[Kingdom Building System Protocol Activated]
[Ruler: Justinian Alarys Thirell]
[Rank: Duke]
[Resources:]
Gold: 494 KG
Food: 12~17 Weeks
Military: 513 Units
[Map:]
Snowkeep (Capital): Unrest (7.6%)
Herdrin: Unrest (6%)
Bridgeton: Unrest (46%)
While waiting for his army to finish its job, he decided to check his system for a while, seeing that most of the stats remained unchanged, except for unrest.
"For a system... mine's fairly tame, I don't even get to invest in stat points."
Justinian said disappointingly, sure, he had the shop, but other than that, the only way he could grow stronger was by building his kingdom.
Which was thematic, but obviously disappointing him a little.
'I wonder what I can buy...'
He checked the shop; he now had 300 prestige with his victory in the battle, and he had enough for most items.
'A sword... some more gold... wait...'
He froze, seeing a particular item.
A Hundred Elite Men: 500 Prestige
'That's... what!?'
Justinian's mind spun. What in the world does that even imply? a hundred elite men suddenly appearing out of thin air to serve him? Or does it enhance a hundred men of his choosing?
Either way, it was absolutely powerful, especially the first option.
Creating life from his system was a godlike ability he didn't expect to obtain if true.
'It's far from my budget... but I can definitely buy it, and with army swordsmanship, I'll pretty much be unbeatable.'
He stroked his chin before closing his system for today. He now had a new, clear goal in mind as he prepared for the night raid.
'Looks like everyone is done.'
He stretched before mounting his horse again.
'Time to ride.'
***
Snowkeep - Outskirts
***
It didn't take long for them to arrive back at the capital, now with extra armor and weapons in tow, along with a group of prisoners, an incredible victory, one that made Justinian more hopeful for events to come.
"All of you rest, you deserve it. I will bring you a reward soon enough."
Justinian yelled out in front of the cavalry before departing on his own, along with Cassia. He needed to work on other stuff.
***
Snowkeep Palace - Duke's Study
***
The room was packed, filled with paperwork, yet it was clean, the servants keeping it that way despite its disuse.
Justinian and Cassia had already changed out of their gear, with Justinian wearing normal noble attire and Cassia wearing a simple gambeson, lightweight but defensive.
Cassia stood guard at the door of the study, watching Justinian go about his business as he looked with absolute focus.
'I was focusing so much on the big picture, I forgot about the small things that keep a duchy alive.'
He grabbed a ledger from his study, checking the laws currently in place. While most were fine and decent, likely due to Matthias's interference and ability.
Some terrible laws had still been managed to get passed, one that only benefited the nobles.
Justinian sighed, checking out reports that stacked high across his desk, reading complaints and reports from the guards.
'These taxes are insane...'
He scratched the back of his head, his eyes narrowing; the paperwork alone would kill him.
THUD.
He closed the ledgers with a thud, tilting his head.
'I'll work with Matthias on this.'
[The Book of War Responds]
+30 Prestige
'So it rewards good governance as well? good to know.'
Justinian straightened his back, remembering his empty stomach, along with likely the rest of the soldiers and Cassia, they left in a rush after all.
Most of them would be dying to eat something appetizing.
"Let's head to the kitchen."
Justinian spoke, smiling as he looked at Cassia, eliciting a huge, expectant smile on her face.
"Of course! let's not waste more time."
"Eager aren't you?"
Justinian teased, leaving the study and heading into the kitchen as Cassia followed.
"You can't really blame me."
"Of course I can't, I'm as hungry as you are."
Justinian didn't just want to cook for his soldiers and Cassia; he wanted a full-on small charity for his capital, distributing some warm soup to soldiers and citizens alike.
Both out of charity and out of pragmatism, he needed the prestige gains after all.
'Time for me to start grinding... the rest of the training relies on Lucan, so now I have the rest of the time to gain prestige.'
As he entered the kitchen, he commanded everyone to gather immediately, already explaining his plans as he grabbed a piece of parchment and wrote a recipe for a simple hot chicken soup.
Simple for him, but likely divine for the rest.
"Let's start, everyone!"
Justinian yelled out, raising his arms, his cooks shouting with him.
"Yeah!"
They didn't even question it; last night's events completely made them trust and like Justinian enough to just obey without question.
As the entire kitchen began to move, Cassia was just on the sides, once again acting like a knight and keeping guard.
Justinian noticed it and decided to do something about it.
"Have you tried cooking before, Cassia?"
"No, I haven't."
"But do you wish to learn?"
Justinian spoke, cutting some chicken skillfully; the army's swordsmanship skill also affected how he used normal kitchen knives.
It was a more versatile skill than initially thought.
"...I'm not against it...'
"Then come here, let me teach you."
Cassia nodded, standing beside Justinian as he taught her how to use a knife and all about the basics of cooking.
Not only will it build trust with her, but also benefit him if his sword's second had multiple skills; you never know when they'll be useful.
Behind them, however, the chefs and servants murmured at the sight.
"Do you think... the two of them might be...?"
"Might be, both of them are the same age, love flourishes at that time."
"Oh, please... what do you know about love?"
The chefs chatted about, filling the kitchen with camaraderie as they continued cooking, the motivation of feeding the entire capital, making them work harder than normal.
Because it also meant feeding their families at home, who were taking care of the house.
"The duke's benevolence isn't he?"
"Yeah... kinda creeps me out really."
"I get what you mean... It's like an angel possessed him."
[The Book of War Responds]
[Your legend of divinity is increasing.]
+50 Prestige
'Why are all the rumours all about me being heaven blessed!?'
Justinian received the notification unexpectedly, causing him to lose focus and accidentally cut his fingers.
"Damn..."
He winced, feeling the sting.
"Are you okay!?"
Cassia said with concern, grabbing his fingers without hesitation as she looked at the wound.
'Well... at least it benefits me.'