I scribbled his name on the parchment. Garron Raithe – Head of Internal Affairs or Law & Order. Potential Advisor. Then looked up.
"Next."
A young woman stepped in next—no older than twenty-five. She wore a worn scholar's robe patched at the seams, but her eyes were sharp and observant, darting around the room and taking in every detail like a hawk. She clutched a few scrolls to her chest as if they were more precious than gold.
She bowed, a little nervously. "I… I am Mira Talwen, my lord. Graduate of Bermud's central academy—top of my class in political philosophy and economic theory. I was teaching at the academy before… well, the invasion."
I leaned forward, intrigued. "And what makes you stand here, Mira? What do you seek?"
"I want to help shape a better system. One where knowledge and merit matter more than birthright or wealth. I believe education reform is the key to rebuilding our kingdom from the inside out."
Zalario gave her a slow glance. Karlos didn't move—but I felt his cursed aura flicker faintly for a moment before stabilizing.
"Loyal?" I asked softly to Karlos.
He nodded. "And genuine."
"Interesting…" I murmured, jotting down her name.Mira Talwen – Candidate for Minister of Education.
Then I looked up with a slight smirk. "Let's keep this going."
"Karlos bring someone who is efficient is agirculture."
Karlos gave a slight bow and exited the chamber for a brief moment. Within a few minutes, he returned, escorting in a sturdy middle-aged man with calloused hands, sun-kissed skin, and the kind of presence only decades of working the land could build. Despite the worn look, he had a calm, collected demeanor—and surprisingly clean handwriting on the documents tucked under his arm.
He bowed, not too low, but respectfully.
"Name's Garren Holt, my lord. Born in a small village outside Bermud. Grew up plowin', plantin', harvestin'... then studied crop rotation, irrigation, and soil alchemy at the regional guild hall."
"You're a farmer… and educated?"
"Just enough to stop the land from dyin'," he said with a modest shrug. "I may not wear silk or shine in debates, but I know how to feed people—and how to make others do the same."
Zalario leaned in with interest. Karlos was grinning like he found a rare jewel.
I chuckled, nodding slowly. "Well Garren Holt, welcome. You just might be what we need."
I quickly wrote his name:Garren Holt – Candidate for Minister of Agriculture.
I leaned back in my chair. "Alright then… Next."
Karlos gave a respectful nod and left the room again. Moments later, he returned with a peculiar figure.
The woman who stepped in looked like she'd walked out of a swirling cauldron—her robes were dark green with golden trims, lightly singed at the edges, and her fingers were stained with strange hues of purple and blue. Her sharp eyes scanned the room like she could see the components of our souls. A small satchel hung at her hip, and it clinked with glass and metal.
She bowed low. "Salutations, your majesty. I am Myra Elfenhart, alchemist by trade, chaos by nature."
"Chaos by nature?" I raised an eyebrow.
She grinned. "Well, no great breakthrough ever came from playing it safe, my lord."
Karlos whispered, "She's eccentric… but the best in her field. Has made potions that can heal a dying man in seconds—and explode a castle wall if you mix the wrong bottle."
I smirked. "You had me at explode a castle wall."
I jotted down her name:
Myra Elfenhart – Candidate for Royal Alchemist / Head of Magical Research.
I leaned back, satisfied. "Alright Myra, you'll be called soon."
"karlos send them away. Tell them to come Tommorow.
He nodded and departed.
Now I'm looking at the list.
1. Belmor Ravine.
"Greedy bastard gotta make him form contract with karlos for loyalty."
I turned towards Zalario and asked.
"Zalario what do you think even though this guy is greedy we can make good use of him. As a trade minister."
Zalario crossed his arms and leaned slightly forward, his gaze focused on the name.
"Greed," he said calmly, "is a blade with two edges. Dangerous in the wrong hands… but useful in the right ones. If Belmor is loyal—by contract or otherwise—he'll push trade like a starving beast chasing coin."
I nodded slowly. "Alright then. Belmor will be our Minister of Trade. But first thing tomorrow, Karlos will—form a soul-bound contract with him."
I glanced down at the name Halden and tapped my finger on the parchment.
"Hmm… Head of Border Defense," I murmured, thinking aloud.
Karlos leaned in slightly, " Seris Halden, former captain of Glora's northern garrison. Fought in several border skirmishes, never lost a single post. Known for being ruthless, disciplined, and surprisingly patriotic."
I turned in surprise.
"Oh Karlos you are back?"
He smiled. "Yes my lord everyone has left after the announcement."
Zalario muttered. "She's Sharp, but not heartless. She'll secure the borders without a doubt—but she hates weakness and will turn against you if you show weakness she hates weakness."
I smirked. "Exactly what we need. Someone the enemies fear and the nobles can't bribe. Let her command the border defense. But keep someone watching him… just in case. and besides do you think I will appear weak?"
Karlos smirked, "I doubt that."
Then I turned to Karlos.
"karlos assign someone to keep an eye on her maybe we have to form a contract with her aswell."
"As you wish my Lord."
The next morning, I had everyone from the interviews assembled in the royal court.
I stood at the front of the hall, with Karlos, Zalario, Darius, and Reinhart by my side as I formally announced the appointments.
"Belmor," I began, "you are hereby appointed Minister of Trade and Roads."
The man gave a short bow, still visibly surprised. His talents were clear, even if his greed was obvious — but with the contract bound to Karlos, his loyalty wouldn't waver.
"Seris Halden, former captain of Glora's northern garrison — you are now Head of Border Defense. Your experience and knowledge of both Glora and Bermud lands will be crucial moving forward."
She stepped forward and saluted with discipline, a soldier through and through.
"Sister Arlen," I continued, "you will serve as the spiritual head of Solara, overseeing religious guidance and the establishment of our state faith."
She bowed calmly, hands folded in prayer.
"Thalor, you are assigned as Royal Historian and Keeper of Records. Your responsibility is to maintain accurate historical documentation and oversee the Royal Archives."
Thalor nodded, silent but observant.
"Elira, as the former head healer of Bermud, you'll now serve as Minister of Health. Begin plans to rebuild hospitals and organize medical personnel."
She stepped forward with quiet confidence.
"Alric, you are appointed as Head of Education. Restructure and establish learning centers across Solara."
He nodded firmly.
"Mira Talwen, you will assist Alric for now — I may assign you to your own department later depending on your progress."
She gave a respectful nod.
"Garren Holt, your background as a farmer with experience makes you our new Minister of Agriculture. Focus on rebuilding farming infrastructure and improving food production."
He looked proud, if a bit nervous.
"Garron Raithe – I appoint you as the minister of Internal Affairs maintain law and order in the kingdom of Solara."
He gulped and nodded.
"And finally, Myra — I appoint you as Head of the Research Department. Your alchemical knowledge will be vital in pushing Solara forward."
I paused for a moment, letting everyone absorb the weight of their new roles.
"All military-related posts and police force fall under General Reinhart. Others report directly to Prime Minister Darius. Thalor and Sister Arlen will act independently but ultimately all answer to me."
I looked around the hall, meeting each of their gazes.
"This kingdom needs order, purpose, and vision. You've been chosen for your skills and your potential. I expect nothing but your best. Let's begin rebuilding Solara."
They bowed in unison, and with that, the first council of Solara was officially formed.
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