Once Rahul selected the consortium, Priya began the delicate task of initiating negotiations. The consortium's representatives arrived under strict supervision, escorted by Rachit and his elite security detail. The meeting was held in a secure palace chamber, away from prying eyes, cameras, or curious officials.
Rahul began, his tone calm but firm. "We appreciate your interest in the Palaepicia mine. You will find this venture highly profitable—but let me be clear: Athenia retains full sovereignty. Every aspect of the mine is under our supervision. Any deviation from agreed terms, and the contract is void."
The consortium nodded. They were aware that the mine's location in a small, backward country meant compliance was not optional. They also recognized the potential profit—billions of dollars over the coming years.
Rahul presented the financial terms:
Upfront and guaranteed payment: $14 billion USD to be paid in installments over the next 2 years. This would go directly to Athenia's treasury to fund the army, infrastructure, and national projects.
Profit sharing: After covering all operational costs, the remaining profit from the mine would belong to the consortium. Athenia would retain oversight, with audits performed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
Operational control: All machinery, transport, and workforce would be monitored by Athenia's appointed supervisors. No unilateral decisions by the consortium.
Legal safeguards: The contract included strict penalties for violations, immediate termination clauses, and international arbitration as a backup.
The consortium representatives conferred briefly, impressed by the balance. The terms were extremely fair but heavily protected Athenia's interests. They realized that while the upfront payment was substantial, the guarantee of sovereignty and oversight ensured smooth operations and a long-term partnership without political or legal risk.
After some formalities, handshakes, and signatures, the deal was officially sealed. Rahul had successfully secured $14 billion USD in guaranteed revenue while leaving the future profits open for the consortium to manage. This influx of funds would immediately strengthen Athenia's finances, allowing military upgrades, infrastructure projects, and social development—all while maintaining the crown's control.
The deal was finalized, and the consortium's representative departed, returning to coordinate the preparations for mining. According to the contract, the first $5 billion USD would be transferred directly into the treasury of Athenia within one month, providing an immediate boost to the kingdom's finances. The remaining $9 billion USD would follow in subsequent installments, as stipulated in the agreement.
The consortium immediately began the process of fund transfers, shipping mining equipment, and preparing other essential instruments for the operation. A key clause in the contract stated that a portion of the mining equipment would remain on-site in Athenia. This meant that while not all machinery would be stationed locally, the equipment that did stay was highly valuable and costly, representing a significant investment in the kingdom's infrastructure.
For manpower, the consortium devised a balanced approach. Local labor would be employed for most roles—miners, support staff, and logistical operations—taking advantage of low-cost, abundant workforce in Athenia. Meanwhile, only specialized technical personnel and management-level engineers would be brought in from abroad, ensuring expert supervision without excessive dependency on foreign staff.
Rahul observed all of this carefully. The arrangement was perfectly aligned with his long-term vision:
Immediate capital inflow to stabilize the treasury.
Equipment presence on Athenia soil, which could later support domestic mining initiatives independently.
Local labor engagement to boost the economy and provide employment.
Foreign technical expertise without ceding control or creating long-term dependence.
He smiled quietly to himself. The first major step toward Athenia's transformation had begun. With the mine operational, the kingdom would not only gain wealth but also experience, manpower, and strategic leverage—all under the watchful eye of the crown.
Rahul had a grand plan for the first tranche of funds arriving within the month. Every dollar would be strategically allocated to stabilize the kingdom and lay the foundation for long-term development.
The priorities were clear:
1. Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB): A significant portion of the funds would be used to establish its headquarters, operational facilities, and staffing, ensuring the bureau could function efficiently and independently.
2. Military: Upgrading the army, navy, and air force remained a top priority. The funds would support modern equipment, training programs, and infrastructure improvements to secure the kingdom from both internal and external threats.
3. Agriculture: Athenia's largely farming-based economy needed immediate reinforcement. Investments would be made to improve irrigation, farming technology, and supply chains, securing food production for the population.
To ensure accountability and maintain oversight, Rahul introduced a new organization—the National Level Audit Organization (NLAO). While the Anti-Corruption Bureau would investigate and curb corruption, the NLAO would audit all financial documents, government accounts, and transactions, creating a dual-layer system of control and transparency.
Rahul reviewed the allocations carefully. The ACB would monitor malpractices, the NLAO would ensure proper financial governance, the military would become disciplined and modern, and agriculture would receive the technical and infrastructural support it desperately needed.
"This is only the beginning," he thought. "Once the first funds are utilized effectively, the kingdom will gain stability, and the people will see the benefits immediately. Every subsequent fund will follow a similar strategy: reinforce institutions, secure the nation, and ensure the people thrive."
With this plan, Rahul was confident that Athenia's transformation had truly begun. The kingdom's foundations were being laid in a way that no external power or internal faction could easily disrupt, and all future growth would be built on these solid pillars of governance, security, and accountability.
Rahul suddenly rang the small brass bell on his desk. The sharp sound echoed across the chamber. Within moments, Priya entered, holding her notepad as always, attentive and calm.
Rahul looked up from the documents scattered before him.
"Priya," he said in a firm but measured voice, "inform all the ministers—Aditya, Archit, and every head of department—that a meeting will be held next week. The agenda will be the national financial budget."
He paused, tapping his pen lightly on the table.
"We now have the funds," he continued. "It's time we put them to use—on infrastructure, maintenance, and the rebuilding of key sectors. No more delays."
Priya nodded, making quick notes.
"Yes, sir. I'll circulate the message immediately."
As Priya was about to leave, Rahul stopped her.
"Wait, Priya," he said, his tone calm but resolute. "Also inform everyone that the mining rights have been granted to an international consortium. I don't want anyone hearing it from rumors before the meeting."
Priya hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Your Majesty, I think… this decision may cause dissatisfaction among the people. Many expected the contract to go to local merchants or guilds."
Rahul leaned forward, folding his hands on the desk. "I know," he replied, his voice steady. "But right now, we don't have the equipment, the manpower, or the technology to process those ores properly. If we tried to handle it ourselves, we'd lose half the yield and drain the treasury again. This way, we gain profit, experience, and stability."
He stood up, walking to the window where the distant hills shimmered under the afternoon sun"It's an investment in Athenia's future. Next time, when we're ready—when our industries and miners are trained—the contracts will go to our own. That's a command, Priya."
Priya bowed slightly. "Understood, Your Majesty. I'll make sure the message is clear."
After sending Priya out, Rahul returned to his desk. Papers and scrolls lay scattered across the table — reports, drafts, budget notes, and survey results. The room felt heavy with work waiting to be done. He sighed, rolling up his sleeves, and began sorting through them one by one.
There was so much to handle now — finalizing the financial allocations, preparing the agenda for next week's national meeting, reviewing population and agricultural surveys, and ensuring that every ministry had a clear direction. The kingdom was changing fast, and he needed to stay ahead of it.
Amid the pile of documents, a small stack of envelopes caught his attention — official invitations from foreign embassies. Now that Athenia had opened itself to the world, every nation wanted to establish relations, trade,