[RULER STATUS]
[Name: Alexander Maximus Valekar]
[Martial Rank: Intermediate (1)]
[Mana Rank: Intermediate (1)]
[Race: Human]
[Bloodline: Valekar Imperial Bloodline]
[Attributes: Fire, Yang Flame, Air]
[Techniques: Valekar Imperial Flame Martial Technique, Valekar Imperial Flame Mana Technique]
[Abilities: Swordsmanship(E), Close Combat(D), Spearmanship(E), Poison Resistance(C)]
[Unique Abilities: Deserved Pride(A)]
[KINGDOM PROFILE]
[Kingdom Name: Valekar Empire]
[Stability: 0.9% (Rebellion will happen just a single event)]
[Kingdom Points (KP): 791]
[Kingdom Territory]
[Fully Controlled]
-
[Partially controlled]
Valekar Capital (5%)
[Contested Area]
Central Imperium (1%)
Black Sea Region (0.1%)
Marmaros Region (0.001%)
Aegean Region (0.0001%)
Mediter Region (0.0001%)
Dragon's Teeth Mountains (0.0001%)
South-eastern Valekar (0.0001%)
[Available Troops]
Imperial Valekar Guard (1176) (100%)
Shadowbound Reavers (22) (100%)
Imperial Valekar Police (2%)
Imperial Valekar Armies (0.1%)
Imperial Valekar Mages (0%)
Imperial Valekar Navy Fleets (0%)
Militia (0%)
[Spawn Troop]
Shadowbound Reavers (Available)
[Convert Troop]
Imperial Valekar Guard (Available)
[Store] (Locked)
'Looks like stability dropped further after the impalement last night meaning minor people are losing whatever faith they have left in the government and shifting it to their saviour.'
'Which is technically still me, but the people don't know that so… my plans for the rest of the Kingdom Point is sound.'
Just as he was thinking Victor's voice sounded from the other side of his office's door.
"Your Majesty, I have brought Count Thompson as you have order."
"Come in both of you." Alexander said.
The door opened, and Victor stepped aside to allow the old treasurer to enter.
Count Thompson was older than most men in court remembered.
His hair was thin and silver, his back slightly bent, but his eyes were sharp in a way that only came from decades spent balancing numbers and surviving political storms.
He walked with measured steps, every movement deliberate, and bowed deeply the moment he crossed the threshold.
"Your Majesty," Thompson said, his voice steady and respectful.
Alexander gestured to the chair opposite his desk. "Please, Count Thompson. Sit. There is no need to strain yourself."
Thompson paused, surprised, then nodded and carefully lowered himself into the seat. Victor remained standing near the door, silent and watching.
Alexander poured himself a small amount of wine, then, after a moment's thought, poured another cup and slid it across the desk.
"Valekar Imperial Wine," Alexander said casually. "Very well aged and with… benefits."
Thompson accepted it with both hands. "You honour me, Your Majesty."
They spoke for a few minutes after that.
Nothing of consequence from the state of the treasury to the rising cost of grain shipments.
Alexander listened more than he spoke, occasionally nodding, occasionally asking a small, pointed question trying to understand some of the things the previous Alex might have missed.
Only when the old man had visibly relaxed did Alexander set his cup down.
"Count Thompson," Alexander said calmly, "tell me something."
Thompson straightened his back as best as he could immediately.
"Are you a firm believer in the throne?"
There was no hesitation.
"I am," Thompson replied at once, placing his cup aside. "I have served the Imperial treasury under four emperors. My loyalty has never wavered."
Alexander studied him for a moment, then nodded once.
"Good."
He leaned forward slightly.
"I have an important task for you. Should you complete it exemplarily well, you will be rewarded. Should even a single word spoken in this room leave it…" Alexander's eyes hardened. "You will die. Am I making myself clear?"
Thompson swallowed, then bowed his head deeply.
"You are, Your Majesty."
Alexander reached for a blank scroll and began writing.
His movements were unhurried.
The scratching of the quill was the only sound in the room. Several minutes passed before he finished, rolled the parchment, and slid it across the desk.
"Read."
Thompson accepted the scroll, unrolled it, and read silently.
As he did, his hands trembled.
When he finished, he rolled it back up and bowed so deeply his forehead nearly touched the desk.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Thompson said hoarsely. "For this trust. For this grace."
Alexander took the scroll back, pressed the imperial stamp into warm wax, and returned it to him.
"Wealth from questionable sources will be deposited into the Imperial Treasury," Alexander began.
"On occasion, and for various reasons, I will also take from it. These transactions are not to be included in official reports, nor spoken of to any soul. Not even the High Chancellor. Is that understood?"
Thompson nodded quickly. "Perfectly, Your Majesty."
"Explain missing funds however you see fit," Alexander continued calmly.
Another nod. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
"And should I publicly require funds the treasury should not typically possess," Alexander added, "you may justify their existence in whatever manner you deem appropriate. Is that also understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Thompson said without hesitation.
Alexander leaned back.
"Very well. You may leave. Do well to remember my warning" He glanced toward the door. "The Imperial Guard outside will escort you."
Thompson rose carefully, bowed one final time, and said softly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for this mercy."
He turned and left, Victor opening the door for him and closing it once he was out.
The door closed.
Alexander picked up his goblet again and took a slow sip before glancing at Victor who was staring at him.
"You are itching to ask the method with which I convinced him, are you not?" Alexander smiled.
"I will answer but first," Alexander looked at the spot Victor had occasionally glanced at while he spoke to Count Thompson.
"Go after him and should he break his end of the deal, kill him… no matter the cost." He ordered.
The two shadowbound reavers appeared and bowed, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Once they were gone, Alexander leaned back in his chair and turned his attention back to Victor, nursing his wine as he spoke.
"I gave the Count exactly what he wanted most," Alexander said calmly. "Security."
Victor listened without interrupting.
"Thompson is at the end of his lifespan. There is no further promotion for him, no higher seat to reach, no legacy he can carve with his own hands anymore."
Alexander swirled the wine slowly.
"What he fears is not death. It is irrelevance. The idea that everything he built will vanish the moment he does."
Victor's expression tightened slightly, understanding beginning to dawn.
"In exchange for carrying out my orders properly," Alexander continued, "his family retains the title of Count for three generations. That alone ensures loyalty. If they serve well, that term can be extended."
He took a short sip.
"And more importantly, one of his descendants, whoever proves capable, will be permitted to train for the position of Imperial Treasurer with the full support of the throne."
Victor frowned faintly. "Your Majesty…"
Alexander cut him off without raising his voice.
"Victor, you have to understand something, I do not care who holds a position," he said evenly. "I care that they are competent, and that they obey."
He set the goblet down.
"If they do their job, they remain. If they fail or forget who placed them there…" Alexander's eyes hardened for a brief moment. "Their service will be terminated."
Victor bowed his head slightly.
"I understand, Your Majesty."
Alexander nodded once.