“Gentlemen, how goes the various initiatives?” Aureus asked as he looked around the study.

“Highness, I drafted a new set of incentive and reward systems as well as the wage system for the militia. They are ready for your perusal. In addition, I looked over our current stockpiles of black yew. A conservative estimate would yield around one thousand bows.” Johan went ahead and reported first.

Calvus went next “Highness, orders and personnel are being prepared as we speak to recall our various workers in the domain’s perimeter. With regards to the villages, we prepared a series of image crystals of settlements being overrun by the beast tide. Denter will be in charge of patrolling the transit point projected to have the highest amount of people passing through.”

“Highness, as long as we set up several additional relay points, I can guarantee the southern settlement will not be taken unawares by beast tides. I touched base with the various prominent builders in Everdawn and they ensure that they would be able to build a settlement that can accommodate up to two hundred thousand. Basic amenities will not be an issue as the builder mages would be able to help us link the sewage system in Everdawn with the settlement’s.” Tarin finished up.

“Yes, that covers all the salient points. Well done , everyone.” Aureus nodded as he looked as his council. “I realize that these tasks are of a civilian nature and that there will be a degree of unfamiliarity for military personnel to conduct them. I am thankful for the adaptability shown. Going ahead, questions anyone?”

The council cupped their hands in the direction of the prince before Calvus spoke up “Highness, I notice that the various initiatives bears similarities in essence to how the Logi Dominion rose in power in the inner realm. Is your highness planning to imitate their policies during the twenty years spatial gates blackout?”

Aureus smiled “Yes and no. I intend a re-structuring of Everdawn that will increase its strength in a rapid manner by implementing suitable policies, that is similar to the Logi Dominion. However, I have no intention of following their conscription policies nor intending to enter into technology pacts with the other two powers in the outer realm. The political climate differs vastly from the first hundred and fifty years spatial gates blackout hence it can be said that a set of unique circumstances led to the rise of Logi Dominion. We would not be able to replicate that nor do I intend to do so.”

“I can see the allure of the Dominion’s story. The smallest power in the inner realm, rising to become the greatest power on the back of various successful policies over the span of a century. I, however, seek a different path for Everdawn. I am unsure whether we would be able to rise as high as the Dominion in the years to come but at the least, I foresee the demon beast tides no longer being a survival concern within a few years of the gates closing. ”

“The relocation of the various populace to Everdawn is but an opening move. If circumstances permit, I intend to develop the northern, eastern and western sections of the outlying area of the current Everdawn into settlements too. Everdawn will become a capital city that can match any capital city in the top three provinces of Astrea Empire.”

Various expressions could be seen from the council members. Johan looked eager while Tarin looked thoughtful. Calvus and Denter looked somewhat doubtful.

“Believe me, I am not underestimating the difficulties of matching a top three province in the Empire. If anything , being a prince has fostered a healthy appreciation for the difficulty. You wouldn’t believe how vigorous the archdukes are when bombarding my father with details on how hard managing their various provinces are in a private setting. However, I have reasons of my own that require I attempt this.” Aureus said.

After Aureus finished, Calvus genuflected followed by the rest.

“Rise, dispense with such formalities in private.” Aureus waved them up.

“Highness, prior to your arrival in the outer realm, I heard some disturbing rumors regarding the inner realm. Would you be able to shed any light on them?” asked Denter as everyone rose up.

“You are referring to the new race of humanoid beings we classified as orcs? ”

“Yes, from what I heard, their physicality could even give the barbarians a good run for their money. Their warriors win against our warriors in a one-on-one setting regularly and their cunningness in battle increases if led by a warleader?”

“Everything you said is correct. They are becoming a concern in the inner realm. To the best of our knowledge, they come from the worlds beyond, however they have not gathered in any significant numbers to threaten the powers of the inner realm. They seem to be conducting scouting operations for now.”

“Could their arrival be related with the spatial storms? Could the increase in beast tides be related to these orcs?” Denter looked concerned as he asked further. The rest had an uncomfortable look as they looked towards the prince for an answer too.

“High command had the same concerns, they turned to the MagiTech Institute. However, the answers we received have been less than conclusive. They refused to confirm anything beyond the spatial storms having a high likelihood of causing a weakening in the barriers surrounding the three realms hence allowing an increase of outworlders.” Aureus replied.

“According to precedence, once the spatial gates shut down , the barriers around the three realms will strengthen once again. If there are no further reinforcements of outworlders to the beast tides here, I believe that we would be able to repel the demon beasts.” Calvus spoke up as the rest lapsed into silence.

“If things does not go as precedence?”, this time it was Johan.

Aureus looked at Johan and started smiling, “What is the phrase that the enlisted are so fond of using? This time we are well and truly screwed?”

That brought a series of laughter around the room.

“Nevertheless , if the barriers do not re-strengthen, we will react and plan in accordance then. The key is to gather as much of the populace into the vicinity of Everdawn.”

“Highness, a suggestion regarding the workers in Everdawn. I would suggest that we introduce the concept of corporate companies that the three syndicates has used to great success over to Everdawn. From my observations, the various builders in Everdawn are capable in their craft but are restricted from making good trades due to being under the yoke of their respective guilds which in turn leans on the governor’s office. If they could form their own groups or companies as it is called , I believe it could re-vitalize Everdawn’s economy somewhat.”

Aureus turned towards Tarin and gave an appreciative nod, “Most men with a combat injury such as yours would have wallowed themselves in drink and drugs but you seem to channel your energy elsewhere. The former first Tribune of Triem army speaking about economics if only consul Triem were here.”

Denter had a curious look on his face and was about to open his mouth when Calvus sent a discreet but powerful elbow blow into his side. Denter took the hint and kept quiet.

“Highness, you overpraise me. I believe that many in my shoes would have done the same.” Tarin demurred.

“If it does not detract you from your current duties, prepare a report on the current guild structure in Everdawn as well as… the various hand greasing practices here.” Aureus smiled as he turned back to the rest of the council.

“Highness, if my memory serves me right, you bought various stocks from the stock exchange from the Gaia Syndicate. Did they pull anything after the war of the nine kings?” Johan queried as he remembered something.

“I bought them through various brokers. They will not be traceable to me. Have no worries, High-Prince Gaia will jump off the roof of the stock exchange building first before tampering with a series of prominent trades that could be traced back to him.”

He would survive though, with that fancy sphere of his, thought Johan.

This time, Denter was not able to stop himself. “Highness, what companies did you patron?”

“I heard the term they use is invest though. The difference appears to be of different profit margins. I bought into the companies that supplied arms as well as the companies in charge of the supplying the materials for armaments.”

“Ahh , war then. Always a profitable venture in the inner realm.” Calvus added.

“If I am not wrong, it will become even more profitable after the gates reopen. I am of the view that the Empire would be far better off without the Scattered Kingdoms but there is no way high command will ever allow that to pass.” Aureus commented as he began dismissing his council.

“According to reports from the gates, the spatial storms appear to be gathering in intensity. It appears the shutdown of the spatial gates will be imminent.” Calvus reported before taking his leave. “Denter and I will be leaving tomorrow to conduct the population move.”

Aureus nodded before turning to gaze out of the study window.