Making money is easy, staying alive is not.
It's been 6 days since the last day. We have already started buying from willing neighboring nations, as a country and privately with secret merchants, and selling under strict restrictions across Drakoria. The effects is already noticeable but we are not there yet. Many are without money, and we are not in a position to distribute for free.
As many as 189 people volunteered for the soap making business. Apparently magic is used in making soaps, even though the results is something basic compared to what we use from the world I came from. At best it is comparable to a bar soap, but unfortunately I don't know how to make a soap either. What I did was tell them what I want, and describe soaps from my other life to them and leave it to them to figure it out. They are locked up in a huge chambers, now converted to factory under strict surveillance by my private knights to avoid any information been leaked out. They have zero contacts with the outside world with food and materials been delivered by hand picked knights who don't even know about the project.
And in regards to the Demon forest, the witch sent word two days ago saying the mission was tougher than expected and needed reinforcements so I sent in another 10,000 led by the old mage.
I haven't been idle myself.
The Butler's underfoot smashed into my torso and sent me flying. My back slammed against the hard wall with a heavy crash and I collapsed under bits of wall debris,coughing out blood. The palace young priestess rushed to my side and began healing me. I could feel my ribs snapping back to order. It was painful but I have gone through it so often that I'm use to it.
I heard the training chamber's heavy doors creaked open slowly and a knight walked in.
"The Chancellor is here, your majesty "
Chancellor. A member of the court, and the equivalent of a minister of finance from my previous world. He is charged with the responsibility of running, maintaining and improving the country's economy. I demanded an audience a few days ago but he ignored the letter, even though my sources told me that he was barely 12 hours away. I would have killed him but from what I have read he was once a merchant and a very sly and ruthless one. I need someone like that at this stage of my plans.
"Usher him in" I told the knight then turned to the Butler. "That will be all for now"
He bowed and his demeanor instantly changed to that of a harmless Butler again. His previously intense presence seemed to dissipate, leaving only the air of a loyal and competent servant. Despite witnessing his display of ruthless strength moments ago, one couldn't help but feel an innate sense of comfort in his presence.
As he departed, his steps were graceful and composed, reflecting the decades of experience that his old age carried. His movements were measured, and there was a quiet confidence in every stride
He sure is an enigma. There's no doubt he is the strongest amongst them, but how strong is he really? I couldn't even see his information. Is he the reason why this incompetent king is still alive? They don't want to go up against him? Maybe that's why I feel naturally drawn to him and comfortable in his presence.
With a soft thud, the heavy doors shut, and he disappeared from view then I turned to the beautiful priestess who was waiting to be dismissed.
"Can you grow back a limb?"
┌─────── ⇦♕⇨ ───────┐
Malchus Naram-Sin, draped in rich cloaks adorned with intricate patterns and colors befitting his status, walked with measured steps down the marbled corridor leading to the royal training chambers. As he made his way through the old palace, he couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought him here.
From trashy beginnings as the only son of a low noble, life had not bestowed any easy fortunes upon him. It was a path marred with struggles, disappointments, and a relentless pursuit of prosperity. His family's diminishing wealth had pushed him to seek a better life, far from the comfort of his birthright.
With determination in his heart, he ventured into the world of merchants, learning the art of deceit, the wisdom of investments, and the shrewdness required to thrive in the cutthroat world of trade. It was not an easy climb, but through astute decisions, a bit of luck, and relentless tenacity, he had risen among the ranks of merchants and somehow finally securing a position in the court of Drakoria. Life had become good and easy, but something wasn't feeling right. He couldn't place his hands on it but this were the same senses that helped him as a merchant and he had come to trust them, but he is here now and he can't go back.
The doors swung open, and he entered the training room, where the young king stood, half naked and covered in sweat. The merchant suppressed a sigh, bowing respectfully, even if begrudgingly.
"My apologies for the delay, Your Majesty," the merchant spoke with practiced diplomacy. "I hope my presence is not an inconvenience."
The king stared at him, an air of nonchalance about him. When the knights were about to leave he waved for them to stay.
"I summoned you 3 days ago and you come now, why?"
"My king..." he began, unusually finding himself lost for words. Something was different about the king. "I was engaged in kingdom's affairs. I couldn't..."
The king motioned for the knights.
"Cut off his right wrist"
Before Naram-Sin could react he found himself face pinned on the ground with his right arm outstretched and in one heavy thud his wrist came off. His eyes saw the scene but it took a while for his mind to process what it saw. His wrist was severed, leaving behind a gruesome sight of torn flesh and shattered bones. The pain became unimaginable. Blood began to spurt from the mutilated wrist, pooling on the training floor. They released him as he writhed on the floor, clutching the stump of his arm, his cries like that of a child. Cries so loud and painful that he didn't hear the King's next statement, he might have repeated the first question, but he heard the one after that.
"Cut off the left wrist"
Restrained again, Naram-Sin felt his left arm outstretched and heard thud that cut off the left wrist but before he could feel the pain his consciousness gave out.