19 Chapter 16

It's the middle of the day and Vlad is sitting on his throne, leaning on his hand while looking at some ministers and military personal. Earlier in the day had spoken to Duke Price and prince John and well the result he will be going over with the people in front of him.

"First, I would like to hire a prime minister to help with my daily affairs, especially when I'm gone and I'll hand this over to the ministry of education to send the best applicants and I will choose from there,"

The education minister nods then reply "will due to your majesty"

Vladimir then carries on

"first Konstantine will be engaged and we will support prince John for the throne,"

This time everyone is shocked at what they're hearing.

"your majesty with all due respect, why are we helping Prince John," some asked

"we could conquer them, which would be easy, but you have to think of costs as well. To build up roads, convert buildings, railways, schools. Basically, to bring these things up to our standard will cost money so when let them build it for us and use their money when the time comes we can just harvest all their hard work, kill the nobles then kick John off the throne,"

Everyone started to nod while listening and understanding the Tsar

"and what about the marriage with prince Konstantine?" another question is brought up. Vladimir had no problem with answering.

"it is to Duke Prices Daughter, and this is also another card in my hand. In case John fails then the Duke will launch rebellion and we swoop in and after we take Arcadia then we take the elves,"

After talking for a bit longer the ministers are allowed to leave but the military personal is being told to stay.

"I want the entire army ready in three days. All 50,000 and have the recruits watch the border and train. I'm taking the army to visit our next-door neighbor,"

They nod and rush out, not asking any questions but thinking that the Tsar must be planning something

In the past three days, many Russian citizens and visitors were shocked and curious about why the army is mobilizing and heading west. Some thought it was war but soon later found out that the Tsar is going to visit Arcadia but is bringing the army.

Many were confused and when the incident about prince Konstantine and a noble began spreading, many people understood that the Tsar is just upset and is showing the power of the Fatherland

A/N: Russians did refer to Russia as the fatherland during the empire days and it was changed to motherland when the Soviets took over

Vladimir looks at the 50,000 men behind and smiles. He couldn't help but shout "forward!" he says as loud as he can and it was soon passed down. He moves forward and the neat and rhythmic marching steps followed. Vladimir remembers all the movies that he watched with scenes like this. He even thought of just declaring war now.