Chapter 30

Vladimir had left the meeting late in the evening. He went back to the palace to have dinner. While having dinner, he couldn't believe how exhausting the meetings were. So many questions, replies, and suggestions. He did like to be updated, though. With the new addition of free laborers from their little sieges, the country can save some more money while increasing the speed. The only thing needed is to provide them with food.

As for freedom, he throws that to the back of the mind. First, they have to survive then we will talk, not mention wasn't there a saying in German that was in questionable places that states that work shall set you free or work makes one free.

If they work hard enough, they will be set free in due time or when the country doesn't have enough projects to build. Vladimir happily eats his dinner and once done, he goes to bathe. He sits in a large being washed by female servants. He does not feel traction to them. Maybe it's because his body is young, but he still never felt how or why other Mcs felt embarrassed or horny. He enjoys being washed, less effort.

He puts on a nightgown and goes to bed after having his teeth cleaned with a cloth, salt and some charcoal. He went to bed.

The next morning he wakes up early because he has another meeting with his military personal. Maids help him to get dressed in a military uniform. He began to like them, whether it is the designs or color. He equipped his saber and heads to a meeting room with a round table in the palace.

He enters a large room and inside is his admiral, 5 generals, minister of defense, minister of finance, and prime minister. He got to know the prime minister who is an elderly man in his 50s. He goes by the name Sergei Goremykin Stolypin. He had been handling the extra paperwork for Vladimir while he was away, only leaving the important stuff for him personally.

The prime minister holds no real power except for helping with documents and giving advice to the Tsar. Once he enters, everyone stands and greets him. Vladimir signals them to sit after he sits down.

"You look amazing, your highness," says Admiral Ivanov. The brunette hair was the first to talk and compliment him at that. Vladimir smiles and tells her thank you. Who doesn't like compliments and when subordinates bootlick.

"any problems with the army?" he asks and a major general answers "with all due respect your majesty with your order for the expansion of the army when not just have a 300,000 standing army instead of the 100,000 and 200,000 reserves," He was curious but also looking for promotion since he will most likely to get one if the standing army is larger.

"because it saves us money and we can make the reserves a part of the main army when needed," Vladimir replies. The major general nods and so does the minister of finance.

"I want an army of 25,000 on the elven border. I gave the queen an ultimate and if they refuse or don't answer in time, then we will go to war" Vladimir is ready to use hard power anytime and maybe an army on the border will hopefully speed up their decision and let them know he is serious.

The generals' nod. No one wants to refuse the chance of gaining merit and wealth and some experience as well. He continues asking more questions and talking until Admiral Ivanov speaks up.

"Tsar Vladimir, I have a request." Vladimir looks at her and she continues, "I want to start an expedition with the navy. To discover other lands, gain new wealth and meet new neighbors." she says then looks at Vladimir seriously "For the future of the Russian Empire,"

"For the future of the Russian Empire," he mumbles. She got him. He likes the sound of that plus when he thinks about it more nothing is wrong with gaining colonies, resources, and more trade.

"Ok," he says, agreeing. She is glad but doesn't show it. After hearing the exploits of the army, many naval officers had come to her asking her to talk to the Tsar, hoping they can do something as well.

"I wish to expand the navy past the 5 ships you had requested and increase the navy to 30 ships," Vladimir nods, agreeing to her request.

The meeting ended not too long after. Vladimir decides to go and check on his future young guards.