Chapter 8: The Ministers of the Aetherian Empire
Karnelius sat upon the newly formed steps of his majestic palace, the Elysian Crown Citadel, its grandeur shining under the midday sun. He had yet to explore its endless halls, but another pressing matter weighed on his mind—governance. He needed ministers, individuals of capability and power to help him shape the Aetherian Empire into the greatest civilization Mytherra had ever known.
The system interface shimmered before him as he accessed the System Shop.
> System Shop - Personnel Summon
Category: Ministers
Roles Available: Unlimited
Custom Assignments: Enabled
Cost per Minister Summon: 1000 System Coins
Customization: Enabled
LIRA's voice echoed gently in his mind.
"Would you like to summon ministers now, Emperor?"
He smirked. "Yes. Start with the core roles."
One by one, the ministers began to materialize, summoned from across dimensions, timelines, and origins unknown.
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1. Prime Minister – Vandamir Elros
A tall, silver-haired elf with piercing golden eyes and robes woven from starlight silk. Vandamir radiated composure and wisdom. Former chancellor of a fallen elven kingdom, he spoke with the weight of ages.
"My loyalty belongs to the Aetherian Empire now, my Emperor. I will make sure your will echoes across all lands."
2. Defense Minister – Valzarthor, the Crimson Scale
A massive crimson dragon in humanoid form, clad in obsidian armor etched with runes. His presence caused the air to tremble.
"I am fire incarnate, and I shall burn any who dare threaten your reign."
3. Finance Minister – Myra Geldwyn
A cunning dwarf with gold-rimmed glasses and a ledger enchanted to calculate in ten dimensions. She was infamous for turning bankrupt kingdoms into trade powerhouses.
"I will build you a treasury so vast, even dragons will envy it."
4. Minister of Intelligence – Kaelen Shadowmourn
A shadow elf who blended into darkness like smoke. Former master of a thousand eyes, he knew everything before others even suspected.
"I will be your unseen blade and silent whisper."
5. Minister of Education – Ilaria Faewyn
A radiant high fae with glowing emerald eyes and wings of silver. She created floating schools in the clouds.
"Knowledge will be the bedrock of your Empire, my Emperor."
6. Minister of Internal Affairs – Gregor Stonehelm
A seasoned human with grizzled features and an iron stare. Former sheriff of a chaotic province, he commanded order.
"Law and discipline will flourish under your rule."
7. Minister of Foreign Affairs – Zeraphine Nightgale
A seductive succubus noblewoman with keen diplomatic acumen. Her charm was matched only by her ruthless negotiation skills.
"Empires shall kneel not by war, but by signature."
8. Minister of Agriculture – Thornroot the Verdant
A sentient treant draped in moss and vines. Wherever he stepped, wildflowers bloomed.
"The land shall sing, and your people shall never go hungry."
9. Minister of Infrastructure – Tobias Wrenchgear
A gnome engineer with a monocle and gloves that sparked with magical energy. Known for building cities in days.
"Give me plans, and I shall give you monuments."
10. Minister of Magic – Seraphiel the Arcseer
A blind celestial being whose voice carried arcane weight. The air shimmered around him with pure mana.
"Magic shall flow like rivers beneath your throne."
11. Minister of Transportation – Elrik Wayfarer
A nomadic centaur who charted the wildest realms. His networks spanned mountains and oceans.
"No corner of your Empire will remain unreachable."
12. Minister of Trade – Velora Merchantshade
A cunning kitsune with nine tails, draped in merchant silks.
"Every coin that leaves shall return with ten more."
13. Minister of Labor – Bruk Ironfist
A rugged orc with a heart of gold and muscles carved from stone. Respected by commoners and warriors alike.
"I'll forge an empire of sweat and pride."
14. Minister of Health – Dr. Elinora Veil
A human physician who merged magic with medicine. She had resurrected entire towns.
"Health is not a luxury—it is your people's right."
15. Minister of Culture – Lyrielle Swanheart
A siren with a divine voice. Her performances inspired armies and united fractured cities.
"Art will make your Empire beloved even by its enemies."
16. Minister of Exploration – Nareth Stormeye
A sky pirate turned explorer, with maps inked on his skin and the scent of sea and storm.
"Let me chart the unknown and bring it to your feet."
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Karnelius looked across the line of beings standing before him, each one loyal, unique, and powerful. This was no mere council—it was the foundation of a world-conquering force
but something still felt… empty.
Karnelius stood atop the balcony of the Elysian Crown Citadel, gazing out over the shimmering emerald grass of his magical garden, the crystalline lake that mirrored the skies, and the sapphire-stoned walkways that led to golden gates. His empire had been named. His flag flew high. And now, his home would be filled with voices, motion, and elegance.
He opened the System Shop with a thought, specifically the Palace Personnel category. And there it was
He bought every servant that he thought was necessary
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Core Palace Staff (1012 Personnel)
➤ Head Butler – Albrecht
An ancient, silver-haired human with the grace of royalty and the mind of a war strategist. He coordinated everything from diplomatic events to breakfast.
➤ 10 Senior Butlers – One for every wing of the Citadel.
➤ Head Maid – Lady Aravelle – A high elf with flawless posture and beauty who trained generations of royal maids in the Elven Realms.
➤ 700 Maids – Elves, humans, beastkin, and even a few wind spirits who swept without touching the ground.
➤ 300 Footmen – Dressed in imperial blue with enchanted gloves to open doors without touching them.
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Gardeners & Nature Tenders (100 Personnel)
➤ Master Gardener – Thayrin the Moss Sage – An ancient dryad male with vines wrapped around his limbs.
➤ 99 Gardeners – Dryads, fairies, nymphs, earth-elementals, and plantfolk. They worked in harmony, growing glowing mushrooms, whispering orchids, frost-tipped roses, and night-blooming moonlilies that sang lullabies.
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Dining, Culinary, and Luxury Staff (200 Personnel)
➤ Head Chef – Gorbin Ironpan – The legendary dwarven chef with a frying pan forged from dragon scale.
➤ 50 Elite Chefs (3 pts each) – Cooking magical and real-world delicacies from 12 cultures.
➤ 30 Pastry Artists – Created floating desserts and sugar sculptures that danced.
➤ 20 Sommeliers – Vampires and elves with centuries of wine-tasting experience.
➤ 50 Servers & Platers
➤ 30 Laundry Staff
➤ 13 Personal Groomers – Specialized in magical grooming, including enchanted haircuts and anti-wrinkle spells.
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Entertainment Wing (100 Personnel)
➤ Royal Orchestra (50 Musicians) – Including banshee flutists, elemental drummers, and celestial harpists.
➤ 30 Dancers – Trained in mystical performances that manipulate light and shadow.
➤ 20 Poets, Actors, and Mimes – Including a blind human bard whose words brought listeners to tears.
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Administrative & Knowledge Staff (100 Personnel)
➤ Royal Librarian – Archmage Vellan – A floating old man made of scrolls and paper, with infinite memory.
➤ 20 Scribes – Writing down every royal decree with magical calligraphy.
➤ 30 Archivists
➤ 30 Advisors & Analysts – Specialized in culture, etiquette, and administration.
➤ 10 Hall Managers
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🛠️ Maintenance & Logistics (150 Personnel)
➤ 40 Cleaning Golems – Polished the floor just by rolling.
➤ 30 Magical Janitors
➤ 20 Lightkeepers – Managed the enchanted lanterns and light crystals.
➤ 40 Transport Coordinators
➤ 20 Technicians (Magitek) – Maintained magical mechanisms, including elevator runes, teleportation circles, and plumbing enchantments.
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✨ Miscellaneous Roles (100 Personnel)
Animal Caretakers – For phoenixes, mana-deer, and magical koi.
Stable Masters
Royal Falconer
Potion Masters – Maintained health potions and aroma diffusers.
Ceremonial Officers – Managed festivals and rituals.
Dreamweavers – Created dream-silk beds and enchanted curtains for royal comfort.
Karnelius walked through the palace as the staff began to settle into their roles. He passed a phoenix being pampered with enchanted oils, musicians tuning celestial strings, and Albrecht calmly orchestrating everything with a flick of the wrist.
This wasn't a kingdom.
It was a divine machine built to serve one man — an emperor born not from nobility, but from dreams, ambition, and an unshakable greed for power.
And Karnelius..had never felt more alive.
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