Louigi stood at the highest point of his settlement, gazing at the vast expanse of land before him. Maharlika was no longer a mere collection of villages—it was growing into a structured dominion, but it was still fragile. To build a true empire, he needed to systematically strengthen its foundations.
He exhaled, his mind racing. The lessons he learned from history, combined with his modern knowledge, would be his greatest advantage.
The first step was securing a stable economy. He called a meeting with the most prominent traders, craftsmen, and landowners in the great hall.
"My vision is clear," Louigi declared. "For Maharlika to thrive, we must control trade, improve agriculture, and establish industries. But I cannot do this alone. I will appoint those who will lead these changes."
He turned to Amaya, the young diplomat. "Amaya, you will oversee trade. Form alliances with foreign merchants, ensure fair market practices, and encourage economic growth."
Amaya bowed slightly. "I will ensure our trade flourishes, my Lord. I already have contacts with merchants from China and Ryukyu."
Next, Louigi called upon Lakan Datu, an experienced landowner. "Lakan, I am placing agriculture in your hands. Improve our farming techniques, oversee the construction of irrigation canals, and ensure that no family goes hungry."
Lakan nodded, determination in his eyes. "I will make the land yield its full potential, my Lord. I suggest we introduce new planting methods and bring in more livestock."
Louigi nodded. "Good. Let us move forward."
With these assignments, Louigi set forth several economic reforms:
The introduction of Standardized Currency changed the face of commerce overnight. Silver coins bearing the Maharlikan crest replaced the barter system, allowing a more structured and efficient trade economy. At the town center, Louigi held up a coin and addressed the gathered crowd. "With this, trade will become easier, and value will be consistent." Merchants and commoners alike marveled at the coins, rubbing them between their fingers as if testing their authenticity. Some were skeptical at first, but as more transactions were conducted with the coins, confidence grew. Soon, traders began pricing their goods accordingly, and a bustling market economy emerged.
To ensure that Maharlika would never suffer from famine, Louigi spearheaded an Agricultural Revolution. Lakan Datu oversaw the implementation of the three-field system and crop rotation, increasing food production and soil fertility. Farmers who had struggled with unpredictable harvests now saw a steady improvement in their yields. Irrigation canals were dug to provide water even in the dry seasons. "With these innovations, we shall never see empty granaries again," Lakan declared, distributing seeds and tools to eager farmers. Over time, families who once barely had enough to eat found themselves with surplus food to trade, further fueling the economy.
To support this economic growth, Louigi introduced Market Regulation. Designated trade zones were established under Amaya's supervision. At first, traders resisted the idea of regulation, fearing it would limit their profits. But after Amaya personally met with them, listening to their concerns and ensuring fair taxation, they realized the benefits. "A structured market means stability," Amaya explained. "No more disputes over pricing, no more unfair dealings." Over time, merchants found that their earnings became more predictable, and trade flourished under this organized system.
The final pillar of Maharlika's economic expansion was Industrial Growth. With newly secured iron mines, blacksmiths were ordered to mass-produce farming tools and weapons. Bautista, the blacksmith master, led these efforts, developing stronger weapons and introducing new forging techniques. In his workshop, Louigi watched as a young apprentice tested a newly crafted sword, its blade slicing cleanly through a bundle of reeds. "Stronger, more efficient," Bautista mused. "With this, our warriors and farmers alike will have the best tools available." The people, once reliant on outdated methods, quickly adapted to these new industries, and Maharlika's economy surged forward.
Months passed, and Maharlika's economy strengthened. The once-barren lands flourished with crops, and merchants filled the trade zones, their goods flowing through the ports. The people adapted well, some embracing the changes immediately while others hesitated before witnessing the undeniable improvements in their daily lives. The skepticism that had initially greeted Louigi's reforms was gradually replaced by trust and admiration.
Louigi stood before his assembled council, a determined glint in his eyes. Over the past three years, Maharlika had transformed from a fragmented land into a growing power. The time for uncertainty was over
"We have stabilized our economy, secured our lands, and begun to build our military," Louigi addressed them. "But an empire is not built in a day. Our enemies watch us, waiting for weakness. That is why we must not stop here."
Year One: Laying the Foundations
In the first year, Louigi focused on stabilizing Maharlika's internal affairs. He established a clear hierarchy of leadership, ensuring that every region had competent administrators. Roads were repaired, and new trade routes were opened to encourage commerce. The people, though hesitant at first, began to see the benefits of structured governance.
Crime was rampant in many villages, but Lakambini's law enforcement system changed that. Patrols were established, and swift justice was carried out. The sight of armed guards patrolling the streets at night brought a newfound sense of security. "The people must feel safe in their homes," Lakambini had declared.
In agriculture, Lakan Datu implemented the three-field system and crop rotation, significantly increasing food production. He oversaw the distribution of better farming tools, ensuring that no farmer was left behind. "A well-fed nation is a strong nation," he often reminded his subordinates.
Year Two: Economic Growth and Military Reforms
With stability secured, Louigi turned to Maharlika's economy. The barter system was slowly replaced with a standardized currency—silver coins bearing the Maharlikan crest. At the town center, Louigi held up a coin and addressed the people. "With this, trade will become easier, and value will be consistent." Merchants and commoners alike marveled at the coins, and soon, commerce flourished.
Under Amaya's supervision, designated trade zones were established to ensure fair taxation. She personally met with traders, listening to their concerns and setting up a tax rate that encouraged investment rather than burdening merchants.
Meanwhile, Kapitan Suma expanded Maharlika's navy. "A strong empire must rule both land and sea," he said as he personally led training exercises for his sailors. By the end of the second year, Maharlika had 200 warships, protecting its coasts and securing trade routes.
In the military, Rajah Dumagat oversaw the training of 10,000 full-time soldiers, transforming them from village warriors into a disciplined force. Tactical formations were introduced, including the phalanx formation for ground battles and skirmisher tactics for ambush warfare. Bautista, the master blacksmith, refined the process of weapon-making, ensuring that Maharlikan swords were stronger and more durable than ever before.
Year Three: Expansion and Education
By the third year, Maharlika was no longer just a regional power—it was an emerging empire. Louigi, recognizing the need for educated leaders, established Maharlika's First School, inviting scholars and scribes to teach children. "This is where the next generation of leaders will rise," he told the gathered parents. "Education will strengthen our nation."
Subjects included basic literacy, mathematics, philosophy, and strategy, ensuring that even commoners had a chance at learning. More scholars came forward to teach, and even he himself would occasionally visit to lecture on history and governance.
With a strong economy, an efficient government, a disciplined army, and a foundation of knowledge, Maharlika stood ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
The first and most critical step was establishing a professional army. Louigi understood that relying on part-time warriors and village militias was unsustainable. He summoned Rajah Dumagat, his most trusted general, and Kapitan Suma, his naval commander, to discuss the military's future.
"From now on, soldiers will be paid directly from state funds," Louigi declared. "We will create an army that does not return to their farms after battle, but one that stands ready at all times."
Dumagat nodded approvingly. "A professional force will make us stronger than any of our neighbors. Our warriors will fight for more than just their land—they will fight for Maharlika."
Louigi turned to Bautista, the blacksmith master. "How are the weapons coming along?"
Bautista grinned. "We've improved our forging techniques. Our swords are stronger, our bows can fire farther, and our armor can withstand more blows. Give me more time, and I'll make even better ones."
With Bautista's advancements, Maharlika's forces were now equipped with reinforced swords, composite bows, and hardened armor. Each soldier carried weapons superior to those of their enemies.
To strengthen battle strategy, the phalanx formation was introduced for ground battles, ensuring cohesion in combat. Lightly armed skirmishers were trained in ambush warfare, using hit-and-run tactics to harass enemies before the main battle began.
On the seas, Kapitan Suma oversaw naval expansion, turning his former pirate fleet into a disciplined navy. Over 200 warships now patrolled Maharlika's coasts, deterring any would-be invaders.
Meanwhile, cavalry units were formed as he ordered the breeding and training of warhorses, allowing Maharlika to develop its first mounted division. These warriors would become the shock troops of the battlefield.
With these reforms, Maharlika's military grew to an army of 10,000 trained soldiers, equipped with better weapons, stronger discipline, and superior tactics.
As Maharlika expanded, neighboring powers took notice. Some viewed Louigi's growing empire with admiration; others saw it as a threat.
In the Sultanate of Brunei, whispers of Maharlika's rise reached the ears of the Sultan. "A new power is growing in the east," he muttered, stroking his beard. "This Louigi is no ordinary warlord. We must decide—do we treat him as a friend or an enemy?"
In the Ming Dynasty, merchants who returned from Maharlika spoke of its organized markets and advanced military. "They have learned much in a short time," a Chinese governor observed. "Perhaps we should establish stronger ties before they grow too powerful."
However, not all were pleased. A powerful Rajah in the Visayas, fearing Maharlika's expansion, called a council of his warriors. "This boy-king grows too bold," he spat. "If we do not stop him now, he will take everything."
Louigi expected such responses. He smirked as he studied the reports from his spies. "Let them watch. Let them scheme.