PoV Heron

Bowing my head low before the emperor, I thought about what I had done. Agreed to the terms of the Dragon and let him destroy several towns and villages.

-3 towns and 15 villages were destroyed. The lands of the Marquis of Bundlusha were plundered, and he was given to the monster. Rumors spread faster than the fastest horse, soon all the nobles will be furious. Tell me how to solve it? - Unlike my expectations, the emperor was not furious, he spoke in a calm voice, as if the conversation was not about the crisis in the entire empire, but about what the weather was like today.

- It was the best decision. Magic is useless against him, so we would only make him angry

-What about our artifact?

- He has already returned once, and in just a couple of months. The Dragonoids are not the same as before, their forces are superior to ours in quality.

- Damn it. And why exactly when I rule. Another 10-20 years and it wouldn't be me sitting here, but my son. Then I wouldn't be the one who will have to clean it all up. Advisor

- Yes, Your Majesty - the adviser who stood silently by the throne bowed weakly

- Where should we put these people? Even though it's summer now, I don't think we'll have time to find a place for them.

-I've already sent people to inspect the Marquis' lands. Some cities were destroyed by the dragon's breath, his breath is hotter than magma, and as if from it -the Adviser seemed to be holding back a vomiting attack -Petrified corpses. A lot. Fortunately, most of them were evacuated, but what a terrible death. The rest of the cities were swallowed up by slugs. The earth is saturated with acid. Fields and cattle have been destroyed. The soil is now too poisoned, it's impossible to use it anymore

- That's enough. Where should we send these people?

- We can distribute it to the nobles, let them hear from their lips what a tragedy happened there.

- Is that enough to calm them down? I don't really want to execute another general. The last one accepted his fate and humbly took on all the sins, it would be a pity to force the new one to also take on everything.

- Indeed, later it will be even more difficult to find a volunteer who wants to be a general.

-Or... should I abdicate? -The Emperor seemed to be seriously thinking about it.

- It's not worth it, it's not that serious. We just need to increase the number of weapons even more and prepare for the worst. I will talk to the nobles and persuade them to prepare as well. I think they will not refuse.

- I hope this is the last trick of this monster, and then we will live more or less peacefully…

…

After arriving in the city with the slugs, we started settling them. Everything went, of course, not without problems, but social problems do not touch me at all, so I did not delve into the details.

The next morning, Shaq Un, Andre, and also naturally Sean came to my lair.

- Master, can we talk about a few important issues that concern us

"I'm listening"

- The fact is that Shak Un and I have discussed a lot, and now we are thinking about reviving the Golden Age of all races. However, first of all, we would like to ask you about a few things, firstly, do you want to return to the times that were under the First Dragon King?

After considering the question, I answered

"Of course, however, some foundations need to be changed. In particular, I believe that the potential is higher than the bloodline, and if a person is capable, then nothing should stop him."

- Doesn't this mean that we forgive traitors?

"If those who decided to betray us in the past are still alive, then they must be executed immediately. If they obey me and are ready to atone for the sins of their ancestors, then I am ready to give them a second chance. But! I won't give them another chance," I said coldly.

- Well, may I ask when you plan to add new races to the kingdom?

In fact, I didn't think about it at all, I think it would be possible to say this, but I think it is necessary to preserve at least some image of an intelligent ruler. Although what am I talking about, huh. All intelligent beings by nature believe that *Here at the top is the smartest and wisest of all of us*, ha! If only it were so

"Hmm... come to think of it, the tsaescis still haven't fully integrated into our society, have they?"

- Not really, the settlements are already ready, we have already sent forces to help the tsaescis move from the outskirts of the continent to here. It will take a maximum of two months. Fortunately, they have a few valuable items that need to be moved.

"What about the Liquid Death race?"

-Integration will take at least one season, in the worst case two or possibly three seasons.

"Given all this, don't you think it will destabilize society and we will lose control of the situation. You'll be quieter going on. After the Liquid Death integrations, we will start collecting dragon blood carriers, then we will proceed to those who were on our side in the great war. Then the traitors will be next."

- I understand. We will try to do everything as soon as possible.

"Hmm, by the way. Who is the leader of Liquid Death right now?"

- At the moment we don't have a single leader - Shak Un replied

"Then by my power, I appoint you the leader of the Liquid Death race, if you think that someone else is a more suitable candidate than you, you can tell me at any time, if I'm in my lair of course."

- You are very generous, Master, I had some doubts at the beginning, but now I see that all my fears were groundless. Please allow us to continue to help you in the creation of a Magnificent State under your personal control.

"System: Congratulations! You have subdued a representative of the Liquid Death race"

I hope it's a matter of time before the others obey. Hmm, I also remembered here that I was given a reward for subjugating another race, the system?

"System: The tsaescis cannot be fully considered representatives of the dragon bloodline, although they have a part of the bloodline, it cannot be considered direct, unlike the dragonoids. The same goes for Lizardmen, and others. Tsaescis first of all have the bloodline of a great snake, and only then the bloodline of a dragon."

I see. Quite a confusing topic

"Shak Un, I'll open a store for you soon. Just know, it is open to those who are faithful to me from the bottom of their hearts"

- What kind of store?

"Andre will explain everything to you," I didn't go into details.

After a while, they left my lair, and looking at the sky I couldn't help but think

How funny it all is. In the past, I could not imagine such a thing. But more importantly, it's all just stage preparation, the real drama has yet to begin. When does the game start? 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, 100 years? I don't know.

It is necessary to assume that the enemies have a better situation than me and they are already preparing to launch an invasion. Fortunately, I already know one of my enemies. Henderson.

Greedy, Impulsive, and a lover of battles. In general, a fighting maniac. I don't know what the creator said exactly then, but he will definitely be the end of this world.

There are also angels and demons. If it's more or less clear with demons, then I'm more uncertain about angels. What kind of views can there be? Won't they try to attract my races to their side? I think it's quite possible.

It is practically impossible to create a powerful military country in 10 years, but if I say that defense is more important to me than attack, then I think this is not such an impossible task.

Rebuild observation posts, and in the event of an invasion be able to mobilize forces immediately. With the help of a Swiss knife, namely, a system, this is possible.

"The future is very vague. But for the sake of victory and survival, it is necessary to do everything possible."