Chapter 23- Reforms

The council chamber was quieter than usual, the weight of recent events pressing down on those still present. The Bloody Night had erased many of Roman's enemies, and today's meeting had made it clear—Prime Minister Veranthor no longer held real power. His authority, once absolute, had been chipped away piece by piece over the past year. The few nobles still loyal to him were too afraid to challenge the king directly, their voices hesitant, their support fragile.

Roman observed the room, his cold gaze sweeping over the remaining council members. The opposition was fractured, and even Veranthor, though still trying to keep up appearances, had lost his fire. Yet, despite his victory, Roman knew that outright removing the prime minister would be a reckless move. Stability was paramount. The kingdom was still in a fragile state, and if he disposed of Veranthor now, the sudden change could create unnecessary chaos.

Instead, Roman chose a different approach—one of careful control and long-term planning. His enemies within the capital were already crushed, so it was time to turn his attention outward. The kingdom of Death was surrounded by threats: the three neighboring nations—Belfort, Askar, and Paladir—were always eyeing his lands, waiting for weakness. In the north, the orc tribes remained a constant danger, their raids increasing each year. Beyond these external threats, internal governance still had many issues. The economy, the military, and the overall efficiency of the administration all needed urgent reforms.

Roman leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. He had studied the history of Earth's rulers, from the great emperors of China to the strategic minds of Rome. He understood that power alone wasn't enough—true control came from shaping a system that worked in his favor. If he wanted to strengthen his rule, he had to implement changes that would consolidate his power while making the kingdom stronger.

That night, he summoned his most trusted men, including Luke, to his study. Maps, documents, and reports were spread across the large wooden table, outlining every problem and opportunity.

"We've secured the capital," Roman said, his voice calm yet firm. "But outside these walls, problems are waiting. It's time we address them."

Luke nodded. "The borders are unstable. Belfort has been increasing its military presence near our western territories. Askar and Paladir are quiet, but that only means they are waiting for the right moment. And the orcs... well, their numbers keep growing."

Roman tapped his fingers against the table. "We need to stabilize our position before we think about expansion. First, we strengthen the military. We already have control over the capital guard, but the rest of the army is still influenced by the nobles. That must change."

He began outlining his first major reform—the restructuring of the military. Using his modern knowledge, he would introduce new training methods, improve discipline, and centralize command under royal authority. To achieve this, he would slowly phase out noble control by assigning trusted officers to key positions and using his system troops as the backbone of his growing army.

"But military strength alone won't be enough," Roman continued. "We need economic power as well. The kingdom relies too much on noble-owned industries. That must change."

He introduced his second reform—the expansion of royal-controlled industries. He would establish state-run businesses and use them to generate wealth that wouldn't be dependent on noble families. This would weaken their financial influence while increasing the kingdom's overall economic stability. He also planned to introduce more efficient farming techniques and encourage new forms of production, ensuring that food shortages would never be used as a weapon against him.

"Trade routes," Roman said next. "Right now, we are at the mercy of other nations when it comes to trade. We need to establish independent routes and secure alliances that benefit us."

Luke smirked. "And how do you plan to do that? The neighboring countries won't just let us grow stronger."

Roman smiled faintly. "They won't have a choice. We will approach smaller merchant factions, offer them protection, and use them to bypass the larger noble-controlled trade networks. And if necessary, we will use force to secure key trade points."

The third reform—economic independence—was crucial. By controlling the flow of goods, Roman would not only increase his own wealth but also prevent the nobles from using trade as a means to undermine him.

As the discussion continued, they delved into political reforms. Roman knew that he couldn't completely remove the nobles from power without creating a rebellion, but he could make their influence meaningless.

"We will create a system where merit matters more than birthright," he declared. "New officials will be chosen based on their ability, not just their lineage. This will slowly phase out the old nobility and replace them with competent individuals loyal to the crown."

Luke grinned. "That's going to anger a lot of people."

Roman chuckled. "They're already angry. Let them be. As long as I control the army, the economy, and the capital, they can't do anything about it."

The final reform—government restructuring—was the most delicate. By introducing competent administrators and reducing noble influence in decision-making, Roman would ensure that future generations wouldn't be able to challenge the king's authority easily.

After hours of discussion, the plans were set. The next year would be crucial in implementing these reforms, balancing between force and diplomacy to reshape the kingdom.

As Roman looked at the map once more, his expression hardened. The kingdom was no longer a chaotic battleground between nobles and the throne. It was becoming a machine, one that he would control completely.

And once he was done strengthening his rule within the kingdom, he would turn his gaze outward.

His enemies had enjoyed their time preying on the weak. Soon, they would know what it meant to stand against a true ruler.