EPISODE 5: IMPERIUS LAW
-Edryan Queendom. Year 7282, Season: Central
In Edryan under the Prime Sun, all men are free.
-Crown Prince Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani
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The summer heat washed down on my face, the sky and open and clear blue. It's been seven years since my rebirth on the Prime Plane. As the Crown Prince of Edryan… life has been good. Any need I could ever want is granted.
That is not enough for me.
Today, after close to nine months since its first proposition, a new law would be enacted. In fact, in several moments I would be the one to announce this law. Imperius Law. A lot has changed since the start of the new year. We were towards the end of the Central season. This was what they called summer and the growing months for produce.
I took one last look at myself. The baby fat present on my face since birth decreased. It wasn’t gone but you could tell my body was in for a major growth spurt over the next couple of years. I was in a royal grey and black Ankara with an intricate swirl design on the chest leading to the neck. The same pattern was on the pants by my ankles. I looked into my red-gold eyes. I looked over my broadening shoulders and studied my face. I had a broad nose and almond-shaped eyes, chocolate brown skin similar to my mother but shades lighter. The more I looked at myself the more I just saw a more masculine version of her. Like Goddess Madris just pressed copy and paste.
I turned and stepped past my maids. A golden circlet with red jewels laid upon my head. It was slightly less gaudy than the version my mother wore daily. I stepped out on the balcony next to my mother. My ears adapted to a cheering crowd. Massive banners with the Edryan flag were displayed throughout the city. Today the Imperius Law would be announced.
The old wizard that was present at my birth approached us while muttering a spell. Garo Drumian was a tall thin wizardly looking man. For filling the full fantasy trope with the wizard hat and beard to match. He was also the most powerful spatial and illusionist mage in the queendom. Once he arrived, he summoned a ball of glowing light. Attaching the spell to it. The same ball of light appeared over the city. Throughout the empire, a similar event was announced by the lords and ladies of their respective territories. There was pushback against the law. Yet not to such a dangerous degree. That would require the Iron-Blooded Queen to visit the area. The crowds quieted down as the large glowing ball covered the city's sky. A moment later my mother grabbed the ball. Her upper body appeared over the city, and she began speaking.
“Seven years ago, I beseech our Goddess Madris for a child who would rival no other. A child who would take the Edryan people to new heights. A child who would represent the best of us. My child, Chosen One and Holy Son of the Edryan Queendom has delivered. He has brought a new form of technology and labor to Edryan. Thus, he has earned Merit.”
There was ooohs and awwwes by the crowd members as their queen spoke. Only it took them several moments to calm down after my mom appeared. Before she could begin her speech.
“Edryans, when I asked him for what reward he wanted. He did not ask for territory. Nor did he ask for riches. Edryans, when I asked: what it is you desire, he did not want status or any other privilege,” with each word spoke my mom’s tempo rose. Exciting the crowds and gathering a stronger reaction from them.
My mom tapped her foot twice sending a vibration up my leg. No magic or skills where used. Just her strong physical prowess. That was my cue to approach her and say my part.
“Holy Prince of Edryani, Son of Edryani,” she said as she began looking at me.
I kneeled in response ready to receive the word or my ruler.
“What is it you desire?” she asked as she raised me to my feet.
A firm conviction overtook me. I knew this was a play for the people and my popularity. Yet I felt these words in the core of my heart.
“In Edryan under the Prime Sun, all men are free.”
***
Imperius Law
1. In Edryan under the Prime Sun, all men are free.
2. In Edryan under the Prime Sun, all children will be educated.
***
Two different laws came into effect. The first was the banning of slavery while the second was establishing the public school system. The lords and ladies would not be happy with this one. The collected crown tax increased from 15% of their gross revenue to 20%. Their unhappiness could do nothing to truly concern my mother about her hold on the throne. Nor would they try any schemes aimed at me. Their unhappiness was dwindled by a degree as the lords and ladies could all keep private armies and were considered military commanders.
That meant they could buy military-grade batteries and golems from the crown. Edryan made its money in several different ways. The first and most important was the trading of our natural resources. This included precious metals and food. The lands of Edryan were in a prime location for growing all sorts of cash crops and luxury goods. Coffee beans, and sugar cane, amongst other things, grew plentiful in our lands. Part of this was the boost we received from Goddess Madris divine Domain of Wealth. The second was weapons and mercenaries. To Edryans war was a part of their culture and a way of life. It was one of the domains Goddess Madris held power over. War was something the Edryan people took pleasure in, and they were very good at it.
Every kingdom in the Low Kingdom area has made use of hiring our mercenaries. Most were generals that would use their downtime with their men to be hired outside of the country. If there was no noble infighting between houses. That is how the warriors of Edryan kept themselves active when no country had any hostile intentions towards us. Through all of this, the only area I can say the Edryans were truly lacking in was Wisdom. Edryan money was accepted anywhere in the low kingdoms. Edryan ‘mercenaries’ were relatively fabled in the Low Kingdoms. Part of the reason none in the Low Kingdoms waged war against us in the past hundred years or so.
The only thing I could say the Edryans truly lacked was wisdom. They lacked the proper quality to make experienced judgments outside of their direct benefits. That was an obstacle I was already successful in opening a new avenue. One that the different houses had no idea of. These people kept their monopoly on the different aspects that kept a country whole. For example, the houses I hired for the GEMs and GMMs. House Carter, Ca’Ronna, and House Zeno had a monopoly on the earth and metal golems used in the capital territory. This created true craftsmanship from their workers as they had a reputation to keep up. This also stagnated anyone from experimenting outside their standard practices. Unless you worked tirelessly for years or were born a house scion. It was the same for every region in the Edryan territory. House this or house that would control this portion of the market.
I just blindsided the houses with minimal effort.
The funny thing about it was that they didn’t even know. To a lot of the queendom, I was still a child. I possessed the memories of my previous life, actions, knowledge, and most importantly wisdom.
Through my public education system, I would vet and scoop up the talent in multiple fields. Give those too poor to make it on their own scholarships and have them work for the Crown to pay it off. I am not a saint. I understand the realistic expectations of the world. Granted it would be nice to leave these children debt free to explore their new knowledge on their own. In another world, this would be possible. This was not that world. Not with the knowledge I’d recently learn.
War was picking up in the low kingdoms. I looked at the report on my mother's desk. Information about the Federation of Farya hiring one of our generals was displayed on it. Major General Indrian belonged to the Indrian family. They were a part of the thirty three high noble houses. They would be leaving Edryan with their fifteen thousand troops and thousand-strong Golem Corps. The royal family's insignia was stamped approving this deal. Not that Edryan needed the money the Federation would be paying. Our trade of cheap magical goods kept the economy running just fine.
The Golem Corps had yet to be tested. This was a new military body that the generals wanted to test. The thousand-strong Golem Corp was funded by several of the military-inclined noble families. The several dozen generals were excited but not stupid. The capabilities of my invention needed to be field tested. General Indrian was the youngest general of a new generation. After a lengthy court discussion, it was decided that they needed to be bloodied.
The Golem Corps was mostly my idea, and I took great interest in deciding how it should be structured. They would be using my batteries and technology after all. I must know if this path was viable. It would affect my plans for the Edryan state. My inclinations of what was coming from Goddess Madris were only growing in strength.
“The Golem Corps we’ll be building will be distributed into four sections,” I began. We were in one of the various war rooms belonging to the royal castle. General Alexandria Indrian was here in person with several of her lieutenants. Besides her, several generals were listening in through magical methods. Some were scrying in with specialized crystal balls that were entuned to bypass the various defensive measures. Unfortunately, I didn’t know how to make radios. Although I understood the concept behind them. Maybe this would change when my system is unlocked.
“Two-hundred fifty will be GMM-4. These will be equipped with the standard [Knight] Loadout.”
“Standard Knight Loadout?” General Alexandria questioned.
She was young maybe in her early twenties with strawberry-blonde hair and a fierce dark complexation. Her eyes held a steadiness to them beyond her years but a deep eagerness to do her job.
Next to me, Margret opened her mouth to explain. “We have developed several variations of the golems. Currently, we have three archetypes. [Knights], [Mages], and [Workers]. Each has subsidiary components. With at least three different grades which are Standard, Heavy, and Total.”
“What sort of components and what are the differences,” the young general asked.
“A [Knight] with a standard kit would be equipped with a spear and shield and a few spells to help it in battles. These spells are the components and can be anything from (Magic Bullet) to (Quick Steps). It all depends on what you wished these golems to be equipped with. The same would go for the higher versions.”
The General and her lieutenants nodded in understanding. My mother took a sip of her wine her eyes twinkling at the ongoings. Margret continued, “The Standard Knights are 2 meters in height and boast a single configuration currently. They are equipped with a 2.5 meter spear and medium shield. At their sides is a gladius in case of disarmament. In most Standard loadouts, the golems are equipped with a physical enhancing set of runic scripts.
All golems assigned to a specific unit can be controlled with this.”
Margret removed two black gloves. They could barely be considered gloves but more like lite gauntlets. They thumped with power, and this is when I reentered the conversation. “It has been deemed too cumbersome for a single individual to be tied to every golem. Not that those of you who have the Intent cannot manage such a task. Instead, we have developed control gloves that tie a golem's operations to hand gestures.
This device can come in other forms, but a simple glove has been shown to be the easiest way to manage such a large force.”
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As I spoke, I began to put on the gloves. They were made for my size anyway. “If I could direct your attention to the training fields.” I nodded at the prepared mage who began to scry the training fields.
Several GMM-4 in the standard knight kit were there.
“Ladies, Gentlemen,” I began. “For your consideration, the Jericho,” I opened my arms wide. A smile on my face as I thought of Tony Stark doing the same. The golems which were in power-saving mode instantly got active. Shields locked and spears pointed forward. Like a conductor at a symphony, I began playing. Demonstrating different hand movements that would activate different modes programmed into the golems. Runes, especially more complex runes combined from the basic seventy-two were a thing of beauty. A single rune of a higher tier held so many meanings that a paragraph in the Edryan language was needed to explain what I was saying.
I clenched my fist and punched forward softly. The GMM-4s advanced. I did it again with more power and this time they moved at a brisk pace. Then I tried again with all my strength and the Golem Corps took off. Pulling my fist over my heart halted the Corps instantly. Stopping them completely in place. Opening my hand, they reverted to starting position.
“Impressive, but men can do that as well,” General Indrian said.
“Very true, but can every man do this?”
I gestured again and the enhancement rune scripts activated. (Greater Power), (Two-Step Movement), (Elemental Armament), (Greater Self), and several spells activated with different hand gestures.
General Indrian didn’t understand at first, but her eyes widen as those in the meeting once she realized what the different lights meant.
“You’re buffing them?”
“At the cost of the mana battery yes.”
“These buffs will run until you deactivate them versus men only having an Instance of them. These will stay active until deactivated, or the battery runs out. My golems will never tire, will never break, will never stop. They are not a replacement for men, but they are an enhancement.”
I nodded my head at Liana who understood it was her turn. “Need men to break a heavily fortified wall and break a city's barrier? As they do this they must withstand the defending enemy mages and ranged attackers. That’s your answer.”
“An Edryan life is never to be considered worthless.”
Several shocked faces turn towards my mother at her words, praises, and affirmations were sent my mother's way. The queen still held her regal, slightly cold look, but there was a twinkle in her eye only I could recognize. I smiled, knowing I said the same thing to her last week in my demonstration. Since we had the generals right where we wanted them, I would deliver the final blow.
“This is only the Knight Standard. We have a Mage and Worker Standard. While the mages’ cast, don’t knock the Worker Standard away. They can build fortifications and outposts using the mana from their batteries while leaving our mages able to do another task. One of these golems with the MGB-2 would cost six large platinum coins. The battery is three while the labor cost is another three. Since the Crown wishes to also see these new machines in action, we will cover two of the platinum for every golem sold.”
General Indrian let out a hiss before looking towards her allies. The crown offered to cover basically forty-five million dollars. Not that close to one hundred forty million in total for the golems was an amount the high noble families couldn’t cover. The price would grow exponentially if we were using an MGB-3. It was why they weren’t even mentioned. I believe the MGB-3 would be used for especially strong golems. Champion or Hero Golems. I filed that information to the back of my mind to develop later.
“The Liaons offer their support.”
“The Drumians offer their support.”
“The…,” one by one others began to speak. General Indrian nodded.
“We accept.”
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The economy of the Edryan State was shifting. If it was active before, it was now an exploding market as trade and other resources picked up. The use of golems in the construction and civilian districts picked up. It wasn’t that there weren’t men who handed the heavy lifting. It was now they were assigned to safer tasks while a golem could handle the most dangerous matters.
The capital itself was expanding. Edrya was currently a three-walled city. Four if you counted the royal palace. There were the outer walls that held most of the population. From the slums to the well-off families, each district represented different a different status. The first walled area outside of the royal palace was for the nobility, mainly the higher nobility held large family compounds there. The second layer was for the lesser nobility and the well-off. The rich merchants and businessmen. Finally, the outermost layer was for the common citizens and the poorest of Edryans.
Houses, that once had no heavy interest in the royal capital were now vying for land. Why? Because whatever the Holy Son touches turns to gold. We would also need more room as there were a lot of free men and women who needed jobs. Jobs that the crown quickly swept them up for. The two academies were in the process of being constructed. Several other schools in the capital were also under construction. They would need service workers, maids, cleaners, and laborer’s to keep the grass at a certain level.
Most of these schools were public but a few were private for well-off individuals to allow their children to attend. Of course, with a ‘small fee’. Imperius Law was taking effect. It was not just in the capital. It was throughout Edryan herself.
Law’s Sweet Golems were back ordered and desperately needed more craftsmen. Batteries were in demand and so were golems. The houses under my employ were up to their necks trying to keep up.
Although General Alexandria just set off with her army and new addition, Golem Corps, the demand was pouring in. The various families did not doubt the success and wanted to get their first dibs. Perhaps this was only an opportunity to get in my mother’s good grace or mine. Regardless, business was booming.
It was here another envoy arrived at the royal castle of Edrya.
“Your Highness an envoy from the Empire of Az’Dawn has arrived. They have requested to meet with you.”
Again? I thought my mother took care of them the first time I had something like this happen. Why would they want to meet a seven-year-old child in the first place? This is something that should go through my mother before me. Unless she was directing them to me to see how I would handle them? Hmmm. I believe it's time to see what these Az’Dawns want.
“Have a chamber prepared to meet them. Inform Mage Margret and Guard Captain Liana.
I didn’t want to admit it but the two were basically my personal guards at this point. It didn’t matter if I had a small excursion somewhere in the capital or its territory. The two would be the ones to follow and protect me. It seems my mother trusted them above all else.
I was ushered to my room, cleaned, and changed by the maids. Today they dressed me in a gold suit with streaks of gradient ebony displayed within it. Tiny stars of red, reminiscent of the Goddess Madris divine constellation in the Astral Realm, were dotted throughout. The royal colors were displayed in their full might. Once done, I was ushered to another room where Margret and Liana were waiting.
“Your Highness,” they said in tandem greeting me.
“Mmmh.”
“This is the second time envoys from Az’Dawn have requested to meet me. Do any of you know why?”
“Hmm, the first time they came. They were looking to acquire Edryani Honey,” Margret began.
“Your mother rebuffed all attempts for purchasing. She stated that Edryani Honey was only marketed internally. If we had known how potent the honey was we’d have not allowed its mention outside of Edryan.”
“This is the Az’Dawns’ second visit but most of the Low Kingdoms have sent an envoy requesting Edryani Honey. Your mother has rebuffed all previous attempts in contacting you,” Liana said giving me a knowing smile.
So, this was a test of some sort. Liana was only trying to make the obvious more obvious in case I didn’t realize it already. I shrugged at the pair and turned my game face on moving forward as the servants opened the door.
The idle chatter between the envoy and their party paused as I entered the room. The members of the envoy stood to greet me. Yet my eyes flickered for the briefest of moments as the center envoy did not follow the bow given by the rest of his entourage. Hmmm, that’s interesting.
I studied the envoys. The first thing I picked up was their attire. We were at the end of the Central season, so the weather was still warm, yet these men were covered in garments that gave off an Arabian atmosphere. The man who had my attention, the only one to not bow, had a scarf covering their face. Slowly they removed the scarf to reveal a young girl. Our eyes met and the air heated. This wasn’t just an envoy. This was someone with a reputation in the Empire of Az’Dawn.
“Greetings, Crown Prince Lawruthian. I am Princess Allura Grasci Az’Dawn fifth princess in line for the throne,” the young girl said with confidence.
I studied her. The girl appeared to be no older than 15 which meant her system was most likely not activated. She said her name proudly and her chin was pointed up, but I did not bother to raise my head to look at her. I was only seven and probably only around 115cm to 125cm. That's around four feet in height. The girl was close to 167cm to 179cm. If I bothered to look up, I’d be able to tell… yet I didn’t speak. No, I only waited for her to finish talking before I moved to take a seat. Not bother to respond or say anything.
It was only once I was seated that I gestured to the spot across from me. Slightly looking up to see the eyes of Allura. Liana and Margret stood behind me. My own personal rule in any negotiation in which I held the power, was to display that power. I knew the value of my position and I would use it when I needed too.
We sat in large, cushioned seats that would sink your weight into them bringing you down. As Allura Grasci Az’Dawn sat down her eyes became level with my own. Her weight sank her farther than my own.
I smiled.
“Greetings Princess Allura. What can the Edryan Queendom do for you?”
Two things happened here. One and arguably the most important. I established myself not as the crown prince but as a representative for the Edryan Queendom. My station as the Crown Prince was already clear. I was already a representative of the Edryan Queendom from that fact alone. What I did was emphasize that point. If they wanted to trade it would be as countries and not individuals. The second thing is I brought Princess Allura down to my eye level. Body language, eye contact, expressions, and the setting all mattered in negotiations. I’m assuming that the princess hid her title in her reports. Perhaps she wanted to spring herself as a surprise to me. That would not work. Not any longer. The ball was in my court, and it would never leave.
Allura looked at me strangely. The haughty and pompous aura she was only just building was already dispelled. Now, the only thing that was left in front of me was a young girl without enough experience to handle me. I had years of life experience ahead of her and began learning the ways of a prince when I was three. I did not blink, did not move, only stared at her waiting for her to speak. Further unnerving the girl. A figure in the back removed their scarf revealing a beautiful woman with aubrey-colored hair, the same color Allura’s eyes held. She cleared her throat and my expression which was one of a happy child, dropped.
“You should control your servants better.”
Before the woman could open her mouth to speak to help dispel the situation, I spoke up first. Cutting off any help she might have provided Allura. The woman froze her mouth partially opened now closed shut. I had no doubt she was the one trained to help her princess out in such a situation. I only cut off her lifeline before it could even begin.
“Apologies for the interruption. I have heard rumors of the fabled Law’s Sweet Golems and the honey they sell. Upon inquiring about the merchants selling throughout the Az’Dawn Empire. I discovered this honey originated from the Edryan Queendom. Intrigued I sought these merchants out. A miraculous tale was spun that expounded on this honey and one even more special.”
The one interruption seemed to bring the girl back to the level of confidence she had before. The spell I weaved, broke. No matter, the ball was still in my court. I let out a small child-like laugh before speaking.
“Our Imperius Honey is the best on the continent!” I began excitedly. “There’s nothing like it sold regularly. Only found in the wilds or dungeons. I’m not of age to try it out yet but I hear it is great for celebrations and events. Here let me bring you some to take back!”
I gestured and Margret turned to inform one of the servants against the wall.
I could see the frustration in Allura's eyes. Internally I was chuckling. Only around 1000 bottles of Edryani honey were produced per year. At this point, they were double the amount of LSG’s revenue. The honey was only sold internally to the families of the Queendom. No chance in hell I’d ever sell it outside the queendom. Not when Edryan only had strong enough monsters and dungeons to level to a certain point.
“Let's not play any games Crown Prince Lawruthian. We are not children. I have come directly to the owner of the LSG to purchase Edryani Honey.”
I’m only seven? “Princess Allura, are you willing to pay the price?”
A single bottle of Edryani Honey made me close to two and a half large Edri Coins. That was a bit more than 15 million USD. Families either paid with Edri coins themselves or precious materials of equivalent value. This honey could directly increase your level. I knew their worth was priceless. The deep reserves of families were going to be emptied into my pockets.
“The Empire of Az’Dawn is willing to offer 12 large Edri Coins for 100 bottles of Edryani Honey.”
For a few intense moments the room was silent. Not a single sound was heard, no breathing, talking or anything interrupted that moment. Then I burst out laughing. Behind me, I could hear Liana snigger. The face of the princess alongside her envoys grew dark.
“I do not laugh at you, Princess Allura. I meant no disrespect, truly. A bottle of Edryani Honey sells for an average of two and a half large Edri Coins. The low price we’ve set on them is just a gesture. However, we are not willing to sell Edryani Honey outside of the Edryan State.”
Her mouth opened then closed before repeating the process. I’d imagine those twelve Edri coins were from her own revenue. She was the fifth princess there was not much she could offer me besides money.
I stood preparing to leave. Speaking to the princess one last time before I left. “Edryani Honey is not for sale. However, the LSG will be coming up with more publicly available options besides honey in the future. If you’re interested, we can set up a direct trade in the future.”
System Unlock:
2,760 Days
8 Hours
6 Minutes
9 Seconds