Chapter 1
After awaking, with his headache all gone from the party that commemorated the completion of work at New Russville, Natonito, with notes in hand, walked to the throne room of Robert Russ III.
"So glad to see you. Hope construction went well," the Emperor said.
"Despite a few minor complications that were quickly solved, everything went quite smoothly. It was an exciting seven weeks, and there is much information to tell," Natonito said politely.
"Go on. I am curious about life outside the palace, especially in a town that bears my name," the Emperor said.
"First, it appears there is a reason why the rebels were so strong. They were supported by Duke Longbert and his eldest son Eric. By providing a refuge for the rebels as well as, apparently, logistics and supplies, as well as perhaps advice, the Duke and his son were responsible for the attempts to thwart the construction of New Russville. They were, of course, tortured and brought to justice," said Natonito dryly.
"Duke Longbert was behind this. Can you trust anyone anymore?" the Emperor said sadly.
"I am sure you found out that I married Bathsheba, who just happens to be the Duke's daughter," Natonito said.
"Oh yes, I am happy for you. She is a fine young woman," the Emperor replied.
"Indeed she is. The construction of the city took seven weeks, and was helped out greatly by General Van Larken, who proved himself a decisive commander in the battles with the rebel forces, capturing their leadership and impaling them as an example to all around. He should find his way to advancement in greater military endeavors. The Imperial Guard was stellar, as usual. They were well behaved and kept order well," Natonito said matter-of-factly.
"That is good to hear. At least the troops did their duty," the Emperor said.
"I also got to meet that Admiral Blackwell at my wedding ceremony, the one you gave charge of in the invasion of New Fullerium. I was very impressed with his charm, as well as his grasp of naval tactics. Hopefully he has done a fine job," Natonito said.
"Yes, he has. I am very impressed with him as well," the Emperor said.
"One more thing. Yesterday night while talking with my wife and sister-in-law, we got an idea of how to use my old harem into something useful. Since my wife and I, and Cherie will only need a little space for ourselves, we thought of enlarging the harem area and turning it into a school for the ambitious and intelligent nobles and commoners of the empire, training them in how to be loyal servants of the empire. We could have enough space, easily, for a school of 30 young men and 30 young women, with dormitory spaces for each, as well as classrooms and cooking facilities, needless to say the atheltic facilities just outside. I believe that would be a good way to make sure that the intelligent people of the empire stay loyal to it instead of formulating rebellions and treachery," Natonito said.
"I think that is an excellent idea. Our people need to obey the empire, and learning to do so while kids is a fantastic method. Go ahead and make your palace school. I think it will do much good," said Robert. "Meanwhile, I have some business to attend to myself."
"Have a good day, Emperor. If there are any executions, let me know," Natonito said with a wink.
"Will do, number two, will do," said the Emperor as he walked off.
Natonito then, having other business to do, decided to walk around the city of West Fenia and leave the women to arrange things in the palace. As the second in command of the empire, it was his duty to make sure everything in the city was following imperial regulations, so he did a random sweep of the commercial district, noting that their security was lax, though nothing serious or even worthy of a fine or beating. Besides, he was in a good mood, so he just gently reminded them to step up their security against thieves.
The only alarming thing he found while on his inspection was the amount of scurrilous press he found. He was most disappointed by the rumors of imperial madness, as well as of venereal disease for some of the soldiers returning from New Russville, as well as the treachery of the Longberts becoming part of the newspaper's accounts. This sort of press was unacceptable, and he had a few newspaper offices destroyed and their editors beaten. While he was in a good mood, there was no excuse for abusing the freedom of the press. After that workout, Natonito walked home, it being early evening, back to his palace, hoping that the women had sorted everything out, and having trust in his wife and sister-in-law to make sure the palace was ready for the conversion to a school.
[ Chapter 2 ]
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