Chapter 5: Setting The Founding Rules
"Ranga."
"Rigurd."
"Rigur (II)"
And so many more. After he gained the direwolves submission and the loyalty of the goblin clan, Henrik immediately started naming them all. Granting them power, evolutions and a new hope for their future along with names.
While he was more creative with names than Rimuru, he did keep the names Rimuru chose for the main people.
Ranga wold serve as Henrik's mount and loyal follower as he lived in Henrik's shadow. Rigur was named after his elder brother to honour his memory as the only other goblin in the clan to be named. Rigurd the same, was to honour his son who had died but not before bringing great honour to his clan.
After his subordinates were named, unlike Rimuru, Henrik didn't even feel his magicule reserves lowering, likely thanks to the body Veldanava made him and Veldora's reserves, which Henrik could use.
Once the arrangements were made for the direwolf pack to be given food and shelter in the camp and both the goblins and direwolves were instructed to be peaceful with each other. This seemed to already be the case as it was Ranga's father who chose violence but Henrik wanted to be sure.
As the goblins were repairing the messes Veldora made, and the direwolves hunting for food, Henrik and his new council were in a small tent planning for the imminent future.
"Sorry we don't have something more befitting you lord Henrik, these chairs is the best we could find," Rigurd said with deep regret in his voice.
"Don't worry about it. After what Veldora did, I'm honestly surprised there's anything left to sit on. Don't feel bad about it, trust me, I've sat on worse," Henrik said with a smile to try and reassure Rigurd.
Seeing Henrik smile at him, Rigurd's self-pity seemed to disappear completely and be replaced with pride, even if deep down he knew Henrik was lying to make him feel better.
"Okay then. Ranga, Rigurd, Rigur. Let the first meeting of the Lazek Kingdom's founders council commence," Henrik declared.
After he said this, Ranga howled to signal to the camp that the meeting had started and they were not to be disturbed. As Henrik wanted all his subordinates to feel equal to him, he had two goblins and two direwolves outside as the beginning of a royal guard.
"First of all, if I may sir," Rigurd spoke up with a pleading tone to which Henrik responded, "Please, go ahead."
Rigurd straightened himself in his chair before continuing to speak. "Well, its been a few days since you saved us and united us goblins with the direwolves, and in that time, the goblins have been concerned with the title of Chancellor. As our leader and clearly a very powerful individual, the goblins feel a more fitting title would be king or emperor. They had suggested chief but that's our goblin ways and I feel it'll be disrespectful to the direwolves to try and force them to follow our customs.
So we settled on one of those two. Just last night, Rigur and I consulted Ranga on the matter and he agreed a neutral title of king and emperor would be better for the future of the country."
Henrik was surprised by this as he never anticipated that the goblins and direwolves would speak privately like this, at least not this soon after the direwolves tried to attack them, but that's the unity he made between them.
"Ranga, are the direwolves in agreement about this?" Henrik asked his mount with a kind smile on his face.
"Yes master. I spoke about it with the pack, everyone thinks king or emperor would be better than alpha or boss. However, we are your humble servants, so whatever title you choose us direwolves are happy to call you," Ranga replied as he bowed to Henrik which caused him to feel uncomfortable.
"Okay. And please Ranga, don't bow to me. I'm undeserving of it."
Ranga then looked at Henrik with regret on his face and apologised profusely. Although, he was bowing his head as he apologised but Henrik knew this wasn't intentional so he didn't make Ranga feel worse by keep talking about it.
"Now, King Henrik or Emperor. If I remember correctly, there's only one other person with the title of emperor in the world. Rudra. His wife is the True Dragon Velgrynd and the last thing I want to do is give them cause to come here, at least for now.
Okay then, King Henrik of the Jura Lazek Kingdom. Now, lets get to the main point of this meeting. The founding rules of the kingdom. These rules will be essential in showing the world what we stand for and could result in any future alliance.
When I left my home and set out on this mission, it was because I didn't agree with how the human kingdoms treated monsters. The point of this kingdom is prove that harmony between humans and monsters is possible.
And so, I've come up with ten rules we'll call the 10 commandments that will be the building blocks to our nation.
Since we're still to determine exact powers I and you three have, I wanted to tell the whole council my thoughts and if you have any concern of questions, you can bring them up here. Does that sound good to you three?" Henrik asked Ranga, Rigurd, and Rigur and they nodded to him.
"First rule, or commandment number one, any and all violence is unacceptable unless we're under attack. That means that with the exception of training or two friends playfully fighting, violence is completely outlawed. However, creating a kingdom with a human king and monsters in, I have no doubt the human kingdoms will try and stop it. So violence is only acceptable if there's a large scale attack instigated by outside forces."
After hearing this, all three members of the council nodded in agreement at the rule. As they did with all the following commandments.
"Commandment number 2, racial attacks will not be allowed. This may be the biggest rule for a country with humans and monsters living together. All races have their stereotypes about each other and using those against other citizens or tourists will unacceptable.
We all know the stereotype about goblins and human women, things like that will not be tolerated.
To enforce this rule, I'm able to combine my [Barrier] magic with my Unique skill [Perversion] to create a weak effect that makes everyone inside it see past lies. If someone had a power that allowed them to make others believe their lies, this barrier would render it ineffective. Even abilities that can manipulate brainwaves will be ineffective in the city.
Commandment number 3, any race with a population of over 10,000 is entitled to have a representative on the council.
While neither the goblins or the direwolves have that number, both races will be the only exception. The rule doesn't mean that any race with less members will never have a voice.
This here is the founders council but it won't be the main one. When the country is more settled, there'll be a high council which will handle more matters. Depending on the severity of the issues talked about in high council meetings, the founding council may be summoned to give their opinion."
After Henrik told them about this, Ranga had a concern he brought up.
"Master, what exactly will be the difference of the council. What will the high council be composed off?"
"Good question Ranga. The high council will be composed of the most important jobs of running the country. Things like a prime minister, the highest ranked general, intelligence officer. Things of that nature. The founding councils job will primarily be to give any important information to their people.
Any other questions?" Henrik asked but not one spoke up.
"Okay then. Commandment number 4. No one is above the law.
In many human countries, the nobility rule and can do practically anything to those who don't have a title. Not here. We'll judge everyone fair and square.
Commandment number 5. No citizen will ever be eligible for drafting.
While the defence of the kingdom is important, it should never be forced on anyone. The only person who should HAVE to fight is me as the king. As such, it's imperative we ensure military service will always be optional.
Commandment number 6. Each child is entitled to an education.
One of the most important things is that future generations is ready to take on responsibilities. Because of that, education is paramount. When we establish a school, we'll combine the best knowledge of all races and give the young the best education possible. I actually intend on becoming a teacher when the opportunity is here.
Commandment number 7. People looking to start businesses in the country must undergo multiple checks by the government.
As a growing land, I have no doubt there'll be spies, so before a permanent business can be set up, we need to be sure the business owner isn't a threat.
Commandment number 8. Following on from businesses. All prices for goods must be fair and go by the quality of the item, ingredients and materials made to create it. Anyone found in breach of this law risks a fine or shutdown depending on the severity.
Commandment number 9. The tax rate will be 15%. This is for everything, people's personal income, businesses. I do have a few ideas for the future (like the Labyrinth) but we'll discuss them when the time comes.
Commandment number 10. As king, I must sign any new law.
This means I'll be the only person guaranteed a seat on both councils and the general overseer. This doesn't make my power absolute though because both councils must be made aware and agree before I can sign it.
I have one final note. The way the councils will work after everything has been fully formed is that the high council will first discuss and the founding council will later be informed should you need to be. In the event of a new law, after the high council has made the first draft, I'll bring it before the founding council and any concerns you have then can be voiced.
Should appropriate concerns be brought up, both councils will bring forth a proposal and we'll work together to create a fair and appropriate law.
Well unless you have any questions, that about covers todays meeting. Thanks for baring with me, I know its been hours but it is important."
"Don't apologise sir," Rigur says, "It's part of leading a country. Plus, we're honoured to be chosen for such important roles."
Henrik sighs and pats Rigur on his shoulder before thanking him for his reassurance.
After the meeting is officially concluded, all four walk out of the tent to see the newly evolved hobogoblins, hobogoblinas and Lazek wolves have constructed many more tents then were originally here.
The Lazek wolves, they were actually the proof that showed the goblins Henrik actually beat Veldora.
While Veldora was still a raging monster, [Great Sage] had introduced him to manga which greatly entertained him. His favourite was Black Clover and in return for more adventures of Asta, Veldora agreed to open a soul corridor with Henrik. This triggered the direwolves to evolve into a completely new species when they were named and everyone knew it was because of Henrik's connection to Veldora.
Seeing their hard work, Henrik praised his subordinates and they all were over the moon at being praised. The hobogoblins jumped and fist bumped each other, the hobogoblinas threw themselves at Henrik and the wolves planted their noses into the ground, thanking their master.
Once again Henrik insisted they don't bow but this only led to them apologising and bowing again.
It was all happy times until the shortest goblin of all, Gobta, asked Henrik a question.
"Lord Henrik, what do we do next. If we're gonna make a nation, we need more people and allies. Which one should we focus on next?"
This guy who was usually a gag character had brought up a good point. If Henrik wanted to make a nation even more successful then Tempest, he'd need to do the things Rimuru did and so much more. This gave Henrik an idea that even he wasn't sure would work.
"Both," Henrik answered.