59. Empire of Death (Part One)

After nearly a year, the expansion of the capital of the Death Empire was finally complete. Led by Elder Orv, the group ascended the ramparts of the imperial city.

"You're really something else, old man," Mofei blurted out. "Even the outer city walls are built so high."

The outer city walls soared to a height of twenty-two meters. Apart from the cavalry, nearly sixty thousand soldiers from the original City of Death filled the ramparts, yet it still wasn’t enough to guard the entire city. Thus, a small-scale conscription was conducted within the empire.

This recruitment once again drew the attention of all the major empires. As they watched the rise of this majestic new capital, they felt a deep, inexplicable sense of awe. The tallest and most formidable imperial city on the continent, with an impeccably planned layout, fortress-like residences impervious to fire—what army would dare to set foot in such a capital?

Now, every move the Death Empire made gripped the hearts of every empire on the continent. This time, the conscription was small, but the selection of elite troops caused no end of speculation. It was only after the Death Empire clarified that the recruits were for the defense of the capital that the other empires finally relaxed.

The trees lining the streets were at Mofei’s request. Now, they gave the city a more beautiful appearance. Elder Orv had also transplanted wildflowers from the mountains into the city. The roofs of the courtyard houses were flat, with earth brought up and edged with stones. Now, every fortress rooftop was a sea of blooms.

Though trees were scarce in this empire, the wildflowers on the mountains were remarkably resilient. As long as there was even a little soil and a trace of water, they would display their beauty for all to see.

"Brother, what a beautiful city! I love it," Eileen exclaimed, delighted by the vibrant greens and reds, the lively energy of the city. Vivian too looked around with deep satisfaction.

"This is our home now. From now on, we’ll live in this city," Mofei said, pulling Eileen and Vivian close, whispering into their ears.

"But will we still travel?" Eileen still yearned for the world outside.

"Of course we will. We’ll explore every corner of this continent," Mofei replied, equally eager for such adventures. "Didn’t you want to see the sea? The Doma Empire is our ally—we’ll start there."

"Could you be mindful of your surroundings?" Their happiness was interrupted by these words.

Elder Orv interjected, "There are a lot of people here, you know. Don’t treat us like we’re invisible."

"My Emperor, isn’t it time to inform the other empires that His Majesty is about to ascend the throne?" Elder Orv said with a laugh.

"Elder, are you certain you want me to take that position?" Mofei smiled. "I have a feeling you’d be better suited for it."

"Don’t even try," Elder Orv laughed and scolded him. "I’m a fine assistant, but as for that position, I’m not suitable. Neither is Vaid, and Kane even less so—he only cares about his army and whether there are battles to fight. He’d never give it a thought."

"But I feel as though I’ve done nothing to deserve that position. Isn’t that a problem?" This had been on Mofei’s mind.

"Lord Governor, you’ve done a great deal from the very beginning," Elder Orv said with genuine emotion. "From Mist City, you built it for the Berserkers. Even though our Dwarven clan joined, you sacrificed much for the safety of both our peoples. Everyone has seen this. The Berserkers would never allow anyone else to take that position. To them, you are the god who brought them happiness—they won’t tolerate anyone who dares defile you. As for us Dwarves, for various reasons, we chose to follow you. Seeing all you’ve done, the Dwarven Elders have unanimously decided to make you our Emperor. We Dwarves aren’t suited to live in the city, so during construction, I selected a site for our settlement by the iron mine in the mountains. Most of our people will move there."

As Elder Orv pointed, Mofei could faintly make out the busy figures atop the mountain.

"Very well, if everyone sees me as fit to be Emperor, I’ll accept," Mofei said with a smile. "But as before, you all must handle affairs. If you need me to make an appearance, call me. Otherwise, I’ll be out traveling."

"Of course," Elder Orv replied. "We’ll report the major matters to you, and handle the rest ourselves. On this continent, you’ll be the most carefree and least responsible Emperor."

"And another thing." Mofei suddenly remembered. "Kane, go replace that chair in the imperial hall. Sitting on it is a torment. If it’s not changed, I won’t go there. You’ve been warned."

Everyone laughed. The chair did need replacing. Most of the imperial palace had been renovated, its style now reflecting Dwarven and Mofei’s own tastes, making it even more magnificent.

The reconstruction of the palace and expansion of the capital had nearly exhausted their gold reserves. Fortunately, the gold mine was now producing, and things would soon improve.

…

When the Death Empire announced its founding, nearly all Dwarves on the continent began migrating towards it. They chose settlements on the mountains surrounding the imperial city, and with Elder Orv’s help, built Dwarven enclaves. The arrival of these industrious Dwarves spurred future commercial growth and created many jobs for local residents.

The Mage Guild from the Dragonrock Empire established a branch in the new capital, as did Adventurers’ Guilds and Mercenaries’ Guilds from across the continent, all opening branches on the imperial plaza.

Elder Orv did not sell these buildings to the guilds, but leased them instead, ensuring they wouldn’t threaten the empire’s security.

For a time, every industry in the new capital was infused with a new spirit, supported and encouraged by the industrial empires. With tax exemptions, these industries flourished rapidly from the outset. Elder Orv had previously built large taverns and commercial buildings along the main streets, all of which were now rented out. Taverns dotted the streets at regular intervals—something even Elder Orv hadn’t anticipated would become so prosperous.

The coronation ceremony approached swiftly. It seemed as if the entire city was being transformed as a gift for the new Emperor, moving ever toward a brighter future.

"Your Majesty," Elder Orv now formally addressed Mofei, "our recent small conscription was solely to fill the capital’s guard. We disbanded all former armies, retaining only the officers and a small force, who are now stationed near our border, not far from the City of Death. Our empire isn’t large, but we currently have no border troops at all."

"Does that mean we need another round of conscription?" Mofei asked. "The last one already gave the other empires a headache. Another round…"

"We’ll notify them in advance," Kane replied. "There’s no one manning our borders yet."

"Very well. Kane, recall those officers to the capital. Aren’t there many empty houses here? Give them some leave, assign them homes, let them settle their families, and then report in. They’re experienced commanders—our new empire needs them."

At Mofei’s command, the officers of the former empire, along with their small units, returned to the capital. These surrendered officers were uncertain of their fate.

But the next day, they received something they could hardly believe. The imperial edict was delivered by a Dwarf, accompanied by over twenty guards.

When the officers heard that each would be given an entire courtyard residence, they were deeply moved. The empire also issued each of them three thousand gold coins to resettle their families—an astonishing sum, considering their annual salary had been just over three hundred. To receive three thousand simply for settling their families was an incredible surprise.

To win the loyalty of these soldiers, Mofei was generous, to the point that Elder Orv would often grumble in his ear—until Mofei threatened to leave if he didn’t stop, after which Orv dared not complain further.