A Nation in Financial Chaos
Solis sat at the head of the parliament chamber, his golden eyes scanning the gathered nobles, merchants, and officials before him. Unlike previous sessions, this one was focused not on politics or military affairs—but on the economy.
The Clover Kingdom was a land of wealth and magic, yet corruption ran deep in its foundations. Prices of essential goods varied wildly across different regions—food, potions, magical tools, and daily necessities were being manipulated by greedy merchants and noble families for profit.
The commoners in the Forsaken Realm suffered the most, often paying triple the actual value for food and supplies, while the nobles hoarded wealth through monopolies and unfair trade practices.
This had to end.
Solis, the acting king, would ensure it.
The Royal Decree
Solis took a deep breath before speaking, his voice calm yet commanding.
"Today, I propose a new economic bill—The Centralized Pricing Act."
The room fell silent.
"From this day forth, all essential goods and services within the Clover Kingdom will have standardized prices. No merchant or noble may artificially inflate costs beyond what is deemed fair by the state. This will ensure that no region is unfairly exploited—especially the Forsaken Realm."
The nobles immediately erupted in protest.
"This is outrageous!" one noble shouted.
"You cannot control the free market!" another yelled.
"This will destroy our trade profits!"
Solis remained seated, his expression unshaken.
"So you admit it," he said coldly. "That you've been deliberately overpricing necessities for your own benefit?"
The nobles fell silent.
The commoner officials and military representatives, however, exchanged hopeful glances. This was a direct attack on noble exploitation—something they had long wished to see.
Julius Novachrono's Observation
From his seat near the back, Wizard King Julius Novachrono watched the debate unfold with great interest.
"Solis is pushing through major economic reforms at just fourteen… If he succeeds, this will mark a true shift in the kingdom's balance of power."
But Julius also knew that many nobles would not accept this change without a fight.
The Merchant Association – New Power in Trade
Before the nobles could fully recover from the shock of the pricing act, Solis delivered another blow.
"Furthermore," he continued, "to ensure the stability of this system, I am establishing the Clover Kingdom Merchant Association."
Murmurs spread across the chamber.
"This association will be responsible for overseeing trade regulations, ensuring fair pricing, and cracking down on corrupt merchants who seek to exploit the people. Membership will be open to both noble and commoner merchants, provided they agree to uphold these laws."
One merchant lord scoffed.
"And who will run this association? One of your puppets?"
Solis smirked.
"The association will be composed of seven appointed members, chosen based on merit, experience, and a commitment to fair trade. To avoid noble bias, at least three members must be from commoner merchant families."
The room exploded in outrage.
"Giving commoners control over trade?!"
"This is absurd!"
"Merchants are meant to serve the nobles, not be equals to them!"
Solis stood up, his golden aura flaring, filling the room with heat. The nobles immediately felt a wave of pressure wash over them.
"Trade belongs to the kingdom, not to a handful of nobles who abuse it for their own greed," he declared. "If any of you believe otherwise, you are free to leave the kingdom and conduct business elsewhere."
Silence.
Arguments and Resistance
One of the wealthiest nobles, Lord Lortell Vantia, stood and sneered.
"Your Highness, do you truly believe you can regulate every single merchant and trade deal in the kingdom? The economy is too complex for a child to control!"
Solis met his gaze without flinching.
"Then it is fortunate that I am not a child—but a king."
The room tensed.
"If we allow merchants and nobles to dictate prices as they please, the commoners will continue to suffer. My bill will put an end to monopolies and ensure fair trade practices."
Another noble scoffed.
"This will discourage business! Who would want to trade in a kingdom where the king dictates prices?"
Solis' gaze sharpened.
"Traders who value stability and fairness over greed. Any merchant who refuses to comply will no longer be allowed to operate in the Clover Kingdom."
The Vote – A Divided Parliament
The proposal was met with fierce debate.
The commoner representatives and some progressive nobles supported Solis, believing it would protect the people.
But the wealthy noble families resisted, fearing the loss of their financial dominance.
Despite their opposition, Solis held the majority.
"Let the records show that the Centralized Pricing Act and the Merchant Association Bill have passed by royal decree. This is now law."
Bang.
Solis struck his royal seal onto the bill, making it official.
Nobles' Reaction – Anger & Fear
After the meeting, nobles whispered in fury.
"The boy is going too far!"
"First, he kills nobles, and now he dares regulate trade?!"
"He is a tyrant!"
But some nobles, especially those from houses like the Vermillion and Silva families, saw potential in his leadership.
"Perhaps… he is exactly what this kingdom needs."
Julius' Final Thoughts
As the session ended, Julius approached Solis with a knowing smile.
"That was quite bold of you."
Solis shrugged.
"Someone had to do it."
Julius chuckled.
"True. But be prepared, Solis. The nobles you just defied will not sit idly by. The real battle has just begun."
Solis smirked.
"Let them come. I'm ready."
End of Chapter 19