Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points!

The Imperial Throne Room was a place of sheer majesty, Black marble columns, streaked with veins of gold, towered toward the vaulted ceiling, where a beautiful mosaic of past conquests gleamed in the candlelight.

The floor was a polished expanse of obsidian, reflecting the banners that hung high above, each one bearing the emblem of House Bloodbane—two silver dragons intertwined, breathing fire into the sky against a black and crimson background.

At the center of this grand chamber, upon a raised polished dragonbone throne, sat Emperor Arkanos Bloodbane.

A golden crown rested upon his silver hair. His black and gold royal robes made him give off a presence that was both regal and commanding.

Beside him, seated upon a smaller golden throne, was his wife, Empress Illena.

Dressed in an elegant gown of midnight blue and gold. Behind her stood two women—his concubines, Saphira and Kaela.

Saphira wore a gown of red, edged with delicate golden embroidery, her gloves hands folded before her with perfect composure with that slightly proud yet dignified expression on her face.

Kaela stood slightly behind, a soft smile gracing her lips… a rare sight especially for her. Dressed in deep blue dress.

The throne room was filled with the Empire's powerful nobles, all making a quick arrival with tye aid if teleportation magic. All awaiting the Emperor's decree regarding the redistribution of land.

However, before Arval could begin reading from the Imperial Ledger, a figure stepped forward from the gathered lords.

Lord Valen Darkmoon, head of House Darkmoon, he walked with purpose before stopping at the base of the throne's dais.

He dropped to one knee, lowering his head in reverence.

"Your Majesty, before the formal proceedings begin, I must speak."

Arkanos leaned slightly forward, resting his chin upon his knuckles.

"Rise and speak, Lord Darkmoon."

Valen stood but kept his head slightly bowed. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"I have long pledged my house to the Empire. I have fought in its wars before growing old, and served without hesitation. Yet today, I stand before you not as a noble seeking favor, but as a father."

A murmur rippled through the gathered lords. Many already knew what he was referring to, but hearing it from his own lips gave the matter a new weight.

He turned his gaze toward Kaela, his daughter, standing behind the Empress. There was a rare softness in his usually serious expression.

"I have heard the full account of what transpired. How my daughter—my flesh and blood—had been taken by those who sought to use her against you. I learned how, rather than sending an army, rather than calling upon your knights or trusted commanders, you rode out alone."

Valen's voice deepened with reverence.

"Alone, without a single knight at your side, yet you returned unharmed."

The throne room fell into silence. Many had heard rumors of what had happened, but hearing it confirmed by Lord Darkmoon himself—a man known for his discipline and meticulous nature—made it all the more extraordinary.

Valen took another step forward.

"I am both amazed and humbled, Your Majesty. To not only save her, but to do so with such confidence, such power... it is beyond what I had thought possible. And so, I stand before you today, not only as a vassal, but as a father in your debt."

With those words, he went to one knee once more.

"You have my eternal respect, my Emperor. House Darkmoon is yours, in loyalty and in blood."

A heavy silence hung over the court. Some nobles shifted uncomfortably, while others watched with rapt attention, eager to see how Arkanos would respond.

For a moment, the Emperor said nothing. His emerald gaze rested on Valen, then flickered briefly to Kaela, who had not spoken but whose expression revealed her feelin of gratitude and pride.

Then, Arkanos rose from his throne.

The weight of his presence seemed to press upon the entire chamber as he descended the dais, his golden-trimmed robes billowing slightly with each step.

He stopped directly before Valen, looking down at the kneeling noble, with a composed and commanding look on his face.

"Lord Darkmoon… I did not ride into battle for gratitude."

He lifted his hand.

"Nor did I do so for favors, debts, or praise."

His gaze flickered once more toward Kaela, just for a brief second, before returning to Valen.

"I did it because she is mine. As this Empire is mine. As all who swear loyalty to me are mine. I do not let what is mine be taken, no dare to let those who do walk away freely."

A hushed silence fell over the room.

Then, to the shock of many, Arkanos extended his hand.

"Rise, Valen. Your loyalty was never in question, but if your devotion has deepened, then I shall accept it. House Darkmoon shall continue to stand, stronger than ever."

Valen lifted his head, his eyes searching the Emperor's for a moment before a firm nod of understanding passed between them. He took Arkanos' hand and stood.

"It shall be as you command, my Emperor."

With that, Arkanos turned, his robes sweeping behind him as he strode back up the dais. He did not sit immediately, but rather, cast his gaze upon the gathered nobles.

"Let this be a reminder to all present."

His voice, though not raised, echoes through the chamber.

"A ruler's power is not in armies alone. It is not in walls, nor wealth, nor even bloodlines. True power—" he lifted his hand, letting the golden glow of his ring flicker briefly once more, "—is in knowing what is yours, and ensuring it is never taken. For kingdoms may rise and fall, banners may burn, and names may be swallowed by time. But the will to hold—unyielding, absolute—is what carves rulers from mere men."

He let the words hang for a moment, ensuring they settled like iron into the hearts of those before him.

Then, with a smooth motion, he lowered himself back onto the throne.

"Now... let us begin."

The room, still heavy with the weight of his decree, remained silent as Arval stepped forward once more.

And thus, the business of the Empire resumed.

Arval took a step forward and cleared his throat, his voice echoing across the chamber.

"By the decree of His Imperial Majesty, the lands of the traitorous houses shall be redistributed to those whose loyalty has remained unshaken."

He opened the tome, scanning the names inscribed within.

"The Emperor has reviewed the records of all noble families and has judged accordingly. Those who stood firm in their fealty will be rewarded. Those who wavered, but did not betray, will remain under scrutiny. And those who dare question His Majesty's wisdom—" He paused, his gaze flickering toward a few particularly nervous faces in the crowd, "—will share the fate of those already lost."

A heavy silence settled upon the room.

Arkanos finally moved. He straightened in his throne, eyes gleaming as he surveyed his subjects like a predator scanning its territory. Then, in a voice as sharp as a blade, he spoke.

"The Empire does not tolerate weakness," he said. "The nobles who conspired against the throne sought to break what my ancestors built, believing they could seize power for themselves. For their arrogance, they have been erased. But their lands, their wealth, their people—" His lips curled into a smirk. "—they remain. And they will serve those who are worthy."

A murmur spread through the crowd, equal parts anticipation and dread.

Arval lifted the tome once more. "The first decree: The lands of House Velmire, whose lineage ended in disgrace, shall be granted to Duke Roderic Thornvale for his unwavering defense of the southern border."

Duke Roderic, a grizzled warrior with a thick beard and eyes as sharp as a hawk's, bowed deeply. "Your Majesty honors me beyond measure," he said, his voice steady despite the weight of his newfound responsibility.

Arkanos inclined his head slightly. "See that their former subjects come to fear your rule as they once feared theirs."

Arval continued. "The second decree: The holdings of House Velmont, known for their treachery in aiding foreign agents, shall be divided. The northern estates will go to Countess Elira Valtorin, who has proven herself indispensable in governing trade. The remaining lands shall be absorbed into the Imperial Treasury until further notice."

A regal woman with striking emerald eyes and raven-black hair stepped forward, dipping into an elegant curtsy. "It will be done, Your Majesty."

One by one, the declarations were made, and the nobles accepted their new holdings with measured grace. Yet not all stood in silent gratitude.

A voice, hesitant yet bold, broke the order of the chamber.

"Your Majesty, if I may..."

All eyes turned to Lord Hadrian Valmere, a younger noble who had inherited his title just recently. His face was pale, his hands clenched tightly at his sides as he took a careful step forward.

"Some of these lands have known only one ruling family for centuries. The people within them may not easily accept new lords so soon after..." He hesitated, then bowed his head slightly. "...after recent events."