EPISODE 129: SHOCK AND AWE 1
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
“ I call it… Operation: Shock and Awe, ” I spoke with a lax smile.
The heads of the Six Great Houses, including their children, stared at me bewildered.
“The idea is sound, Lawruthian, but… we lack the technology to complete it. I do not know if I, we, have the time to solidify it into a cohesive whole,” Margret responded, intrigued. Her magenta-colored eyes scanned up and down the documents, as she read over them once again.
“We have to get started immediately, sister. If we can achieve even a rudimentary communication system based on the information Law has given us, then…,” Amaya said excitedly.
“With the announcement of our status achieving Prestige and Demigod-hood… it will distract most houses from looking too deeply at this new government. Yet, the citizen tiers and their benefits… they will need to be revised,” Vivian spoke as he adjusted his glasses.
“I think they are fine, father, generous even at what each offers. The Edryanis have ruled this country since its founding and now… this…,” Viviana stated, following her father’s footsteps in adjusting her glasses.
“These tiers… where do you intend to place the heads of the Great Houses? I believe it is a brilliant reformation of our current system, yet its execution must be swift, decisive, and allow no room for negotiation,” Camilla began.
“Mother, take a look at what… Lawruthian… proposes for tier nine citizens again. This clause here… oh, he is quite devious,” Selene chuckled.
Discussion continued to break out as my mother’s closest allies overviewed my magnum opus. I watched them and smiled, these men and women were the ones who believed in my mother and helped her secure the throne. Now, they were doing the very same for me… and to think this all stemmed from a conversation—one in which I laid my heart bare.
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“We will discuss more on this Mountain of Final Hope and the Aspect within it later, as well as this Hall of Attributes. Tell me, my son,” Queen Titiana’s voice was gentle as she looked at her only child. “What is your plan for Edryan? How do you wish to change our country?”
The day grew late as the sun set on the horizon. Star and moonlight peak through the sparse clouds, ready to display their brilliance upon the Genesis Realm. They’d long since finished their feast and moved to a parlor with a glass ceiling, in which the members of Edryan’s Six Great Houses sat comfortably around one another. Seven of the most powerful people in Edryan sat comfortably, their expressions lax and their noble manners lowered. For they found themselves in the company of those they called friends, family. There was no outsider present and together, the [Seven Heroes] went through life and death trials that forged a bond no mortal weapon could break.
The parlor was filled with colorful fall cushions that sloped downwards to an open center where a fire crackled. Honey-sweetened snacks and beverages such as mead were in the hands of many of the occupants.
Lawruthian stood and quickly focused on his bracelet. He’d received a new and improved one since his return to Edrya. Within his new one, he held knowledge, secrets, and plans for the future. Over a dozen paper copies made their way into his hand, and seeing this, Madria quickly approached him and received the copies to pass around. The queen sat the closest to her son, as his presence brought her comfort. In her eyes, there was nothing but boundless love and affection for her child. Since his announcement as the official Crown Prince of Edryan, he’d already done his best to improve the country on a wide scale with little help from her. After the initial capital Lawruthian received to fund his research and start Law’s Sweet Golems, most if not all of his needs were taken care of and paid for by himself.
“Since a child, I’ve known of my… destiny as the [Chosen of Madris]. I did not know the full circumstances that would surround this… destiny, but I knew I, we, our Great Edryan had to be prepared for anything. I studied the history of the Elrunian Continent, better known to me now as the Genesis Realm.” The [Chosen of Madris began to speak, and naturally, those surrounding him paid attention.
His eyes weren’t on anyone in particular, instead, he gazed upward and out into the night sky as it settled in. The constellation of Goddess Madris peeked through the sparse clouds.
“That history taught me many things, but most importantly, I came to understand Edryan was behind. Those we will face on the battlefield shortly are decades, centuries ahead when it comes to nearly every facet of life. The Elysiums have rail systems that travel through the air. The gnomes of Ja’Forr City-State can move their entire city nonstop through their territory. No matter if it was goblins, orcs, or the beast men of the warring plains… they always held something better than Edryan. Whether it be magic, magi-tech, or demigods and Prestige classes. When I looked at Edryan… I found it… lacking,” he continued. Yet, as he neared the end, his gaze settled on those before him.
“I created a three-step plan that would allow Great Edryan to accelerate her development and put us on track to not just catch up with those nations who call themselves better, but surpass them. The first was the battery and rail system. Mana is the most abundant resource available, yet we are not harnessing it as effectively and efficiently as we could. It is our most valuable resource and most wasted.”
A few of the members of the Six Great Houses shifted at the words of the [Chosen]. Seeing this, he quickly spoke. “If at any point you wish to say something, do so. We are all of the same cohort here, there is no need to watch how we address one another.”
Vivian Consus didn’t need to hear more before he spoke. “Harnessing mana is one of the hardest things to do. It is the most abundant resource, yes, but the mana outside belongs to the realm, not us. It is not so simple to pull the all mana from the world and use it.”
“Yes, I do not disagree with what you’re saying, but, until my intervention, no specific research groups were looking for a means to better use this resource. Perhaps there were private and separate groups, yet I ask you, what progress have they made? And… would Great Edryan ever see these benefits, or would they go to private noble families?”
The forest green eyes of Vivian lit up at Lawruthian’s words. “Well spoken, carry on.”
Lawruthian nodded. He knew the head of the Consus family wasn’t looking to challenge his words but for clarification on his thoughts.
“We’ve seen the benefits of the first part of my plan for years now. The private rail systems between our great cities have allowed easier travel to and from the capital. It is not as fast as teleportation, and even an airship can get you here slightly quicker. Yet, it is reliable and efficient. Once we begin construction to more cities and connect Great Edryan, the true benefit will show. Both military, large armies, and civilians can move across the span of Edryan both ways within two days.”
There were nods of agreement at his words. The Six Great Houses had made use of the rail system between their families for several years before it was revealed to the general public. The benefits were well known to them by now.
“The second part of this plan is to resolve our communication issues. The progress on that has been going slowly, but I believe I may have found a breakthrough—you’ll see documents and blueprints related to this within. If Edryan can achieve near-instant communication, then our country would truly change—not just in military, but social and economic values.”
“Instant communication is impossible with two mages or two magi-tech devices built to connect to one another. If you have something that can truly achieve a breakthrough, then my Romus family will be the first to offer funds to connect Great Edryan.”
“Then allow my Oni family to extend the same offer. The capability of this technology would allow my warriors to protect the border better. Any news could reach Laguu in a matter of minutes rather than hours,” Akeem Oni said. He sat up, and it was clear he was genuinely interested in this matter.
Lawruthian nodded, and more offers of support poured in from the other Great Houses. He took a deep breath and his gaze returned to stare at the constellation of the Goddess above.
“The third part of this plan is the change in our government system. Tell me, what do you believe is wrong with Edryan’s government today?”
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
The Holy Prince of Edryan asked an open-ended question. At first, there were no responses as each member currently present mused over his words. What was wrong with Edryan’s government today?
“It's… separated, perhaps too much, into too many different segments.”
The members of the room turned to Lorde Drumian as the young man spoke. His icy, glacier-green eyes scanned the room before he stood and continued. “Edryan has always ruled by using a noble system. Houses, Great Houses, Dukes, Earls, Marquises, Barons, we all lead our territories separately. As long as most houses follow the guidelines set by the Edryani, each of our territories is that House’s to govern and control however they see fit.”
He glanced down at the documents in his hands. “This would bring us to a more centralized way of life within Edryan. This is a plan to centralize the power and create a truly combined army.”
“That is only one facet,” Selene Romus stood and spoke as Lorde sat. “Within a House's territory, they are King. Any small rising power is quickly accumulated into the larger whole. It creates stagnation, for if the one in charge does not want their territory to change… then it won’t. ”
“Thank you,” Lawruthian began as the attention returned to him. “There is more, corruption, lack of uniformity, coordination, the inequality you’ve mentioned Selene. Yet, there are benefits as well. The Oni have some of the strongest warriors in the queendom.”
“Not some,” Ade boasted. Akeem sent his son an approving nod.
Lawruthian smiled. “The Drumians and their mastery and respect of knighthood have allowed them to be the best in their craft. The Musa are well regarded as the innovators of spell-crafting.”
“ HMPH, ” the president of Imperius Academy let out.
Lawruthian chuckled and continued. “The Romus and their [War Mages], [Ward Masters], and more are well regarded as the best of the best. While it is the Consus who’ve mastered the art of communicating with the earth and keeping Edryan lands fed.”
“There is diversity in what we have now, a culture of each region, and more, but, as we stand now, we are too disorganized. Take a look at your documents, in it…,” Lawruthian paused, contemplating. “Is victory. ”
Many of those present already did a rudimentary overview of the documents in their hands. The fire began to die as its fuel was thoroughly used. However, a large log was tossed within, restoring, and reigniting its passion.
“I have crafted what can be called a Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy. It is a combination of the already existing system with a more structured, ordered, and centralized government.”
Queen Titiana smiled at the passion in her son’s voice. He began to animately express what exactly the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy consisted of and how he envisioned it to work.
“We as a society already judge based on class and other factors like status, family name, wealth, and more. This class-based system is to continue with such, but even out the playing field by giving more opportunities to those who wish to rise.”
“There are nine tiers—Zero through Nine, with one being the lowest and nine being the highest outside a tier reserved for the monarch—tier zero. Each tier comes with benefits yet greater responsibilities in our society. Everyone is expected to do their part, as Edryan will soon fight against the world. We have a limited amount of time to prepare ourselves and on this chessboard called Elrunian—we are given the first opportunity to strike. Before then, Great Edryan must solidify its strength completely.”
“Land ownership is tied to your tier. So this is the reason you’ve yet to sell any land in the capital… only rent. Perhaps you were waiting for this?”
Lawruthian nodded.
“Not just land ownership that’s tied to your tier—business ownership as well.”
“I see one can quickly rise through the tiers by serving in the military. Every soldier immediately becomes a Tier Four citizen—gaining the right to own land, higher class knowledge, and a gross tax of fifteen percent. Hmm, this pension system… it’s what you’ve installed for your army, isn’t it? A brilliant idea that will make soldiers only fight harder knowing their families will be taken care of. I heard soldiers who die for you, their children are allowed to attend Imperius Academy free of charge—incredible foresight, it is no wonder our Goddess made you her [Chosen]. I would only recommend tying more aspects of the church into it,” Marna commented.
“It seems to be tied mainly to your contribution to Edryan and her prosperity. Even without serving in the military, you can attain the highest tiers by governing correctly—it is possible to add items that are worth such value, they have no choice but to grant more status… my question is who determines the values of contribution to our Great Edryan,” Amaya asked.
“Lawruthian is tying the church into it mother, if you look carefully, Lawruthian wishes to eventually use the [Citizen’s Mark] not just as a form of identification, but communication, and use it with currency. He wishes to keep the coins in the banks, in the churches where they are already guarded by our Goddess’s paladins, and more. Instead, as we do at the academy, we can check our value just like we check for Imperius Points. The school was a test of the system and how it would work in trade was it not? What else did you use the school to test,” Madria questioned, gazing at the prince with sparkling eyes.
“Oh, I knew the academy was more than just a school. It’s why I strove to become its principal. What intrigues me is Lawruthian’s willingness to nearly give up all the political power the crown has in favor of allowing the people to govern themselves. A position of Prime Minister? Oh, thissss is interesting—split the land into districts, and each district elects an official who oversees the governing of that land. They, in turn, answer to a [Cluster Overseer] who answers to the [City Lord]. The [City Lords] will answer to the [County Overseer], who answers to the Lord in charge of several counties. Then that Lord in turn answers to the [Region Overseer] who sits on the council of Edryan. These people will govern Edryan internally. To solidify this as one whole, each position votes for one another after a five-year term. Oh, this is intriguing,” Camilla stated.
“You’d remove heretical retainment? Ahh, no not just remove it but change the way it can be used. Only excellence can retain their position, and it will be a race to achieve Tier Nine. Hmmm, the system is interesting, but it shall need some refining,” Margret stated.
“A gross tax? With the higher tiers being taxed more than the lower ones. At first glance, you’d believe you’re being punished for rising in status, but the benefits given are also exceptional. Yet, the personal armies will not hold any favor with the Great Houses. Each of us already owns and operates our forces, you’re asking us to give them up? No, you wouldn’t do that, perhaps you’ll instate most of the Great Houses at Tier Seven. The access to understanding Mythical Bloodlines and retaining it through generations… Prince Lawruthian this…? This will create new dynasties… new Kings and Queens.”
Liana Drumian spoke. The tall bronze-colored woman had heavy bags underneath her eyes but seemed fine overall. It was clear she’d hardly slept since her arrival back into the capital.
“This is the future of Great Edryan. Let me ask everyone here a simple question. How much territory do you believe your families can govern properly and justly without being overwhelmed?”
The men and women within the parlor glanced around at one another. The question hung in the air for several moments before someone finally answered. It was not any of the members of the Great Six Families. Instead, Mariam the Spymaster entered the room but not before Lawruthian added a bit more to his confused audience.
“And you must check the last page, and see the Forever Bound Clause. None of the Great Houses will fade in the annuals of time—so long as we accomplish the task set out by our Goddess. We shall attain eternity for our House in the Mortal Plain.”
“If you held your family scions in the important positions that truly matter, about thrice the current size of your territories. Any more than that and the power would no longer be held in the hands of your houses—at least at their current states. It’d take nearly a generation and a half to get enough people for large areas. Then, the question would become how much influence could a foreign power exert over a son or daughter who wished for a greater station? The Oni are already using trusted subordinates to govern. It is time the rest of us follow suit.”
“I’m glad you can join us, Mariam. I assume you’ve gotten everything into place,” the Holy Prince of Edryan said with a warm smile to the elderly woman.
She nodded in confirmation.
“Then we can begin the operation.”
“Operation,” a voice questioned.
“We are revealing the change in government, and integrating our three demigoddesses into the [Church of Madris]. Everything I’ve done—everything I’ve stated has been to prepare for this moment. I aim to overwhelm the Houses, so much so, that they can no longer react to anything properly.”
“ I call it… Operation: Shock and Awe, ” Lawruthian said with a lax smile.