Two months had passed since the decision to send the exploration fleets had been made, and during this time, preparations had continued in full force. After selecting the scientists and other relevant officials who would participate in the expedition, the committee set up by the king and being left by Prince Arthur and Prince Erics then gathered to compile a detailed and comprehensive list of all the necessary equipment and tools the scientists and co would require for their research. Once completed, this extensive list was submitted to the king's council, which ensured the procurement of every item down to the finest details. Additionally, the Navielian navy oversaw the acquisition of massive quantities of preserved food, fresh water, navigational instruments, and other essential provisions required for the long and arduous journey. These supplies were carefully inspected before being meticulously loaded onto the ships to ensure that no critical resources would be missing when the

Having arrived from a long journey, Johnny Landon decided to use the interim period to rest and explore the city. Over the waiting period of one week, accompanied by an interpreter assigned by the Foreign Ministry, he toured the markets and observed the social and economic conditions of Valmea.Despite much of the country being composed of arid desert, the fertile lands along the Nexus river were densely populated and used primarily for agriculture. Most of the farmland was dedicated to producing wheat and other food staples to sustain the local population, while a smaller portion was allocated for cotton cultivation. Zayn Keideita had imposed quotas on the amount of cotton sold to foreign traders to prioritize domestic demand.The city was also a bustling hub of commerce, benefiting from its location along major overland trade routes from other cities around it's jurisdiction and its well-developed port on the eastern coast of the confederate states.However, as Johnny had keenly

Prince Arthur's eyes rolled heavenward as Prince Fredrick blocked his path, yet again. He had just left a grueling council meeting, and his patience was threadbare. "Please move aside." Arthur said, his voice a little bit weak. But Prince Fredrick still stood in his way, like he didn't hear what Arthur just said. "Fredrick, move aside!" Arthur said once more, his voice low and even. But Fredrick wouldn't budge. He launched into his usual tirade. "Ha! If it isn't the favorite son of the kingdom." Fredrick said in a mocking manner. Arthur sighed. "I have no time for all this Fredrick, so can you please get the hell out of my way?" "Tell me how do you do it. I mean how did you manage to hook up not just father, but the whole council...." But by this time, Arthur's patience had worned out. "Work for it, Fredrick," Arthur cut in, his tone bored. "Stop wasting your time on brandy and women. Put it into something useful." Fredrick's face reddened. "How dare y

The grand banquet hall was a masterpiece of opulence, its towering vaulted ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers that bathed the room in a warm, golden glow. Majestic banners bearing the royal crest hung from marble pillars, swaying gently in the evening breeze drifting through the open balcony doors. Long banquet tables stretched across the hall, adorned with silk table runners and flickering gemstone, displaying an extravagant feast—succulent roasted meats, honey-glazed fruits, delicate pastries dusted with fine sugar, and goblets brimming with the kingdom’s finest wines. The mingling scents of spice, citrus, and warm bread filled the air, adding to the intoxicating atmosphere of celebration. Noblemen and women, clad in their most luxurious finery, engaged in lively conversation, their laughter and whispers merging with the soft melodies of a string ensemble playing from an ornate dais in the corner. The hall pulsed with anticipation, for tonight was no ordinary gathering.I

Arthur turned to face them both fully, his gaze sharp and clear."No, it doesn't," he said flatly. "Torture creates fear, not truth. A man in pain will say anything. Anything, just to make the suffering stop. Lies, guesses, whatever he thinks you want to hear. And once we act on false information, it only leads to wasted time, broken trust, or worse… irreversible mistakes."There was a beat of silence as Nicholas and Dylan processed his words.They marvelled at the wisdom displayed by Prince Arthur, even though they didn't understand his methods quite alright.Arthur returned his gaze to the both of them."Information gained through fear is unreliable. And if we make a habit of it, we become no better than the nations we claim to be better than."Arthur's voice dropped slightly, colder now."I want the truth. Not blood-soaked confessions. Understood?"The two men exchanged a glance before bowing their heads in unison."Yes, Your Highness."After a moment, Nicholas spoke hesitantly.