Chapter 39 Thirty-eight

• Draeven sat at the head of the grand council table, his expression unreadable as he listened to the discussions unfolding around him. The room hummed with quiet conversations, his advisors reviewing the kingdom's progress. Agriculture flourished, trade routes expanded, and military defenses held strong—for now. The people were content, but stability was always fleeting.
• "Your Majesty," the royal treasurer began, his voice measured, "since establishing new trade routes, the kingdom's wealth has seen substantial growth. Our dealings with the eastern provinces have proven highly profitable, and—"
• "That will suffice," Draeven cut in, waving a hand dismissively. He valued progress, but the tedious details tested his patience.