Soren gave his orders. He didn't ask for opinions; he dictated reality. The dukes and the duchess were to return to their respective provinces immediately.
He outlined a new structure: informant networks that bypassed local governors, temporary administrators to oversee the rebuilding of the scorched earth, and a massive restoration plan for the disrupted trade routes.
He was handing them back a functioning machine, but one that now required their constant, vigilant stewardship.
"The empire owes you a debt— Your Majesty," Konstantin muttered, his voice gruff. It was a rare admission of respect from a man who usually preferred to grumble in the corners. "What you did in thirty days… most men couldn't do in thirty years."
"The empire owes itself better governance than to need saving in the first place," Soren replied flatly. "Let us not repeat the failures that allowed the rot to spread. Now, go. I expect reports by week's end."
