The Meeting
I quickly shower and get ready. The important thing now is to stick to the path we've laid out.
"The plan to get us out of this mess." I scratch my head a bit as I leave the mansion.
So many people died, our victory saved us but also brought us harm.
This will be a morning meeting with the ministers, where decisions affecting all of Irlam will be made. We must keep moving forward, no matter what happened; stopping now would mean abandoning all the progress we've made.
Everyone should already be there: Emilia always leaves for the city before I do, and Otto should be organizing everything as well. In these months, we've all changed, and although we're not perfect, we're on the right track.
If we want to save the people of this world, we need to change everything, gain absolute control. The difference is that I have to do it and prevent the same thing from happening as it did in my world.
I have to stop corruption from destroying everything once I'm no longer in charge of Irlam.
"Thank you for your purchase." I hold a delicious piece of bread in my hands, taking a big bite and savoring its softness and slight buttery taste.
Honestly, the flavors in this world are slightly different from those on Earth. Aside from being completely organic, they have the unique quality of containing tiny amounts of mana.
It enhances the flavor, and now that I'm more sensitive, I can notice it better.
I look at the concrete streets, reinforced with hexagonal cobblestones, the streetlights, the benches for people to sit and enjoy. Little by little, Irlam is taking shape as a city.
Its structure must be precise to attract and highlight its magnificence.
The ministry, which was the biggest financial investment I've ever made, is proof of that. It was funded by Irlam and Roswaal, but it's currently the largest and safest building around.
The clothing style has also changed; it seems that wearing suits and ties is now in fashion. I showed Rem some designs a while back, and it looks like they're starting to pay off.
The suits usually look like servant uniforms, but with Rem's modifications, they've become quite popular. With Irlam's cooling climate, it's completely normal to wear them, and they certainly provide plenty of warmth.
For the past few days, people have been wearing black; we're all in mourning for what happened, for all the soldiers who died protecting Irlam. Black is worn as a sign of mourning in Lugunica due to an old story.
It tells of two entities that existed four hundred years ago: yurei and sorei, both residual forms of a person's soul after death, before reincarnation.
It's said that if you don't pay homage and give them the love they deserve, the deceased can become a yurei. On the other hand, if you show them respect and give them love and attention, they become a sorei.
Clearly, after hearing the names, I knew it was a Japanese story, as I had heard it myself when I lived there. Honestly, I didn't believe in spirits, but now that story weighs on me.
That's why we're also in mourning in Irlam, as a sign of respect and as a way to show our sorrow for the tragedy.
What I didn't expect was the type of clothing.
It's curious how fashion changes so quickly; despite mostly wearing black, they do so with the clothes Rem designed. Well, honestly, considering the quality, the price is way too low.
Since they're mass-produced using the loom and magical tools, they're honestly not expensive to make.
But soon the prices will go up, as reputation is what gives value.
I walk, looking at the houses, the beginning of the neighborhoods with houses similar to those in my world, simple designs but quite efficient in terms of space. Since theft is especially rare here, there's no need for bars, making them look much better.
Even before all this, I had already organized a different group: the police, who will be responsible for maintaining public order.
Well, they're not called police yet, but they function as such.
There are things from my world that need to be corrected, but they'll only be corrected if I do it right from the start. The best way, although it may seem unfair to some, is with meritocracy.
Those who measure up will take the positions, those who perform will take the top spots.
But to create a healthy meritocracy, I need to make sure the system isn't corrupt, nor does it have the potential to be.
Everyone will have to contribute from where they're good, and what will make the difference is what they're able to build with what they have. It will make the competition fierce, but honestly, it's the only thing that can make this city grow.
I'm not a politician, but I've lived through the injustices that happen.
I watch people walk by with a smile, some carrying their children, others simply going to work.
Everything must go on, and everyone knows it.
I can't do everything myself; that way, I won't create a society that can sustain itself. What I'm trying to do is introduce technology, as well as help them with the basics in school.
The people of Irlam must adapt that knowledge and use it to advance society.
This time, I must go unnoticed, so I'm wearing a black hood to conceal my identity. A leather hood along with my black suit and a red tie.
Honestly, I feel good dressing like this; the dark blue of the military uniform was already getting on my nerves.
The quality of the fabric has really improved, maybe I still can't compare it to my world, but I can see that Rem has significantly improved it.
The loom has certainly helped with that.
I arrive at the square, visualizing in my mind the first time I was here; when all there was, was a water well and a small wooden platform. Then it was filled with cobblestones and concrete, with several trees planted to create a pleasant appearance, as well as to prevent air quality from deteriorating.
"There are several problems, but I have to address them in detail when I return from the capital," I murmur as I continue walking slowly.
Soon we will have to restructure everything again, we need to create a waste drainage system, as well as treatment plants to use that waste as fertilizer. I've been working on the project for a long time, but the capital for it, as well as the technical knowledge, aren't things I possess.
The problem lies in the process, as after being incinerated, I'd like to transport the waste to a plant to convert it into fertilizer, to make the most of everything that's useful.
I'm not good at civil engineering, much less architecture and the like.
Honestly, the houses were built because I already had the plans from when I wanted to construct a house. I just modified them a bit. The buildings, however, were all Karl's work. He's really a genius when it comes to that.
'He's even built castles, so it's to be expected.'
If I want to solve that problem, we need to do it before the city keeps expanding. The issue is that we lack the ideal material, PVC. But with some magical reinforcement, steel pipes can be created to serve the same purpose, I suppose.
I managed to raise awareness about using those waste materials as fertilizer, but even so, it's not enough. I need to automate that process, or it will become a future problem as we continue to grow.
'I need to act before it ends up like in the capital, where there are several septic tanks that have to be emptied constantly.'
I haven't really paid much attention to Karl's methods; one of these days, I should invite him over to talk and find out how he managed to build this structure.
In this case, the ministry has a distinctive style, designed by Karl.
I stand before a magnificent building that exudes grandeur and elegance, its vast white stone facade gleaming under the clear blue sky. The architecture is a blend of classic and regal styles, with towering columns lining the entire length of the structure, giving it an imposing presence. In front of the building, a beautifully manicured park spreads out, with neatly paved pathways guiding the few people who stroll through.
Benches complement the landscape, inviting visitors to sit and admire the breathtaking view.
It's massive, reminding me of the courthouse in my country. Its construction took a great deal of time, but thanks to magic, it was less than expected. Honestly, without magic, it would have been impossible to achieve this in such a short time.
I walk across the plaza until I reach the entrance. I pull down my hood, and the security guards immediately smile.
"Good morning, Mr. Mayor." Both guards bow, welcoming me.
"Good morning to you both. Have a great day." I smile, entering the ministry with renewed enthusiasm.
I have many responsibilities. I know that for now, achieving a peaceful life is impossible, but even so, my heart is at peace.
With my heart at peace, I can think clearly.
A vast hall, filled with people coming and going. Everyone is busy, and the sound of typewriters echoes from every office. I observe the mana of everyone, noting that they're in good condition.
In the end, this is the new battlefield.
It's our duty to finish protecting the population for which so many people sacrificed themselves. I clench my fists, climbing the marble steps until I reach the main chamber.
A large wooden door, with two armed guards standing on either side.
They bow as they see me, greeting and opening the door.
The light from the room blinds me for a second, and then I see the large rectangular table. All the ministers are already seated and prepared. Emilia is seated at the far end, with Otto on her left.
It's symbolic since Otto's role is actually that of a secretary, but his influence over decisions is quite significant. Otto could very well be the mayor if I decided to become a ruler.
'But that's not going to happen, because I have another role for him.'
"Good morning, everyone." I walk slowly, positioning myself to Emilia's right. Standing, I make it clear that she's the one truly in charge, while I am her servant.
I may be the mayor, but she is the future queen.
Not a queen in name only, but the future queen who will rule over all of Lugunica.
'That's what I believe and desire with all my heart; I won't tolerate mediocrity.'
Otto smiles, and with his words, begins:
"We'll start the eighth ministry meeting. I ask the participants to remember their oath." Otto raises one arm, placing one hand on his chest and the other in the air, showing his palm.
We all follow his movements, and the oath begins.
"We swear in the name of the dragon and ourselves that we will speak only the absolute truth. Our words will safeguard the interests of Irlam and its people, without being swayed by personal interests. If we fail our oath, our soul will be destroyed, and our family expelled from Irlam forever."
It's a strong measure, but in the ministry, decisions are made that affect the lives of all people: war, hunger, education, everything can be fixed or ruined with words.
Although now I know that the soul contract can be broken without dying, so I don't see it as the perfect measure, but with Crusch here to detect lies, it's unlikely anything will slip by.
'It's more of a measure for the next generation.'
To maintain the right balance, it's necessary for those in these positions to be restrained. Freedom is good, but absolute freedom doesn't work for those in power.
We are human beings, after all; it's not something that can be avoided simply through trust.
Our chests glow with an intense blue light, and with that, the meeting begins.
Alexander, the Minister of Industry, speaks first. A man in his thirties, he has managed all the factories efficiently. After appointing him as minister, I began to further instruct him; rules, regulations that we were creating.
Gradually, the principles of industry are transforming to protect the health of workers and the integrity of the machines.
Now that Beatrice is gone, the lab is sealed, but luckily, most of the books are in my office, leaving only my blueprints in the lab. It's a hard blow, but there's nothing that can't be overcome.
Especially with the new power I've gained.
If I can reconnect the library to my office, I could access it sporadically, but I have no control over Yin magic, and most importantly, teleportation magic is an ancient magic, barely recognized.
At least for the people of today.
Alexander stands up, looking at everyone with a serious expression, taking some papers and handing them out to those present. It's crucial for all the ministers to understand the situation of each ministry so that they won't interfere with each other.
"The steel improvement has been a success. All contracts have been considered for a period of over five years. As planned, fifteen new factories will be built, including the screw factory, implementing the third version of the steam engine, while the factories that still have the second version will be updated by the end of the year," Alexander begins, his tone firm and determined.
I look at the sheet he prepared, summarizing the situation in statistical graphs. Steel production has increased by 60%, estimating that we will need more steel to meet growing demand in a year. There's also a proposal: to implement reinforced steel for versions one and two, thus improving their efficiency at a higher cost, but still lower than the third version.
"If we improve the machines, we can sell them at a higher price, positioning them as new products, thereby creating options for customers and promoting steel at the same time," Alexander adds, and everyone nods in agreement. "We can offer multiple versions, so each user can choose the one that suits them best."
It's clear that we should start implementing steel; iron could then be used for another purpose. Otto, with a shrewd look, smiles approvingly at the motion. His role as secretary will soon evolve into something more significant.
Otto will be the one to manage all my economic proposals.
'Although he was already doing it, I was helping a lot with it.'
Soon I'll be able to exploit him at work without feeling bad about it.
'My good friend, you have no idea what's coming.'
The problem is that it's difficult for both Otto and me to do this alone. Managing the money is crucial to organizing all the expenses, but since it's tied to us, we have an overload of tasks.
On that note comes the most important proposal.
"Thank you, Alexander. Now, allow me to explain how the Irlam bank and the bond system we propose will work," Otto begins, projecting his voice with clarity and confidence. "First, I want to explain what a bank is and how it works since this institution will be key to our economic development."
Otto pauses to ensure he has everyone's attention. He shows a diagram on the wall, detailing the structure and basic functions of a bank.
"A bank is a financial institution that offers several essential services to the population. Its main function is to function as an intermediary between those who have money and those who need money, correct?" Otto looks around at everyone, pausing to confirm that everyone is understanding. "Good. Banks accept deposits from people and companies who want to keep their money safe, and then use those deposits to grant loans to those who need to finance projects or purchases."
Everyone looks a bit confused, but before they can ask, Otto seems eager to provide the answer.
"Yes, we won't just use our liquidity; we'll use people's money to invest and make more money." Otto's expression is resolute, as there's a notable risk in this. "There are many risks in implementing it, but so far, there's not a single bank in the world. We'll use that advantage to our benefit."
I look around and see that the ministers are still attentive, some taking notes. Otto continues his explanation with a confident and smiling look.
"When you deposit money in the bank, it offers you a small interest as a reward for trusting it." He rubs his head for a second. "Um, interest is a percentage that's charged on the total money. Then the bank loans that money to other people or companies, charging a higher interest on those loans. The difference between the interest paid to depositors and the interest charged to borrowers is the bank's profit."
He points to a part of the diagram showing this flow of money.
"In addition to offering loans and accepting deposits, the Irlam bank will also play a crucial role in economic regulation. Do you see?" Otto points to a part of the chart. "It will manage interest rates to maintain financial stability and control the money supply to prevent inflation. By centralizing these functions, the bank can ensure that our economy remains strong and balanced as we approach the throne."
Crusch raises her hand, intrigued.
"How will the bank issue bonds, and what role will they play in all of this?"
Otto smiles, turning to the next page of his presentation.
"Yes, uh... As for bonds, these are financial instruments that we will issue to finance our development projects." He pauses briefly, taking a sip of water. "A bond is essentially a promise to repay. When someone buys a bond, they are lending money to the government. In return, we promise to repay that money with interest over a set period."
"It's like they're a mobile bank," Alexander concludes.
"Quite close, yes, you're right." Otto returns his gaze to his presentation. "These bonds not only provide us with the necessary funds immediately but also create a relationship of trust and cooperation with our citizens and entrepreneurs."
Otto's gaze is confident, and rightly so, as he has studied this for quite some time. I see some ministers nodding, understanding the concept. Otto continues, seizing the moment.
"For this to work, we must make the bonds attractive to investors." His pause is crucial, looking at everyone with determination. "So, to make them attractive, we'll offer competitive interest rates and guarantee the security of the investment through the solid management of the Irlam bank."
It's quite simple and imaginative because the project is much harder than it sounds, but everything starts somewhere. Interest rates will be an officially integrated concept. This world already uses them, but not in the systematic way that's being proposed, so it's important that they be regulated.
"Additionally, the bonds will be able to be sold and bought on a secondary market, allowing investors to have liquidity and flexibility." Otto smiles, showing that there's still much to do. "This secondary market will be the first step toward creating a stock exchange in our kingdom, which will be a concept that Mayor Marco will publish in an article after the judgment."
Soon Irlam will be heard and seen as an academic city. The publication of my articles will be a step forward for many people. Articles that can be read by everyone but don't contain everything, so they can't replicate them.
'It'll be quite fun.'
Rost, the Minister of Sanitation, renowned for his critical perspective, intervenes.
"And how do we ensure that this growth doesn't cause discontent among the population? If we introduce new measures, the population will fear them."
Otto nods, anticipating the concern.
"Yes, I understand that might happen." Otto looks out the window for a second before returning his gaze to us. "The key lies in communication and education. We must inform our people about the long-term benefits of these investments and management. Additionally, we plan to reinvest part of the profits in public infrastructure, improving the quality of life for our citizens."
Everyone seems to understand; it's not just about creating the bank but building the institution's trust requires making visible use of it.
"We'll build technical schools, hospitals, improve roads, and create a drainage system. Over time, the population will see and feel the direct benefits of this progress."
Another minister, concerned, intervenes.
"What if we can't repay the money on time?"
Otto doesn't hesitate.
"The key is in prudent management and transparency. We'll publish regular reports on our finances and the progress of projects funded by the bonds. If we manage our resources well and maintain a responsible fiscal policy, we'll minimize the risk of default. In extreme cases, we'll always have the option to renegotiate the terms of the bonds or issue new bonds to refinance the old ones."
The room falls silent for a moment as everyone processes the information. It's clear this isn't easy to digest, which is why I'll draft a few articles explaining these processes in more detail.
'It's been a while since I've written them... I miss it.'
Finally, I speak up.
"Thank you, Otto." Otto nods, stepping back as I look at everyone. "Remember, with the Irlam bank and the bonds, we can not only finance our projects but also foster a sense of participation and responsibility among our citizens." I clench my fist, showing my determination. "We are on the threshold of a new era for our kingdom, so it is our duty to implement these measures efficiently, always considering the future of Irlam."
I nod with satisfaction as I see the determination on the faces of my companions.
"Integrating new things will always bring fear to those who are unfamiliar with them, and even to those who are." I close my eyes for a few seconds, then look at my people. "Our duty as rulers is to integrate the new without letting our people suffer, which is why education on this matter is crucial, both for us and for the people."
The future of the kingdom depends on our ability to bring the Industrial Revolution and modern advancements to this world. With the combination of technical knowledge and magic, I believe that it is possible to create lasting and prosperous change.
The main thing is to move forward to face any obstacles.
My thoughts focus on the next phases of the project, and I can already visualize the first steam trains running through our lands, bringing progress and hope to every corner of the kingdom.
'I will turn this world upside down; I will save it at any cost.'