Chapter 17: “Consolidating the Capital”

Chapter 17: "Consolidating the Capital"

The rays of the morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the palace, casting a golden hue across the hall where Roman stood with Luke and his newly reorganized military officers. A month had passed since the dramatic council meeting that had shaken the capital to its core. In that time, Roman's forces had grown steadily, strengthened by his system that delivered a fresh batch of 100 soldiers daily.

Now, with nearly 3,500 troops under his command, the once-fractured palace guard had been transformed into an elite force. Roman stood by the map table in the war room, a confident expression on his face.

"We've reached a point of stability," Roman began, his voice calm but authoritative. "Our palace is secure with 1,800 soldiers stationed here, including 200 Batarian Guards. They are the best of the best, and they'll ensure no one dares lay a hand on this place."

Luke nodded in agreement, his sharp eyes scanning the details on the map.

"And the remaining soldiers, my King? What do you plan for them?"

Roman gestured to the city of the royal capital marked on the map.

"The rest—1,500 troops, including the 2-star Solar Swordsman and the four 1-star Swordsmen—will be integrated into the security forces of the royal capital. Combined with the 18,000 existing guards, we'll have a force that is entirely under our control."

Luke raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the move.

"That's ambitious, my King. The capital's guards have long been under the indirect control of the nobility. It's no secret they've been manipulated to serve the whims of council members and their allies."

Roman's eyes narrowed, a steely determination flashing within them.

"Not anymore. These soldiers will follow the law, not noble interests. I've given them strict instructions: no favoritism, no concessions to those hiding behind titles. Everyone is equal before the law. These guards will be a reflection of my authority, and they'll ensure that order is maintained."

Luke's face broke into a grin.

"A bold move, my King. The council won't like it, but they'll be powerless to stop it. This will give you full control of the capital, both militarily and administratively."

Roman nodded, satisfied with the plan. But his expression turned serious as he leaned against the table, his gaze fixed on Luke.

"Now tell me, what's the state of the rumors circulating in the capital?"

Luke's grin faded, replaced by a grim expression.

"They've grown louder, my King. Whispers say you were the target of an assassination attempt orchestrated by council members. The rumors don't name names, but your name is being repeated in taverns, markets, and even noble gatherings. People are curious, but they're also suspicious. It's creating an atmosphere of unrest."

Roman's lips curled into a faint smirk.

"Good. Let them talk. The rumors serve a purpose. They keep the people's focus on the council while cementing the idea that I'm a survivor. But we must tread carefully. If we let this spiral out of control, it could backfire."

Luke nodded in agreement, but his expression turned thoughtful.

"And what about the Prime Minister? He must be furious by now."

Roman let out a low chuckle, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Furious would be an understatement. He's likely pacing in his chambers, cursing himself for playing directly into my hands. The man thought he was using me as a pawn, but now he realizes he's the one being played. Let him stew in his anger. It'll cloud his judgment."

---

Elsewhere, in the grand estate of Prime Minister Veranthor, the atmosphere was anything but calm. The usually composed man was pacing back and forth in his study, his face twisted in anger and frustration. His two closest allies, Duke Marcius and Marquess Torran, sat nearby, equally agitated.

"This is unacceptable!" Veranthor slammed his fist onto the desk, making the inkpot and quills jump. "That boy has made fools of us! He's taken power right from under our noses, and now rumors are spreading like wildfire. People are starting to look at us with suspicion!"

Marquess Torran leaned back in his chair, his expression dark.

"Perhaps we underestimated him. The council meeting was a disaster. We walked right into his trap, and now he's using the aftermath to strengthen his position."

Duke Marcius crossed his arms, his jaw clenched.

"Enough excuses. What's done is done. The question is, what do we do now? We can't allow him to consolidate his power further. If we don't act soon, he'll become untouchable."

Veranthor stopped pacing, his sharp eyes narrowing.

"We need to counter his growing popularity. The people are starting to view him as a savior—a young, decisive king who's bringing order to the capital. That image must be destroyed."

Marquess Torran nodded, his expression thoughtful.

"Rumors can be a double-edged sword. If we can twist the narrative, make him appear as a tyrant who's exploiting the situation for his gain, we can turn the people against him."

Duke Marcius frowned.

"And what about the council? He's strengthened his faction significantly. We need to win over the neutral members if we want to challenge him effectively."

Veranthor's face hardened, his mind racing with possibilities.

"Leave the council to me. I'll handle the neutral members. As for the rumors, we'll plant seeds of doubt in every corner of the capital. If the people lose faith in him, his entire foundation will crumble."

---

Back in the palace, Roman stood by the window of his chambers, overlooking the bustling capital below. He could see the people going about their daily lives, unaware of the political storm brewing behind closed doors.

Luke entered the room, his expression firm.

"The Ministry of Information has begun their work, my King. The people are being reminded of your actions—the reforms, the justice you've delivered, and the order you've restored. The narrative is firmly in our favor."

Roman turned to face him, his gaze calm but determined.

"Good. But we can't afford to rest. The opposition will strike back, and we must be ready. Ensure the guards remain vigilant. I won't let them undermine everything we've built."

Luke bowed, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

"Understood, my King. Your leadership inspires confidence. The kingdom is in good hands."

As Luke left, Roman returned his gaze to the city, a faint smile playing on his lips. The game was far from over, but he held the advantage. For now, the capital was his, and he intended to keep it that way.