Central City, Government House Meeting Hall.
After issuing the general orders, I requested that the Minister of Commerce, the Director of the Department of External Relations, and the Generals of the Navy and the Army remain in the hall.
The hall, previously bustling, acquired a tense quietness, the air charged with the expectation of what was to come.
I approached the large map that now displayed not only our kingdom, but also the vast expanse of the Eastern Ocean and the newly explored coasts.
"The northern route has proven efficient for our expeditions," I indicated with the pointer, my voice clear. "But to sustain a permanent presence in this new land, and for future explorations, it is necessary to optimize our network. We require more."
I slid the pointer along the entire eastern coast of the continent.
"My proposal is simple: we will use the coastal settlements already established in these latitudes as way stations. Additionally, we will continue building more ports and towns between the existing ones to improve the commercial network. Also, we will complement this with the establishment of towns on the main rivers of our territory. But we must proceed with caution so as not to disturb the inhabitants of these lands. The optimal approach is for us to form a bond with them."
General Umzye, of the Southwest Zone Navy, nodded his head.
"Young Chuta, this is a solid strategy. And regarding ties, the Director of the Department of External Relations and I must inform you that we have received communication. In the coming months, we will receive a visit from emissaries of the Tarascan Empire. This is in addition to the meetings already planned with some Mayan leaders for next month."
The information did not surprise me, as was previously anticipated.
Tarascan, Mayan… the diversity of cultures that needed to be managed was immense, and each with its own complexities.
I felt the weight of time. The need to establish these networks and consolidate our position presented itself as more urgent than ever.
Only two years remained.
The next morning.
The sun filtered softly through the windows of my room. The sound of birds and other animals could be heard from outside.
This was a moment of unusual calm, a brief respite before the whirlwind of my responsibilities absorbed me. I descended to the dining room, where the aroma of eggs and fresh fruit greeted me.
They were there.
My mother, with her kind smile, always radiating a maternal calm. Fiba, sitting discreetly, her gaze attentive but silent. And Umza, Nyia, and Turey, conversing about their topics of interest while recalling the stories Sogeking had told them.
Za served me a plate of food.
"Chuta, you look more rested today," my mother said in a warm tone. Her hand caressed my hair.
"I feel relaxed today," I replied. Although in her eyes I could always discern her constant concern.
Umza, always lively, inquired: "Chuta, when will the ships begin to go to the new land? I want to see the maps of what they bring! Or perhaps travel there!" His enthusiasm was contagious.
Nyia, sitting beside me, traced intricate patterns on the edge of her plate with a finger, her presence denoting tranquility. She, with her talent for art, often perceived the world in a way that fascinated me.
Turey, for her part, observed the scene with an almost regal stillness, her dark eyes registering every detail, her mind an enigma. Her silence contrasted with Umza's energy. The most peculiar thing was that some birds watched her attentively from the windows.
"Her connection with animals' borders on the supernatural," I reflected with astonishment.
After breakfast, I headed to the Basilica.
Simte was already waiting for me.
The atmosphere in that place was peaceful, incense floated in the air, and distant prayers could be heard.
"Son of Heaven," Simte pronounced, with his wise and serene voice. "The Second Ceremony of the Sun and Moon was a success. The people perceive the unity of the gods, the harmony you have brought."
"It is thanks to your guidance, High Priest," I replied in a formal tone, noticing the nearby bishops. "And regarding well-being, how do the Royal Orphanages and Homes of Honor operate? Do the children and the elderly receive adequate care?"
Simte smiled.
"They prosper, Young Chuta. Both constitute a refuge, a space where the most vulnerable find dignity and love. Children learn, the elderly share their wisdom. It is a pillar of our kingdom; your vision has borne fruit."
Hearing his words filled me with deep satisfaction.
My family was my anchor, yes, but the well-being of my people constituted the heart of my vision. The duality of my existence, the child who required affection and the leader who built a nation, became evident in those moments.
"I yearn for this to endure," I meditated.
Back at the Government House, I headed to my office.
The Minister of Education, the Minister of the People, and the Director of the Department of Family were already waiting for me. The desk was covered with blueprints and paper.
"Ministers, Director," I began, pointing to the documents. "The expansion of our kingdom is not just territorial. It is an expansion of the mind and spirit. We need every citizen, in every corner of the Suaza Kingdom, to have access to knowledge."
The Minister of Education unfolded a map.
"Young Chuta, we have prepared plans for a massive increase in literacy. And for the Federal Region of the Islands of the Rising Sun, we are already designing the first schools. Furthermore, we propose the construction of new Academies in the main cities, not just in the regional capitals. Knowledge must flow freely."
The Minister of the People added: "And from our portfolio, Young Chuta, we will take responsibility for logistics and labor. The construction of these schools and academies will not only provide education but also employment opportunities and a sense of community belonging. The Royal Orphanages and Homes of Honor will continue their expansion, ensuring that no one is left helpless."
The Director of the Department of Family, a kind and experienced individual, spoke: "Our department will focus on fostering family cohesion and community support, ensuring that instruction reaches all members."
I experienced profound satisfaction.
To see how my vision of an educated and socially robust kingdom was materializing, not merely in documents, but through the action of my leaders, was immensely gratifying.
I understood that education and well-being were as essential as territorial expansion, or military might for the longevity of the Suaza Kingdom. Every brick of an educational institution, every expression of joy, constituted a step forward into the future I was building.
The session with the Ministers of Education, the People, and the Director of Family continued.
"Regarding literacy," I expressed, addressing the Minister of Education. "We need to implement measures that stimulate every family unit. I propose economic or material incentives: additional food rations for those who send their children to schools, preferential access to new tools or items for families who demonstrate progress in reading and writing. Education must be a reward, not a burden."
The Minister of Education nodded his head, taking notes.
"An outstanding idea, Young Chuta. The population will react favorably to concrete stimuli."
"It is also necessary to focus on other aspects of development… Our future expeditions, both those that will complete the exploration of the eastern coasts, the new exploration of the western coast, and those that will cross the ocean to the new land, will encounter new peoples. We need to communicate. Therefore, teams of language experts will be sent. Linguists and translators who will enable us to establish a dialogue, facilitate cultural exchange, and obtain vital information. Understanding is the first line of defense."
I meditated on the importance of communication to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. Language was, in my opinion, a tool as powerful as any weapon, fundamental for diplomacy and integration.
During the afternoon.
The atmosphere in my office has transformed.
The conversation shifted towards figures, resources, and the kingdom's economic future.
I gathered with the Minister of Commerce, the Director of the Department of Innovation, and the Director of the Department of Economy.
"The prosperity of our kingdom lies in a robust economy," I explained to them. "We need to increase the production of bronze, silver, and especially gold coins. Currency is the gear that will lubricate our internal trade and facilitate transactions with other communities."
The Director of the Department of Innovation, Ubatas, who was formerly Faoa's assistant, stepped forward with a small metal disc in his hand.
"Young Chuta, we have refined minting techniques. These new presses ensure uniform quality and security that will hinder counterfeiting," he interposed, showing me the coin's shine, its perfect weight.
The Director of the Department of Economy continued his intervention.
"And from our department, Young Chuta, we have developed basic economic guidelines to implement in our expanding commercial network. Concepts of supply and demand, how the value of goods fluctuates, and the efficient management of our resources. Furthermore, we have analyzed how our monetary economy can coexist and benefit from bartering with neighboring people. Symbiosis, not imposition."
I nodded, experiencing deep satisfaction. Economic stability was an essential pillar for the power and longevity of the kingdom. Currency, an instrument of control and facilitation of large-scale trade, was crucial for future preparation.
"If all goes well, this could facilitate trade with the Europeans," I meditated.
One month later.
The vast ceremonial hall of the Government House resonated with a different energy.
The delegation accompanying me was majestic: Bishops in their colorful robes, Governors of adjacent Regions, Ministers, and Generals, all in their most distinguished attire.
We were there to welcome the envoys of the Mayan peoples, leaders and priests of an ancient civilization, now fragmented.
The formalities began.
We exchanged greetings, small, exquisite craft gifts from our kingdom and their lands. Their expressions, initially serious and circumspect, began to relax slightly.
"We have heard much of your kingdom, Young Chuta," said one of the Mayan leaders, a man with elaborate feathers in his headdress. "Of your wisdom and the changes, you have brought."
"And we of the magnificence of your cities and the vastness of your knowledge," I replied, my voice gentle. Then, with the subtlety I had practiced, I guided the conversation to the crucial point. "Our peoples, though separated by distance, possess a deep connection. A connection with the divine."
I observed their priests, who looked at me with curiosity.
"We believe that our peoples are very similar. That the gods you profess, and the gods we venerate, are, very probably, the same. Perhaps only with different names, different manifestations, but with the identical nature. The Sun, the Moon, Mother Earth… Are they not, perhaps, the same for all of us, no matter what we call them?"
A murmur spread through the Mayan delegation. The leaders exchanged glances, and the priests, in particular, showed clear surprise on their faces. Some frowned in deep reflection, others opened their eyes in astonishment.
We planted seeds.
I experienced strategic satisfaction.
Ideological unification was as important as territorial unification for the cohesion of the kingdom and preparation for what lay ahead.
If it were possible to find common ground in the most sacred, the path to diplomacy and alliance would be simpler.
My desire was to replicate what had been done with people who were once separated. I sought to unite all populations into a single empire, and if not possible, to foster a close alliance with these great cultures.
The future of the Suaza Kingdom depended not only on its strength but on its ability to unite.
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
Chuta continues with key orders for the future. In addition, we also have the arrival of the first envoys from the Mayan people. Chuta applies the same thing as before: the unified religion. While it won't work at first, it will surely sow a seed of doubt or a need to learn more in the long run.
Unnecessary Fact of the Day: In the 1490s, the Aztec and Inca Empires reached their peak, with vast trade networks, complex administrative systems, and a rich cultural production, just before the arrival of the Europeans.
Will anything change with Chuta's intervention?
By the way, I'm posting again at this time because the change didn't go very well.
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Read my other novels.
#The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future.
#The Walking Dead: Emily's Metamorphosis from Visions of Future Saga.
#The Walking Dead: Patient 0 - Lyra File
You can find them on my profile.]