ningning took a deep breath before continuing. "I can contribute five million coins each month, along with some building materials. Although it's not much, it could help with the construction. But… I must be honest, this assistance will affect the accelerated timeline of our plans. It will take slightly longer."
The room fell silent once more, the faint ticking of the wall clock the only sound. Arga stood still, his gaze fixed on ningning . After a moment, he stepped forward, his expression unreadable. Then, without warning, he grasped ningning 's shoulders.
"Is this true, ningning ? Are you serious about what you said? It doesn't matter if it takes a little longer. What matters is that we can finally begin construction," Arga said, his voice trembling faintly with gratitude.
ningning nodded slowly, her face calm, though a subtle nervousness flickered beneath her composed exterior.
In an instant, Arga pulled ningning into a firm embrace. The hug wasn't merely a gesture of gratitude; it carried a profound sense of relief. Like a leader who had finally glimpsed a ray of light at the end of an unending dark corridor.
"Thank goodness," Arga murmured softly near her ear. "At last, we can protect the people of Kashgar . At last, a solution before Siferia attacks. I never thought an answer would come so soon."
ningning remained silent in his embrace, her face slowly turning crimson. She didn't move, barely breathing, as if time had momentarily frozen. Seconds passed before Arga noticed the oddity. He loosened his hold and looked at ningning 's face, now flushed a deep red.
" ningning , why is your face red? Are you having trouble breathing? Forgive me," Arga said in a panic, his hands now cupping her cheeks, checking to ensure she was alright.
ningning simply stared back at him, her lips quivering slightly, but no words escaped. Arga let out a soft sigh, then slapped his own forehead with a sheepish expression.
"Ah... I forgot your request from before," Arga said with a small, regretful laugh. "You asked me to always act like an emperor and keep my distance. Forgive me, ningning ."
ningning shook her head gently, a faint smile gracing her lips. "It's alright, Your Majesty," she replied softly.
Arga took a deep breath, then patted her shoulder lightly. "Thank you for your help. I'm truly grateful to hear it."
With determined steps, Arga walked toward the door. But just before he touched the handle, he paused and turned back to face ningning . His gaze was resolute, his voice firm as he said, "After tonight's meeting with the commanders in the main hall, summon Nico, Sana, and several economic experts from Kashgar . Also, instruct the hundred best soldiers to gather at the central palace at midnight. There's something important to discuss."
ningning bowed respectfully, her voice calm but filled with earnestness. "Understood, Your Majesty."
Without another glance, Arga resumed his stride out of the room, leaving ningning to memorize each instruction. She watched his figure disappear behind the grand door.
When silence once again enveloped the room, ningning let a faint smile form on her lips. Her eyes drifted to the empty floor as if she could still feel the warmth of his embrace. The gentle evening breeze wafted in through the open window, carrying the soothing scent of leaves. Yet within ningning's heart, a ripple stirred one she couldn't quite explain.
The night sky cloaked the grand hall in darkness, a chilling atmosphere seeping into the old stones that upheld the majestic room. Under the dim glow of hanging chandeliers, high-ranking military officials had gathered. Their faces bore solemn expressions, and the silence was broken only by the echoing footsteps of guards patrolling the corridors.
"The Emperor is entering the room," a guard's authoritative voice shattered the stillness. In unison, everyone present rose to their feet, offering their full respect to their leader.
Arga entered with a commanding presence, each step exuding authority. His attire was simple yet elegant, and his gaze swept across the room, calm but impactful. With a brief gesture, he invited them to sit.
"Thank you for being here, commanders," he began, his voice clear and firm. "Tonight, we convene to discuss a matter of great importance. As leaders of the nine divisions, you bear responsibility for 13,500 soldiers. Therefore, I will form a new task force, combining the finest elements from each of your divisions."
A moment of silence reclaimed the room, interrupted only by the soft whistle of wind sneaking through window cracks.
"Since this is our first meeting, allow me to introduce each commander who will be part of this new structure." Arga picked up a piece of paper from his desk, reading the names carefully. "Ryota Hoshikawa."
"Present!" Ryota stood at attention.
One by one, the names followed: Haruto Yamashita, Kim Jae-Hyun, Min-Seok Choi, Aung Zaw Win, Yu Fei, Han Xin, Thitinan Suwannaphong. When the last name, Kartanegara, was called, Arga paused briefly. His gaze remained steady, though the pause felt longer than necessary.
"Very well," he continued, his voice regaining its commanding tone. "This new structure will reorganize the forces under the Imperial Defense Division into three brigades: the Imperial Security Brigade, the Urban and Border Security Brigade, and the Combat Brigade. The remainder will be stationed at strategic posts."
With a smooth motion, he waved his hand. "Come in."
Patimura, a senior soldier with a robust posture and confident stride, entered the hall. He saluted, and Arga acknowledged him with a slight nod before proceeding, "Ryota Hoshikawa," he pointed, "Kim Jae-Hyun." The names rolled on seamlessly.
"For the Imperial Security and Palace Brigade, I appoint Patimura as leader," Arga declared. "The Urban and Border Security Brigade will be led by Kim Jae-Hyun, and the Combat Brigade by Ryota Hoshikawa."
The atmosphere grew tense as Arga announced, "And for the position of Commander of the Imperial Defense Forces, I appoint... myself."
The room erupted in murmurs of surprise.
"I understand this decision may come as a shock," he said, his tone steadying the unrest. "But I refuse to let this position become a source of conflict among districts. Our empire is still young, and the looming threat from Siferia cannot be ignored. As a graduate of the military academy and a soldier, I am ready to lead from the frontlines."
In unison, the room responded, "Ready to follow your command, Your Majesty!"