Chapter 15: Preparations I

3rd Pov

2 months have passed, and Duloc has undergone a total transformation during this time, being fully developed in all parts of the Lordship, roads made entirely of stone, more resistant houses for the peasants, everything has been redone.

All the Germanic architecture in Duloc has now left not only the city but the villages more beautiful than ever, the people were happy with the new homes they received, not stopping to praise Joseph's government, meanwhile, the architects hired by Joseph left Duloc happy, since they were basically paid double.

During the time that Duloc was developing at full speed, our protagonist worked hard to try to create the musket, with him succeeding after 1 and a half months, with the other half of the second month being used for testing and ensuring that it worked perfectly.

Now in Joseph's "Palace", more specifically in the gardens, we can see Thelonius and Oliver sitting in chairs, with our protagonist drinking some tea while sitting in a chair, with him listening to everyone's report.

"My Lord, the results with the musket were incredible, the results it can bring to the battlefield now would be extremely in our favor, I don't think any of the Kingdoms, Duchies, or Principality of Razia can beat us now in terms of military technology, only in numbers" Oliver said with great enthusiasm while holding a document that talked about the results.

"Hmmm... well, first we will fully arm the Army before arming the police, we need to ensure that the borders are well protected, any complaints Thelonius?" Joseph stated before looking at Thelonius, wanting to know his opinion on this, with the Minister shaking his head in denial.

"No, My Lord, I already thank you for allowing the Police to carry such weapons with them, I fully understand that Duloc needs to have the Army armed first to deal with our enemies, so no complaints will come from the Police" Thelonius said seriously while looking at Joseph, who nodded upon hearing this.

"I see... Oliver, I want the soldiers to get used to the new firearm, the pistols will now only be used by officers, I want intensive training, we need to be prepared, Duloc is finally developed, it's time to prepare to retaliate what they did to us" Joseph said as he looked at Oliver, who nodded while showing a serious face.

"Thelonius, start a new recruitment for the Police, because when we take the lands of those damned we will need people to maintain public order while the army advances" This time Joseph looked at the green eyes of Thelonius, who nodded.

"What they did to Duloc will not be forgiven, do the Duchies think they can attack us just because we are a mere Lordship? Then we will show them what happens when they dare to touch our people, Duloc will have her revenge!" Joseph said as he raised his fist before slamming it on the table, with Oliver and Thelonius standing up, both saluting our protagonist.

"You can rest assured, Mi'lord, the Scum who committed such a sin against Duloc will pay for it!" Oliver said with conviction, with Thelonius nodding his head.

"Well... that was all, Gentlemen, dismissed" Joseph said as he calmed down, with Oliver and Thelonius bowing to our protagonist before leaving.

Now alone, Joseph is thinking about the next steps they will take, he thinks about sending people to the Principality of Razia to be able to make a military agreement with them against the Duchies, so that both can get what they want and Duloc does not have to go straight into another war because they annexed everything, leaving nothing for Razia.

"Hard times will come... I hate politics" Joseph said sighing at the end before continuing to drink his tea.

Grimhilde Pov

Joseph-Maximus von Farquaad, a man who really never ceases to amaze me, with me wanting him more and more for myself, only for myself.

When I saw what he had done in Duloc through the Magic Mirror, I was amazed by what I saw. The lands under his control were a true work of art, from the stone roads to the houses of the Commoners. Everything was simply beautiful.

I also saw how merchants began to pass through Duloc more often, using their roads to travel to other territories, taking advantage of the fact that this Manor was in the middle of others in the region.

But most importantly, I kept seeing the image of Joseph through the Mirror whenever I could, how that handsome man worked diligently to make the metal pipe he had created work the way he wanted, with the result impressing me.

For a moment I thought it was magic, but no, it was just done using a black powder that had some property that I didn't know what it was, but it didn't matter to me, what mattered was the genius behind it.

Now I was on my throne listening to Nobles who came with complaints or to ask me for something.

"Your Royal Majesty, the Great Queen Grimhilde, I come with a complaint that is happening on the borders, merchants have been passing less in the territories bordering Far Far Away, we would like to ask for help from the Crown to help us make the merchants return more, to prevent the local economy from falling into disarray" Said one of the Barons to me while speaking in a flattering tone.

"May I know why the territories bordering Far Far Away are having such a crisis?" I ask raising an eyebrow.

"Because of Bandits, My Queen, the Barons have not dealt with this problem, it is strange that they ask for economic help instead of armed arms to deal with such Scum" Said a Counselor who was by my side, he knew everything that happened in the kingdom, a loyal man who obeyed all my commands.

"T-This...." The Baron tried to say something, but he was nervous when he saw my gaze, which showed only coldness.

"You come to this Palace on behalf of you and your fellow nobles on the border, wanting economic aid without dealing with the Criminal Scum.... Can I then believe that you are involved in this?" I ask as I raise an eyebrow, causing the Baron to simply start sweating with concern.

"M-m-my Queen! That's not what y-"

"Enough! Guards, arrest this man!" I stop the idiot from continuing to speak, with me already ordering the Royal Guard to arrest said Scum.

The Guards wasted no time and took that idiot to the dungeon, with him screaming for mercy, it's not like I care about that, I then look at the other nobles, signaling for the others who had an audience with me to come.