The sun bathed the capital city of Veldoria in a golden glow as the hum of construction filled the air. From his office window, Ethan could see cranes lifting steel beams into place and streets bustling with workers and merchants. It was a kingdom in motion, each corner of society touched by progress and hope. Yet, beyond the prosperity lay a simmering tension along the northern border.
For now, the line remained quiet. No provocations, no sudden incursions. A temporary calm—but one that Ethan knew could not be trusted. Still, peace gave him a rare chance to focus on the next stage of his vision.
He turned away from the window as Viktor entered the room, his expression as composed as ever.
"The northern outposts are reporting no significant changes," Viktor began, his voice calm but vigilant. "Your orders to expand the defenses are proceeding as scheduled."
"Good." Ethan's eyes hardened. "But today, let's shift our attention to growth. We have to ensure our foundation is strong enough to weather whatever comes next. Set up my meetings. It's time to look forward."
---
The conference room hummed with quiet efficiency as executives and engineers from Veldoria's largest electronics firm gathered around a sleek, glass-topped table. At the head sat Clara Mendel, the sharp-eyed CEO, her hands folded as she listened intently.
Ethan stood, his presence commanding the room. A large screen displayed a rendering of the first domestically produced smartphone, a compact design with durable materials and minimalistic elegance.
"Our satellite launch is scheduled for next week," Ethan began, his tone even but purposeful. "When it's operational, we'll have real-time communication capabilities across the entire kingdom. But infrastructure means nothing without access. Every citizen, regardless of wealth, must be able to stay connected."
Clara nodded, her mind already calculating logistics. "You're proposing government-issued phones?"
"Exactly," Ethan confirmed. "Any citizen in need can request one, free of charge. These phones will start with basic calling and texting. Over time, we'll integrate internet access. Connectivity is a right, not a luxury. Informed citizens are empowered citizens."
Murmurs spread around the table. One of the engineers raised a hand. "Your Majesty, funding such a program will be substantial. Have the financial impacts been assessed?"
"They have," Ethan said. "We'll raise taxes next year to cover costs. Our growing workforce and improved economic activity will help absorb the burden. This is an investment in our people and our future."
Clara's eyes gleamed with admiration. "We can begin production immediately. However, distribution will take time—realistically, next year before we reach full scale."
"That's acceptable," Ethan replied. "Prepare user-friendly training programs as well. Connectivity is useless if people don't know how to use the technology."
The room buzzed with energy as notes were scribbled, plans outlined, and progress anticipated.
---
Hours later, Ethan met with his ministers to discuss economic strategies. Oil production, though vital, was only one piece of a larger puzzle.
Finance Minister Ivana leaned forward, her dark eyes intense. "We've increased daily oil production to over 320,000 barrels. Revenue has improved, but the market remains volatile. Our dependency on this resource remains a weakness."
Ethan frowned, his fingers tapping a thoughtful rhythm on the table. "We need to diversify. Technology will be the cornerstone of our future. No more partnerships with foreign powers. We'll build from within."
He rose, his voice firm. "Issue a call for the brightest minds across the globe. Engineers, software developers, inventors—we'll recruit them with competitive salaries, full relocation support, and resources to thrive. In return, they'll train our people. We won't just import talent; we'll create it."
Ivana nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. "We'll design a global recruitment campaign. A few key success stories could attract even more talent."
"Make it happen," Ethan said.
"And healthcare?" Viktor interjected. "Our hospitals are overstretched. Staff shortages are becoming critical."
"We'll address it the same way," Ethan replied. "Call for doctors, nurses, and medical professionals willing to build something extraordinary. When funds allow, we'll expand and modernize hospitals across the country. Eventually, healthcare will be free for everyone. No exceptions."
The room grew silent as the weight of his words settled.
"It's a massive undertaking," Ivana said softly. "But if anyone can pull it off, it's you."
---
The streets of the capital buzzed with life. Ethan walked with Viktor through neighborhoods where progress was becoming reality. Solar panels gleamed on rooftops, clean water flowed from newly constructed systems, and roads were freshly paved. Children played with wooden toys while their parents read newspapers printed on presses revitalized by government grants.
"Safe, clean energy for every village within a year," Ethan murmured as they passed a power station, its turbines spinning quietly. "That's the goal. Internet lines are next. Access to information will unite us, strengthen us."
Viktor remained silent, but his respect for the king's relentless drive was evident in his sharp gaze.
They reached the edge of a construction site where a new hospital was taking shape. Architects guided workers, and scaffolding climbed skyward like a skeleton of hope. Ethan stopped to watch a young medic explain emergency protocols to a group of trainees.
"Expansion isn't just about buildings," he said. "It's about people. Health, knowledge, opportunity—it all starts with investment in human potential."
---
Back in his office, the financial ledger lay open before Ethan, its columns of figures painting a sobering picture. Despite increased oil production, the kingdom's coffers were still strained. The reforms, the technology, the education—all required resources beyond what their oil revenue could sustain.
"We need new revenue streams," he said, addressing Viktor and Ivana.
Ivana spoke cautiously. "Tourism is an option. If we develop infrastructure for travel and showcase our culture, it could be lucrative."
Ethan considered it. "It's worth exploring. But I want something sustainable, something that reflects who we are."
"There's potential in exporting technology," Viktor suggested. "Once we master it ourselves, we could sell it abroad."
Ethan nodded slowly. "First, we secure our own foundations. Then, we share what makes us strong."