Reborn With A Technology System In A Fantasy World

Adrian's plan was brutal, yet simple. He had long since decided that the system of hereditary nobility could not be allowed to continue; it was an inefficient and unstable form of governance that was fundamentally incompatible with the technologically advanced society he needed to build to face the Garog.

To achieve that, he first needed to cut off the existing powers at the knees, and he needed to do it in a way that left no room for doubt or future insurrection.

The threat he had just made was empty for the most part, as he had no intention of massacring the kingdom's leadership; but he was sure it would fulfill its singular purpose: letting the gathered elite know that he possessed absolute power and, more importantly, that he was not hesitant to use it.

Meeting their nervous, terrified gazes, Adrian clarified himself, his voice softening just enough to allow them to process his words without cowering.

"Don't get me wrong. I am not responsible for the deaths of your Dukes. They were both led to their graves by the greed and sheer incompetence of King Theron."

He let that sink in, aligning himself with their loss and giving them a common enemy to blame.

"They were not the only ones who lost their lives in that foolish war. Commoners, adventurers, your own household guards, they all paid the ultimate price for one man's folly. Their families now grieve, just as yours do."

"That is the kind of failure that I will not tolerate. The people of Zarion, from the highest noble to the most humble farmer, deserve leadership that values their lives and works for their prosperity. I will do my best to provide that leadership."

"And I will not want anyone in this kingdom to act in an unwise manner that threatens that goal. Understood?"

Adrian could see the tension in the room ease. The immediate fear of execution subsided, replaced by a complex mixture of resentment, confusion, and some cautious relief.

He could still sense the in the hearts of some, but he ignored it. He would only act if they acted first. For now, their compliance was all that mattered.

"Thank you for your cooperation," Adrian said, though it was a statement, not a request. "I will begin."

"By my authority as Sovereign of Zarion, I issue my first Royal Decree. Effective immediately, all private household armies are to be formally disbanded.

Their soldiers will be given a choice: retire from service, or enlist in a newly formed Legion, under the direct command of me. The Legion will offer superior pay, standardized equipment, and a clear path for advancement based solely on merit. All arms and armories currently held by your houses are to be surrendered and cataloged by my representatives within the week. Your authority to command a private military force is hereby, and forever, void."

A wave of shock and outrage came through the assembled nobles. This was a privilege that made them greater than others, and now they were hearing that it would be taken away. Adrian gave them no time to process, and continued.

"Moving on to my next decree. The economic health of this kingdom is paramount to its strength. The current system of regional, arbitrary tax collection stifles trade and concentrates wealth inefficiently. Therefore, effective immediately, the hereditary right of all noble houses to levy taxes and tariffs within their territories is hereby revoked."

A new wave of horror deeper than the first, washed over the nobles. If the first decree had stolen their swords, this one was aimed at their very lifeblood.

"In its place," Adrian continued, "I am ordering the establishment of The First Bank of Zarion. This will not be a simple treasury to hold the Crown's gold. It will be the central engine of our kingdom's new economy. The Bank's primary purpose will be to fuel progress. It will offer low-interest loans and we will empower our own people to create wealth, and that wealth will strengthen the entire kingdom."

He finally addressed the issue of taxes directly. "The Bank's agents will be responsible for collecting a single, standardized, national tax, codified by royal law. It will be fair, predictable, and its proceeds will be used transparently for the kingdom's needs, the building of infrastructure, and the funding of projects that benefit all of Zarion."

He then looked at the pale faces of the nobles and offered them their gilded cage. "For your cooperation and centuries of service to the Crown, your households will be allowed to keep your wealth. Your independent economic authority, however, is concluded."

The effect was profound. He wasn't just taking their power; he was replacing the very game they had mastered for generations with a new one whose rules only he seemed to know.

They were being demoted from rulers to wealthy citizens, their future prosperity now tied directly to the success of the very system that had just neutered them.

"And finally, I am officially announcing the The Gauntlet, a kingdom-wide initiative to identify and cultivate talent in every field... from combat and craftsmanship to administration and strategy.

Future appointments to positions of governance, as ministers, magistrates, and regional governors, will be made from the pool of candidates who prove their worth in this Gauntlet. They will be appointed based on demonstrated merit and loyalty to our future, not by the name they carry or the blood in their veins."

"As for the Adventurers Association, your role in this kingdom is far more complicated and less... stagnant. You will not be removed. Instead, you will be reformed. I will be sending my representatives to establish new charters and laws. Ones that will be for the benefit of all."

He let his gaze sweep across the entire hall one last time.

"I will not be handling minor issues of compliance like this myself in the future," he declared, making his position clear. "My Council will act with my full authority." He looked in the direction of Master Von and Dean Melissa.

"You will all cooperate with them to make this kingdom a better place. Anyone who chooses not to follow the new order will be considered an impediment to progress, and impediments will be removed. Let what has happened here tonight not repeat itself."