The days after the meeting with the Solara Republic moved swiftly. Ethan's vision for Veldoria was beginning to take shape, but he knew that to sustain it, he needed a circle of trusted individuals—people who would be loyal, skilled, and capable of handling the intricacies of the kingdom's future. As much as the kingdom's growth relied on economic and technological advancement, it was equally important that he surrounded himself with those who could protect him and advise him wisely.
It wasn't just the military that needed bolstering; his personal security also required attention. Viktor had already proven his worth as Ethan's most trusted bodyguard, but Ethan knew that his safety would depend on more than just one man.
---
The first step in that direction came when Viktor approached him with an idea. Ethan was in his study when the door opened, and Viktor stepped inside, his usual composure evident.
"Your Majesty," Viktor began, "I believe it's time to expand your personal security detail. With the direction we're heading, the threats against you will only grow. We need a stronger, more diverse team—one that can anticipate danger from all sides."
Ethan looked up, intrigued. "I agree. But I trust you, Viktor. Who do you have in mind?"
Viktor's eyes glinted with determination. "I've already been observing potential candidates. There are a few soldiers in the royal guard who possess the skills we need, but I want to focus on quality over quantity. A smaller, specialized team who can handle every situation—whether it's an ambush, an assassination attempt, or a more subtle threat."
Ethan considered this. A specialized team of elite guards would be crucial, and Viktor's instinct for talent was reliable. "How many do you think we need?"
"Five, including myself," Viktor replied confidently. "Each one will be handpicked, thoroughly trained, and prepared to serve as your shadow in every sense. I will personally oversee their training. They will be more than just protectors—they will be your eyes and ears, aware of every move, every potential risk."
Ethan nodded, trusting Viktor's judgment. "Proceed with it. Build the team, and I want them to be ready within the month."
---
The second part of the expansion involved bringing in a new secretary—someone capable, efficient, and perhaps most importantly, discreet. Ethan had always managed his own affairs in the past, but with the increase in responsibilities, a secretary would be an invaluable addition to his court.
A few days later, Ethan found himself sitting in his office when the door opened. A young woman stepped in, holding a folder with the royal seal. She had dark brown hair, neatly tied back, and a calm but determined expression. Her attire was formal yet practical, clearly designed to be both professional and unobtrusive.
"Your Majesty," she said with a respectful bow, "I am Elena Vale, your new secretary. I've been appointed to assist you in organizing your affairs. I hope to prove myself worthy of your trust."
Ethan looked her over, recognizing the quiet confidence in her demeanor. "Welcome, Elena. I've heard good things about you. I'm sure we'll get along just fine."
"I'm ready to serve, Your Majesty," she said with a modest smile. "I've already reviewed the agenda for your upcoming meetings and have prepared the necessary documents."
Ethan motioned to the chair across from his desk. "Please, have a seat. We'll need someone who can not only keep track of my schedule but also manage the day-to-day tasks that I won't always have time for. You'll be my right hand when it comes to administration."
As Elena sat down and began explaining her plans to help streamline the workflow, Ethan was impressed by her efficiency. She was exactly what he needed—calm under pressure, focused, and organized.
---
Over the next few weeks, Viktor's new security team began to take shape. Each member was handpicked based on their unique skills, from hand-to-hand combat expertise to the ability to blend into any environment. They were not just bodyguards—they were highly trained operatives, capable of handling threats in any situation.
Viktor spent long hours with them, ensuring that each guard was not only physically capable but also mentally prepared for the challenges they would face. They trained in the palace's expansive grounds, running drills and refining their techniques.
Ethan often observed the training sessions, noting how the guards moved with precision and discipline. He saw the commitment in their eyes—each of them knew that their duty was to protect the king, no matter the cost.
---
One evening, Viktor came to Ethan's chambers, his face unusually serious. "Your Majesty, we've received troubling news from General Kaspar. It seems that the Zethian government is beginning to take notice of our military buildup on the northern borders. Their officials are concerned that our upgrades to the outposts and the fortifications are preparations for an expansion of our military forces."
Ethan looked up from his papers, tension creeping into his shoulders. "How serious is it?"
Viktor nodded. "According to the General, Zethia is on high alert. They're considering mobilizing their forces in response, and there's been talk of increased surveillance along our borders. General Kaspar is recommending that we take a more diplomatic approach to ease tensions, but it seems that the other side is already preparing for the worst."
Ethan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If Zethia thinks we're preparing for something major, we can't ignore it. I need to make it clear that we're not a threat—but also be prepared in case things escalate."
Viktor agreed. "I'll coordinate with General Kaspar and have our forces ready for any unexpected developments. We'll be cautious, but ready."
"Good," Ethan said. "Prepare a diplomatic response, but make sure we have all contingencies covered. I don't want to provoke a conflict, but I'm not going to back down from what we've started either."
---
As the days passed, Elena became an indispensable part of Ethan's routine. Her quiet efficiency and attention to detail kept everything running smoothly. She took care of scheduling, correspondence, and kept track of the progress on the various initiatives Ethan had set in motion. Whether it was preparing for a meeting with foreign dignitaries or ensuring the next military shipment arrived on time, Elena's contributions were becoming invaluable.
One afternoon, she came into Ethan's office with a new set of papers. "Your Majesty, I've prepared the outline for the upcoming summit. It includes key topics to discuss with the leaders of the Solara Republic and other major powers. I've also compiled a list of potential discussion points regarding our military trade agreements."
Ethan looked at her with appreciation. "You've done excellent work, Elena. I trust you've also made provisions for any contingencies?"
"Of course," she replied. "There are backup plans in place for each potential scenario. I've ensured that we'll be prepared for any situation."
He smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Good. I don't know what I'd do without you."