The bandit snatched the coin bag from the official, then sneered. "You really think Bernault will save you? You're fools! All these coins will end up in our pockets."
The crowd shuddered, fear tightening its grip on the already uncertain town.
The bandits left the square, taking with them the bag of coins that had drained the people's hope.
In the shadow of a building near the square, Sana watched everything unfold. Her jaw clenched, her fists tightly balled. "They can't keep doing this," she muttered angrily.
But Nico, standing beside her, only gave a faint smile. "Are you upset, Sana?" he asked calmly. "It's all just theater. King Bernault knows what he's doing. With this fear, the people will stay dependent on him. The stick and the carrot, Sana. That's his method."
Sana took a deep breath, trying to comprehend what had just happened. Yet, the anger within her remained undiminished.
In another room, Nico stood tall before Malik. His gaze was sharp but full of confidence. The air in the room felt heavy, with only the faint sound of wind brushing against the curtains.
"Listen carefully," Nico said firmly but calmly. "Stay alert and observe every movement. Don't let your guard down, not even for a moment."
Malik nodded slowly, paying close attention to every word coming from Nico's mouth.
"Regarding the invitation from King Bernault and Princess Viola," Nico continued, his voice lowering as if burdened by the weight of his words. "I'm giving you a special task. This is a pivotal moment, not just for us but for all of Kashgar ."
Nico stepped closer, patting Malik's shoulder with firm conviction. "While you handle that, I'll take care of other matters. But remember, I expect you to succeed tonight. This task carries great responsibility, but I know you're capable."
Malik took a deep breath, gripping the edge of his coat as if grounding himself to stay steady.
"We are Kashgar ians," Nico added, his eyes alight with determination. "This is in our blood. Don't worry, Malik. We'll get through this together."
In the ensuing silence, Nico's words echoed in Malik's heart. There was nothing more to be said. With one final nod, Malik walked away, carrying the weight of his mission on his shoulders while Nico watched him with unwavering confidence.
Far from Soltera, Kashgar transformed into a flourishing hub of civilization several years after Nico embarked on his long-term mission. Development surged at an unprecedented pace, fueled by the steady flow of funds from Soltera. Nico's financial strategy centered on the introduction of Kashgar's new currency proved pivotal to this success. While Soltera remained the sole adopter of the currency, its carefully calibrated exchange rate achieved parity with major global currencies, providing a significant boost to Kashgar's economy.
District 4, once a plain expanse of land, had evolved into an organized agricultural zone. Vast fields stretched as far as the eye could see, yielding bountiful harvests despite the simplicity of the technology employed. The locals, with their hard work and dedication, managed to sustain the region's needs while producing a surplus for trade.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of District 4, majestic defensive fortresses neared completion. These robust structures stood like eternal sentinels, ready to safeguard Kashgar from external threats. Under the strategic genius of Guan Yu, one of Kashgar 's finest military commanders, the concept of defense walls akin to the Great Wall of China was successfully adapted. Every stone laid and every corner fortified reflected the brilliance of their defensive strategy.
A newfound spirit filled the air in Kashgar . Its people balanced hard work with great hope. Amid the monumental changes, one constant remained Nico's name, now celebrated as the figure who led Kashgar into its golden age.
In the grand palace hall, the soft glow of crystal chandeliers reflected off gilded walls. Arga sat in the primary seat, his posture exuding an undeniable aura of authority. Before him, the kingdom's senior officials sat in a circle, their expressions serious. Among them, Ayato and arpin were engaged in a low-toned discussion.
"There's no denying it," Ayato began, his gaze admiring Arga. "The kingdom's wealth has grown by an extraordinary 1.2 billion coins in just a few years. I must admit, you truly deserve the title of Emperor."
Arpi nodded in agreement, though the furrow in his brow hinted at unease. "That's true, but there's something troubling me. We've become the focus of many nations. While there hasn't been any suspicious activity from Siferia, Riveria, or Alderan, near the hills of Soltera, King Bernault has begun moving his troops from their border with Riveria toward us. I have a bad feeling."
The atmosphere in the palace hall grew heavier. Yet Ningning, seated to Arga's right, offered a faint smile, attempting to lighten the mood. "Thank you for your trust, elders. I'm glad our people are thriving they eat well, sleep soundly, and live in comfort. But I'm aware this success isn't welcomed by other nations."
Leaning slightly forward, Ningning spoke with calm but palpable vigilance. "Our intelligence reports indicate that Riveria seems relatively indifferent to our presence. However, Siferia is highly alert. It's very likely a major war could break out in the future. Their influence in Soltera is immense, and now we're on the verge of overtaking them. Our massive granaries in District 4 have also caught their attention. This could be their reason to act against us."
Arga stood, his steady steps circling the meeting table. His gaze swept over everyone in the room, as if ensuring his words were deeply ingrained in their minds. "At the very least, we've fortified defenses in three directions to face potential attacks from Alderan, Siferia, and Soltera. Our historically good relations with Riveria will continue to be maintained. When the time is right, I plan to meet directly with their leader."
He returned to his seat, folding his hands on the table. "Based on intelligence reports, our closest threat is Soltera. Therefore, I'm seeking proposals from the elders and district council representatives to recruit an additional 5,000 soldiers."
A brief silence ensued. The senior officials exchanged glances, clearly deep in thought. Arga continued, his tone calmer but resolute. "Additionally, each district will receive 50 million coins this year for public facilities, housing repairs, and social aid. Ensure this money is also used to improve the homes of elders and district leaders. This success is thanks to your hard work and loyalty to Kashgar . Our unity is the key to success."