Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

Late August, under the blazing sun, Eldora felt hotter than ever.

But the news of the Great Victory at Dunmere made the heat even more intense. In every alley and courtyard, from markets to manors, everyone was talking about it. The common people were ecstatic. The hawkish ministers, the ones who always advocated for war, were overjoyed, rushing to the castle to offer their congratulations to Emperor Alaric. Their long-held stance had finally been proven right.

Of course, while some celebrated, others were miserable. The peace-favouring officials, upon hearing the news, looked as if they were attending a funeral. Still, a victory was a victory for the Eldorian Empire, and even they had no choice but to enter the castle and offer their congratulations to the Emperor.

”Congratulations, Your Majesty! The victory at Dunmere is a tremendous achievement. Prince Simon has humbled the reavers. Their envoys’ ridiculous demands can now be completely ignored.” General Lancet declared loudly in the Imperial Court, brimming with confidence.

The other hawkish ministers stood proudly behind him, puffed up like triumphant roosters. Their eyes swept over the peace faction with open disdain, silently mocking them: You see? The reavers aren’t so terrifying after all.

Emperor Alaric laughed heartily. With so many officials coming to congratulate him, he couldn’t be more pleased.

”Thank you, thank you. This is a day for the entire nation to celebrate!

Across the hall, Minister Darrel and his fellow civil officials forced smiles that looked more painful than grief. The reavers had been thoroughly defeated at Dunmere and wouldn’t dare make trouble there again anytime soon. But this meant Prince Ravencrest and Prince Lionel’s territories would be the next targets. If the reavers decided to vent their frustration on those lands, the officials who lived luxuriously off those princes’ wealth would soon find their silver cut off.

Darrel bowed and offered his forced congratulations. Then he said. ”Your Majesty, though Prince Simon’s victory is indeed worth celebrating, we must not forget the reavers’ strategy. Among the one hundred thousand troops, only twenty or thirty thousand were real soldiers; the rest were slaves. This loss is merely a scratch to them. If they become enraged and return in force, the situation could escalate. Therefore, I believe we should send envoys to the Order, make it clear this was Prince Simon acting independently, and that it has nothing to do with the Eldorian Empire.”

”Your Majesty, please consider this carefully.” The peace faction chimed in.

”A bunch of cowards! Traitors!” Lancet roared. ”This is the perfect time to cut off the tribute and demand the return of West Ham. How can we shamelessly send envoys to apologise?”

Alaric’s smile faded. He said coldly. ”I’ve already said, if we win this battle, I will no longer tolerate talk of tribute, land concessions, or peace deals. Today, I’ll let it pass because you’re from the Mason clan. Say it again, and I won’t be so forgiving.”

Darrel shivered with fear. The emperor’s tone was icy, and he knew it wasn’t a joke. After the humiliations from the reaver envoy, Alaric clearly held a deep grudge.

Behind the ministers, the princes had also arrived at the Imperial Court. The Crown Prince and his brothers stood silently, all feeling complicated emotions. Even a fool could see how delighted their father was. It was obvious that their brother, Simon, was now in favour.

The Crown Prince felt especially conflicted. On one hand, his grandfather, Prince Ravencrest, had hoped Dunmere would fall to ease pressure on his own territory. On the other hand, winning Simon’s support would greatly help solidify his claim to the throne. With this victory, Simon’s standing among the princes would rise significantly. Gaining his favour would be a major boost. And yet... Because of Prince Ravencrest, the Crown Prince simply couldn’t bring himself to like Simon.

Still, after a moment of hesitation, he stepped forward and said. ”Father, our brother has accomplished a great feat. He deserves to be generously rewarded.”

”Indeed. That’s what an elder brother should say.” Alaric replied with satisfaction.

Encouraged, the Crown Prince continued. ”Given his contribution, I think it’s time to lift the travel ban from years ago. That way, our brother can return to Eldora to visit family whenever he wishes.”

”There’s no need to even say that.” The emperor responded warmly. ”Prince Simon has proven himself capable of leading on his own. He’s become a pillar of the royal family and deserves this privilege.”

Alaric felt more pleased with his heir than he had in a long time.

The Second Prince and others couldn’t help feeling sour. They had never taken Simon seriously. To them, he was a distant feudal prince, someone easily forgotten. Yet here he was, suddenly at the centre of everything. And this one victory alone was worth more than all their accomplishments combined.

Still, they knew better than to speak poorly of Simon now. Darrel had been publicly scolded, after all.

The Second Prince said. ”Father’s foresight is unmatched. Sending our brother to Brambleford was a stroke of genius. This victory belongs to him, but also reflects Father’s great judgment; it will surely be remembered in the history books.”

Alaric laughed heartily. He knew the Second Prince was flattering him, but it worked. In front of the court, it made him look brilliant.

The Third Prince shot a glance at his brother. He had planned to say the same thing but had been beaten to it. Everyone knew their father loved to be praised. Linking this victory to him would surely win favour.

But the Third Prince wasn’t about to give up. He added. ”Father, I’ve already ordered your words from that day in court, where you firmly rejected the ministers’ advice, to be recorded by the scribes. This triumph at Dunmere will be written alongside them in history.”

Actions speak louder than words, and this remark earned the Third Prince the upper hand. The Second Prince’s smile stiffened.

The Crown Prince, meanwhile, was fuming inside. Once again, he’d laid the groundwork only for others to take the credit.

Alaric looked fondly at the Third Prince, then turned to the Fourth Prince, who had remained silent the whole time.

”Fourth, why haven’t you said anything?”

The Fourth Prince replied. ”I have no words, Father. I am simply in awe.”

That made Alaric laugh even louder. Since ascending the throne, he hadn’t laughed so much in one day.

Lancet and the other war-hawk officials were beaming. Still, Lancet couldn’t help but say. ”It’s a shame we don’t have the full details of the Dunmere battle yet. We’ll have to wait for the newspapers to reach Eldora.”

At this, Alaric’s face lit up with anticipation. ”Prince Simon, always keeping us in suspense. Looks like he’s waiting for the papers to arrive in the capital so everyone can see his achievements at once.”

”It’s understandable.” Lancet chuckled. ”It’s a major victory, after all.”

Even as he smiled, his thoughts returned to his son. He still hadn’t heard whether Liam was safe.

Noticing his concern, the Emperor reassured him. ”Don’t worry, General. If anything had happened to Liam, Prince Simon would’ve mentioned it in his letter.”

Then, with a sweep of his sleeves, Alaric stood up, invigorated. ”Once the newspapers from Brambleford arrive, let us hold a grand banquet to celebrate!”