The Third Prince Of Darkness

Now, I had to make a decision. What should I do? First of all, I knew Liam was the stronger side, so perhaps it made sense to attack the other one first. But if I attacked one of them, the other would strike me from behind. For now, waiting seemed to be the most logical option. Observing the moves of these two brothers and making a decision accordingly appeared to be a reasonable approach. If either of them made a mistake, it would present a perfect opportunity for me, but as I said, I needed to watch and wait for that.

For now, the best course of action would be to build the strongest army possible. Since many skilled soldiers were lost after the war, it would take a long time for both sides to prepare a proper army. Of course, if either of them decided to attack without a proper army, it would also create a great opportunity for me.

During this period, perhaps renewing the army and making reforms would be a good move. Their armor or swords could be upgraded. I could make training in the capital's facilities more professional. All of these were reasonable plans. Thus, I began writing these plans on paper, forming the framework of a new reform.

I could start by reorganizing the army's training facilities. Inspired by modern military training methods, I could ensure my soldiers developed not only physically but also tactically. I drafted more systematic training programs and noted in my plans the addition of basic strategy courses to the army's curriculum, as well as promoting group exercises.

It was clear that armor and weapons needed renewal. I might not find modern metals or technology here, but this world had magic. By combining these two elements, it would be possible to produce more durable and functional equipment. I planned to meet with the blacksmiths in the castles and give them direct instructions about this matter.

Additionally, the satisfaction of the people was the most important foundation for a king. Applying the governance principles I learned in the modern world here could increase my people's loyalty. A fairer tax system, education reforms, and regulations to facilitate trade were high on my list. If I gained the support of the people, my enemies, if they were smart, would think twice before attacking me.

I put down the pen I held and looked at the plans I had written. Until my enemies made a mistake, as I anticipated, I needed to start implementing these plans. Of course, these were only short-term reforms. Once this civil war ended, I would have to implement dozens of reforms. While I didn't want to change the kingdom entirely, I was determined to make significant changes where necessary.

A kingdom cannot survive by merely winning wars; earning the trust of the people, strengthening the economic system, and solidifying the main army were essential. For this reason, I also needed to start preparing long-term strategies.

First, I had to focus on post-war reconstruction plans. To alleviate the devastating effects of the civil war, I needed to prioritize the needs of the people. I identified several key points for this:

1. Reconstruction: Villages and cities likely devastated by uprisings and civil war needed rebuilding. By collaborating with architects and magic users, we could construct more resilient structures.

2. Economy: Reopening currently blocked trade routes and supporting merchants and artisans was among my top priorities. Additionally, I had to prepare aid packages for farmers to revive agricultural areas damaged during the war.

3. Justice and Law: Due to the civil war, some regions did not recognize royal authority, and local leaders had imposed their own rules. Establishing a new legal system and spreading justice throughout the kingdom was necessary.

4. Military: During the civil war, the kingdom's military strength would have been significantly weakened. In the post-war period, I needed to rebuild the army and create a stronger defense mechanism.

These were the foundations of my five-step development project for the post-war period. For now, it seemed sufficient, but undoubtedly, there was much more to add. However, it would do for now. After setting the papers with my development plans aside, I stood up. I wanted to step outside and take a breath of fresh air.

As I walked toward the door, warning bells rang in my mind. It was as if a serious threat was right next to me. Turning my head to the corner, I saw a pair of glowing eyes in the darkness. These eyes were extremely familiar, but to be honest, I hadn't expected to see them here.

"Princess Valthera, what brings you here?" I asked as I let go of the doorknob.

Valthera approached me with a dangerous speed, grabbed me by the collar, and slammed me against the wall. My back hit the hard wall, and my eyes widened in shock. Valthera was looking at me angrily, but I could see traces of another emotion in her eyes—a deeper feeling.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Twice! You put your life in danger twice in such a short time! Are you deliberately trying to get yourself killed?" When I saw the wings emerging from Valthera's back, I realized how truly furious she was.

Dragons usually revealed their wings only when they intended to fight. "Princess, I assure you, I had no such intention. Everything developed beyond my control. Also, let me remind you of our agreement," I said, trying to calm her down in vain.

"An agreement? Do you think I care about an agreement? I accepted that stupid agreement just for a happy marriage! But if you're determined to keep trying to kill yourself, I couldn't care less about the agreement... Maybe this way is better. I'm already tired of waiting... Nothing can stop me now from making you mine."

Valthera's harsh voice echoed through the room, sending a shiver down my spine. Despite her words being threatening, it was impossible to ignore the intense emotion in her eyes. Her anger seemed like an outward expression of the feelings she had kept hidden deep inside. But I had to remain calm.

"Valthera... Don't rush. I'm sure you still want an happy marriage, unlike your parents' unhappy one. I promise you, I won't put my life in danger again as much as I can. But you must understand, life doesn't always go the way we want. To win the war, I had to risk my life, and then I put myself in even greater danger to save my mother, but I didn't die in either case. Please, go back to your home and live the beautiful adventures that we can talk about when we're married. I promise, when the day comes that we finally unite, everything will be perfect."

Valthera silently stared at my face for a few seconds. The anger in her eyes seemed to soften a little, but a deep determination replaced it. My words had affected her; I could clearly see it. But someone like Valthera wouldn't give up easily.

Her wings fluttered slightly, and she slowly relaxed the hand that had been pressing me against the wall. "Go on adventures?" she murmured to herself. A light in her eyes indicated that her thoughts had shifted elsewhere. "Are you suggesting I do something just to wait for you? So I have stories to tell you?"

I tilted my head slightly and replied in a calm tone. "Yes, Valthera. I'm sure the things you'll see around the world will make the time we spend together even more meaningful. As well... as a dragon princess, shouldn't you create your own stories? Our future children would surely be proud to know they have a strong, independent mother. Just think of the stories you'd tell them!"

Dealing with Valthera was really dangerous. I was talking about calming someone who could blow up the capital at any moment. But fortunately, she wasn't that smart, and her emotions were intense. So manipulating her wasn't that difficult.

Valthera paused for a moment. Her eyes studied me carefully, but eventually, she shrugged her shoulders and nodded. "Alright..." she said with a cheerful tone. "I'll forgive you for now. But remember, if you don't keep your word, I'll find you. And then... no one will be able to stop me!"

A moment of silence followed. Valthera's gaze was on me, but this time, there was warmth in her eyes instead of anger. Then, in the next moment, she disappeared and left me in an unsettling silence.

I muttered to myself, "There you go, Valthera. Go your way and leave me in peace for a while." But at that moment, I felt that something wasn't completely over. Valthera was strong, dangerous, and definitely obsessed with me. I still had no idea how I was going to handle this relationship.

I headed towards the door to get some air. But as soon as I stepped outside, I saw another familiar face waiting for me in the corridor. Luciana. h