City of Desire [Kingdom Building]

Proofread by Thomas F

“If that’s what she wants, then she will get that,” I said, with a sigh. I tried convincing her to choose another, but she wanted that.

‘So, should I go with it?‘ asked Robin. ‘Yes,’ I replied. I would rather she had not chosen it, but she is very adamant about it with the choices she has.

‘Then I will state our choice,’ he said.

I could force the choice, but she is an adult and knows what she is doing. So, despite it being extremely dangerous, I will trust her judgment.

I cut the call and looked at the city in front of me. I have a meeting in the Mage Guild in an hour, and tonight, there will be a party at the Merchant Guild.

Every day, I have to attend one party or another, both here in the city and in the territories of nobles.

I stayed on the roof for a few more minutes before walking off.

Hours passed in a blur, and once more it is evening. I wanted to take Tempest for a ride, but I didn’t get a chance because of a few last-minute meetings.

“Who are you planning to cut from the merchant guild?” asked Locke as we stepped out of the carriage and entered the keep.

I didn’t make any changes in the merchant guild or the Mage Guild, but it’s time to do that. Not the Mage Guild, there are capable people there.

It actually needs more people, but aside from that, no changes are required.

It’s due to my sister’s influence; most of the people there were chosen by her. The merchant guild, on the other hand, is a complete shitshow.

The people of the mercantile houses filled all the important positions.

Aside from Harrods, all eleven of them had filled it with their own people. If I were to describe its current state, then I would say it is massively bloated and inefficient.

I need it to be leaner and more efficient.

Most importantly, I need to fill it with members of small and medium businesses. There are a few of them there, but their presence is only cosmetic.

Their position is low, and they have no power there. I would have made changes before, but I am waiting for the laws to pass before making any changes, which will further displease the barons.

“I will go with Lola’s recommendations,” I replied.

“The houses are already angry with the laws, and now with this decision, they are going to be angrier,” said Locke. “It is why we are going to do this after the vote,” I replied, and the man grinned wolfishly.

Yes, it might not look good, as I currently have the Baron’s mood in mind, and I will not make any changes to the merchant guild yet.

Only a few very trusted people know what I planned to do with guilds and other organisations.

“Lord Silver, there is a call from Baron Harrods,” informed Zela, sobering the mood immediately.

“Ok,” I said, but didn’t take the call immediately. Instead, I activated the speed skill and reached my office before taking her hand.

“Baron, what is the news?” I asked directly without any pleasantries.

‘The three groups are merging,‘ he informed straightforwardly. Immediately turning my expression ugly. Three groups, led by three Lv. 40 monsters.

Three Lv. 40 with the tides of monsters is a very dangerous force.

‘There is another group that seems to be gathering,’ he added—making my expression worse.

“How sure are you about it?” I asked. ‘Our best scouts have seen it with their eyes,‘ he replied, and I wanted to curse, but I calmed myself.

“I am coming,” I stated.

There was no attempt to dissuade me. The only thing I heard is a sigh of relief. The older man is scared, and I am too. Three monsters are no joke, but four is a terror.

It is imperative that we stop the monsters not only because of the harm they could do here, but also because, if we don’t stop them, they could do even more harm to the dominion.

It will affect the baronies, the baron’s confidence in me, and trade. I cannot have that when confidence in the route has just returned, and trade is increasing by the week.

Not to mention the vote. If I didn’t protect them, the barons would stand in opposition, even those who had agreed would turn.

‘We will be waiting for you, my lord,‘ he replied.

“I believe it’s bad news from the north?” asked Locke. “I will be leaving for the north in an hour,” I replied, and his eyes widened, and I could see the sparks of fear appearing in his eyes.

“It’s that bad?” he asked, and I nodded.

It’s not a complete guarantee that it will happen. Monsters might fight among themselves, and the tide collapses, but we need to be ready, in case they come.

An hour passed quickly, and I am now mounted on Tempest, with a company of riders behind me.

“Have a safe journey, my lord,” said Leila. ” I will, Baroness. In the meantime, take care of the things here,” I replied.

Her expressions turned somber. If monsters came and came in the numbers, we fear. Then there is absolutely no doubt that there will be an attack from Grimvale.

He had been waiting for just such an opportunity, and now he will be getting one.

It will be her responsibility to defend the south, not let them breach even a single barony.

“Work on the Barons, we need the laws passed,” I said to Lola. “I will,” she replied.

With that, I nodded and rode through the city. It didn’t take long for me to reach the gates and ride out of them. As we did, Tempest neighed excitedly and began to increase his speed.

Others activated their riding skills, with comfort, ease of riding, and other skills covering me.

Their speed skills didn’t even touch me, nor did I activate mine. I do not need to; Tempest is fast enough. If he moved at his full speed, he would leave them all behind.

Still, I wish I could ride him at his fastest and even use my skill. I do that in the wasteland, and it is fantastic.

Minutes passed, and we moved fast across the road, dodging the carriages, riders, and pedestrians. I could see they are cautious, expecting the danger to come from my side.

I hope it does not, but if it comes. Then they will receive the same answer from me as they got from my cities.

…

Marquess Grimvale

“Don’t disappoint me this time, General Dane, Baron Lockridge,” I said. ‘I will not, my lord,’ replied Lockridge. ‘The baronies will be yours,’ added Dane.

I did not say anything further and pulled my aura back before lying back in my chair; the chance had finally come!

“It won’t be easy; Silver is prepared,” said Dasir, and I smiled.

“It is why pieces are the purpose, not the whole baronies,” I replied. “Though if they were conquered the whole, I would be more than happy,” I added with hope.

I am not blind to Silver’s preparations, but we have a chance.

Both Lockridge and Dane are good enough. I could have put more Lv. 40 in there, but I need them here.

Most importantly, if I put more there, Silver would do the same. I hate to admit it, but he has a good number of Lv. 40s.

If I put them, then he will put his, and that will create a feedback loop that is not good for both of us.

I could sneak them into the Nakar and attack him with everything I have, but if we failed, then Silver will come at me with everything he has, and that’s not something I want to deal with right now.

He has shown how quickly he could mobilize his forces.

This is why the action will need to be quick. We will need to capture the baronies before they finish with the monster attack, then reinforce their position.

Because Silver will respond, and we will need to be ready to face him.

I have a plan for it; it all hinges on Dane and Lockridge capturing the baronies. Once they do, I will handle Silver and whatever reaction he might have.

“It would be a great show for the new nobles, if we succeeded,” said Talmire, breaking the silence.

“It will be,” replied Dasir.

Most of the nobles to whom I have sold the territories have arrived at the fortress; the rest will come by tomorrow. Three days later, the ceremony will be held, where I will formally grant them the territories.

For many, it will be the gaining of a title as well as the territory.

They arrived in the dominion over a month ago. All of them have already chosen the location for their capital and begun construction.

Most of these people have a lot of money; some earned it in the war, while others come from powerful families.

Now, they are going to pour their wealth into their territories, in my dominion. It is for this reason that I chose them. I need money and the trade they will bring.

“The whispers are growing in the empire, with two names making the biggest noise,” said Tamlin. Clear worry could be felt in his voice.

“Those two are capable,” replied Dasir. I didn’t say anything other than nod.

It is happening faster than I had thought. I thought it would take more time, but those two are good, and aren’t the only ones doing it.

“We do not worry about them, at least for a while. The imperials will be keeping them in the empire for some time,” I stated, and could see the relief on their face.

Both represent a considerable force, something the imperials wouldn’t want to be out of the mainland. My sources tell me that the Imperials have asked them to focus on the front lines.

Though if there is no progress in the empire’s war, they won’t be able to stop them for long.

The nobles without territories are like people without clothes.

One does not want them to be alive, but they need them to live; the nobles’ whole existence depends on the territory; without it, they are nothing.

Many lose their classes without it.

So, imperials won’t be able to stop them for long, but it gives me enough time to improve my preparation, both militarily and diplomatically.

So that they wouldn’t even look at me, the rest in the region, on the other hand, would be a fair deal.

“Dasir, we want to succeed this time in Nakar; capture at least a third of the baronies Silver has,” I stated, bringing everyone back to the immediate matters.

“I am keeping tight control. This time, no mistake will be allowed,” he replied.

Read50+ chapters early, unlock exclusive art & maps, and join for free on Patreon.