Crowns were heavy things.
Not because of gold.
But because everyone wanted to decide who deserved to wear them.
The system chimed just after dawn, its tone layered with something new. Not urgency. Not triumph.
Pressure.
[International Recognition Event Triggered]
Albania Status: De Facto Regional Power
Albania Status: De Jure Undefined
Foreign Powers Preparing Formal Responses
Blendi stood at the balcony as fog lifted from the valleys. Below, banners bearing the black eagle flew not in defiance anymore, but in routine. Guards changed shifts. Builders argued over stone measurements. Children ran between courtyards.
A country behaving like a country.
Lady Mira joined him, holding sealed letters bound with wax of different colors.
"They refuse to say the word," she said quietly.
"King," Blendi replied.
She nodded.
"They call you Protector. High Lord. Defender of the Faithful Border. Anything but King."
Blendi smiled faintly.
"Then let us see what they offer instead."
The World Speaks
The system opened a multi pane diplomatic interface.
[Formal Envoys Incoming]
Kingdom of Naples
Kingdom of Hungary
Republic of Venice
Holy See
Intent Analysis
Containment
Recognition without elevation
Control through ceremony
The council hall filled again, but this time with silk, perfumes, and polished smiles.
The Neapolitan envoy spoke first.
"His Majesty recognizes your sovereignty," he said smoothly, "as Prince Protector of Albania."
The Hungarian envoy followed.
"A defensive ally," he added, "so long as borders remain… respectful."
Venice smiled without warmth.
"Trade rights," Lorenzo Contarini said. "Exclusive."
Finally, the Papal legate raised his chin.
"The Church recognizes your struggle," he said. "But crowns are granted by God."
Silence followed.
The system pulsed.
[Critical Decision Point]
Accept Titles without Crown
Declare Kingship Unilaterally
Delay and Extract Concessions
Golden annotation appeared.
(Declaring kingship unlocks permanent authority but triggers religious backlash)
Blendi did not answer immediately.
He looked instead at the people standing behind the envoys.
Merchants.
Clerks.
Minor nobles who had already begun to adjust their posture.
They were waiting.
Not for permission.
For inevitability.
A Different Answer
Blendi turned back to the envoys.
"I will not wear a crown," he said calmly.
Relief flickered across several faces.
"Yet," he continued.
Their relief vanished.
"I will be acknowledged as Sovereign of Albania."
"No priest's blessing," he added. "No foreign grant."
"Only fact."
The system reacted violently.
[Sovereign Declaration Accepted]
Authority Type: Factual Sovereignty
Crown Status: Dormant
Foreign Challenge Probability: Increased
Internal Authority: Absolute
Gasps rippled through the hall.
The Papal legate stiffened.
"This is irregular."
"So was surviving," Blendi replied.
Immediate Sovereign Rewards
[Authority Milestone Achieved]
Sovereign Without Crown
Rewards
Permanent governance efficiency increase
All internal dissent reduced
Foreign diplomatic pressure less effective
Gold Reward: 4,000
[Instant Construction Rewards]
New Buildings Established
Hall of Sovereignty
Effect
Unlocks higher level decrees
Nation wide authority projection increased
Grand Military Academy
Effect
Officer quality improved
Elite unit training doubled
Standing Army Adjustments
Officer Corps Improved
Veteran Conversion Rate Increased
Elite Units
1,720 → 1,900
Gold Reserves
33,480 → 37,480
Captain Arben entered after the envoys departed.
"They will test this," he said simply.
Blendi nodded.
"They already are."
A Personal Offer
That evening, Elira Vokshi requested a private audience.
She stood without ceremony.
"I was offered land in Venice," she said. "Twice what you pay me."
Blendi raised an eyebrow.
"And?"
"I refused," she said. "Stones mean more here."
Silence lingered.
Then she added, quieter.
"You are building something that will outlive you. That frightens men."
"And you," Blendi asked.
She hesitated.
"It makes me want to stay."
The system pulsed softly.
[Bond Deepened]
Effect
Major construction speed increased
Capital development bonuses enhanced
Leader mental fatigue reduced further
No declarations.
No promises.
Just alignment.
The People Respond
Word spread faster than any decree.
Not of a crown.
But of certainty.
[Public Sentiment Event]
People Accept Sovereign Authority
Rewards
Tax efficiency increased
Voluntary militia growth
Migration influx
Population Increase: +70,000
Manpower Pool Expanded
[Instant Army Growth]
Voluntary Militias Converted
Infantry +900
Support Units +200
Standing Army
16,800 → 17,900
Final Status Update
Gold Reserves: 37,480
Standing Army: 17,900
Elite Units: 1,900
Buildings
Hall of Sovereignty: Active
Grand Military Academy: Active
Capital Fortifications: Tier III
Unity: Absolute
Foreign Recognition: Partial
Foreign Anxiety: High
Eternal State Route Progress
78 percent
Late that night, Blendi stood alone in the Hall of Sovereignty, the new chamber still smelling of fresh stone.
No crown sat on any table.
None was needed.
The system chimed one last time, quietly.