The metalworkers were put to work crafting iron helmets and breastplates. These were relatively easy to make since they required simple shapes, little iron, and basic forging skills, no moving parts, no fine joints. The workers were paid with enough food and resources to survive for two years.
Meanwhile, Selara, Torric, Syleric, and Corven continued their training. Rhydan focused on his woodwork, building larger granaries, storage facilities, and caravans along with the other builders. This time, however, Rhydan was given a special task: to mass-produce crossbows, spears, and axes with the help of the woodworkers and several new apprentices assigned by Cedric. With a total manpower of 150, they began working swiftly.
Cedric knew wooden crossbows weren't particularly powerful, but any man could learn to use one within hours, unlike the longbow, which took years to master and required skilled craftsmanship. The same logic applied to spears and axes; they were simple, effective, and easy to produce, unlike swords or maces which were expensive and labor-intensive to forge. The metalwork required for crafting axe blades and spearheads was basic, allowing the blacksmiths to oversee it efficiently.
Although the villagers had a hunting culture, most skilled bowmen were already enlisted. The remaining hunters were tasked with gathering food for the growing force. They now had roughly 150 bowmen, while the remaining 450 soldiers were poorly equipped and trained using wooden axes, polearms, and spears.
Cedric also ordered the brewers to make stronger ale using the reserve grain, something he intended to use later for morale and trade.
A few days later, the elders of the villages called for a meeting with Cedric. They gathered in the Dalmora meeting hall, silent and composed, as though they had already made a collective decision. Among them were two influential elders: Kael from Dalmora, tall, muscular for his age, and rugged, and Elrik from Drouca, lean and bold.
Kael spoke first, his voice firm and resolute.
"Commander Cedric, we are grateful for the security and progress you've brought to our lands. But we believe we should all be allowed to participate in the decision-making process of our territories."
Cedric's eyes narrowed slightly, his jaw tense. "And what do you propose?"
Elrik stepped forward. "We believe you are deserving of the title King, the one you use in your old world to distinguish the ruler of lands, as we've heard. But we also believe we should preserve some of our old ways of governance. Through a democratic process among the village elders and a few promising figures, we could vote on important matters to ensure fairness and justice for all, a council chamber, as you might call it."
Cedric's gaze swept the room, reading their expressions. One elder swallowed hard and averted his eyes; another gave a nervous smile; one sat tall with pride. Rodric, however, looked guilty, as though he had betrayed Cedric. Cedric suspected he might have been the one to spread tales of the old world's governance, though he'd never explicitly told him to keep it secret. Still, he had trusted him.
Cedric knew such a council would only slow decision-making and weaken his authority, a dangerous risk in conflicts with men like Alviz or in negotiations with Brenik. But he also understood that all men, sooner or later, seek power.
He recalled a quote from the old world's strategist, Sun Tzu: "He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight."
So Cedric composed himself, softening his expression.
"Brilliant minds," he said warmly. "This will be beneficial for all of us. A land ruled by one mind risks blindness."
The elders murmured in surprise, some visibly pleased.
"But," Cedric continued, his tone steady, "when swords clash and arrows pierce heads, debates will not protect us, only a capable leader who can make swift, decisive choices. So I shall listen when you speak, but the final decision will rest with me. When peace returns, perhaps then we may return to debates and quarrels, as you wish."
The elders exchanged glances; some cleared their throats, others nodded in reluctant agreement.
With the same polite tone, Elrik replied, "Very well then. King you shall be, and advisors we shall remain."
Though Cedric sensed the hidden deceit beneath their words, he smiled and nodded. Were the elders truly content, or was this merely the beginning of a greater game?
Later that day, Cedric instructed the council members to remain in Dalmora, now the capital, and only visit their home villages periodically. His reasoning was simple:
"The Council Members are far too valuable to be anywhere but within the safety of the capital."
He also decreed that all council discussions would take place in the main hall, where Rolith from one of the smaller villages would record every key point for later review by Cedric himself.
The elders grew uneasy, realizing just how far Cedric would go to preserve his power. Some left angered, others silent, but all with wary eyes fixed on their newly crowned king.
Since Rolith was a murderer who roamed free, a young boy who had killed his own father, many still viewed him with unease. "He acted to protect his mother from the cruelty of her drunken, useless husband," argued the villagers, garnering sympathy on his behalf. Because of that, he was never punished.
However, under the new laws established by Cedric, the young man could very well have been found guilty and sentenced to a long imprisonment. Cedric's reasoning for appointing him as the council's recorder was that Rolith had once been a monk and was therefore literate. Moreover, Cedric saw it as the perfect opportunity to give someone like him a chance for redemption and to symbolize reform, hope and fairness for the new kingdom.
It was, undeniably, a sound and logical decision. The council, though hesitant, had little choice but to comply.
Two weeks passed. The kingdom saw steady growth through both domestic and foreign trade, while the militia continued their training and the blacksmiths worked tirelessly to craft armor and weapons. The stronger ales had been brewed, and for the moment, the council appeared to be maintaining a stable and orderly rule.