Early the next morning, the village continued it's morning routine, meals were distributed, workers grabbed theirs tools and tossed themselves into heavy labor, women squatted on nearby rivers washing the dirty clothes of their husbands, childrens ran around the plains, but among the peaceful residence of the tiny villagers, two figures wore the gloomy expressions of people who saw the outside world ravaged by destruction and death with their own eyes.
Sor Sogon and Bah Long sat at the center of a newly finished fortress. And among them also sat countless leaders of every refugee who had followed them through mountainous terrains.
Together, they surrounded a large stone table, every one of them wore the dark expressions who had seen war and chaos more than ones.
Even though there are thousands of people in the village, 0% of them know how to fight. For years, they had lived their life wielding hoes and farm tools, not one them knew how to properly drew a sword.
So, to them, even a small army could pose as a great threat, and the sudden appearance of the southern army made their chest tightend, if not for Roy, their heads would already be rotting on the ground.
This fact made the tension in the room even sharper, because even the Gods have their own errands to attend.
"We need to establish our own defensive systems." A leader spoke.
"We need to appoint capable officers who can handle external and internal threats." Another Leader voiced his thoughts.
Bah Long already knew this, they must appoint capable officers to handle the village while Lord Zudra is gone.
Just as they were thinking about this, a figure suddenly manifested out of thin air, he strode toward the fortress where many leaders have gathered, pushed open the wooden gates, and spoke.
"All of you are correct," Roy spoke, his voice echoed across the room.
The leaders snapped their gaze and saw Roy, they immediately sprang up to their feet and bowed, offering a one knee salute.
"We must establish ministries." Roy continued, his voice calm yet precise,"A Military Ministry, Civil Ministry, Finance Ministry, Health Ministry, Education Ministry, Environment Ministry, and Trade Ministry."
"With the existence of this Ministries, each Ministry will operate on their respective fields, and thus the village will stabilize..."
He paused, letting the words float into the air before continuing.
"But outside of this village lies a chaotic, blood-soaked land. War have ravaged the regions, many innocent civilians were killed and are being treated as livestocks, that i cannot tolerate."
The leaders looked down, disdain visible in their eyes. All of them knew what the outside world is like, they have seen soldiers flaying and impaling innocent villagers, women and childrens were captured and sold as slaves, corpses and skeletons littered the fields.
Compare to the outside world, this secluded village is paradise. They don't need to constantly worry about food, no more crossing and climbing mountains like roving bandits, no more soldiers pursuing their tails.
"We must establish the Ministries as soon as possible and save those innocent people."
Bah Long lifted his gaze, and deliberately looked at Roy's eyes, he spoke in a low, almost shy voice.
"Lord Zudra, " Bah Long asked, his gaze still fixed at Roy's eyes "This village has long been isolated from the empire, establishing the Ministries will not be a problem, but recruiting capable Ministers is...difficult."
Roy listened to Bah Long's words like a student asking a teacher, he didn't spoke for several seconds before waving his hands lazily.
"Then send words to another town," Roy spoke, his voice loud and clear, "find knowledgeable figures and bring them here, specially former officers."
Bah Long eyes immediately lit up, understanding dawned on him. If they can't find capable ministers in the village, then they should look from other towns.
Bah Long stood up, placed his hand on his chest as a salute.
"The nearest town on this region is Korokoro town, it's twenty miles away from the village. That town was also ravaged by the Southerners a few years ago. I already knew a few capable figures there, they are knowledgeable and upright, I will send word and bring them here as Lord Zudra Commands."
Bah Long performed a deep bow and exited the stone fortress, his figure vanishing onto the distance..
Roy then turned his gaze to Sor Sogon.
"Sor Sogon," Roy said, his gaze fixed on the kneeling figure.
Sor Sogon lifted his head, his eyes met Roy's gaze.
"You will be appointed as the new Military Minister, " Roy continued, voice calm but carried authority, "It is your job to recruit soldiers and protect the village from all kinds of threats."
Sor Sogon hesitated before replying, he spoke with a shy voice that carried trace of disappointment.
"But Lord Zudra, I am no Soldier." Sor Sogon replied, lowering his gaze again as he spoke, "I have no Military Experience nor have received proper training, I am afraid I might disappoint you."
Roy's lips smiled slightly, almost amused.
"I know, but yesterday, when the army appeared just outside of the village, you didn't hesitate and assembled your men to face all those hardened soldiers even though your men have no Military experience."
He paused, letting the words sank in before continuing his speech.
"To me, that is the rarest ability a General must learn. Soldiers exist for the people, it is their role to protect the innocent even if it cost them their lives."
"You are the protector of this village, it's defenders, you exchange your lives for the sake of the peoole, even though you are not real soldiers, for me, you have already surpassed most military units there is."
"And that, is why I'm proud of you."
Sor Sogon felt his eyes filled with tears, he wiped them with his dirty sleeve. Soon, the surrounding leaders also began sobbing and wiping their eyes, thick mixture of tears and snot layered their faces as they wailed loudly.