Rahul called, "Priya?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Is the Defence Minister here?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The Defence Minister is waiting for you."
"Okay, tell him to come inside. You also come."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
After a few minutes, the Defence Minister entered.
Rahul said, "Hello, Hemant. How are you?"
"Your Majesty, I am good."
"So, tell me. The load of weapons has arrived from the Russian arms dealer and training—how is it going on?"
"The arms dealer has already provided all the weapons, Your Majesty," said the Defence Minister. "And the training has already started for the first batch of recruits. The weapons are already distributed, and training is going on. It is believed that within the next 3–4 months, very good and well-trained individuals will come out of the army, and our army will improve a lot."
"Okay, that's good," said Rahul.
"Your Majesty, one more thing," said the Defence Minister. "About the total arms production facility that needs to be installed."
Rahul nodded. "Yes, I remember. What about it? Have you made the contract with the embassies?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I have already made the contract, but the issue is only two countries are able to provide it within a short timeframe—India or China. And I believe China should be given the contract."
Rahul was surprised. "Why China? India has given better conditions than China."
The Defence Minister replied, "Your Majesty, right now there is a lot of corruption in the Indian government. The democracy and bureaucracy there delay everything. Whereas China is efficient in this kind of work—they can finish things on schedule."
Rahul leaned back, thoughtful. He had also heard rumors about corruption and inefficiency in India's current administration. After a pause, he said, "Okay, then. Let's go ahead with China."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the Defence Minister said firmly. "We will proceed, and the full production line will be ready by next year."
"Good," said Rahul.
"Okay, ahment, you may take your leave."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the Defence Minister replied, bowing, and left the chamber.
Priya waited at the door. Rahul turned to her. "What do you think about this?"
Priya answered, "Majesty, I think it's a good decision. As our military capability increases, we'll be better able to protect the country and secure our borders."
Rahul nodded. "I agree. But as we rise, we'll also attract attention — and spies. We need an organization dedicated to intelligence work."
Priya's eyes widened. "You're right — we forgot about that. With the money coming in and development underway, other countries will certainly try to place agents here. We must be ready."
Rahul asked, "Who should head it?"
Priya thought for a moment. "We should ask Rachit. He's our head of security — there's no one more qualified."
"Good," Rahul said. "Bring Rachit to me tomorrow and we'll discuss the structure."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Priya replied, and left to make the arrangements.
"And also," Rahul said, leaning back in his chair, "prepare the data on the secret service — the one directly under my command. I want full details: personnel, their operations, and who's responsible for my protection and special missions."
Priya bowed slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty. Tomorrow, Rachit and I will meet you to discuss everything. We'll provide a complete briefing with all the basic data."
"Good," Rahul said. "Also, tell Rachit that we have a mission scheduled for the next ten days. Just like last year — he'll understand what I mean."
Priya's eyes flickered with surprise. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will inform him."
She hesitated for a second — she had no idea what mission the King was referring to, but she knew better than to ask. The man sitting before her was not just any ruler; he was the King of Athenia — a man who always had plans that even his closest aides could not fully see.
Rahul nodded slightly, dismissing her. Priya bowed and quietly left the chamber, her mind racing with questions she dared not voice.
The next morning, at exactly 10 o'clock, Priya and Rachit entered Rahul's main office.
Rahul looked up from his desk, a faint smile crossing his face. "Ah, Priya, Rachit — how are you both?"
"We are alright, Your Majesty," they said in unison, bowing slightly.
"Good," Rahul said, leaning forward. "I called you both today because we have two important matters to handle. First — we need to stabilize our secret spy service. This organization will be responsible for all intelligence and covert work inside the country. Second — we have to go for a mission, like last time."
Rachit's expression shifted. The first part didn't surprise him; he had been thinking the same thing — that Athenia now needed an organized intelligence structure. But the second part… he immediately understood what Rahul meant. That mission a year ago had changed the entire course of the nation — the mines, the economy, even the King himself.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Rachit replied after a pause. "We will follow your command. For the spy network, I already have some recommendations for the leadership and structure. And for the mission… tell me when we are to depart, so I can prepare accordingly."
Rahul stood and walked toward the map pinned on the wall. His finger moved northward. "We will leave within the next ten days. This time, our destination is here — the northern region."
Priya and Rachit leaned closer as Rahul pointed to a section of the map.
"The last mine was in the south," Rahul continued. "Now we develop the north. The area here has strong mineral potential, and it will help balance our national growth."
He circled three towns on the map with a marker. "These are the closest settlements to the new site — Harish, Rarish, and Parish — located about 15, 20, and 25 kilometers from the mine area respectively."
Rachit nodded firmly. "Understood, Your Majesty. I'll begin preparations immediately. Our people will be ready."
Priya quietly took notes beside him, already planning how to coordinate between ministries for security and logistics.
Rahul turned back to them, his tone decisive. "Good. This mission will be as important as the last one. Make sure everything proceeds smoothly — and in complete secrecy."
Both bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Majesty."
When Priya and Rachit left the room, they walked down the long corridor in silence for a while. Then Priya finally spoke softly, "Rachit, this mission His Majesty mentioned… is it the same one you performed with him last year?"
Rachit looked at her, surprised. "You don't know about it?"
Priya shook her head. "No, I cannot ask him. He is my superior — my King. I only follow his commands, not question them."
Rachit nodded slowly. "I understand. But yes, this mission… it's not an ordinary one. It changed everything for Athenia last year. And if he's planning another, it must be something crucial. He must have received intelligence from someone."
Priya frowned thoughtfully. "If someone is providing such good intelligence, then that person must be a trusted ally — or a friend of His Majesty."
"Maybe," Rachit replied, his tone careful. "But let's not assume too much. His Majesty always thinks ahead. He wouldn't reveal his sources unless absolutely necessary."
They reached the corridor's end, where their paths would separate. Priya turned to him again. "And one more thing, Rachit — send me the details of your spy service recommendations by tonight, so we can move forward with that plan as well."
Rachit gave a short nod. "Yes, Your Majesty's orders will be followed. I'll send them to you before evening."