Alex's general offensive unfolded flawlessly, mainly because he and Atarra had meticulously planned it for a long time. The only thing that had delayed its execution was the speed required to march and distribute troops and supplies. However, with the extensive help secured from the experienced captains in the region, this issue was more than covered, enabling a massive troop deployment that lasted several days.

Finally, after a couple of weeks, the expedition that had marched to subdue the pirates returned to the city, shrouded in an aura of mystery and secrecy. Many questions lingered: what had happened to the pirates? What were those carts being unloaded? Why were the captains constantly going in and out of Alex's mansion? Many speculated that Alex had achieved a terrifying amount of influence within the guild of captains. Almost a third of the ship captains, including some of the best, were now frequently visiting his mansion.

Back at his mansion, Alex could now feel comfortable and rest, although there was still a lot of work to be done. He had ensured that Atarra had the time and strength needed to carry out the rest of the conquest on her own. Additionally, several captains had pledged their short-term service to him, and with the old matriarch, they had gained total naval supremacy over the remaining opposing forces.

Alex could now, if he wished, simply hibernate, doing nothing more as most issues would resolve themselves. There was still a food supply problem, but he trusted that his vassals would know how to solve it or ask for his help in time. After all, Alex still needed them to feel their needs and require his assistance to govern them.

Things began to proceed naturally as Alex dedicated himself to training his initiates in absolute secrecy within his mansion, training both those belonging to his factions and those from other factions he had to train by contract.

There was another point that led him to take this recovery time: the strange interaction between the curse power he had taken from the first Aspect. This was undoubtedly primordial knowledge, knowledge that came from the world itself. That's why even the mere one percent Alex had felt like an entire ocean of knowledge. Sometimes he could dive into this ocean, and while most of the time he came out with something that seemed extremely interesting or novel but could do nothing about it, on one occasion he made a small discovery that allowed him to take a significant leap in his understanding of cultivation. Specifically, in the cultivation of the Gnoll. Alex now had a theory by which he could, in principle, train a matriarch in her own cultivation, replacing the long tradition of using the one they had acquired through sacrifice.

Thus, Alex spent his days studying, training, and engaging in limited social interactions. His agenda also included traveling to the different areas encompassed by his kingdom to assist his subjects in their enterprises and to develop his own lands. It was important that the lands directly tributing to him, the so-called crown lands, were well-managed so that he wouldn't need to use others' resources for his personal benefit.

One day, he found himself in a meeting with Grant, Bromir, Alaric, Kragash, Liora, and Atasha in his hall.

"Boy, why do you insist that money doesn't belong to you? You're the king, after all, I don't understand," asked Grant from his chair.

"Can you be more specific in your question?" replied Alex.

"Recently, you declined Bromir's program due to lack of funds, saying that neither you nor the Dwarves had enough funds to carry out those programs. However, just now with the matriarch, you acknowledged that there are a lot of unused funds causing a problem."

"That's exactly right. Atasha's funds belong to her faction and are intended to be used for things to improve her faction."

"But you're the king. Atasha is your vassal, Bromir is your vassal, they both pay tribute and play by your rules."

"That's true, but if I suddenly start using others' funds to solve someone else's problems, I won't be able to drive the basis of our kingdom's stability."

"And what is that basis?" asked Alaric.

"Self-sufficiency. Without that, not everyone will be equal. If they depend on others for the basics, they can never call the rest their peers. Real negotiations can only happen between equals."

"But the Gnoll are absolutely loyal to you. Wouldn't it be better if they were empowered? Wouldn't you have more influence over the rest that way?" asked Kragash.

"In theory, yes. If you look at it from that perspective, it should be. And yet, in practice, it's not true."

"Why not, boy? Although I don't like admitting it, the lad has a point. If you gave the Gnoll more power instead of limiting them so much, you could gain more power," asked Grant.

"In the short term, maybe. But again, in practice, it's not true. Think about this: theoretically, if I raised taxes to the maximum, that is, if I charged a 100% tax, I should have much more, right?" asked Alex.

The room fell silent.

"If you keep such an oppressive tax rate, the people would collapse sooner or later," replied Alaric.

"False. If I impose such an oppressive rate, I wouldn't be able to collect tribute for even one day. After all, that rate would also mean the person collecting the tributes would have to give me everything, even what they eat. Under those circumstances, no one would really work for me. Having 100% is the same as having nothing."

"In that extreme, yes, it's easy to see you wouldn't get anything by asking for so much."

"At the other extreme, the same thing happens. If I ask for zero, I also get zero. However, between 0 and 100, something mysterious happens. You see, people are more willing to work if they have the chance to see and enjoy more of the fruits of their labor. Something that really impresses them, right?" Alex asked sarcastically.

"What does this have to do with the other?" Liora asked, confused.

"Sometimes you can get more with less. If I only dedicate all my efforts to one of my subjects, they will develop in a limited way. My constant interference will create obstacles. On the other hand, if I let many subjects follow their normal development, there will be many more paths, and there will be many more points to develop. When one finally stagnates momentarily, the others will continue to grow."

"Do you mean that by betting everything on the Gnoll now, in the end, you'll have fewer powers to command compared to letting everyone else develop?" Kragash tried to understand the difficult twists of Alex's thoughts.

"Exactly. By having less influence in each faction, I can end up having more if these are large enough compared to having all the influence of the Gnoll if they take everything."

With this last statement, everyone could understand the connection between taxation and influence mentioned. They realized that Alex's actions or influence would increase significantly, even if he had only a little in multiple large factions.

Alex paused before stamping a paper and then added, "Besides, it's not like the issue with the Dwarves hasn't been resolved anyway. Bromir, tell the grumpy one."

Grant snorted at Alex's comment and turned to listen to Bromir. "Well, we met with Carter a couple of days ago and drew up an agreement that we could discuss with Atasha."

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

"I have to consider the numbers and availabilities, but the idea of investing the resources there seems interesting. This investment system proposed by Alex can be useful to avoid having our resources stuck," replied Atasha.

Bromir was very satisfied, as was Grant.

"Changing the subject, Grant, how is the recruitment going?"

"Pretty well, I've managed to recruit several prematurely retired soldiers."

Alex was pleased with the Dwarf's success. Increasing the size of his forces was crucial. However, Alex operated with a quality-over-quantity philosophy, preferring to have a smaller, better-trained army over a large mass to throw at the enemy with barely any equipment or training.

"Oh, I hadn't noticed this. Since when did the migrations start?" Alex commented, reviewing several papers on his desk.

"Since last month, small migrations began. Initially, it was one or two families, mostly thanks to Miss Lin's efforts. However, over time, more and more families have started arriving, some not even contacted by us, just coming here seeking refuge," Bromir summarized.

"That's fine too," Alex replied.

"Father..." Liora began, but quickly faltered, overcome by embarrassment.

Alex looked up and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Is it possible for more Dwarves to arrive, too? Like you let the Dwarves arrive, is it possible for more Faeclaw to come here?"

Alex appeared surprised. "What do you mean, little one?"

"Well, during these past days when I've gone to the market for shopping, I've seen lots of children. They were abandoned and hungry, and I don't want to leave them alone on the streets," she explained earnestly.

"I don't fully understand the situation," Alex commented, giving Alaric a meaningful look to shed some light on the matter.

"It's the civil war, lad. Despite winter approaching, the different factions have been fighting to the death, burning villages and displacing populations. Lately, the city has been having many issues with the influx of Faeclaw refugees. So much so that they've temporarily stopped receiving them; the only ones still allowed through are the Dwarves, because the city knows you welcome them and they haven't formed a ghetto," Alaric clarified.

"Father, those children have nowhere else to go," Liora continued, her expression pleading.

Alex sighed, recognizing the empathy in his adopted daughter's eyes. "Liora, you know our priority is our own people—the Gnolls, the Dwarves, and the Resh. Taking in more refugees could strain our resources and stability, and embroil us in the conflict."

Liora nodded slowly but persisted. "I understand, father. But we can't ignore their suffering. Perhaps we could find a temporary solution, a shelter while they find a safe place."

Grant, pragmatically as always, chimed in. "Boy, the girl has a point. A temporary shelter could ease the situation without jeopardizing our long-term provisions."

Alex considered the proposal. "Bromir, what's our current capacity? Could we manage a temporary shelter without risking our supplies?"

Bromir pondered before responding. "It's possible, if we manage resources carefully. We could set up a provisional shelter on the outskirts, with basic supplies. It would be crucial to limit their stay to avoid depleting our resources."

Alex turned to Alaric, who seemed ready to contribute. "Truth be told, there are some on the council looking to handle the situation. Having too many begging children would definitely be a problem. I'm sure you could coordinate with the city for some patronage—land and limited funds to support the shelter. That way, you wouldn't bear all the expenses."

Alex nodded, his gaze firm yet understanding. "Agreed. We'll organize a temporary shelter. Liora, I want you to coordinate with Bromir to ensure the children receive food and shelter. However, let's be clear: this is a temporary shelter until we find a more permanent solution."

Grateful, Liora smiled. "Thank you, father. I won't let you down."

The meeting continued on other topics, but Alex's decision regarding the refugees left an impression on everyone present. It demonstrated his willingness to show compassion without compromising the security and stability of his kingdom.

After the meeting concluded, Alex remained alone in his study, reflecting on the day's decisions. The civil war across the sea and instability in his own region presented constant challenges. He knew he must be strong and wise, not only for his people but also for the innocents affected by the conflict.

In the days that followed, the temporary shelter was swiftly established, showcasing Alex's administration efficiency and his subjects' dedication. Liora actively engaged, revealing a compassionate and responsible side that Alex had not fully seen before. The refugee children found a temporary respite from war, though the future remained uncertain.

Meanwhile, Alex continued his studies and training, determined to glean every bit of knowledge from the curse's power. His mind churned with strategies and plans, always seeking ways to strengthen his realm while remaining mindful of the humanity that made him a respected and beloved leader.

Liora worked actively during this time, recruiting staff for the temporary orphanage and managing its logistics. The closeness with people of her own race and the gratitude in their eyes made her think—was this how Alex felt when the Gnolls, Resh, or Dwarves looked to him in desperation and found security in his presence? Something began to grow within Liora, a small flame.

As the days passed, that small flame began to settle. Though it would be easy for a strong wind to extinguish it against all odds, it developed more and more until one day Liora simply said aloud, "I don't want my people to suffer anymore."

Days of receiving orphans and the wounded had led her to this conclusion. All the people in the orphanage looked at her with despair and weariness, forgotten in their plight, the desire to die was almost palpable in their eyes, and that made Liora feel as if a dark hand were squeezing her heart tightly.

Many thoughts crossed the little girl's mind, and unknowingly the corruption of the void tried to seize all her negative emotions and feed on her misery, yet this time was different. Before this small mark of corruption could do anything, her own cultivation came into effect and empowered her emotions. Liora felt her blood rushing through her veins, fierce and indomitable, and soon she had made up her mind.

Once resolution filled Liora, she went straight to Alex's mansion, determined. She knew it was time to have a serious talk with him about her place in the world and the fate of her people.

She found Alex in his study, immersed in his thoughts and ancient books. She knocked softly on the door before entering. Alex looked up and smiled upon seeing her, but he noticed the seriousness in her expression.

"What's wrong, little one? What's on your mind?" Alex asked, setting aside his studies.

Liora took a deep breath before speaking. "Father, I've made a decision. I don't want my people to suffer anymore. I want to prepare to reclaim my throne in the south."

Alex looked at her, surprised yet proud. He knew this moment would come, but he didn't expect it so soon. Nevertheless, he could see the change in her eyes. "Liora, you know that's a great responsibility. Are you sure you're ready for this step?"

Liora nodded firmly. "I'm not fully ready, but I'm determined. I want to learn, I want to prepare, and I want to help my people. I can't ignore the suffering I've seen. I want to be a leader like you, someone they can trust."

Alex looked at Liora with a mix of seriousness and tenderness, aware of the weight of his words. "Liora, there's something fundamental you must understand about leadership. Being a leader isn't the same as being a boss. A boss can give orders and expect obedience, but a leader inspires, guides, and motivates others to follow out of conviction, not obligation."

Frowning, Liora tried to grasp the depth of his words. "But, father, how can I inspire others when I'm not even sure of myself?"

Alex smiled patiently. "Doubt is natural, Liora. A leader isn't someone who never doubts, but someone who moves forward despite doubts. Leadership isn't about imposing your will, but being the example others want to follow. Where a boss demands action, a leader shows the way through their own deeds. True authority is earned, not claimed."

Liora nodded slowly, beginning to understand. "So, how can I start leading if I still have so much to learn?"

Alex leaned towards her, his eyes gleaming with wisdom gained through experience. "Leadership begins with service, Liora. A true leader is, above all, a servant of their people. You must show them that you're willing to work alongside them, to face the same challenges and share in their victories and defeats. When they see that you care more about their well-being than your own power, they'll begin to follow you by choice, not by obligation."

"But what if I make mistakes?" Liora asked, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and hope.

Alex sighed, remembering his own past mistakes. "You will make mistakes, undoubtedly. All leaders do. The difference lies in how you respond to those mistakes. Admitting them, learning from them, and moving forward is what will make you grow and earn the respect of those around you. Humility and a willingness to learn are essential qualities in a leader."

Liora seemed more resolute now, but there was still a question in her mind. "How will I know if I'm doing the right thing?"

Alex smiled gently. "Sometimes you won't know for certain, Liora. Leadership often involves making tough decisions with incomplete information. Trust your intuition, the values we've instilled in you, and the advice of those around you. Listen to your people, learn from them, and adapt your strategies based on what they need. A leader must be firm in principles but flexible in methods."

Liora pondered these words, feeling a new determination grow within her. "Thank you, father. I promise I'll do my best for our people."

Alex nodded, satisfied. "That's all I can ask for, Liora. Remember always: true leadership isn't about ruling over others, but serving them. Only when you serve others will you find the strength and wisdom to lead them."