I. The Shadow of Famine
The first month following the founding of the Republic of Free People was not a season of celebration, but a desperate struggle for survival. The war had scorched the fields and depleted the granaries. The northern fortresses captured from the former Human Kingdom were mere piles of stone, devoid of grain.
Arthur was only fourteen, yet the weight of an entire nation rested on his shoulders. While Aston fought to keep the remaining army disciplined, Anna scoured hidden channels for famine relief, but the supplies were woefully insufficient.
One morning, Arthur witnessed the eldest villagers and the children falling ill from malnutrition. There was a foe in the people's eyes far more formidable than noble tyranny: Hunger. Arthur's D-Class mana could conjure Frost Shields, but it could not create food. The hope in his people's eyes was slowly being eclipsed by despair. The freedom they had won was being weighed against empty stomachs.
"Anna," Arthur said, collapsing into his chair at the command table. "There's no end to this. The elderly are dying. Winter arrives in two months. We are free, but we are condemned to death."
II. The Offer from the Elven Kingdom
At this peak of hopelessness, the expected news from the Elven Kingdom finally arrived. This time, it wasn't through Elia. A high-ranking Elven noble, a personal advisor to the Queen, reached Arthur's headquarters in secret.
The envoy presented the offer with an elegant but chilling demeanor:
"President Arthur. The Elven Queen admires the existence of the Republic of Free People. However, a state cannot stand on empty stomachs. Our supplies are sufficient to see your people through the winter. Furthermore, we can ensure the security of your trade routes between the Dwarves and Humans."
The envoy paused, delivering the true condition: "Our only term is this: You must become an Autonomous State under the Elven Kingdom. Your internal independence will be preserved; you shall have your own army and laws. However, in foreign policy, you will act under our protectorate. In exchange, you will receive all necessary support."
This meant the end of the dream of absolute independence. A leader who had already betrayed his own Kingdom was now being asked to place his people under the tutelage of another.
Aston objected with fury. "This makes us pawns of the Elven Council! It puts us right under the influence of bastards like Faerondil!"
Anna nodded with a bitter expression. "Aston is right. But this is a matter of life and death."
III. The Traitor's New Treachery
In that moment, Arthur knew what he had to do. The lives of his family and his 5.000 people were more valuable than his personal ideals. Freedom would be the ultimate insult to a people dying of starvation.
Arthur interlaced his fingers. He felt the ambient mana; his Frost Seal was cold and resolute as ever.
"Envoy," Arthur said, his voice low but absolute. "We accept your offer. The Republic of Free People agrees to become an Autonomous Region under the Elven Kingdom. But let it be known: there is only one reason for this—the survival of my people. This agreement is a temporary sanctuary. As soon as my people stand on their feet again, we will reclaim our full sovereignty."
The envoy smiled faintly. "A noble decision, President Arthur. The supply convoys are already being prepared. Now, the Council shall formalize your new status."
Anna approached him. "I am grateful to you for this, Arthur. It was a painful decision, but the right one. Now, we must be even more vigilant against Faerondil's maneuvers within the Council. He will use this autonomy as a leash against you."
IV. Freedom Deferred
The agreement was formalized. The Republic of Free People changed its name to the Autonomous People's Region. Elven supply convoys arrived swiftly, bringing life-saving food and medical supplies. As the people embraced Arthur with the joy of being saved from starvation, Arthur felt the small spark of freedom within his soul dimming.
He had given his people liberty with his D-Class strength, but to protect that liberty, he had been forced to take shelter in the shadow of another Kingdom.
Arthur leaned his back against the cold wall of the northern fortress. Outside, his people were smiling again. Inside him, a new mission took root: to break the chains of autonomy and rapidly forge his Seal to C-Class for the inevitable war to come.
V. The Cold Face of Autonomy
The Autonomous People's Region had survived the famine thanks to Elven aid, but Arthur's soul remained restless. To the outside world, he was the President; in reality, he was an extension of the Elven Council. This situation quickly became a tool for Lord Faerondil's vengeful schemes. Faerondil viewed Arthur's inability to achieve total independence as his personal victory.
A few weeks later, an official decree arrived from the Elven Council. It was delivered by a haughty young servant of Faerondil. The order was not for Arthur, but for Anna: "Former Commander Anna, found guilty of inciting rebellion, is hereby summoned to the Capital to answer to the Council immediately."
Anna read the letter with a furrowed brow. "This is a trap to force my withdrawal, Arthur. Faerondil sees my presence here as a threat. He wants to summon me to the Capital and use this autonomy as an excuse to leave you unsupported."
Aston slammed his fist on the table. "Without Anna, the Elven Council can control this place much more easily! Do not let her go, President Arthur!"
VI. Arthur's Dilemma
Arthur understood Faerondil's plan instantly. Anna was the guarantor of both the People's Shield's military discipline and its communication with the Elven Kingdom. If she left, Faerondil could cut off the region's resources or apply direct military pressure.
However, Faerondil had a second move: The Council was ordering the Autonomous Region to act as a shield against the Human Kingdom's new tax demands. According to the treaty, the Human King, despite his defeat, still claimed the right to tax all northern borders. Faerondil was directing these demands straight to Arthur.
"This is absurd!" Arthur said. "We rebelled against the Human Kingdom. Now, Faerondil is forcing us to pay taxes to the very King we fought, just because we are 'autonomous'?"
Anna explained the situation: "No, Faerondil cannot legally force this. But he is testing your resolve. If we refuse the tax demand, we officially pit the Elven Council against the Human Kingdom. If we pay, you lose all authority in the eyes of your people."
VII. Political Chess and the Secret Mission
Arthur used his D-Class mana not for rage, but to find a calculated solution. "Anna, you must go to the Capital. But this will not be a surrender."
Arthur narrowed his eyes. "Go and show Faerondil that the rules of this Autonomous Region are set by the people, not the Council. In your absence, I need someone to hold power here."
Arthur handed Anna a parchment. "Aston will continue to lead the army. You, however, must meet with Elia in the Capital. Find and destroy all evidence Faerondil plans to use against you before he can present it. Expose his plan to destroy us politically."
Anna looked at Arthur with admiration. The peasant boy had truly become a political player. "Understood, President Arthur. I will anticipate his moves in the Capital."
Regarding the tax demand, Arthur made a risky decision. "We will not answer the Human King. Silence is our reply. It means we have neither paid nor refused. We will wait for their reaction. Aston, in the meantime, put every villager and soldier through the most rigorous training yet."
Vlll. Parting and the New Burden
Anna set out for the Capital the following day. With her departure, Arthur felt the full weight of his responsibility. Faerondil's move had been successful: Arthur was now unsupported, facing the Human Kingdom's tax demands alone.
Arthur tried to control the density of his Frost Magic. Political intelligence could be sharper than a sword, but he couldn't freeze his enemy's intentions with ice.
"Aston," Arthur said with resolve. "Until Anna returns, we will be our own army and our own politicians. That tax demand means a military unit will be arriving soon. Prepare."
Arthur was only a D-Class mage, but he was the leader of a state. And he knew that Faerondil's political games would soon escalate into a physical confrontation.