By the second day of his new life, Mikhail had already formed a plan.His 13-year-old body was weak, but his mind… the mind of a businessman from 2025 who had managed hundreds of employees… remained fully intact. In an empire drowning in political turmoil, he felt a window of opportunity opening.
The system activated again:
[New Quest: Establish the Foundation of Power – Year 1 Goals]• Map internal family loyalty• Inspect local military units• Research methods to increase trade revenue• Identify people with loyalty below 70%
Mikhail nodded."This isn't a game… but I have rules, and I have a system. That gives me the advantage."
The Family Council
The grand hall of the Armanov estate echoed with voices. Uncles, cousins, generals, and advisers filled the long wooden table. Normally a 13-year-old heir would sit quietly—but not today.
Mikhail rose to his feet.As he looked around, the system scanned each person:
General Rostov – Loyalty 88% → Reliable
Uncle Viktor – Loyalty 52% → Uncertain
Treasurer Berezin – Loyalty 34% → Dangerous
Adviser Lidiya – Loyalty 92% → Devoted
These numbers immediately shaped his strategy.
"House Armanov must strengthen itself," he declared."Internal unrest is growing. Trade routes are unstable. The royal family is weaker than ever. If we do nothing, we fall with the rest of them."
Whispers filled the room.A child speaking with such clarity was unsettling.
"First," Mikhail continued, "I want full reports on our military units. And next month, I will meet with every major merchant. We will increase our revenue using more… efficient methods."
Uncle Viktor frowned."Efficient methods? And how do you know such things?"
Mikhail smiled slightly."Sometimes… knowledge comes from within."
The system flashed:
[Viktor Armanov → Suspicion Increased][Advice: Keep under close watch]
Training and Secret Notes
As weeks passed, Mikhail built a strict routine for himself.Mornings: fencing and horseback riding.Afternoons: lessons in politics, economy, and diplomacy.Evenings: secret work no one knew about.
He began writing in a hidden notebook:"Future Kingdom – Foundation of the Armanov Realm"
Into it he transferred everything he remembered from 2025:• Basics of factories• Efficient steam-power use• Logistics and supply lines• Standard tax systems• Loyalty-based administration
The time to use this knowledge was not yet here—but soon.
Evaluation of Year One
The first step of the five-year foundation plan was complete.Mikhail now knew exactly who was trustworthy and who wasn't.He had formed trade agreements and strengthened ties with two generals.
With each passing day, the coming chaos brought him one step closer to creating his own kingdom.
The system updated:
[Year 1 Success Rate: 74%][Kingdom Formation Probability: 42% → 57%]
Mikhail smiled."This is only the beginning."