With a discussion of his plans with the Vampire Lord and Dragon Emperor, Ryo had their complete endorsement. His idea was to make the lives of the people better, offer better job opportunities, and create a stable economy. Recognizing the potential of his ideas, both rulers accepted that this could also be a new beginning for both their nations.
With the groundwork laid, Ryo started thinking about what would make his country special. He imagined cafés, bathhouses, and other inns for nobles, merchants, and travelers. He also thought about bringing in other industries that would provide new employment opportunities so that people would have means to support themselves. But he was aware that a nation needed skilled and reliable people to help him.
Selecting Trustworthy Allies
In order to facilitate effective governance, Ryo looked for dependable ministers who would assist in the growth of the nation. To his surprise, all three of his fiancées—Selena, Seyra, and Ai—vied for positions in this venture. Following a lengthy debate (and a fiery argument among the three), they eventually came to an agreement:
Selena would manage security and administration to keep the country well-ordered and peaceful.Seyra would look after economic prosperity and trade and use her vast knowledge as a princess of the dragons to foster solid commerce and resource management wisely.ai would attend to diplomacy and nobility issues to ensure alliances were made and the nobles in the country remained loyal and untainted with corruption.Building the Nation's Future
During their discussions, Ai assisting Ryo suggested creating schools to educate the children of the nation. Both Selena and Seyra instantly agreed, recognizing the importance of literacy in a growing country. By ensuring that children could read and write, they would be building a more knowledgeable and skilled generation.
Selena then suggested that they form a knight order to uphold the law, keep peace, and guard the people from possible dangers. Ryo consented, knowing that without a proper military organization, anarchy could easily take over.
Seyra, however, recommended the building of a butler and maid training facility. As nobles and high-ranking merchants would certainly be living in the country, there had to be trained attendants to attend to their needs. Seyra, however, was adamant that nobles should be carefully chosen, with only those who were honest and incorruptible holding positions of authority.
The Invitation and Noble Rebellion
Just as they were completing these arrangements, there came a hasty invitation from the Vampire Lord and Dragon Emperor. The letter contents were unmistakable in informing them that nobles of both sides were stirring up trouble with Ryo's sudden rise to status and power. Some regarded him as a threat, and others openly stood against his increased power.
A few days afterward, the disturbance turned violent. Some nobles stupidly tried to defy Ryo's power, believing they could overwhelm him.
To their bad luck, they had seriously underestimated him.
Ryo personally killed a number of corrupt nobles, and those who had been supporting them were utterly devastated—either by his own hands or through deliberate revenge. His sheer power and decisiveness made one thing clear: he would not accept corruption or danger within his country.
Standing in the midst of the devastation of what was once the power of these nobles, Ryo understood one thing—
His country was no longer simply an illusion. It was a reality that was being shaped through his strength, wisdom, and perseverance.