As the ministers sat in tense silence, Alex allowed his gaze to linger on each of them in turn, his expression as calm and impassive as a mask carved from stone. The weight of his presence filled the grand chamber, the flickering light from the chandeliers casting long shadows across their faces.
"Before we proceed," Alex said, his voice carrying a faint edge of menace, "I will say this only once."
The ministers stiffened, their heads inclining slightly in deference.
"This kingdom is on the brink of change, whether you accept it or not. What we discuss here today will determine whether Reselo rises from its current stagnation or crumbles under the weight of its own decadence."
He paused, his black eyes gleaming like shards of obsidian. "And yet, not all of you are required for this decision. I have no use for courtiers who cling to tradition simply because it is comfortable. If you cannot offer solutions, leave now."
The ministers exchanged uneasy glances, but none dared to move.
"Then I will decide," Alex said coldly, leaning forward slightly. His tone turned sharp, like the edge of a blade. "All of you, except the Minister of Labor, are dismissed. Immediately."
The room seemed to hold its breath.
One of the bolder ministers, a man with a broad frame and graying hair, hesitated before speaking. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, perhaps we should—"
Alex's gaze snapped to him, pinning the man in place like a predator eyeing its prey.
"Did I not make myself clear?" he asked softly, his voice carrying a dangerous undertone.
The minister froze, then quickly lowered his head. "O-of course, Your Majesty. Forgive my presumption."
Without further protest, the ministers rose from their seats, bowing deeply before filing out of the chamber. Their movements were quick, almost frantic, as though eager to escape the suffocating weight of the Fool's presence.
When the doors closed behind them with a final, echoing thud, Alex turned his attention to the Minister of Labor.
"Now," he said, his voice calm but still carrying an air of command, "we can speak freely."
The minister hesitated, then stepped closer, bowing deeply. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
"Minister of Labor," he said, his voice cutting through the heavy silence.
"You've served in this position for over a decade, haven't you?" Alex asked, his tone measured, almost conversational.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the minister replied. "It has been my honor to oversee the labor systems of Reselo."
Alex rested his chin on his hand, studying the man with an intensity that made the minister shift uncomfortably.
"Tell me," Alex said, his voice low and deliberate, "how would you rebuild a kingdom where half the population has been treated as property?"
The minister blinked, clearly caught off guard by the question. "Your Majesty, I—"
"Speak plainly," Alex interrupted. "You are the Minister of Labor. This falls within your purview, does it not?"
The minister swallowed hard, then nodded. "If I may, Your Majesty, such a task would require significant resources and planning. The sudden liberation of slaves would create chaos. Many have no homes, no education, no means to support themselves. It would be..." He hesitated, searching for the right word.
"A disaster?" Alex supplied, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
The minister flinched. "I wouldn't presume to say so, Your Majesty. But it would be... challenging."
Alex leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the armrest. He allowed a moment of silence to stretch between them before speaking again.
"Here is what you will do," he said, his tone cold and commanding. "First, every freed slave will be offered a choice: employment under fair conditions or a piece of unoccupied land to call their own. The terms will be simple, and the arrangements efficient. There will be no delay, no excuses."
The minister's eyes widened slightly, but he nodded. "Understood, Your Majesty."
"Second," Alex continued, "slave owners who willingly release their slaves will be compensated. Generously, if they comply without resistance. Those who oppose this decree—" His gaze darkened, the faintest hint of malice flickering in his expression. "—will be declared enemies of Reselo. Their lands, wealth, and lives will be forfeit."
The minister stiffened, his grip on his ledger tightening. "Your Majesty, such measures might provoke rebellion among the nobility. Many will not take kindly to—"
"Then they will learn their place," Alex interrupted, his voice icy. "Do you think I care for their comfort? For their approval? I am not here to coddle the powerful. I am here to shape this kingdom into something worth ruling."
The minister bowed his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "Of course, Your Majesty. Your will is absolute."
Alex regarded the man for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he leaned forward, his tone softening slightly.
"I'm not unreasonable," he said. "If you believe there are practical challenges, bring them to me. But understand this: the abolition of slavery is not up for debate. It will happen. You can either help me make it happen smoothly, or you can step aside and watch me burn the old ways to the ground."
The minister's shoulders sagged slightly, the weight of the decree settling over him. "I will do everything in my power to carry out your vision, Your Majesty."
Alex nodded, satisfied. "Good. Then begin drafting the necessary plans. I expect progress reports by the end of the week."
The minister bowed deeply, clutching his ledger as though it were a lifeline. "It will be done, Your Majesty."
As the man left the chamber, Alex leaned back in his chair, letting out a slow breath. His mind raced with the enormity of the task he had just set in motion.
Am I doing this because it's the right thing to do? Or because it's what the Fool would do, in his twisted way?
He dismissed the thought. For now, he had made his choice. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them with the same cold resolve that had brought him here.
The game had begun, and Alex intended to play it to win.