I am king.
It's a strange thought. Not some grand dream, not a power fantasy—no, a brutal reality. The throne beneath me is hard, uncomfortable, as cracked as the kingdom I'm meant to rule. But the throne doesn't matter.
What matters is what I do with it.
[Notification: 10 Fame Points Acquired – Courageous Decision-Making.]
[New Menu Unlocked: Knowledge Tree Access.]
A translucent screen materializes before my eyes, invisible to everyone else. I keep my expression still, playing the part of a pensive king, while in truth, I'm scanning this new interface.
A skill tree. Civil engineering, agricultural techniques, metallurgy, medicine, military strategy… all organized into branches. Some glow faintly—accessible. Others are grayed out—locked. So many possibilities… and so few points.
10 points. That's all.
The choice is critical. This isn't a game. Every investment will have real consequences—for the people, the economy, the politics… and my head if I misstep.
I mentally drag my finger to the "Agriculture – Crop Rotation Techniques" branch. Cost: 5 points.
I confirm.
[Knowledge Acquired: Advanced Farming Techniques.]
[Effects: +20% Potential Crop Yield – Requires Implementation.]
A flood of information rushes into my mind: planting cycles, soil enrichment, simple irrigation… Everything I'd studied in my past life, adapted for a medieval world. It all snaps into place.
5 points left. I hesitate.
Then, I select "Medicine – Basic Hygiene." A gamble.
[Knowledge Acquired: Hygiene and Disease Prevention.]
[Effects: Potential to Reduce Mortality with Simple Protocols.]
Perfect.
One of the councilors stares at me, brow furrowed. I realize I've been silent too long. The people think me weak, possessed, mad. I need to strike hard. Now.
I stand.
"Prepare a delegation. Tomorrow, I meet the farmers from the nearest villages. And summon the stewards. I want to know every barn, every field, every well in this kingdom."
They exchange incredulous glances.
"Your Majesty… you wish to speak to… peasants?" one asks, as if he'd just swallowed a bug.
"Exactly. They feed this kingdom. They are its foundation. And I will rebuild Frostmar… from the roots up."
[Notification: +5 Fame Points – Visionary Reform.]
The System reacts. It rewards boldness, innovation. But I also feel a rising tension. A shiver crawls down my spine. As if something—somewhere—is watching.
I step down from the throne without another word. Let silence speak for me. A king doesn't need to convince. He acts.
And soon, they'll see.