Chapter 27

Amidst Karthikeya's busy sample-gathering mission, the nobles of Anuradhapuram huddled in a clandestine meeting, their voices hushed yet urgent. They were a picture of anxiety, their faces etched with worry. The kingdom's subjugation still hung heavy in the air, and the upcoming royal court meeting had their nerves on edge.

The nobles weighed their options, debating the pros and cons of attending the meeting as Karthikeya had requested. They knew they were under constant surveillance, so any attempt to hide their gathering would be futile. After much deliberation, they decided to acquiesce to Karthikeya's orders, their hearts pounding with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The prospect of the first official royal court gathering after the kingdom's fall was both exciting and terrifying.

~

Beyond the first village's farmland, Karthikeya pressed on, traversing an additional four villages, meticulously collecting seeds, soil, and water samples from each agricultural expanse. The journey was long and arduous, but Karthikeya's determination remained unwavering.

After a circuitous trek, Karthikeya and his entourage retraced their steps, pausing at each village to gather seeds from the village heads. The harvest was modest, yielding only a dozen varieties.

Instead of an immediate return to the city, Karthikeya extended his expedition, venturing to villages that lay east, west, south, and north of the metropolis. He observed a similar pattern in each location: the majority of villages had already commenced their agricultural labors. Women and children streamed towards the fields, bearing sustenance for the men toiling under the sun.

Karthikeya and his men diligently covered the city's periphery, their wanderings consuming a considerable portion of the day. By the time they made their way back into the city's embrace, evening had descended, casting long shadows across the cityscape.

(Data analysis is finished.)

(The final draft has been created.)

(Attention: Changes have been made to the seed and fertilizers, soil treatment methods adapted to farmlands, two new types of tools added. Seeds have been optimized, removing all defective genes, resulting in increased yield and improved resistance to diseases, pests, and disasters. 20 cattle have been allocated for each village.)

(Worker benefits:

- Two sets of work clothes.

- Meals provided for morning, noon, and evening.

- Salary of either 100 copper coins or grains and other essentials of equivalent value.)

(Hint:

- Due to the extensive nature of the task, the number of employees is not fixed, and the host can recruit as desired.

- The system will provide necessary resources.

- The host will receive three recipes and essentials for preparation, including grains, vegetables, spices, cookware, and plates.

- The host must recruit a specific number of individuals for meal preparation.

- The goal is to reclaim at least 50% of the farmlands in the immediate area of Anuradhapuram upon accepting the task.)

Karthikeya reviewed the final draft in his hands and was content with the task details.

(Ding! Does the host wish to confirm the task draft?)

"Confirm task," Karthikeya stated without hesitation.

(Draft selection complete, and the task is issued.)

(Ding! Congratulations to the host for accepting your first task, and the system wishes the host the very best.)

Karthikeya rose from the chair, heading to his bed, likely due to fatigue from the day's long journey. He quickly drifted into sleep.

When Thulasi arrived at Karthikeya's chamber with meals, she observed that he was already fast asleep, prompting her to leave quietly.

•••

As dawn broke, a palpable buzz of anticipation permeated the kingdom. Lords, officials, Brahmins, Buddhist sect leaders, and merchants, both big and small, bustled about in preparations to attend Karthikeya's grand gathering.

Soon, a throng of esteemed guests converged upon the mansion's entrance, their presence transforming the atmosphere. Anticipating the influx of visitors, Karthikeya's loyal staff swiftly cleared the court hall of chairs, creating an open space for the assembly.

Security measures were discreetly enhanced, with two guards stationed inside the court hall and two at its entrance. Additional guards patrolled the mansion's perimeter, ensuring the safety of the dignitaries and the tranquility of the event.

While the kingdom's elite grappled with nerves and excitement, Karthikeya awoke with a serene and refreshed expression, his spirit undeterred by the impending gathering.

Perhaps the skipped meal from the previous day had taken its toll, for Karthikeya awoke with a voracious appetite. He immediately summoned a hearty breakfast, which he devoured with gusto. Once satiated, he turned his attention to the impending court meeting.

As the clock struck nine, Karthikeya made his way to the court hall, greeted along the way by attentive guards and servants. Arriving at the hall's entrance, he was ushered in by two guards who flung open the doors, revealing a sea of faces.

The hall was teeming with people, the various landlords, Brahmins, merchants, Buddhist sect leaders, Karthikeya's officials, and ministers all gathered on either side of the throne. To the left stood the representatives of Anuradhapuram, while to the right stood his subordinates, officials, and some Buddhist monks and priests from the nearby temples.

Karthikeya surveyed the crowd from his throne, his gaze lingering on the nobles of Anuradhapuram. Their overly obsequious display of loyalty grated on his nerves, and he couldn't suppress a grimace of disgust.

With a sharp bark of irritation, Karthikeya silenced the hall. "Quiet!" he boomed, his voice echoing through the chamber.

The sudden silence that descended upon the hall left the assembled nobles perplexed, their faces etched with confusion. Karthikeya's abrupt outburst had caught them off guard, and they were at a loss to understand the source of his irritation.

Undeterred by the bewildered expressions below, Karthikeya cleared his throat and proceeded to address the gathering. "Now," he began, his voice resonating with authority, "let us commence the official court meeting following my enthronement."

With a commanding tone, Karthikeya called upon his subordinates, each by name: "Ramu, Marthanda, Bairavendra, Achuthanandan..."

One by one, his loyal subjects stepped forward, their faces etched with readiness and anticipation. "Yes, Your Highness," they replied in unison, their voices echoing through the hall.

"Report on the progress of your assigned tasks," Karthikeya instructed, his gaze sweeping over the group. "Briefly outline any significant developments and swiftly return to your duties."

"Yes, Your Highness," they responded in unison, bowing respectfully before the throne.

Each subordinate took their turn, addressing Karthikeya with a detailed account of their progress. Karthikeya listened attentively, his expression shifting between satisfaction and concern.

Ramu, like diligent accountant, reported on the completion of the audit of the palace records and also informed of Kannappans departure as he had already embarked on his journey to the port, bearing Karthikeya's important task.

Marthandan, like a shrewd administrator, had established the preliminary structure of the police force and identified potential candidates for the offices. Rana, had successfully arranged everything fibrthe recruitment and also distributed recruitment notices and announcements, working closely with Chola officials to gather potential candidates.

The only exception to this impressive array of accomplishments was Achuthanandan, He respectfully requested an additional day to finalize the preparations for the establishment of education centers for the children.

Karthikeya nodded in understanding, granting Achuthanandan the requested extension. He was pleased with the overall progress, and a sense of optimism filled his heart. His kingdom was on the path to recovery and prosperity.

Karthikeya's sharp gaze shifted towards Rana, the recruitment officer. "Rana," he commanded, his voice resonating with authority, "I have entrusted Thulasi with crucial details regarding the recruitment process. Before you commence the recruitment drive, I urge you to thoroughly review the report."

Rana stepped forward, his expression a blend of respect and determination. "Yes, Your Highness," he replied, his voice firm and unwavering. "I will diligently study the report and ensure that the recruitment process aligns perfectly with your vision."

Karthikeya nodded approvingly, a hint of satisfaction gracing his features. "Excellent progress, everyone. Keep up the good work," he commended, his voice echoing through the hall. "You may now depart."

With a collective bow of respect, the subordinates turned and exited the court hall, their footsteps echoing in the hushed silence that followed their departure. Karthikeya remained seated on the throne, his gaze now fixed on the rest of the people inside who had thoughtful expression.