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

Morning.

The great bells of the Holy Cathedral had rung that morning, signaling a new day for the faithful—though not a joyous one for a select few.

Head Priestess Isode, dressed in white and gold vestments, stepped forward from the towering doors.

Despite her serene expression, her fingers lightly grazed the rosary hanging from her waist—a small, almost imperceptible sign that she was deep in thought.

Flanking her were two sisters of the church, their simpler robes signifying their lower rank, their heads slightly bowed as they followed her lead.

At the foot of the cathedral steps stood Captain Reynard, the silver-haired train captain. Behind him, a few engineers and station officials waited.

"Head Priestess Isode," Reynard greeted with a slight bow. "The emperor expects your presence at the palace. The execution will commence at dusk."

Isode met his gaze, her lips pressing into a thin line. Though her face remained composed, a flicker of something passed through her purple eyes before she gave a slow nod.

"I understand."

Without further delay, they began their walk toward the train station. The cobblestone streets echoed softly under their steps, the rhythmic clicking of their boots blending with the distant sounds of merchants setting up shop.

Isode clasped her hands in front of her, her eyes sweeping across the surroundings.

She took in the sight of train officials in white and gold uniforms directing passengers into neat, orderly lines.

A mother held her child's hand tightly while adjusting a cloth bundle over her shoulder. A group of laborers, clad in soot-stained tunics, exchanged lighthearted banter as they waited their turn to board.

"I had not realized this venture would become such a significant affair," she murmured, her gaze flickering toward Reynard, her brow subtly furrowing in thought.

The captain let out a short chuckle, a half-smirk on his lips. "The capital is vast, Head Priestess. His Majesty has ensured that his people can travel between their homes and places of work with ease. This"—he gestured toward the long, gleaming train—"is but one of the many luxuries he has granted them, and at an affordable price."

Isode turned her head slightly, purple eyes narrowing. "Affordable?" she repeated, tilting her chin just a fraction. "How much?"

"Three coppers."

She halted for just a fraction of a second, her brow arching before she resumed walking.

"Three coppers?" she repeated. She couldn't believe what she had heard. "That is… a remarkably low sum."

Reynard glanced at her, noting the slight crease between her brows.

"For the average citizen, three coppers is trivial," she explained. "A single copper can be earned through menial labor—sweeping a street, carrying a noble's parcels, or even delivering messages. Artisans and merchants deal mostly in silver, and even beggars can scrape together that much in a day."

"What, is there something wrong with that?" Reynard asked in a mildly amused tone.

Isode exhaled. "No… I am simply surprised, is all," she admitted. "With a fare so low, when this is the fastest form of transportation available… Surely, the emperor could profit greatly by increasing the price."

Reynard let out a deep laugh, shaking his head slightly. "I never would have expected to hear such business-minded thoughts from a priestess," he said, smirking. "Much less the head of the faith."

Isode tilted her head, her expression remaining neutral. "I merely speak the truth," she said evenly, though there was a touch of embarrassment in her gaze.

Reynard exhaled, his smirk softening.

"The emperor does not lack coin," he said simply, clasping his hands behind his back as they walked.

"He sees no reason to take more from his people than necessary. But of course, he cannot offer such services for free either. This price ensures the rail system can sustain itself while remaining accessible to all."

Isode hummed softly, her fingers absently brushing over the embroidered hem of her sleeve. The emperor's decisions were, as always, pragmatic—though there was an unmistakable layer of benevolence woven into his governance.

"And what do the nobles think of this?" she asked, tilting her head slightly as she observed a group of well-dressed aristocrats boarding through a separate entrance. "They were the ones who invested in the project, were they not?"

Reynard smirked, but his gaze was sharp. "Would they dare to oppose His Majesty?" he asked, lifting a brow. "Especially after what happened recently?"

Isode's eyes flickered toward him, and for a brief moment, a hint of something knowing passed over her expression. She exhaled softly. "You have a point."

As they reached the train, their paths split. Reynard offered her a brief nod before turning toward the engine. Meanwhile, Isode and her attendants were led toward the VIP section at the front of the train.

The moment she stepped inside, she took in a slow breath. The interior was exquisite—deep mahogany paneling, gold-trimmed seats, and enchanted lanterns that cast a soft, ambient glow. Every detail was fitting for nobility, designed to accommodate the highest-ranking officials and dignitaries.

Yet, despite the beauty surrounding her, Isode found her mind drifting elsewhere. Her fingers tightened slightly against the folds of her robes, a quiet tension settling in her shoulders.

Soon, she would be in the presence of the emperor once more.

She closed her eyes briefly, inhaling deeply before releasing a slow, steady breath.

She had to compose herself.

The train gave a soft chime, signaling its imminent departure. Isode lowered herself into one of the plush seats, folding her hands neatly in her lap. The two sisters accompanying her took their places across from her.

Outside, the sound of steam hissing from the engine filled the air, followed by the rhythmic clank of metal as Captain Reynard and his engineers made final adjustments.

Through the large, reinforced windows, Isode could see the last of the passengers boarding, some hurriedly clutching their belongings while train officials ushered them in.

She turned her gaze toward the front of the carriage, where a young attendant in a crisp blue and silver uniform bowed politely before approaching.

"Head Priestess," he said, his hands clasped before him.

"Would you like any refreshments for the journey? The ride to the palace will take approximately thirty minutes."

Isode considered for a moment before shaking her head. "No, thank you."

The attendant nodded and excused himself, leaving the compartment in respectful silence.

One of the sisters, a young woman with pale brown hair tucked neatly beneath her headscarf, shifted slightly in her seat.

"This is my first time riding the Imperial Rail," she admitted in a hushed tone, as if speaking too loudly would disturb the sanctity of the space.

Isode glanced at her, the corner of her lips twitching ever so slightly. "And what do you think?"

The sister hesitated before offering a small, appreciative smile. "It is… beautiful. More than I expected."

The other sister, an older woman with a calm, motherly presence, nodded in agreement.

"The emperor spares no expense in his ventures," she said. "Though I imagine his intentions go beyond mere luxury."

Isode hummed as she agreed, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the golden embroidery of her sleeve. "That is always the case with him."

The train gave a small jolt, then smoothly began to move forward. The sensation was almost imperceptible at first, but soon, the buildings outside the window began to drift past at an increasing speed. The station platform receded into the distance, replaced by the bustling city streets of the capital.

Isode turned her gaze outward, watching as the towering structures of the inner city passed by.

"But I believe so part of it may also be because he actually cares for his people." She finally said with a small smile.

...

...

The Emperor's Study

The scent of aged parchment and wax filled the air, mingling with the faint trace of the rich black tea that had long gone cold in its porcelain cup.

Seated behind the desk, Arkanos leaned back slightly in his high-backed chair, his emerald eyes scanning the latest reports as his fingers drummed idly against the polished wood.

Across from him, his most trusted advisor, Arval, stood, his hands clasped neatly in front of him.

"The Imperial Guild has expanded significantly, Your Majesty," Arval said. "The recruitment efforts have surpassed expectations, and we now boast thousands of new members—mercenaries, adventurers, craftsmen, and scholars alike. The guildhouses in the outer districts are operating at full capacity, and additional branches are being established to accommodate the demand."

Arkanos's lips curled into a small smirk, his sharp gaze lifting from the reports to meet Arval's. "Good. It seems the foundation is strengthening faster than I anticipated."

Arval nodded. "Indeed, but with growth comes complications. Some of the appointed officials are struggling to manage their respective branches efficiently. There have been disputes regarding resource allocation, particularly in the eastern district, where two factions within the guild are vying for dominance in trade and monster-hunting contracts."

Arkanos exhaled slowly, his fingers ceasing their rhythmic tapping. "Who did we appoint to oversee the eastern district?"