Shaping the Future

Ningning frowned, her lips curving slightly in a way that suggested she was holding back a small laugh. "Your Majesty, I didn't know you intended to send me home. However, I must stay close to you. I proposed you as emperor, and the other district leaders agreed that I should remain by your side. I hope Your Majesty will accept my presence," she said, her tone unwavering.

Arga let out a deep sigh, his eyes gazing into the distance as if weighing a heavy burden. In the silence, the weight of his newfound responsibilities felt even more real. After a long pause, he nodded slowly. "Alright... I understand. With you by my side, it will inspire confidence and provide reassurance to the district leaders," he said, more to himself than to Ningning.

Ningning bowed slightly, a gesture of respect, though she concealed the emotions surging within her. There was a strong desire to remain by Arga's side, not just as a loyal protector but as someone who understood him better than anyone else. Yet she knew those feelings had to remain hidden, buried beneath the duties that now took precedence.

That night, there was no time for rest. Arga immediately set a serious tone. "We need to establish the foundations of this nation," he said, his voice firm and full of conviction. "The system of governance, the principles of society, and the rules that will regulate life here."

He stepped toward the grand conference room within the palace, his gait reflecting the weight of a leader newly appointed. Ningning, without much to say, followed closely behind him. Her footsteps echoed faintly along the long corridor, her mind busy preparing for what lay ahead.

The chandeliers sparkled, casting soft shadows on the marble walls of the palace. The atmosphere inside the conference room was silent, broken only by the ticking of an old clock in the corner. The large table in the center of the room was already filled with maps and important documents. Arga paused at the doorway, taking a deep breath before stepping inside.

"This is our first step," he said in a low but steady tone, his voice resonating softly in the room. Ningning watched his back, and for the first time since their conversation began, she allowed herself a small smile. There was something emerging within Arga — the figure of a leader beginning to accept his destiny. She knew this night would be long, but it would also mark the beginning of everything.

"As emperor, I will be the supreme leader," Arga declared, though his tone carried more doubt than conviction. His eyes stared blankly at the whiteboard in front of him, as if trying to draw courage from within. "But this empire needs a council of advisors. People with more experience to help govern the nation."

"The Imperial Council," Ningning murmured, carefully writing the words at the top of the board. Her hand moved steadily, reflecting the firmness of her thoughts. "This council should consist of representatives from every district in the city of Kashgar , made up of three individuals. They will influence Your Majesty's decisions."

Arga nodded, though doubt still lingered on his face. "Exactly," he said, deep in thought. "But we also need a legal system. Without clear laws, chaos will easily ensue." A fleeting memory of the turmoil in the city hall a few days prior crossed his mind. If only laws had been in place, incidents like that should have been prevented. But his thoughts wandered. Where had that person disappeared to? Were they truly part of District Three? Arga brushed aside his doubts; now was not the time to dwell on minor matters.

"I agree," Ningning said after a moment of reflection. Her gaze seemed questioning but quickly refocused. "A fair legal system is the backbone of a stable government."

"A judicial system," Arga stated, firming up the direction of the discussion.

Ningning nodded while writing swiftly, "Judicial System: Imperial Court and District Courts. As Kashgar develops, we will need a more structured judiciary, but for now, these two will suffice."

"We also need an efficient bureaucracy," Ningning added without pausing her writing. "People to implement policies in the districts, ensuring everything runs as planned."

Arga nodded again, his eyes fixed on the words filling the board. "The bureaucracy must not be overly complicated but strong enough to control each region. In the future, each province must have a governor reporting directly to the Imperial Council."

The conference room was filled with an invisible tension, like air growing heavier. Arga realized how much work lay ahead. "And don't forget written laws. We need statutes to govern everything."

"Imperial Statutes: Civil Law, Criminal Law, Commercial Law," Ningning jotted down quickly without taking her eyes off the board.

Arga continued, his voice now more resolute. "Defense must also be a priority. This country narrowly escaped a devastating war, and we must be prepared for future threats. We need defensive forces, offensive forces, and city as well as imperial guards."

"Military Defense: The Imperial Brigade," Ningning wrote meticulously, ensuring every point was clear and structured.

"And we also need intelligence," Arga added, his eyes narrowing with determination. "A network of spies to provide us with information about what's happening beyond our borders, especially regarding The Celestial, Riveria, and all underground movements in this world."

Ningning quickly wrote down the final point, "Imperial Intelligence Network."

Silence filled the room after Ningning finished writing. The board was now covered with key points that would form the foundation of their government. Arga exhaled deeply, allowing the weight of his responsibility to fully sink in.

"This is just the beginning," he whispered softly, his voice tinged with an awareness of the enormity of the task ahead.

Ningning looked at him sharply and nodded in agreement. "We've only built the foundation, Your Majesty. But from here, this empire will grow."

For a moment, only the sound of the night breeze flowing through the conference room's windows could be heard, carrying with it the scent of leaves from the palace garden. Outside, the world awaited new direction from their leadership. And within this room, history was being written.