Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points!

Illena nodded, though she seemed slightly disappointed. "I understand," she replied, her voice soft.

Without another word, Arkanos turned and began to leave the dining hall, Arvel following close behind.

As the doors closed behind them, a moment of silence lingered in the room. It was Sephira who broke it.

"Is it really possible for a close encounter with death to change a man so drastically?" she thought aloud. "When was the last time he personally gave a speech to the people?"

Illena's gaze softened, and she answered with certainty. "Twelve years ago."

Sephira's eyes widened in shock. "Twelve years? And how can you be so certain?"

A faint blush colored Illena's cheeks, and a small, proud smile spread across her lips. "I would never forget anything related to my Emperor.

"Each moment with him is more precious than any treasure, and so I keep them all close to my heart."

Sephira's expression twisted into a playful pout. "Show off," she said.

Then, with a smirk, she added, "But you'll see... I'll be the first one to give our Emperor a child. Then I'll wipe that smug look off your face."

Illena's smile didn't waver, but her tone turned playful yet sharp. "True love comes before all, dear Sephira. That's why I am the queen, and you are a consort. You may try, but I guarantee that when I do, the way you are treated here will change entirely. You'd do well to remember that."

Sephira crossed her arms, a smug smile on her lips. "I'm not intimidated."

Illena chuckled softly, her confidence unshaken. "Ho ho, then go ahead."

Kaela, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "Still, he is strange. The aura around him... the air of always having his way... it feels like it's vanished. He seems like... a completely different person."

Illena's gaze softened, her fingers lightly brushing the rim of her goblet as she spoke. "People change, Kaela. This change in particular... I've been waiting for it."

Kaela turned to her, raising a curious brow. "Waiting for it?"

Illena nodded, a wistful smile gracing her lips. "He used to be gentle like this, back when we first met. There was a kindness in his eyes, a warmth that made him... different from the man he became." Her voice grew quieter, filled with a touch of sorrow and hope.

"But a lot of struggles and betrayals from those he trusted turned him into a man driven by anger... by the need to dominate and control everything around him."

She paused, her fingers tightening slightly around her goblet. "I always hoped that I could be the one to bring him back. That one day, I'd find the right moment or the right words to make him remember the man he once was."

Sephira leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. "But you didn't?" she asked.

"Unfortunately," Illena said softly.

Illena's smile turned wry as she let out a soft sigh. "And now it seems some monster beat me to it.

"Makes me jealous, honestly."

Kaela tilted her head, her lips quirking up in a faint smile. "Jealous of a monster? That's a first."

Illena chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "Not of the monster itself, but of the fact that it managed to reach him in a way I couldn't. But if this is the result... maybe it's worth swallowing a bit of envy."

Sephira smirked, leaning back in her chair. "So, the queen feels a little threatened. Interesting."

Illena shot her a pointed look, though it was softened by her smile. "True love, Sephira. That's what drives me, not threats or jealousy. But if you think you can compete with twenty years of history, you're welcome to try."

Kaela shook her head at their playful chat but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her face. "Well, whatever caused this change, it's clear we're seeing a new side of him. Let's hope it lasts."

---

Arkanos stood tall on the elevated platform in the heart of the capital's bustling central plaza, the golden rays of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the city.

The grand banners of the empire flapped gently in the breeze, and the murmurs of the gathered crowd filled the air like a restless tide. The square was packed; men, women, and children of all walks of life had come to witness the emperor's address.

To his right stood Seraphine, her stoic expression giving off the faintest look of pride, while Arvel stood to his left, his usual calm demeanor slightly tense as he looked at the crowd. All eyes were fixed on Arkanos.

The emperor took a deep breath, his piercing gaze sweeping across the masses. He stepped forward, his voice cutting through the noise with commanding clarity as he yelled:

"People of the empire!"

The plaza fell into silence, every ear straining to catch his words.

"I stand before you today not only as your emperor but as a man chosen by the Goddess of Justice and Purity!

"With a grand vision of greatness for this empire... a vision that begins today."

The crowd stirred slightly, their curiosity piqued.

"I will not mince words..."

"I know the pain you've endured. The hardships you've faced. I know... because I am the one who caused them."

He paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, but no one dared to interrupt.

"My approach... my anger, my mistrust, my unrelenting drive for control and greed... it has blinded me. It has brought suffering upon you, the very people I swore to protect. For this, I am deeply sorry." His voice wavered slightly, filled with deep sincerity... his words catching many off guard.

"But!" he yelled, raising his hand as if to lift their spirits.

"Today marks the beginning of a new era! I stand before you as a man who has seen the error of his ways and as your emperor, committed to earning your trust and rebuilding this empire... not with tyranny or fear, but with unity, strength, and justice."

The crowd was still, their attention fixed on him.

"Together, we will rise above the scars of the past. Together, we will rebuild this land so that no child goes hungry, no family feels abandoned, and no soldier feels that their sacrifice was in vain."

A spark lit in the crowd, a murmur of hope spreading like wildfire, though still held mistrust.

"But I cannot do this alone," Arkanos said, his tone softening as he extended his arms.

"I need you... your faith, your strength, and your will. Give me this chance, and I swear to you, with the goddess as my witness, that I will not squander it. Let us rise together and build a future we can all be proud of."

"Let us make this empire great again!"