The Shifted Throne (Overlord)

Chapter 10: Foundations of Reform

Edmund paced back and forth in his office, his mind racing with ideas and strategies. The parchment before him was quickly filling with notes—military ranks, unit sizes, and training regimens inspired by the disciplined legions of Rome, the resilience of Sparta, and the mobility of the Mongols. However, he knew that plans were meaningless without decisive action.

His first priority was to stabilize the kingdom's military. With only 3,000 soldiers protecting its borders, the force was spread thin and poorly equipped to defend against external threats like beastmen incursions or internal dissent. Edmund also recognized the greater challenge—the resistance of the entrenched nobility, particularly Duke Alaric Velmont Sareth, who led the military with outdated tactics and little regard for modernization.

Edmund called for a knight stationed outside his office and gave a direct order. "Summon Duke Alaric Velmont Sareth to my office immediately."

The knight bowed and hurried off without question. Edmund took the opportunity to write down the key reforms he intended to introduce. His primary goal was to modernize the military structure by implementing an official rank system inspired by historical models, ensuring a clear chain of command.

Edmund tapped his quill thoughtfully. While the rank structure seemed straightforward, the real obstacle lay in replacing Duke Alaric. The duke's resistance to change was well-known, and Edmund doubted the old man would step down without a fight.

The sound of heavy boots echoed down the hallway, and Edmund took a steadying breath. The door creaked open, revealing Duke Alaric, a man whose presence seemed to fill the room. His hair was as white as snow, and his posture betrayed his age, but his stern gaze reminded Edmund why the man had held power for so long.

"You summoned me, Your Majesty?" Alaric's voice was laced with formality, though his expression revealed suspicion.

"Yes, Duke Alaric," Edmund replied, gesturing for the man to sit. "We need to discuss the military."

The duke sat stiffly, folding his hands on the desk. "What is there to discuss? The soldiers are doing their duty, and the borders are secure."

"Secure, yes," Edmund said, choosing his words carefully. "But barely. Our forces are stretched thin, and we lack the organization to face a serious threat. I've been studying strategies that could improve our military's efficiency and readiness. It's time for reforms."

Alaric's expression darkened. "Reforms? With all due respect, Your Majesty, our ways have served this kingdom for generations. Change for the sake of change is a dangerous path."

Edmund leaned forward, meeting the duke's gaze. "It's not change for its own sake. It's survival. We face threats on all sides, and the old ways aren't enough anymore. The kingdom needs leaders who can adapt."

The duke's silence was telling. Sensing an opportunity, Edmund pressed on. "Duke Alaric, you've served this kingdom faithfully for decades. Your experience is invaluable, but perhaps it's time to pass the torch to someone who can carry these reforms forward."

Alaric's jaw tightened, but he didn't immediately protest. "And who would you suggest?"

"I've given this matter great thought," Edmund said, handing over a dossier. "Sir Cedric Thorne Vallis. A rising star with a proven track record of defending our borders. His innovative tactics and rapport with the soldiers make him the ideal candidate to lead the military into a new era."

The duke skimmed the document, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he set it down. "If this is your will, Your Majesty, then I will step aside. But know this—Cedric will face immense pressure from the nobles. Reform is never easy."

Edmund nodded. "I understand, and I'll ensure he has my full support. Thank you for your service, Duke Alaric. You'll always have a place of honor in this court."

The duke rose, his expression grim but resigned. "For the kingdom," he said before leaving the room.

The next morning, Edmund summoned Sir Cedric Thorne Vallis to the palace. When Cedric arrived, his presence was striking—a man in his early thirties, tall and broad-shouldered, with an air of quiet authority. His armor bore the marks of countless battles, and his sharp eyes suggested both intelligence and pragmatism.

"Your Majesty," Cedric said, kneeling. "You summoned me?"

"Rise, Sir Cedric," Edmund said. "I've chosen you to replace Duke Alaric as the commander of our forces. Your reputation precedes you, and I believe you're the man to lead our military into a new age."

Cedric's eyes widened briefly before he composed himself. "It would be an honor, Your Majesty. I pledge my loyalty to you and to the kingdom."

"Good," Edmund said, handing him the reform plans. "These are the changes I intend to implement. I need your input and your support to make them a reality."

Cedric scanned the documents, nodding occasionally. "These ideas are bold, but they're sound. With your permission, I'll begin reorganizing the army immediately."

"You have my full support," Edmund said. "And Cedric—be prepared. There will be resistance from the nobles. I trust you to handle it."

Cedric smiled faintly. "Let them resist. I've faced worse on the battlefield."

As Cedric departed to begin his new role, Edmund felt a weight lift from his shoulders. It was a small step, but a crucial one. With a capable leader in place and a clear plan for reform, the military was on its way to becoming a force capable of protecting the kingdom—and laying the foundation for its resurgence.

Edmund leaned back in his chair, exhaustion setting in. There was still so much to do—taxation reforms, infrastructure rebuilding, and integrating magic into the military. But for the first time since inheriting the throne, he felt a glimmer of hope.

"This is just the beginning," he muttered to himself, staring out the window at the crumbling kingdom he was determined to rebuild.

End of chap.