Chapter 1

“Your Majesty.” A plump man gestures with one hand to emphasize his sincere tone. “It’s great that we won the war, but giving up such a large portion of our land will not be a popular decision. Please, reconsider this decision before word spreads amongst the populace.”

Lucian sat back in his chair at the head of the table. “You are the Minister of Production, Walther. Perhaps you should leave internal matters to the Minister of Domestic Affairs.”

“While it's true it's not my expertise, one doesn't have to be an expert to understand how people will react to the news. And if it's matters of production, the loss of farmland and mines will certainly have to be considered.”

“You and I both know that corner of the kingdom was sparsely populated. The impact on our production and finances will be negligible. In fact, the dark elves are far more suited to mining operations in such isolated areas. Perhaps soon, we will find ourselves with an abundance of natural materials that we've been letting sit ungathered.”

Walther didn't look convinced, but the man had been rebutted at every turn. Soon, he had nothing left to argue, letting Lucian move on without worrying about being interrupted again.

“Now then.” Lucian visibly changed gears, looking at the Minister of Domestic Affairs. “Dimitri, prepare an official announcement on the transfer of our land to the dark elves. I'll provide a detailed map of the new boundaries for you to have duplicated and sent to all major cities.”

“It's a simple task.” Dimitri accepted it without question.

“You can't be serious.” Walther complained about how quickly his fellow minister had given in, but Lucian ignored the man.

Dimitri was a far cry from the outspoken Minister of Production. The man would blend right in with a crowd of average citizens, both in looks and demeanor.

“Now, Dimitri,” Lucian continued. “Tell me the state of the public opinion while I've been at war.”

“Alright.” Dimitri’s casual tone hadn't changed. “After we lost two battles against the Esgares Empire, there was little hope that a young king such as yourself could change our apparent destiny. As such, opinion was shifting away from you, despite the goodwill you built up before leaving for war.

“However,” the minister continued. “When news of our victory against the Esgares Empire reached their ears, the people’s attitudes turned once more. Even the bards singing for coin in the taverns have begun playing more optimistic songs than before.”

Lucian nodded at Dimitri's words. His sister, Princess Mia, had already filled in the major details, but he wanted to give the Minister of Domestic Affairs his chance to voice it here to ensure everyone was on the same page.

Although the Almekian Kingdom Lucian ruled was in bad shape, it was far from broken. With a few policy changes and some personal projects taking down criminal organisations, he had managed to stop the leaks that were draining the kingdom's resources and future.

But those were emergency measures. Lucian needed more time and focus to fully repair the cracks in his kingdom. And with civil wars and the invading Esgares Empire requiring his near full attention, he had yet to find the right moment.

But now it was time.

I wasn't only summoned to do battle. I was called here to fix this kingdom and set the world back on track to prosperity.

Six months. I've got six months to do everything I need to do.

The Esgares Empire had invaded even before the start of the warring season. And it was only a few weeks later when the final battle with Death Knight Flora had taken place.

That meant it was still relatively early in the warring season, with spring having officially begun two weeks ago. And yet, the war was over.

For a short while, at least.

No doubt Emperor Marek will make a move against me, now that he knows who I am.

Will he even wait until the next warring season? Or will he just show up one day to finish everything?

Lucian knew far too little about Emperor Marek. He had documents from when the emperor was a young prince, filled with what the kingdom's spies could gather about the royal family.

But those were useless. Because like Lucian, Emperor Marek was not from the world that they were fighting over.

The God's Apostle. A summoned hero, like me.

And he had one hell of a head start…

Lucian once again felt like he started the match with his back to the wall, but no matter how much he complained about it internally, it wouldn't solve any of his problems.

“Any recommendations on how to capitalize on my recent rise in popularity?” Lucian asked Dimitri.

“Yes. Would you like me to go over each one or simply tell you my personal recommendation?”

Lucian turned to Mia, who sat beside him. “The two of you have already spoken on this subject, haven't you?”

Mia nodded. “The day after news of your victory arrived.”

“And what was your recommendation then?”

“The same as now. Hold a festival to celebrate our victory in the war. The only difference is now, I believe we should make Aelia a central figure in the festival.”

“Hmm. Get the people to acknowledge her before news spreads that she's been gifted land from the kingdom. Turning the tide of public opinion is important, and the festival would be the perfect opportunity.” Lucian turned back to Dimitri. “It's settled. Prepare the festivities, and know that Aelia and I will both be taking center stage.”

The Minister nodded. “Okay.”

Without even a shred of resistance, the Minister of Domestic Affairs went along with the plan to get ahead of public opinion.

Although there was no particular hatred of dark elves, nor was there any goodwill toward them. And the biggest problem was the world Lucian now lived in was far less accepting of outside cultures.

The saving grace is that she led our army to victory over the Esgares Empire.

If I share the spotlight with her during the festival, maybe the people will be more accepting.

Besides, I've already brought a fairy and an oni back from their mysterious land. What's a dark elf, at this point?

“And what of the economy?” Lucian asked, changing gears. “Any unexpected incidents or reports?”

“There is … none.” The Minister of Finance speaks with his usual, tired voice.

The man's sunken eyes made Lucian want to tell him to sleep more, but his apparent drowsiness didn't seem to impact his work. If Lucian felt it had been, then he'd be more inclined to push the issue.

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In truth, Lucian wanted to replace him. But the man's family had been a long-time supporter of the throne, so he couldn't strip him of his position without causing a stir. At least, not unless he had a reason for such an action.

But until the moment came when the Minister of Finance made a mistake, Lucian held his tongue.

“If there are no issues…” Lucian stood from his chair at the table. “Then let's get to work.”

The room of ministers and insiders began to thin out, with the usual ones rushing out the door first. The Minister of Production, Walther, was a prime example.

That man really doesn't like me, does he?

Is he trying to make it obvious, or is he just that bad at hiding it?

Ah well, I've got bigger issues to deal with right now.

Since Lucian had a few things to discuss with his closest companions, he waited until the others left the room and vicinity before speaking up.

“We've also got an important task to complete before the festival.” Lucian looked to the girls. “Finding appropriate outfits.”

Emilia tilted her head to the side just a bit, her fox ears twitching ever so slightly. “Do you mean buying a whole new set of clothes?”

“Yep. It's a special occasion, so it’s expected that we'd wear something new. And while we're out in the city, we'll let them see Aelia to prime the people for the festival. The more rumors that a dark elf has joined my kingdom, the easier it will be during the festival.”

“Ah, so that's the real reason.”

“But we still get to do something!” Teflyn showed a bit of excitement at the idea of walking around the city.”

“Just remember,” Aelia said. “I'm not your little pet to show off, so don't expect me to act like one.”

Lucian nodded. “It's probably best if you act how you normally do. For some reason, people seem to like personalities like yours.”

“I really don't like how you put that sentence.”

Lucian ignored Aelia’s complaint and turned to Minerva. “Your wings will be coming out again, so let's get you an outfit that matches them.”

“My usual outfit is perfect for them.”

“Yeah, but you can't be the only one wearing her usual clothes while we all dress up. You're suffering with me.”

“I don't particularly think I'll be doing any suffering, though.”

After a long day of meetings to catch up on various aspects of his kingdom, Lucian was more than ready to call it a night. As king, nobody could order him. If he wanted to rest, then he would rest.

But the kingdom's problems wouldn't rest alongside him.

A small knock filled the room.

“Come in.”

“Your Majesty.” A servant bowed. “Duke Bardheim has arrived.”

“He's a bit early, but the sooner we start the meeting, the sooner we finish.” Lucian waved the girls to follow. “Let's change rooms. This one's too large for such a personal visit.”

As king, Lucian's tasks never ended. He could only hope that he could complete the problems faster than new ones showed up.

Chapter 2

“This one's yours, Prince Lucian.” Emilia handed Lucian a cup filled with ice cream. “Strawberry sundae, just like you wanted.”

“Thanks, Emilia.” The cup was cool to the touch, and the frozen treat looked perfectly made. “Maybe I should make you my official attendant, if you're going to keep bringing me my food and snacks like this.”

Emilia looked to Lucian's empty plate of food. “Ah, let me get that for you.”

Although she was originally planning on a sly reply to his remark, the empty plate was in his way, so she had to take care of that first.

With a quick hand, Emilia snatched up the dishes around Lucian, taking them to the restaurant’s staff.

Lucian shook his head at her straightforward and dedicated personality. He thought it'd be fine if she acted more selfishly, but the white hair fox girl didn't seem capable of that.

“How come you don't have an attendant?” Teflyn asked. “All the other important people in your kingdom have them.”

“Having someone always shadowing me and taking care of the small tasks is a bit much. The maids already do my laundry, clean my room, make my food, and do pretty much all the other housekeeping tasks that I'd normally do. At the very least, I want to be responsible for taking care of things in my own immediate surroundings.”

“But you didn't seem to mind when Emilia did it instead?”

“Ah, well…” Lucian stole a peek at Emilia, who had just finished handing off the dishes to the staff. “That's different.”

“Hehe.” A smile appeared that didn't quite fit Teflyn’s childish face. “You really like it when Emilia does things for you. Are you going to make her your queen?”

Lucian’s hand froze as he reached toward his coat pocket. As a former politician on Earth, he was normally able to keep surprising questions from affecting his mannerisms.

But for some reason, he has failed to do so when faced with Teflyn's straightforward question.

“Hey, hey,” Teflyn continued. “You going to answer?”

“Can’t say I've given much thought to who will become queen.”

“But you gave it some thought, right? Then who'd you come up with?”

“Well…” Lucian consciously stopped himself from looking back to Emilia. “I'm still thinking about it.”

“Boo. Just tell me already.”

“Picking a queen,” Aelia said, “is as much a diplomatic choice as it is a personal one. Depending on who he picks, it could have a lot of benefits. Or if he picks wrong, a lot of consequences.”

“Who cares about something like that, though?”

“Most rulers. For example, if Lucian wanted to more closely ally with the Trade Kingdom of Villnore, he could marry one of their princesses. Or even the daughter of a powerful noble with close ties to the crown. Perhaps under the right circumstances, even the leader of one of their major trade guilds would suffice.”

During her last remark, Aelia looked at Lucian with a smirk. The implication was obvious to him.

Alma Vastelle, the effective leader of The Golden Coast, one of Villnore’s most powerful trade guilds. For a kingdom that relied on its commerce, the leader of a large guild could be considered nobility in all but name.

Although Aelia didn't meet Alma when the guild leader paid Lucian a visit, she had studied recent events to catch up on the state of Lucian's affairs.

He didn't expect Aelia to bring that particular girl up as a part of his options when taking a queen, though.

“Alma is one of the most capable people I've met in this world. She'd be an asset to my kingdom, were she to join me. But I don't think she showed any particular interest in me.”

“Who knows?” Aelia shrugged. “As a masterful negotiator, being bested by you in her field of expertise could have secured you a permanent place in her thoughts.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Just a hunch, is all.”

Emilia had returned halfway through the conversation. Fortunately for Lucian, she didn't hear Teflyn ask about making her a queen.

Though she did pick up on the topic they were discussing, her fox ears focused toward the conversation instead of scanning for possible dangers.

It took a lot for Emilia to let her guard down, even slightly. But one of those ways was to discuss the very subject Teflyn had brought up.

A queen, huh? Lucian finally reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a piece of paper.

I suppose I really do need to consider it.

After taking a bite of his sundae, Lucian unfolded the paper and began to look it over. It was filled with columns of numbers and names, a list that would mostly look like nonsense to an outside observer.

But in truth, it was one of the most important documents in the entire kingdom, a list of loans that Almekia had taken from various sources. Though the one in Lucian's hand was just a quick copy he made.

Or rather, he made it with his unique [Command Magic].

“Still worried about the debt?” Minerva watched on as Lucian looked over the figures.

“Other than the Esgares Empire, our national debt is the most dangerous enemy we have. So while we've got a reprieve from the war, I need to work on clawing our way out of the debt spiral we're in.”

“Humans sure do have strange economies. Going into such debt only gives control to those who loan the money, yet it's so common to do just that.”

“It's complicated. Debt can definitely be malicious, and it's a weapon that those with nefarious intentions can leverage to their advantage. However, coins sitting in a vault produce no value. Those same coins in the hands of a man with talent and vision can help build a productive business that adds value to the kingdom.”

Lucian took another small bite of his strawberry sundae. “The biggest problem is that national debt doesn't add the same value as debt going into the hands of entrepreneurs. When the kingdom itself borrows coin, it goes into nonproductive ventures, like funding the army, lavish parties for those with power, and virtually anything that the ruler thinks would help them keep the crown.”

Lucian put his spoon down and held the document with both hands. “And since governments get their money by taxing the people, more debt means they have to take more from the people in order to keep up with payments. That's exactly where Almekia is right now. The ministers, nobles, and bureaucrats have been taking more and more from the people, each in their own ways. And slowly, that has begun to hollow out the core of what makes a nation great–a flourishing population.”

Minerva took a moment to take a bite of her pastry. “And you believe you can repair the missteps of the previous kings?”

“I have to. And I've got a few ideas on how to do it. I did graduate at the top of my economics course in college, after all.”

Teflyn wrinkled her nose. “You really think about all that kind of stuff while eating dessert?”

“It's because I'm in such a relaxed environment that I can really work through some ideas. I've been stuck taking care of so many other things, and from how it looks, that won't be changing any time soon.”

“Well before you think about that, how about you give a real answer to my question.”

“Which question?”

“Are you going to make Emilia into your queen?”

“Eh!?” The fox girl in question went red in the face.

“That's…” Lucian considered the oni girl's words for a second time. “Maybe.”

“There's a chance!?”

Lucian picked up his spoon again and took a bite of his strawberry sundae. Although the girls were still waiting on him to continue, he simply ate his dessert and stared at the loan document in his hand.

But despite his efforts, he found that he couldn't quite focus on Almekia’s crushing debt problem.

Really, now. A queen, is it…

I should at least prepare for an announcement, just in case.