Responsibility

"My dear courtiers," he began, his voice firm yet filled with empathy, "I have heard your concerns, your hopes, and your fears. The time has come for us to make a decision that will shape the destiny of Landroich. I understand the complexities and challenges we face. It is not just a matter of numbers on parchment; it is about the lives of our people, their dreams, and their aspirations."

He turned his gaze toward the commoners, acknowledging their struggles, "To the common folk, your cries for relief have not fallen on deaf ears. You deserve a chance at a better life, where your children do not go to bed hungry, and your homes are warm and safe."

Then, he looked to the nobles and ladies, his voice unwavering, "To my noble subjects, I recognize the importance of economic stability and growth. I understand your concerns about stifling innovation. We must find a way to balance progress and compassion."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, and then continued, "Therefore, I decree the implementation of 'Progressive Taxation' in Landroich. However, let this not be a decision made in haste. We will form a council, representing all social strata, to oversee the process. Transparency will be our guiding principle. The tax brackets will be carefully evaluated, ensuring fairness and understanding the needs of both the commoners and the nobility."

The courtiers listened in silence, absorbing the gravity of the moment. The King's commitment to fairness and equity resonated in every word he spoke, "We shall continue our town hall meetings, gathering input from every region, every class. Together, we will refine the system, making it a beacon of justice for our kingdom. Let it be known that this taxation is not a burden; it is an investment in the future of Landroich." 

In the days that followed the King's proclamation, the streets of Handun Broch, Feigan and other towns, buzzed with a newfound energy. Commoners whispered excitedly to one another, their voices laced with hope and anticipation. The promise of 'Progressive Taxation' had become a beacon of light, illuminating the path toward a fairer, more just society.

Families huddled around dinner tables, discussing the implications of the new tax system. Children, too young to comprehend the complexities, sensed the optimism in their parents' voices. It was a topic of conversation in every household, in every market square, and within every community gathering.

The town hall meetings, initiated by the King, became a platform for the commoners to voice their thoughts and suggestions. In these gatherings, faces once burdened by worry now lit up with determination. The common folk, whose struggles had long been ignored, felt empowered to speak about their dreams and aspirations for a better life.

Elias made his way through the lively streets of Handun Broch, his school satchel slung over his shoulder. The atmosphere was charged with an unusual energy, and he soon discovered the source of the excitement. A passionate woman, her voice echoing with conviction, stood on a makeshift stage at the heart of the market square. A crowd of commoners had gathered around her, their faces alight with hope and determination.

"My friends, we've been given a chance—a chance for our children to have warm beds to sleep in and food on their plates. Let us not squander it," she urged, her words met with nods of agreement, "We must hold the council accountable, ensuring that the tax system truly benefits us all. Our dreams of a better future are within reach, and it's up to us to grasp them."

Elias stood on the outskirts of the crowd, his heart swelling with pride. The unity and determination of his fellow commoners were palpable. The council, carefully evaluating and refining the tax system, had given birth to a newfound sense of hope and opportunity in Handun Broch.

In the bustling market squares, traders and artisans shared stories of optimism. The tax reforms had provided a fairer environment for businesses to flourish. Entrepreneurs found the courage to invest, knowing that their efforts would contribute to the welfare of the entire community. The aroma of freshly baked bread, the sound of blacksmiths hammering away, and the colorful displays of merchants' wares painted a picture of newfound prosperity.

In a week of brainstorming the issue, the King had successfully declared the implementation and finally moved to another one of the list: Promote Access to Financial Services.

In this one, he needed to visit all villages and towns where financial institutions had never ventured. His goal is to lead to the establishment of community banks, where families and small businesses could secure loans to invest in their future. Financial inclusion became a reality, and the people were no longer held hostage by the cycles of debt that had perpetuated poverty.

The following day, he summoned Percy for this new task to improve Landroich.

The sun had barely risen when Percy received the summons from the King. With a sense of anticipation and responsibility, he made his way to the royal chambers in Landroich Castle, where The King was already deep in thought, poring over maps and documents.

"Your Majesty," Percy greeted with a bow, "I am at your service. How may I assist you today?"

The King looked up, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and resolve. "Percy, my trusted advisor, we have successfully implemented 'Progressive Taxation,' and now it is time to address another crucial matter: promoting access to financial services."

Percy nodded, understanding the gravity of the task at hand. "I am ready to assist in any way I can, Your Majesty. What would you have me do?"

The King gestured toward the maps spread across the table, "I need you to travel to the villages and towns of Feigan, Maxilandia, Handun Broch, and Ivybridge. These are places where financial institutions have never ventured. I want you to lead the establishment of community banks in each of these locations."

Percy's eyes widened with the magnitude of the assignment, "Community banks, Your Majesty? That's a significant step toward financial inclusion. Families and businesses will have access to the resources they need to prosper."

The King nodded, his expression stoic, "Exactly, Percy. Financial inclusion will break the chains of poverty that have bound our people for far too long. These community banks will offer loans, provide financial education, and empower our citizens to invest in their future."

Percy felt a surge of pride in his King's vision, "I will make the necessary preparations immediately, Your Majesty. I will ensure that the establishment of these community banks is smooth and efficient."

The King gave a curt nod to dismiss him.

Percy wasted no time in preparing for his journey. He knew that this mission was of the utmost importance, and he was eager to bring about positive change for the people in the villages and towns he would visit.

Gathering a team of dedicated individuals, Percy organized the logistics for his travels. He ensured that they had the necessary resources and documentation to establish community banks in Feigan, Maxilandia, Handun Broch, and Ivybridge.

Before setting out, Percy made it a point to visit The King once more to receive his final instructions and blessings. In the royal chambers, the King presented Percy with a royal decree and a seal bearing the royal insignia.

"Take these with you, Percy," the King said, "They carry the authority of the crown and will help you in your efforts to establish the community banks."

Percy accepted the documents with a deep sense of gratitude, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will carry out this mission with dedication and honor."

With everything in place, Percy and his team set off on their journey, their first destination being the village of Feigan. They traveled through the picturesque countryside, passing fields of green and forests of towering trees. The anticipation of the task at hand filled their hearts with hope.

Upon reaching Feigan, Percy wasted no time in meeting with the village elders and leaders. He explained the King's vision for community banks, emphasizing how they could transform the lives of the villagers. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, and plans were set in motion to establish the first community bank in Feigan.

Percy's journey continued as he visited Maxilandia, Handun Broch, and Ivybridge, repeating the same process of engagement and collaboration with local leaders. Each town had its unique challenges and opportunities, and Percy and his team adapted their plans accordingly.

In time, community banks were established in each of the four locations. These institutions would provide loans, financial education, and support for families and small businesses, unlocking the potential for prosperity and breaking the cycles of debt and poverty.

Percy had traveled tirelessly for over 5 days, visiting Feigan, Maxilandia, Handun Broch, and Ivybridge, overseeing the establishment of community banks in each location. The journey had been both rewarding and demanding, filled with meetings, negotiations, and the tireless work of setting up the financial institutions that would transform the lives of the commoners.

Percy believed that it's rather easy, but his assumption failed him and wore him out 'till the depth of his kneecaps.

Upon his return to the Royal palace, it was already dusk, Percy knew that he needed to report to The King about the progress and outcomes of his mission. He took a deep breath to steady himself and entered the King's study.

The King was engrossed in a pile of reports and documents, his lavender eyes fixated on the parchment he was writing on. Percy approached respectfully and waited for a moment when the King looked up from his paperwork.

"Your Majesty," Percy began, "I have returned from the villages and towns as per your instructions. The community banks have been successfully established in Feigan, Maxilandia, Handun Broch, and Ivybridge. The people are enthusiastic and optimistic about this new opportunity for financial empowerment."

The King looked up from the reports, a tired expression on his face, "Thank you, Percy. Your dedication to this task is commendable. Please, share with me the details of your journey and the progress you witnessed in each location."

Percy proceeded to provide a comprehensive account of his travels, detailing the challenges, the collaboration with local leaders, and the overwhelming support he received from the communities. He spoke of the enthusiasm and hope that had filled the air as the community banks began to take shape.

"The people are ready to embrace this change, Your Majesty," Percy concluded, "The community banks hold the promise of a brighter future for Thistledale. I am confident that they will be instrumental in breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering prosperity."

The King listened intently, his gaze fixed on Percy as he spoke. When Percy had finished, The King nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of aloofness and gratitude, "Percy, you have done a great service to our kingdom. Your efforts will leave a lasting impact on the lives of our citizens."

Percy bowed deeply, humbled by the King's words, "It is an honor to serve you and Thistledale, Your Majesty. I am committed to continuing this mission and ensuring that the community banks thrive."

The King dipped his quill into the inkwell and began to write, "Take your time resting for a while, expect me to summon you soon."

Wait… Percy's eyes widened a bit, There's more???

Percy couldn't help but let out a groan, "Your Majesty, I'm at your service, but it seems my rest will have to wait."

The King's face remained impassive as he continued writing, "Well, that's the life of an advisor, isn't it? I promise it won't be as demanding as the last one. You'll have a good laugh, I'm sure."

Percy's curiosity was piqued, despite the King's stoic expression, "A good laugh, Your Majesty? I'm intrigued."

With an air of indifference, The King leaned in closer, "I have heard that the royal treasury's resident parrot, named Sir Squawksalot, has learned a series of rather... colorful phrases from some of the more, shall we say, spirited members of the court. The treasury staff is quite scandalized."

Percy couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation, even in the face of the King's stoicism, "A talking parrot causing scandal in the treasury? Your Majesty, I would be delighted to help resolve this avian predicament."

The King's expression remained unchanged, "Very well, Percy. Go and have a word with Sir Squawksalot. I'm sure you'll find it a most entertaining endeavor. I shall summon you when you're needed for the next matter of importance."

He knew he had no choice but to obey; after all, he had willingly taken up this position, and there was no turning back now. His shoulders slumped a bit, a mix of exhaustion and determination in his eyes. He had signed up for this, and he was duty-bound to see it through, no matter how absurd the tasks might get.

The King's gloved hand swept across to another parchment, his finger lightly tapped on the list. He murmured, "Healthcare Access and four more to go.." then he leaned against his chair, stretching his arms and fingers with a resounding pop to his knuckles.

As the King's eyes flickered to the window, he let out a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. Leaning against the plush, velvet cushions, he closed his eyes and let the sounds of the castle melt into the background. The steady chatter of the court and the distant clang of armor were muffled by the thick walls of the study. The King could almost imagine himself on a grassy hill, surrounded by a lush meadow, the sun casting warm light across his face.

But no, he was still here in his study, buried in a sea of papers. He grunted in disdain and rolled his eyes as he picked up the quill once more. The endless stream of reports and petitions weighed heavily on his mind, but he had no choice but to continue. He was the King, after all, and it was his duty to rule over the kingdom.

With a heavy sigh, the King dipped his pen in the ink and began to write his next reply, his hand moving swiftly over the parchment. He knew he still had many more reports to respond to before the day was over, but he wouldn't let that discourage him. He was a King, after all, and he would not be defeated by a mere pile of papers.

As the King dipped his pen in the ink and began to write the next response, he found himself unable to focus. The constant barrage of papers and paperwork seemed never-ending, and his mind raced with thoughts of all the tasks that needed to be completed.

He tried to clear his mind, but found himself getting lost in his own thoughts again and again. Frustrated, he let out a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying to shut out the noise around him.

As the King sat at his desk, his thoughts began to drift towards the well-being of his people. He had implemented a new tax system and expanded access to financial services, hoping to make a positive difference in the lives of the commoners. But did his actions have the desired effect? He wondered what was happening in those four towns.

The King knew he had been lacking, and had forgotten about his original duties as King as he was blinded by his own desires. Lately, he had been pampering Elias, a young commoner he had taken a liking to. He was amused when Elias found him again, after 9 years of separation. But as he was preoccupied with his newfound companionship, he had neglected to keep an eye on what was happening outside the castle walls. And now, he began to wonder—is Elias doing alright? Is his father home?

As soon as the name 'Elias' came to his thoughts, his mind began to wander, delving into a completely different train of thought. He wished he wasn't alone in the house at the moment, for danger could always be unexpected.

He knew that he had to keep his wits about him and focus on his duties as King. He couldn't let his own desires cloud his judgment, for the sake of his people. With a deep breath, the King returned his attention to the stack of papers on his desk, determined to do all he could to ensure a brighter future for all his subjects.

The King stared at the towering pile of papers on his desk, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. He had never expected that the responsibilities of being King would be so demanding. He had envisioned himself leading the kingdom with honor and distinction, but instead, he was buried in a sea of parchment.

As he sat there, lost in thought, he couldn't help but miss the days when he was still a Grand Duke. Back then, he had fewer responsibilities and fewer responsibilities. He had been content with his life as a Duke, but when he was called upon to become King, he had no choice but to accept.

His hand subconsciously went to his abdomen, then he lifted up his blouse with ruffles at the hem, his palm touched the Royal Crest, the tattoo of a hawk's wings, the token where he had ascended to the throne, which symbolizes his successfulness.

The King ran his fingers over the smooth, and warm skin of his, where the Royal Crest was tattooed on, the mark of success that signaled his ascension to the throne. He remembered the day when he had first received the tattoo, the moment when he had become a king, when fewer eyes were on him.

Back then, he had been filled with a sense of pride and honor, feeling as if he had achieved something great. But now, all he felt was a sense of exhaustion and duty. The weight of the crown seemed to rest heavy on his head, pressing down until he felt crushed by the responsibility.

He let out a deep sigh, wishing he could let go of the pressures and simply fly away like a hawk. But he knew that he was forever bound to the kingdom, to his people, to his duty. 

Just like Percy, he had nothing to do but obey.