Chapter 17: The City of Ambition
Chapter 17: The City of Ambition
The road leading to Myint Zine stretched before Jason like a path carved into history itself. This was not just a city; it was the beating heart of trade in the Pagan Empire. No merchant, no caravan, no kingdom wishing to do business in Pagan could avoid it.
The Empire was vast, and its supply routes spread like veins across its land, but the main artery ran through Myint Zine.
Every exotic good, every rare resource, and every ounce of coin passed through this city before reaching the capital.
And now, Jason was about to step into the lion's den.
This city was under the rule of Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw, a man whose ambitions were whispered in both the royal court and the black markets alike. A man who did not simply follow orders—he calculated his advantage in everything.
[Appraisal: Myint Zine – The Main Commercial City of the Empire]Population: 1,000,000 (City), 2,000,000 (Province)Main Exports: Precious metals, silk, exotic spices, enchanted tools, magical gemstones.Strategic Position: Central trade hub—all trade routes of the empire must pass through this city.Military Strength:25,000 standing troops (more than enough to rival a small kingdom).5,000 elite soldiers personally loyal to Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw.Hundreds of mercenary companies under his employment.Political Allegiance: Officially loyal to the Empire but rumored to desire independence.Corruption Level: Moderate (Controlled by Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw).Economic Influence: Second wealthiest city after the Capital.
The city was a golden gate, one that Jason needed to pass through unscathed—and, if possible, with an alliance in hand.
Because, if Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw ever chose to declare independence, it would cripple the Empire's trade routes overnight.
Jason tightened his grip on the reins of his horse.
He knew what awaited him here.
The Duke had already received orders from the Crown Prince.
Would he be a friend or a foe?
Jason was about to find out.
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POV: Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw
Seated in the grand chamber of his golden hall, Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw read through two sealed letters—one from the Imperial Court and one directly from the Crown Prince.
His fingers traced the wax seal of the letter, his sharp eyes flickering with amusement.
"Ah, little prince… You move faster than I expected."
The letters contained two very different orders.
- The Court's command: Observe Prince Aung's movements. Assist him if necessary, but do not grant him too much influence.
- The Crown Prince's instruction: Control Prince Aung. If he proves too ambitious, dispose of him.
Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw smirked.
"So the Crown Prince is afraid of his little brother now?"
A prince once considered worthless—now seen as a threat?
The irony amused him.
He set the letters down on the intricately carved wooden table and turned to his advisors, men and women who had served him for years.
"What do you all think of the second prince's arrival?" He asked, his voice smooth as silk.
One of his most trusted advisors, Minister Thar Lin, adjusted his spectacles.
"He is no fool, Your Grace. In Thazin, he won over Mayor Hla Than, exposed the Royal Auditor's corruption, and secured 3,000 elite knights as his hidden force. He is playing a dangerous game."
Another advisor, Commander Min Sein of the Duke's 25,000-strong army, spoke next.
"From a military standpoint, he is insignificant," Min Sein scoffed. "Even if he has 8,000 soldiers, we outnumber him more than three to one."
Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw chuckled, sipping from a jeweled goblet of imported wine.
"Ah, but you forget, dear commander—**this isn't just about the size of armies.**"
His fingers tapped against the table.
"This is about positioning. Power. Control."
His eyes gleamed with ambition.
"He is not here to fight us," the Duke continued. "He is here to bargain. To negotiate. To test the waters."
The room remained silent.
Everyone knew what the duke truly desired.
Independence.
For years, he had entertained the idea of breaking free from the Empire, establishing his own rule, and using Myint Zine's wealth to form a new kingdom.
But he had never made the final move.
Because if he did…
The full force of the Empire would descend upon him.
And now, standing at his gates was Prince Aung—a prince who was slowly becoming a figure of influence.
A prince who had proven he was more than just a discarded royal.
A prince who might just be useful.
Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw leaned back in his grand throne, exhaling slowly.
"Prepare the city for his arrival," he commanded, his voice measured.
"Let us see what the prince truly wants."
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POV: Prince Aung (Jason)
The towering gates of Myint Zine loomed ahead, made of solid steel, reinforced with Anja-infused barriers.
The city was larger than Thazin, the streets were paved with stone, the buildings were taller, and the architecture reflected wealth, power, and ambition.
Unlike the agrarian cities Jason had passed through, this city reeked of commerce.
The streets were lined with exotic merchants, the air thick with spices, gold, and whispered deals.
From within the city walls, Jason could already hear the cries of traders and the clinking of gold as transactions took place.
This was a city built on profit, not loyalty.
Jason's gaze sharpened.
"Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw… What game will you play?"
Behind him, his army remained composed, their formations tight as they approached the city's main entrance.
Despite being greatly outnumbered, Jason rode forward with confidence, his eyes fixed on the welcoming delegation.
A group of royal guards stood at the gates, their armor gleaming under the afternoon sun.
At the forefront stood Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw's trusted officials, waiting to escort him inside.
Jason exhaled slowly.
The pieces were moving.
Now, it was time to play the game.
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(Continue.....)