Capital of the South-Central Region, one week later.
Central Mountain City was established as the location of the Government House, the Ministry of the Kingdom, and the Basilica. Although it could technically be considered the Capital of the Kingdom, the name "Central City" was chosen to avoid a center of power and because all regions have a semi-autonomous government.
This city would no longer be governed by a Governor, Leader, or Chieftain, but would instead be under the exclusive control of the Ministry of the Kingdom and the Government House. Both entities would have different responsibilities in the city, in addition to their duties to the kingdom.
"This would mark the beginning of democracy in this era... Although if I consider that I oversee the Government House and that the Ministers will be selected based on their performance and abilities... It couldn't be considered a true democracy, but rather a meritocracy", I reflected. After holding meetings with governors, military personnel, religious leaders, ministers, researchers, and the Explorers Division, I proceeded to prepare the necessary reports and establish new guidelines to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Those responsible for the Government House would oversee providing information, coordinating meetings, and organizing all transfer and relocation processes in the different regions.
I was very close to reaching the new capital of the South-Central Region, which, as far as I understand, will continue to be known as Mountain Crossing City.
The journey from the Central City was uneventful. I was accompanied by a group of guards from the Explorers Division, some assistants, and Umza, who was returning to his homeland after several years away.
I had the option of traveling in a special vehicle pulled by llamas and alpacas, but I opted to walk as most people in the kingdom do.
Our goal is to arrive, spend a few days, and then continue south to meet with the leaders of the various ethnic groups and people who wish to join the kingdom this year.
This trip will also include the first celebration of worship for the Sun and Moon. The first full moon after the vernal equinox will occur in two weeks. As planned, we will begin the celebration from a parish located at the foot of a snow-capped mountain in the western range and then follow the scheduled route to the Basilica under construction in Central City.
"It will be the first time I've been away from Central City for so long", I thought, feeling a little nervous.
"What's wrong, Chuta?", Umza asked with some concern.
"Um... I've just been looking forward to a vacation for a long time", I replied with the first thing that came to mind.
"Vacation? What does that mean?", she asked in confusion.
"I accidentally said something about the future", I reflected with frustration. "It's like a respite after working for many months or years", I explained to Umza.
"Ah… I understand. You should have taken a 'vacation' a long time ago. You never relax, you don't even play or enjoy yourself", she pointed out in a playful tone.
"It should be called taking a vacation", I adjusted. "But you're right, I should rest more often. And as for playing, I always spend time with you when I have a moment", I mentioned, touched by her interest.
"You do, but only when I ask you to. Don't you enjoy playing?", she inquired, still concerned.
"Hmmm… I'm not a big fan of games, although I like to play a little ball from time to time. I'm not that drawn to games. Besides, I must help others", I replied calmly.
"If you're not interested in games, why don't you create some yourself? Didn't the gods teach you some?", she asked curiously.
"It might be interesting… The gods didn't show me any games, although I have some ideas, we could teach other children", I replied excitedly.
The next day.
"Welcome, Son of Heaven", the Cardinal said at the northern entrance to the capital of the South-Central Region in his language.
"Old Priest!", Umza shouted from beside me before I could answer. "How are you feeling?", she excitedly asked the Cardinal.
"Umza, you should show more respect", the Cardinal corrected, concerned about the reactions of the crowd present. "I'm fine", he murmured sweetly, unnoticed by the others.
"I appreciate the welcome, Cardinal. I hope the gods grant your health and wisdom", I greeted the Cardinal formally, carefully using his dialect.
"Thank you very much for your kind words, Son of Heaven", he replied with a slight bow. "I hope the gods also provide you with the guidance you need to bring our kingdom ever closer to them", he commented, looking skyward.
"Son of Heaven, the Governor is waiting for you in the meeting room of the Governor's Office", added one of the bishops who was with the Cardinal.
After greeting each other, we walked slowly through the streets of Mountain Crossing City until we reached the government building. We watched people strolling with smiles, moving from one place to another, families enjoying the stroll, and merchants selling their wares in some shops or stores along the streets.
"It's a very beautiful city, Chuhis", I told the Governor, who was waiting at the entrance of the building.
"Thank you very much for your kind words, Young Chuta. I just wanted to recreate the splendor of the Central City", Chuhis replied with a touch of pride. "I hope your trip was peaceful and safe", he commented kindly.
"Every city has its own essence, and you don't need to reproduce anything; just let the people contribute their lives to this city... And yes, my trip was quite interesting", I mentioned.
After the greetings, we took a walk through the building, which, unlike the Kingdom's Government House in the Central City, was adorned with numerous elements of the Pijao culture, giving it a unique identity.
Afterward, we had lunch with some of the leaders of the neighboring communities and towns. On the table were several specialties from my mother's restaurant, along with some modifications made by the chef from this city.
After the meal, we held a relaxed gathering where we discussed the future of the kingdom and ways, we could support the population. Some people made quite creative suggestions, such as creating bronze and gold ornaments to exchange with the tribes of the vast southeastern forest.
The leaders mentioned that they had been in contact with these tribes years ago and explained that they consider shiny objects to be symbols of the spirits on earth. Furthermore, the ornaments worn by important figures such as warriors or shamans include small pieces of gold embedded in their clothing.
"I can think of a few ways to facilitate the incorporation of certain tribes into the kingdom", I thought as I reflected on this new information.
During the meeting, we also discussed individuals who could become governors of the areas we don't yet control. But, at the end of the meeting, I concluded that the most appropriate approach would be to establish an initial co-government in these areas, with one of the governors from outside the city and another with experience.
The next day.
We left after a hearty breakfast at the governor's office, and in addition to our protection group from the Scout Division, we were joined by a contingent from the regiment in the capital.
"Safety is paramount", Chuhis commented as we left the city.
Once we left, we began to observe how both mountain ranges were getting closer and closer, and even the Suaza River could now be seen from above. Although with the new improvements in boats it was possible to navigate the upriver, I opted to follow an overland route to observe how people live in the small towns and villages.
We walked for several days. Along the way, it was possible to stop at midday in a town or village, and by the end of the day, another could be found. This approach to establishing settlements focused on locating new settlements along trade routes, expanding from there.
In each town we visited, we were greeted as if we were respected leaders, and even the local leaders knelt in respect and gratitude.
Many villagers had never had the opportunity to eat their fill, and their work was difficult due to the lack of good tools. However, since joining the kingdom, their lives have undergone a remarkable change.
"I feel a tightness in my chest", I reflected, seeing the grateful looks of the people and the smiles of the children, who were now wearing clothing appropriate for the season.
The religious leaders also welcomed us with great courtesy; some wanted to speak with me personally about the gods, while others were more interested in getting help for the people in their communities.
Each stop gave us an amazing insight into the daily life of the villages, some of which were more developed than others. Some still maintained their traditional habits from before my arrival, while most were adapting to new technologies and knowledge.
In some villages, children were painting on the walls of their homes while their parents called their attention. Adults were asking the children about the informational posters in the homes of community leaders.
Everyone moved at their own pace. People in the big cities adjusted much more quickly to this new era, compared to these villages where children were the center of attention, and it would have been several decades before a sizable portion of the population adopted a more advanced lifestyle.
"At least, with the large increase in children in the Kingdom, the population with basic knowledge will increase considerably", I thought.
After traveling for two days, we arrived at a Great City, which had been built on the western side of the Suaza River. Its purpose was to become a key point for southern trade from the central region of the kingdom.
"Their loyalty will help me prevent insurrections from the conflict-ridden areas", I mused to the governor as we arrived at a port on the river's eastern bank.
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
Chuta travels through the kingdom's territory for the first time. We can also see the people's interaction with him. Although I wanted to leave aside the town's worship of figures like him, so as not to focus on religion. However, in a few more chapters, I will show the first celebration held in the kingdom.
Unnecessary fact of the day (short): the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon sent the voyage west in 1492, and the kingdom of Portugal sent a voyage (not the first) in 1497 to southern Africa to find an alternative route to the East Indies.
Read my other novels.
#The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future.
#The Walking Dead: Emily's Metamorphosis from Visions of Future Saga.
You can find them on my profile.]