After I gave Zalario a slight nod.
Mimir's voice echoed in my mind, old and amused as ever.
"Lad, choosing council members ain't like picking apples off a tree. Some look ripe but rot on the inside. But aye, ye're not wrong. Karlos could sniff out a snake in a ballroom."
I sighed and leaned back in the high-backed chair, fingers steepled beneath my chin.
"Mimir, you got a suggestion then? A method?"
"Interview 'em one by one. Let Karlos watch from the shadows, feel their souls. Daemons have a gift for sniffin' out deceit. Meanwhile, ye look 'em in the eyes, ask 'em what they want for this kingdom—and what they want for themselves. What a man desires says more than what he speaks."
Not a bad plan. I turned to Karlos.
"Karlos. I want you to observe every candidate that comes forward—dig into them, soul deep. Tell me who's loyal, who's hiding something, and who's just playing the long game."
Karlos placed a hand over his chest, bowing with a smirk. "I'll peel them down to the bone, my lord. You'll see their truths laid bare."
"Good," I nodded. "Darius, send out a notice. Anyone from either kingdom—noble, commoner, knight, or merchant—can apply for a seat in the new council. We'll test their hearts, not their titles."
Darius blinked. "A merit-based council?"
I smirked. "Exactly. Let's see what Solara is really made of."
Zalario, arms folded, simply muttered, "Now this will be interesting."
Time to sift gold from dust.
__________
Soon after the notice were given a huge number of people from both previous Bermud and Glora came.
I sat in the interview room with karlos standing besides me and Zalario aswell. The first person came in. He looked greedy as fuck but he seemed loyal thought and seemed like quite a talented merchant.
the man who walked in had a round belly, jeweled fingers, and a smile that screamed "I love gold more than my mother." Still, Karlos didn't flinch, and that was telling.
"Name?" I asked calmly, fingers tapping on the armrest.
"Ah! G-Greetings, my lord! My name is Belmor Ravine, a humble merchant who ran trade routes through the eastern deserts and beyond. I've served the economy of Berm—uh, Solara, yes, Solara—for over twenty years!"
I narrowed my eyes, studying him.
"You look like someone who values coin above all. What makes you worthy of sitting at my council?"
Belmor chuckled nervously but answered confidently.
"Yes, coin is my blood, my lord. But a kingdom needs gold to move, just as it needs food and soldiers. I can bring wealth. I can reestablish collapsed trade routes, forge new ones, and stabilize markets. And more importantly—" he dropped his voice, "I don't betray those who fill my purse."
Karlos leaned closer to me, whispering with a small smirk,
"Greedy, yes. But fiercely loyal if kept close and given his due. He'll serve well… unless someone fattens his purse better."
Zalario remained silent, but I could feel his quiet scrutiny.
Hmm.
"Alright, Belmor," I said, eyes sharp, "I'm willing to test your claims. You'll be given control over restoring one trade route. Prove your worth, and you'll earn your seat."
Belmor beamed. "T-Thank you, my lord! You won't regret this!"
As he left, I sighed and leaned back.
"Karlos," I muttered, "this is going to be a long day."
He smiled, eyes glowing faintly crimson. "And a very entertaining one, my lord."
As Belmor waddled out of the room, practically skipping with joy, I grabbed a quill and scribbled his name on the parchment in front of me:
Belmor Ravine – Potential Minister of Trade and Roads / Treasurer
Karlos leaned over my shoulder slightly. "Not a bad pick for the economy, my Lord. Just keep his hands busy and his pockets filled, and he won't stray."
"Next," I called.
The door creaked open again, and in stepped a tall, lean woman dressed in military-grade armor—polished, practical, and clearly used. Her expression was sharp, eyes observant, scanning every corner of the room before bowing with precision.
"I am Commander Seris Halden, former captain of Glora's northern garrison. I surrendered my post upon hearing your decree and offer my sword and strategy to the new Solara."
Now that was bold. A former Gloran officer walking into my hall with that much confidence?
"Interesting," I said, steepling my fingers. "Why should I trust a commander from the enemy's army?"
She didn't even blink. "Because I was betrayed. My king sacrificed thousands of good men for pride. You brought swift judgment. I respect power and order more than birthright. I'm loyal to strength—and to those who protect their people, not their throne."
Karlos raised an eyebrow. "She's not lying, my lord. She's ambitious, but she hates weakness. She'll fight for you… so long as you stay strong."
Zalario finally spoke for the first time, his voice calm and unreadable,
"A sword like hers can cut both ways."
I nodded slowly. "Commander Halden, if I place you as the head of Solara's border security, will you defend it as if your own blood lived here?"
She knelt down, one fist to her chest. "Until my last breath."
I scribbled again on the parchment:
Seris Halden – Potential Head of Border Defense / Military Integration Officer
"Alright," I said with a slight smile. "You'll get your test soon enough."
She stood and walked out with the grace of someone already plotting defensive lines in her head.
"Damn," I muttered. "We might actually build an empire at this rate."
Karlos smirked. "With you as king, my Lord? I'd be shocked if we didn't."
As the door opened again, a soft rustle of robes followed. In walked a woman in a white and gold habit, a silver sun-shaped pendant gleaming at her chest. A nun. Her presence was calm—too calm. She moved with grace, her hands clasped in front of her, and her eyes radiated a strange warmth… mixed with something unreadable.
She bowed her head respectfully. "Blessings upon you, Your Majesty. I am Sister Arlen. I served as High Priestess of Bermud's central cathedral before the war."
I tilted my head. "And now you've come seeking a position in Solara's new council?"
"I come to serve the people, as I always have. Faith, hope, and guidance are sorely needed in times of rebuilding. And… if I may speak freely—"
I gestured for her to continue.
"You're not just a king to them now. To some, you're already becoming a symbol—something divine. Whether you intended it or not, people will pray to you."
Zalario let out a faint exhale through his nose. Karlos just blinked slowly.
"So," I said, tapping my finger on the desk, "you want to manage religion in Solara?"
she nodded." Yes my Lord. From What I have observed in Bermud and Glo- pardon me Solara, people have started viewing you as a god. They call you the sun god."
"Sun god huh?" I raised an eyebrow at that.
"I want to stabilize it. Control blind devotion before it becomes dangerous. Guide the faithful to harmony. I will not let fanatics twist your name into something wicked, my lord."
Karlos narrowed his eyes. "She's honest. Oddly enough… she has no greed, no ambition for power. But she has zeal. She'd burn down her own temple if it meant saving innocent lives."
I looked at her again, meeting her steady gaze. There was no lie there. No trick.
I wrote quickly:
Sister Arlen – Potential Head of Faith / Religious Harmony Advisor
"Very well, Sister Arlen. You'll hear from me soon."
She bowed again, turned, and glided out like a shadow carried by wind.
As the door closed, I leaned back in my chair. "Karlos… is it just me, or is this council starting to look like something out of a prophecy?"
Karlos grinned. "Well, you're already walking the line between king and god, my lord. Might as well assemble a pantheon."
I chuckled and waved toward the door.
______
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