The whole of Drakoria reverberated.
Money was scarce but drinks seemed to be everywhere. Even at midnight children still filled the streets of the capital in celebration. It made movement easy for Viktor Nattkryper. It wouldn't have really mattered to the shadow mage but he appreciated it. He had been in the capital for awhile now, waiting. The job is a big one and it requires patience.
Darting from one shadow to another at the outskirts of the Dragonhart castle, Viktor Nattkryper kept his eyes on the knights and their rotations. Nothing major has changed since the last time he came. Nothing except for that presence in the castle. It was dying out; Viktor Nattkryper could feel it. It no longer commands the intense fear that had given Viktor Nattkryper sleepless nights. It had kept him from going inside, but there was no rush; all he had to do was wait.
But he should have known he wasn't the first to try.
The attack was sudden and swift.
He had no time to react. His eyes widened in shock, and he clutched at the gaping hole where his chest had been, blood oozing from the wound and staining his trembling hands. Gasping for breath, he looked up, meeting the piercing eyes of an apex predator, still trying to understand what had happened.
His attacker still held his still-beating heart in its gloved hand, blood dripping onto the ground, sealing his fate in a heart-stopping moment of terror.
The aggressor staggered back, sweat glistening on his forehead, and crimson droplets escaping his lips. The world around him seemed to blur as he gazed into the dark void before him, his vision fading like a dying ember. Every breath felt like a struggle, and he could sense the sands of time slipping through his grasp faster than he had anticipated.
Still so much to do.
┌─────── ⇦♕⇨ ───────┐
New laws of Drakoria
(1) Decree of Tax Prohibition:
King Daran Dragonhart , esteem ruler of Drakoria, hereby proclaim a ban on the levying of taxes upon loyal subjects of the kingdom. Citizenship shall be granted to those who have resided within the boundaries of Drakoria for a minimum of a decade, commencing from ten years past.
Additionally, eligibility for citizenship extends to valiant soldiers who have gallantly served in a minimum of three battles under the banner of Drakoria, displaying unwavering commitment in the army for a continuous period of five years, or to those who have been honorably awarded the title of citizenry by the King
(2) Obligation of Military Service:
By royal decree, every male offspring of Drakoria is to undergo rigorous training and serve a dedicated term of no less than five years in the esteemed ranks of the kingdom's army, commencing upon attaining the age of fifteen. Failure to fulfill this solemn duty shall result in the forfeiture of citizenry privileges.
(3) Establishment of the 'Judiciary':
A new institution, the 'Judiciary,' shall be established to resolve conflicts across the kingdom. Only the king holds the power to overrule the decisions rendered by this esteemed body. Citizens are encouraged to offer their recommendations of honest and fair men, noble or commoner born to the royal chancery, and the esteemed members of the Judiciary shall be rewarded with a stipend of six silvers per month.
(4) The King's court is dissolved, and while the King's court is dissolved, the kingdom acknowledge the talents of its former members, who shall remain cherished citizens, summoned for their expertise when needed.
┌─────── ♕ ───────┐
I sat on my desk stamping and signing on the final royal letters to various dukes and kings. For someone dying soon I'm sure focusing too much on trivialities, but what can I do? Butler hasn't left his room in two days which means my progress is stagnated and my nights long.
[Name : Daran Dragonhart]
[Class : King]
[Level : 1]
[Attack : 23 ⇧ 10]
[Defense : 55 ⇧ 22 ]
[Strength : 15]
[Agility : 12 ⇧ 2]
[Stamina : 24 ⇧ 14]
[Skills: Appraisal; Copy; Water arts]
I can't even last a second against my cup bearer, let alone the old monsters. I tried learning [Water arts] on my own but saw no progress. Any efforts I attempt beyond simple swirl of water results in me been dizzy and blood dripping from my nostril. A disorienting sensation would engulf me. The world around me began to spin, and my vision blurred like a swirling vortex. My head felt heavy, as if a whirlpool of conflicting currents surged within my mind. Each attempt to control the water's flow caused a sharp pain to pierce through my forehead, and a warm trickle of blood escaped from my nostril. Many sorts of misfortunes and discomfort. I'm obviously doing something wrong but I don't know what, and apparently mother absconded with the books on water magic when precious artifacts and scrolls started disappearing, leaving me with nothing. I had to focus on things that I could do.
The success of the soap exceeded my expectations. I was expecting around 8,000 gold coins if it were to be sold at an average of 2 silver, but somehow it came back over 9,000. Now we are writing to the kings, petitioning for lands to build a store for the products. With a 20% share in profit if they can guarantee security, there's no reason for them to say no.
The soap industry won't be my main source of income; I can't hope on it. It will be replicated in the future and I might have to abandon it. Until then I have to make as much money as possible without saturating the market---maybe 500,000 once a month. We need to maintain value while guaranteeing availability.
The alchemists are still working on the medicated soap and I plan on making it a luxury, with a different and richer scent. Rich people like that. Something that will be harder to replicate. I will probably sell it at above 10 silvers per bar. At this rate I could be raking in more than 40,000 per month soon. It may not be enough for what I'm planning but that's a good start. A very good start. I will be building a restaurant chain across the continent as I await harvest. Then maybe introduce tea and coffee to replace the awful herbal tea.
So many ideas to exploit, even for me. I could easily become the greatest and richest kingdom within a year but how can I achieve that when I will be dying soon?
A soft knock came on the door and it soon opened.
A maid stepped in, carrying a tray with the occasional cup of herbal tea. She dropped it, bowed and was leaving. I took the drink and took a sip, watching her retreating back.
She reached the door and knocked for it to be opened.
"wait..." I called.
She turned and came back.
I dropped the cup.
Awful drink, I thought as I stood up from my table. It would be a shame if I'm killed in this world.
I walked up to her and led her to the table and bent her over on it. I raised her skirt to her waist, revealing her plump ass.
She laid there, compliant, almost as if she expected it but I haven't even slept with anyone but mother since I came to this world, and with mom paying a visit to her father for 3 days now I haven't even thought of sex with all that is going on.
I clasped tightly on her waist and in one powerful thrust I lodged myself up to the hilt within.
A goddamn shame.
She shuddered but remained still, and I began slamming back and forth furiously into her.
She was probably someone's wife, she looked the part but not that it mattered. I was frustrated, I was angry, and it could be the last fuck that I ever had, and I planned on making the most out of it.