Arga continued distributing roles. Kartanegara and Thitinan Suwannaphong were assigned to the Palace Security Brigade, Guan Yu, Aung Zaw Win, and Han Xin to the Urban and Border Security Brigade, while Yu Fei and Min-Seok Choi joined the Combat Brigade.
"Each brigade will command 5,000 troops," he explained. "However, reinforcements will be added as necessary. Best of luck in your duties."
Taking an ornate golden vessel, Arga retrieved a small knife. Without hesitation, he cut his finger, letting his blood drip into the vessel. Shocked but resolute, the others unsheathed their daggers and did the same.
"This blood," his voice was low yet laden with meaning, "is our oath of loyalty. As you drink, my blood will flow within you. If you are wounded on the battlefield, remember that your Emperor shares that pain. Loyalty until death."
With solemn expressions, they raised their vessels and drank together. The oath of loyalty was sealed.
From a distance, Ningning watched with a faint smile. As the commanders began to leave the hall, Arga walked calmly toward his chamber.
"I still don't fully understand this tradition," he remarked, glancing at Ningning walking beside him. "But I appreciate your advice earlier."
Ningning merely smiled as the night breeze accompanied them toward an uncertain future.
The night had seeped into the meeting room, carrying a chill that crept through the window cracks. In the corner, candles flickered weakly, as if reluctant to battle the encroaching darkness. Ningning approached with a gentle smile on her face.
"Your Majesty, Nico and Sana are waiting in the conference room with our economic experts," she said softly.
Arga nodded, his face serious but with a warmth that lingered in his gaze. "Alright. Let's get this done," he said firmly, his steps purposeful toward the door.
As he entered the room, Nico and Sana rushed to him, worry etched across their faces. But before they could get too close, an aide swiftly stepped in to block their path.
"It's fine. I know them," Arga said, his voice low but authoritative.
Sana couldn't hold back her emotions. She stepped forward, her eyes locked onto Arga's. "Arga, are you alright?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Arga nodded slowly, a faint smile touching his lips. "Yes, Sana," he replied softly, though there was a firmness beneath the gentle tone. Yet nothing could conceal the traces of pain still visible in his eyes.
Without hesitation, Sana embraced Arga tightly, as if afraid to lose him again. "Thank goodness you're safe," she said, her voice slightly hoarse. "If not, Kirana would surely scold me."
The nearby aide appeared uneasy with the moment, but Sana turned to him with a small, apologetic smile. She released her embrace slowly, and Arga, after taking a deep breath, gave a light nod. "Let's begin the discussion," he said, attempting to redirect the focus.
The room was filled with a commanding silence as Arga stepped inside. Three economists who had been waiting immediately stood up, their bodies slightly bowing in respect.
"Your Majesty," they said in unison, their voices perfectly balanced with the quietude of the room.
Arga gave a slight nod, signaling them to sit down. "Alright, let's begin the discussion," he said, his voice firm and authoritative.
Once they were seated, Arga got straight to the point. "Currently, we rely solely on two currencies: the Siferian Coin and the Riverian Coin. If, at any point, they withdraw all their money, we will face a major crisis. We lack equity. Money is a valuable tool, both in this world and the one before it."
He paused, his gaze distant, as if piecing together an invisible puzzle. "I may not be an economist," he continued in a low tone, "but the logic is simple. If we want our currency to be valued, other nations must need our goods. And when they do, we can establish a rule that those goods can only be purchased using our currency. This way, our money's value will rise."
The firmness in his voice gradually transformed into conviction. "I plan to establish a food production hub. This will be a primary commodity that the world desperately needs. Furthermore, I will form an Imperial Financial Management Agency. And I am appointing the three of you to lead this agency."
The economists exchanged glances briefly before standing and bowing deeply in respect. "Understood, Your Majesty," they responded in unison, their tones filled with dedication.
"That will be all for now," said Arga. "Draft the concept and present it to me immediately." With that, the economists exited the room, leaving Arga with his three trusted confidants—Nico, Sana, and Ningning.
After ensuring the room was silent once again, Arga looked at each of them, his gaze serious and penetrating. "Alright, this will be brief because I have other matters to attend to. Nico and Sana, I am sending you to the city of Soltera. There, we will establish a business to support the Empire's revenue while gathering as much information as possible. The most important task is to ensure Sana's safety."
Sana, who had been silent, now looked at Arga with eyes shining with hope. Nico remained quiet, but his gaze made it clear he fully understood the mission.
Arga took a moment to breathe before continuing, his voice softer but still resolute. "I wanted to go myself, but as Emperor, I can't neglect greater responsibilities. You will go as traveling merchants. I will assign five attendants to accompany you. That number is sufficient to avoid suspicion."
He looked at them both with a mix of expectation and determination. "Fight for the Empire. Your safety is my greatest hope. And perhaps, while we help the people of this world, we can find clues to return to our world and reunite with our families."
Sana, who had been holding back her emotions, suddenly stepped forward and embraced Arga tightly. Tears rolled down her cheeks, leaving small marks on the Emperor's robe. Nico, usually more reserved, eventually joined the embrace. The moment was silent but filled with unspoken emotion. Arga felt awkward, as Sana had previously confessed her feelings, but he had chosen to ignore them to focus on his duties. He believed he needed to maintain distance for the greater good.
Arga then glanced at Ningning, who stood a few steps away.
Ningning watched from a distance, her chest tight with a swirl of emotions. She wanted to embrace Arga as well, but memories of her own words held her back. She could only watch, her expression unreadable.
Arga gently broke the embrace. He looked at the two with a faint, meaningful smile. "May you succeed," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "Earn as much as you can for our Empire."