Progress

Another day has passed, today is the day that the young prince will arrive.

The Main Palace, thankfully, did not receive much damage from the war, as the purpose of the war was merely to corner them within the Palace and make the opposition taste what I am capable of doing to take back what is rightfully mine.

"Are all of the rations prepared to be distributed to the people of Astrae?" I asked the head servants whom I've given the task to overlook the preparation of rations for the villages

"Yes, your majesty." They answered and bowed their heads

"Also, see to it that everyone, I mean every single one receives the packages, I wouldn't be delighted if I find out that there are some who did not receive any food." I said sternly as the next batch of ration for the people of Astrae are loaded to the wagons and caravans

"We've asked the people to list their names, your majesty, most of them –" I looked at one of the servants because of what he said

"What do you mean by most of them?" I asked sternly

"You're not certain that every single person living in Astrae listed their name?" I asked

"W-we a-asked some knights to have them list their names." He stammered and I looked at them seriously, they lowered their gaze, refusing to meet my eyes, and bowed their heads

"And you did not bother corroborating your list?" I asked them

"Apologies, your majesty." They knelt down

"Your apology cannot feed those who are suffering in hunger out in the kingdom." I said sternly and they trembled

"Knights," I called the knights

"Accompany them, see to it that every single one in the kingdom is listed in that record of theirs, don't come back unless every person in Astrae is listed." I commanded

"Yes, your majesty," the knights positioned at every corner of the room stepped forward and their stand-in covered their place

"As for the two of you, bring along two more of your colleagues to assist you." I said and they bowed down

"Yes, your majesty, we apologize for our mistake." They both said and I sighed

"Just make sure that this does not happen again. We are lacking manpower, for Astrae to recover, we must work together." I said in a calm tone

"Rise, start your tasks." I said and they left hurriedly

"Your majesty," Sir Charles and Knight Stephen arrived and bowed down

"You're both here, rise," I said and they stood up

"What is the state of Astrae?" I asked them

"The reconstruction of the villages are progressing smoothly, with the combined resources coming from Arcadia and Holland, we are in certainty that there will be no reason to have any delay in any progress." Sir Charles gave the details as an answer to my question

"How about those living in the outskirts, how is the progress there?" I asked

"They did not receive much damage compared to the villages within the vicinity of the palace, including the Noble's Hamlet where the Duchess Elizabeth used to reside." Knight Stephen answered and I nodded

"How about the matter I've asked about?" I asked and Knight Stephen cleared his throat

"I've began the investigation on the matter her majesty had entrusted me with," he began

"And, what did you find?" I asked

"Your majesty, indeed the rise of corruption had severed the fatality of those living in the slums. As for the people involved in the matter, her majesty is correct that there had been numerous incidences alike to that you've cited, I am still collecting evidences to fortify the claims." He said and I nodded my head

"I see, that is good to hear, heed my reminder to always stay cautious, do not delve alone, alright?" I reminded and he nodded his head

"Yes, I shall keep that in mind, your majesty." He said and bowed down

"You may go, thank you for your hard work, Sir Charles, Knight Stephen." I said

"It's our honor, your majesty." They said and knelt on one knee while bowing before they left

"Your majesty," Dame Maia and Dame Therese arrived

"How is the preparation going?" I asked

"Everything is ready, your majesty, the poultry and dairy industries have recovered, as for the farming, they are still waiting for the end of winter to implant the seedlings and rebuild the farms." Dame Therese reported

"I see, that is good. Is that all?" I said and she shook her head

"Also, we've ensured that every village can hold classes to provide education to the young as their parents and older relatives help with rebuilding Astrae, they are temporary sent to the Academy built during her majesty's reign to enact her majesty's plan." She added and I smiled in relief

"That's delighting to hear, how about the task I have assigned to you, Dame Maia? How is it?" I said and turned to Dame Maia who lowered her head a bit before answering

"I've checked the vicinity of the White Palace, the location is gravely advantageous in ensuring the young prince's safety as it is close to the Knight's Quarters, I'll personally be the young prince's near guard during his stay here." Dame Maia answered

"Hmm, I see, thank you Dames." I said and chuckled when I heard my stomach growl

The sun's already up in the sky and everyone's bustling in work and fulfilling their tasks, I also had to look into the political matters of Astrae as soon as I went out of my room that I forgot to eat my breakfast.

It seems that Katrina, despite her devious method and greed to make her daughter queen, still cares for the kingdom's state. Astrae's economy remained as it is during my reign, although there had been rise in corruption, I cannot deny that Astrae remained as it is. I am not certain if that standstill state of Astrae where it's economy did not improve but did not fall despite the rise of corruption is something to be at eased of or not.

"Has her majesty eaten her breakfast yet?" Dame Therese looked at me and I smiled before standing up and walking down from my throne

"I haven't, Dame, but I will be heading to eat now." I said and we headed to the Dining Hall

"Good morning, your majesty," the servants lined up and greeted as I enter the Dining Hall

"Her majesty will be eating her breakfast now." Dame Maia said and they began heading to the kitchen and some are preparing the table

"Please tell the kitchen not to prepare more than three dishes, I may not consume all of that and I do not want to waste any of Astrae's current resources." I told one of the maids calmly

"Yes, your majesty." She lowered her head and headed to the kitchen