The morning sun bathed the eastern courtyard of Valoria Palace. Dew still clung to the grass as Arthur stood in the center of the training yard. His breathing was steady, the Valorian heirloom sword gleaming in his hand, his body moving through refined patterns of strikes. Every slash carved faint trails of energy in the air, the fruit of both qi and relentless practice.
After an hour of training, he sat cross-legged, entering cultivation. Qi flowed like a clear river, filling the core within his body. When he opened his eyes again, his mind felt sharpened—today was a pivotal day: the founding of the Royal Councils.
After bathing and changing into plain yet tidy attire, Arthur sat in the dining hall. Cici had prepared warm toasted bread, boiled eggs, and a cup of strong black coffee. Marcel stood beside him, recording the day's schedule.
"Today at eight o'clock, the interviews of the candidates will begin, Your Majesty," he said.
Arthur only nodded, sipping his coffee slowly. He knew that from today, the wheel of Valoria's history would turn faster.
By two in the afternoon, the final candidate had finished their interview. The Grand Hall of the palace was filled with long benches. The applicants who had passed the first stage now sat with faces tense with hope and anticipation. Marcel stood beside Arthur, documenting every decision. General Erlic sat nearby, watching with a grave expression.
There were no lengthy words. The interviews had been conducted since morning—now came the time for results. Arthur rose, his eyes sharp, his voice unwavering.
"Valoria is no longer a tyrant's kingdom. Today we lay a new foundation. These are the Council leaders who will serve as the pillars of our nation."
One by one, the names were declared:
Council of Defense: Captain Lionel Drest – a veteran of the border wars who once saved hundreds of soldiers at Var Valley.
Council of Intelligence: Inspector Hadrick – a court clerk who exposed corruption in the royal tax warehouses.
Council of Economy: Madam Erel Vadison – the National Head Accountant, expert in taxation systems.
Council of Infrastructure: Engineer Karrel – master builder of bridges from the Stonewright Guild.
Council of Education: Teacher Loran – a village teacher who doubled literacy rates among commoners.
Council of Health: Healer Bruna – a midwife and traveling healer who trained dozens of assistants in rural towns.
Council of Diplomacy: Envoy Theon – a senior envoy seasoned in delicate border negotiations.
Council of Industrial Reform: Artificer Roland Sparks – a craftsman who designed the mana-powered cold-box and street lamps.
Thunderous applause filled the chamber—some relieved, some astonished. The unsuccessful candidates bowed and departed with respect. Arthur closed with brief authority:
"Tomorrow morning at eight, we will announce this to the people. Be ready."
When the hall finally emptied, only Marcel and Erlic remained. Arthur leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. Lighting a cigarette, he watched the smoke curl toward the ceiling.
"A tiring day," he muttered.
"Unroll the parchment, Marcel. Let us begin drafting the organizational structure."
Marcel spread a large sheet across the table, and together with Erlic they began sketching the framework: each Council with its essential subdivisions, the backbone of a nation reborn.
The capital's main square was overflowing. People from every corner had gathered, their faces filled with curiosity. Valoria's banners waved proudly as the palace bells tolled the start of the ceremony. Captain Roderick led the palace guard in orderly ranks, securing the crowd.
Arthur stepped onto the podium. The morning breeze tugged at his black cloak. Standing tall, he gazed at the sea of expectant faces, then began to speak.
"People of Valoria!
Today, we are no longer ruled by the voice of tyranny. Today, Valoria stands upon new pillars—the People's Councils—who will safeguard our laws, economy, education, health, diplomacy, infrastructure, defense, and industry. They are not puppets of the crown. They are your faces, your voices, your hands."
A roar of cheers shook the square.
Arthur lifted his hand for silence, then introduced each Council, its subdivisions, and its leaders:
1. Council of Defense – Captain Lionel Drest
Army (protecting the national borders) – Captain Lionel Drest himself, a battle-hardened veteran.
City Guard (maintaining urban order) – Commander Rurik, former head of the City Watch.
Training & Recruitment (drilling and enlisting soldiers) – Sergeant Orwin, a seasoned militia instructor.
2. Council of Intelligence – Inspector Hadrick
Internal Information (domestic intelligence gathering) – Hadrick himself, renowned for exposing corruption.
External Reconnaissance (foreign scouting) – Scoutmaster Freya, expert tracker of the borderlands.
Cryptography & Communication (securing state secrets) – Scholar Norrim, master of ciphers.
3. Council of Economy – Madam Erel Vadison
Tax & Accounting (managing taxation) – Erel Vadison, national accountant.
Domestic Trade (stabilizing prices at home) – Merchant Halvor, overseer of the central bazaar.
Foreign Trade (expanding exports) – Merchant Albern, a senior exporter with vast experience.
4. Council of Infrastructure – Engineer Karrel
Transportation (roads and bridges) – Karrel, bridge engineer of the Stonewright Guild.
Public Utilities (water supply and aqueducts) – Foreman Jax, master of waterworks.
Public Buildings (schools, clinics, and civic structures) – Architect Mira, designer of schools and hospitals.
5. Council of Education – Teacher Loran
Primary Schools (basic literacy) – Loran, the village teacher who raised literacy rates.
Knight & Mage Academy (military and magical education) – Professor Valen, academy instructor.
Research & Libraries (access to knowledge) – Scholar Ilyra, senior librarian.
6. Council of Health – Healer Bruna
Rural Clinics (basic treatment in villages) – Bruna, traveling healer.
City Hospitals (urban medical care) – Physician Markus, skilled surgeon.
Prevention & Plague Response (public health and epidemics) – Herbalist Kaelen, herbal medicine specialist.
7. Council of Diplomacy – Envoy Theon
Royal Relations (foreign diplomacy) – Theon, seasoned envoy.
International Trade (tariffs and negotiations) – Ambassador Dalia, specialist in commerce treaties.
Alliances & Peace (regional cooperation) – Sir Merrow, knight-diplomat.
8. Council of Industrial Reform – Artificer Roland Sparks
Manatech & Innovation (developing mana-powered technologies) – Roland Sparks, master artificer.
Production & Workshops (mass manufacturing) – Master Geddar, head of workshops.
Distribution & Markets (fair distribution to citizens) – Merchant Tomas, market leader under strict audits.
Arthur ended with a resounding voice:
"These Councils are my promise to you—that Valoria shall no longer belong to the king alone, but to its people. From this day forward, we build our nation together."
The cheers rose like thunder.
"Long live King Arthur! Long live the New Valoria!"
Amid the joyous uproar, heartfelt voices echoed:
A farmer, tears streaming, whispered, "At last, our voices count."
A freed Elf murmured, "This is the first day I truly feel free."
A young merchant clapped his friend's shoulder, laughing, "If taxes are only twelve percent, I can open a second shop. Valoria is truly changing."
Arthur stood upon the podium, gazing at his people. For the first time since donning the crown, he no longer saw merely a ruler and subjects—he saw a leader and one great family.
That day, Valoria officially stepped into a new chapter of its history.