Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

Elin frowned slightly. Having studied history since childhood, she was well aware of the humiliations inflicted by foreign invasions. Though a woman, she shared the same fervent hope for her nation’s strength as any man.

Regardless of whether she would marry into Prince Simon’s household, Franklin’s slanderous words about Prince Simon displeased her deeply.

No matter how heartless a person might be, they should never disparage the great victory at Dunmere, nor the prince who had personally defended its walls.

She spoke softly but firmly. ”Cousin, you should leave now. Prince Simon’s future is in Heaven’s hands. I am unwell and must rest. I hope you will devote more time to your studies in the future, rather than idling here.”

Franklin’s face paled further. Elin was dismissing him, telling him not to return.

”Cousin, believe me, I only want what’s best for you.”

With a sigh, he turned and left. Once he was out of earshot, Kobe muttered. ”Even if Prince Simon were flawed, he’s still better than you. Everyone knows about your wild escapades outside.”

”Kobe.” Elin’s voice carried a warning.

Though Kobe was her personal maid, she was still a servant. If such words were overheard, she could face punishment.

Gently placing the newspaper back where it belonged, Elin shook her head slightly and led Kobe away.

---

The uproar caused by the newspaper in Eldora had only just begun. Now, copies were so scarce they were practically priceless. Merchants from Brambleford were swarmed by scholars, officials, and traders alike.

”Don’t push! Don’t push!” A Brambleford merchant grinned from ear to ear.

Originally a poor scholar, he had turned to business to support his family. When Prince Simon returned victorious, all of Brambleford had erupted in celebration, decorating their homes as if for New Year’s.

The next day, when the newspaper detailing the Battle of Dunmere was published, it was instantly sold out.

Realising that this battle wasn’t just Prince Simon’s triumph but a national milestone, especially for Eldora, he borrowed a large sum of silver to purchase a thousand copies and bring them to the capital.

Standing by the bustling Pool, he had barely cried out ’Brambleford newspapers!’ before being mobbed.

At first, he nearly fled in fear. But seeing the eager hands clutching silver, he steadied himself, even if I’m crushed by coins, it’ll be worth it.

Despite the demand, he dared not overprice them. In Brambleford, newspapers sold for just three or four coins each. Here, he settled for one cap of silver per copy.

Yet even at that price, his thousand copies vanished in moments. Some scholars bought hundreds at once.

As the last paper was snatched up, the scholar stared at the pile of gleaming silver before him.

This was real wealth, and for the first time, he fretted over money. A thousand caps wasn’t just banknotes; it was a hundred pounds of solid silver. How could a frail scholar like him carry it all? A luxurious problem indeed.

But more precious than the silver was the sudden respect he felt.

Eldora scholars had always looked down on those from Brambleford, mocking them as ’country bumpkins’ during imperial exams.

Now, these same scholars gazed at him with envy, pressing for more details about Dunmere’s victory.

Pride swelled in his chest, pride in being Prince Simon’s subject.

For the first time, he questioned whether he should still sit for the exams. Perhaps staying in Brambleford wasn’t so bad.

Even if he never rose high in office. He glanced at the silver. At least he could earn a comfortable living.

His thoughts were interrupted by a heated argument among noble youths, who were nearly coming to blows.

Eavesdropping, he nearly laughed aloud. They were debating who had been closest to Prince Simon during his time in Eldora, each claiming intimate friendship with him.

He shook his head. I wonder how Prince Simon would feel, knowing all of Eldora is buzzing about him.

But knowing Prince Simon’s independent nature, he likely wouldn’t care at all.

And indeed, as the scholar guessed, Simon had no time to dwell on Eldora’s reactions.

---

After the brief celebrations, Brambleford was now shrouded in a solemn atmosphere.

Unlike Eldora’s scorching sun, a drizzle fell over the city. In the past, such weather would have kept people indoors.

But today, the muddy streets were packed with citizens.

Dunmere’s victory had safeguarded the city, the people’s grain, the merchants’ wealth, and the stability of the six cities.

Yet behind the triumph lay countless lost lives, soldiers who would never return, parents who had buried their children.

Victory was worth celebrating, but the fallen soldiers also deserved remembrance.

After a short rest, Simon decreed that the martyrs be buried in a dedicated military cemetery, ensuring their sacrifice would never be forgotten.

Such a practice was unprecedented in this era, but Simon deemed it necessary.

This was not just mourning; it was about fueling the soldiers’ hatred for the reavers and reminding the people that these deaths were honourable. History must never forget those who shed blood for their nation.

They were gone, but their spirit endured.

On the streets, Brambleford soldiers marched in solemn silence, carrying the bodies of their fallen comrades in two orderly lines.

Families of the deceased wept bitterly, their grief moving every onlooker.

Simon, Benjamin, Lancelot, and Liam led the procession, clad in the same armour as their men.

On their shoulders, they too bore the bodies of fallen soldiers.

Here, rank meant nothing. They were all brothers-in-arms.

The soldiers clenched their jaws, watching their commanders with burning pride.

When had common soldiers ever received such honour? They thought. Even if we die on the battlefield, we will have no regrets.

And among the young men yet to enlist, fury toward the reavers simmered. Many clenched their fists.

When the army next recruited, they would join to avenge these fallen heroes.

The fine drizzle continued to fall.

At this moment, Brambleford City felt like a silent film, stifling, as if choking on unspoken rage.

It was a fury long suppressed in the hearts of the people.

In their eyes, Simon saw that anger, once buried deep, was now rising to the surface.