23rd October, Space Era Years 104.
The Grand Council Chamber of the imperial capital Berlyn glowed in a warm aureate light.Holographic projectors hummed softly, their rhythm echoing the breath of the cosmos.Upon the marble walls gleamed the sigil of the Empire — the Triplum Aquila,the three-winged eagle that crowned the standard of Centory.
On the raised dais of seven steps, in accordance with ancient parliamentary rite,sat Lord Aelyzabeth von Thors, Supreme Sovereign of Centory —her gaze tranquil yet commanding,her uniform black, trimmed in silver, adorned with the medal of the Campaign of Yudarus.
Before her stood General Aelaera von Escheinsen,Regent of the Empire and Minister of Colonial Affairs,presenting the orbital chart of the Alexander System, projected mid-air in blue and gold.
"My Lord," she reported,"the third planet of this system is ready for settlement.Atmospheric oxygen stands at twenty-eight percent, humidity suitable for cultivation,and the sub-crust contains vast veins of pure iron.We await Your Excellency's command to name the world officially."
Aelyzabeth regarded the rotating sphere — a tranquil azure orb brushed with gold — and spoke with calm authority.
"Which guild oversees this colony?""The Virmith Guild, My Lord — the pioneers of our first colonial wave.""Then let it be recorded in the annals of the Empire," she declared,"that this world shall be named Hall of Virmith —in honor of the brave who forged new ground for Centory."
The golden record light flared, sealing the decree in the central archive.
"And assign the Kiezseiner Guild to oversee all agrarian operations.This world shall become the Empire's granary.We shall never borrow another's harvest again."
The Wealth of the State.
Three days later, on the 26th of October,the Minister of Finance appeared before the throne,his face radiant with pride.
"Since Your Excellency's rule of integrity and iron discipline,the Empire's surplus has reached fifty percent of its total revenue.We have freed ourselves entirely from Earth's loans and imports.My Lord — how shall we best allocate this wealth?"
Aelyzabeth pondered for a moment,then spoke with a voice calm as frost, yet absolute as iron.
"Divide it into four.One — the National Reserve Fund, for unforeseen crisis.Two — the Military Expansion Budget, for I intend that war shall come.Three — Infrastructure, Education, and Public Health.Four — Rewards for loyal civil and military servants.The prosperity of the state must always return to its people."
The chorus of officials echoed through the marble hall,their reply resounding like a hymn.
The Question of Virtue.
On the 25th of October,George Sergisther, Governor of the Tiraxinosys Economic Zone,appeared before the Lord with a petition.
"Foreigners pour into our sector, My Lord — merchants, missionaries, laborers.I request permission to open casinos and leisure districtsto stimulate the planetary economy."
Aelyzabeth regarded him in silence, then handed him a black envelope.
"In this are my orders. Read them carefully and obey them to the letter.Beyond that… rule as your wisdom permits."
He opened it, his eyes widened briefly, then softened into relief.
"My gratitude, My Lord. I will not fail you."
The Audit of the Century.
By the 29th of October,interstellar media began questioning the "transparency" of the Centory regime.In response, Aelyzabeth issued a decree that stunned the galaxy.
"Invite the Intergalactic Anti-Corruption Directorateto inspect our Empire daily — not quarterly, as others do."
The results were released publicly on the 31st of October:
Transparency Index: 75% — above galactic standard.
Minus 5 points: Authoritarian state structure.
Minus 10 points: Familial appointments in select offices.
Minus 10 points: Wartime benefits to generals.
Yet the report concluded:
"No evidence of bribery.No media suppression.No trace of corruption — ever."
Aelyzabeth smiled faintly and turned to Minister Walter von Yigzorch,Director of Propaganda.
"Announce to the galaxy that Centory hides nothing.We govern with dignity, not deceit.Let the people take pride —for every credit of their tax builds the future, not the rot of corruption."
That evening, the citizens of Berlyn filled the streets in hymn-like chants.Above the towers fluttered the imperial standard —the crimson banner of Centory beneath a sky of starlight.
"Transparency," declared Lord Aelyzabeth von Thors,"is the blade sharper than any sword in the universe."
Thus ends Chapter C-XXVIII.