. A leader who forgets this principle risks alienating the very people they seek to guide. Now, let's ensure this project finishes ahead of schedule. The sooner we turn Ashwynd into the beacon it's meant to be, the sooner the rest of the kingdom can follow suit."
Lian saluted crisply. "Of course, my Lady. I'll see to it."
As Lian moved to oversee another section of the site, the Vengeful One lingered for a moment, her smirk returning as she watched the citizens labor with renewed purpose. Manipulation or not, the results spoke for themselves. Ashwynd was transforming before her very eyes—and she wouldn't have it any other way.
The Vengeful One sat in her throne, her posture relaxed but her mind razor-sharp as her crimson eyes scanned the scrolls and ledgers laid out before her. The throne room, usually a place of grandeur and command, had transformed into something akin to a war council chamber. Stacks of parchment towered on the table beside her, each detailing the intricate financial workings of Ashwynd. The plumbing project was nearing completion, but there was still one issue nagging at her—how to fund its maintenance moving forward.
She sighed, running a gloved hand through her crimson hair as she picked up a quill. Her gaze fell on a particular ledger, her lips tightening slightly as she read the expenditures.
"Sage," she said aloud, her tone sharp but laced with thought. "Remind me again why we're allocating this much to city-wide festivals? What exactly does this... frivolity contribute to the health of Ashwynd?"
"Civic festivals are traditionally seen as a means of bolstering morale and fostering community, my Lady," Sage replied in its usual even tone. "However, they are not essential to the city's immediate well-being or infrastructure."
Her crimson eyes narrowed slightly, her quill tapping against the edge of the throne's armrest. "Morale. Yes, I understand the value of morale. But clean water and functional plumbing do far more for morale than a parade of drunken revelers tossing petals and coins. Do they not?"
"Statistically speaking, the long-term benefits of improved infrastructure outweigh short-term morale boosts from festivals."
Her smirk returned, this time tinged with a faint trace of mischief. "Then it's settled. Slash the funding for non-essential festivals. Reallocate it to plumbing maintenance and system expansion."
Sage responded immediately. "Adjustments noted. This will provide sufficient funds to cover maintenance costs for the next fiscal cycle and support minor expansions in adjacent districts. However, some discontent among the artisan guilds and festival organizers is to be expected."
"Let them complain," she said, waving a dismissive hand. "If they have the energy to whine about lost parades, they can use that energy to appreciate running water and functioning sanitation. Or better yet, they can volunteer to help maintain the system. Problem solved."
She leaned back in her throne, her fingers steepled as she surveyed the remaining ledgers. "What else? Anything critical I've overlooked?"
"None that require immediate action, my Lady. The reallocation of festival funds will suffice for the current phase of the project. Long-term sustainability will require additional resources, but these can be addressed in the next fiscal review."
She nodded thoughtfully, her crimson eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Good. Ashwynd's people may grumble, but they'll thank me when they have clean water flowing into their homes. Besides, I've left them with enough festivals to keep their spirits intact. They can live without a feast for every minor holiday."
She signed off on the reallocation with a flourish of her quill, her smirk widening. "There. Done. A city with functioning plumbing and fewer frivolities. Call it progress."
As she set the quill down, her gaze drifted toward the windows of her throne room, where the sounds of construction still echoed faintly.