After the meeting concluded, Rahul decided to stabilize several ministries, including the Ministry of Communication. On the recommendation of Priya and his trusted internal members, he appointed a capable individual named Sai as the new Minister of Communication. Rahul instructed Sai, "You are to establish the first newspaper organization under the Central Authority within the next six months. The necessary funding will be provided." Sai was overjoyed by this sudden elevation to a position of influence and humbly accepted the responsibility. Rahul added, "Every month, you will report the progress and the fund usage to the NLAO. Do not misuse this opportunity—I am giving you a chance." Sai replied with sincerity, "Your Majesty, this chance itself is a rise in power for me. We will complete the project diligently, and the first newspaper will be launched within six months, with proper fund man.
Similar to the Ministry of Communication, Rahul also established the Ministry of Mining. Recognizing the immense future potential and strategic importance of mining for the country's development, he appointed himself as the Minister of Mining. He was unafraid to take on the role personally, understanding that it was too critical to entrust to anyone else at this stage. The ministry was stabilized with clear objectives and plans, and Rahul decided that by the next year's budget meeting, he would announce a groundbreaking decision—one that would shake the very foundations of Athenia. However, he kept the details of this plan entirely to himself, carefully controlling the information until the right moment, and then scheduled the next ministry meeting to move forward.
At the same time, as the decisions from the council meeting were communicated to the citizens, it took some time due to the country's limited communication infrastructure. However, once the people understood the benefits they would receive from the meeting—salary increases, better infrastructure, and the strengthening of the Anti-Corruption Bureau—they praised their king enthusiastically. Central employees, seeing the improvements and the active role of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, were motivated to follow the rules, and corruption began to decline significantly. Within the next two to three months, the number of corruption cases reported to the Bureau dropped markedly, reflecting the immediate positive impact of Rahul's reforms.
By the end of six months, Athenia had begun to transform in ways that no one could have imagined. Mining operations in the wastelands near Palaepicia were fully underway, with specialized equipment and foreign technical experts working alongside local laborers, bringing new employment opportunities and steadily increasing the town's prosperity. Infrastructure projects were progressing on multiple fronts: roads were being improved, government offices and ministry buildings were being renovated, and the foundations of research and scientific institutions were being laid. The bureaucratic system, once riddled with inefficiency and corruption, was now functioning with a newfound discipline and transparency, thanks to the combined oversight of the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the National Level Audit Organization.
Ministries that had previously been stagnant now operated with clear objectives and accountability. The Ministry of Communication, under Sai, prepared to launch the country's first centralized newspaper, spreading information and connecting citizens to the ongoing reforms. The Ministry of Mining, directly overseen by Rahul, carefully coordinated the flow of resources, labor, and technical expertise, ensuring maximum efficiency while minimizing potential mismanagement. The military, purged of corrupt elements and reorganized under strict oversight, had regained discipline, readiness, and confidence in its leadership.
Rahul's strategic vision had begun to manifest in tangible results. The combination of careful diplomacy, financial planning, infrastructure development, and strict administrative oversight had created a ripple effect: citizens began to trust the government again, central and state employees felt valued due to the salary reforms, and local economies were revitalized. While challenges remained—old power structures and conservative ministers still tested the limits of his authority—Rahul's decisive actions had firmly set Athenia on a trajectory from a poor, backward kingdom toward a rising power.
Six months had passed since Rahul's major meeting, and the mining operations in Palaepicia were running at full capacity. Priya came to Rahul's office and reported, "Your Majesty, the mining operation is progressing very well. The company has provided a large number of technical advisors, management staff, and laborers. The local population is adapting quickly and learning the mining processes and machinery. Most of the machines are left here under the contract, and people are being trained to operate them. Only 3-4 machines will be sold externally, but the rest will remain so that our people gain technical experience."
Priya added, "The workforce is rotating continuously, so more and more locals are learning, and the town is gradually getting accustomed to the mining environment. With guidance from the company, the people are improving their technical skills and understanding of modern mining methods."
Rahul noted this progress silently, knowing that the foundations for future growth and industrial skill in Athenia were steadily being built.
Priya continued, "Your Majesty, the company has already provided the next $3 billion in funds. So, leaving the remaining $5 billion, only $6 billion will need to be provided by them over the next 1.5 years."
Rahul nodded, understanding her point. "Yes, I know. But don't worry, we have a lot of mines here."
Priya hesitated briefly. "Your Majesty, we checked the surrounding area, but we didn't find any additional resources."
Rahul replied calmly, "Don't worry. We have mines you don't know about. We will be able to mine more."
Priya, reassured, said, "Yes, Your Majesty, if you say so."
Priya, "Do one thing, call the Ministry of Education here."
Priya replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."
After ten minutes, and then the next day, the Minister of Education arrived to meet Rahul.
"Minister of Education, Ram," Rahul said, "come forward."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ram responded.
Rahul continued, "Do one thing. We have just received a payment of $3 billion from the company. Use $1 billion and make education compulsory for everyone up to the 12th grade. Also, start constructing universities and send selected students abroad for exchange programs. Ensure they are talented, and send more people gradually. The exchanges may take time, but make sure the education rate improves. I want to see results in the next budget meeting, and I want a full report of what you have done."
The Education Minister, Ram, was pleased. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will follow your instructions. Education is indeed the driving force of everything."
Rahul looked sternly at the Minister of Education. "Education is the most important thing. You have to ensure that education is provided to everyone. Do everything you can to increase the literacy and knowledge of this country. By the way, do you know what the literacy rate of our country is?"
Ram, the Education Minister, looked ashamed. "Yes, sir, I know."
"And what is that?" Rahul pressed.
"Sir… it's only 42%," Ram admitted.
"Only 42%?" Rahul exclaimed. "Even the African countries have 50–60% of their people literate, and we are barely at 42%! What the hell have you been doing until now?"
Ram bowed his head. "Sir, we don't have enough funds, and the infrastructure is not developed, so we've been unable to expand education properly."
Rahul's expression softened slightly. "Okay, I understand. Here is $1 billion. Spend it wisely. Do everything in your charter to improve education. I want to see a report in 2–3 years showing an improvement of 10–15% in the literacy rate of the country."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ram replied firmly, renewed with determination.