Tale of the Red Dragon Without Dragon’s Might
Chapter 302 - 297: Founding of the Nation

Chapter 302: Chapter 297: Founding of the Nation

Leon pondered for quite some time before ultimately deciding to name the kingdom he was founding "Zhen Dan."

He wondered if any other Earthlings had crossed over to this world and might hear the familiar name "Zhen Dan," then travel thousands of miles to Watchtower Port to seek him out... Meeting a fellow countryman might be a joyful occasion—or he might get stabbed in the back instead. If there really were fellow countrymen around, he’d need to be on his guard.

Leon wanted to found a kingdom, and he would absolutely not forget Cecilia. She was his capable Chief Maid in every sense of the word, and would also serve as the Prime Minister for the kingdom he envisioned... Though the position wasn’t quite established yet, which was proving to be a headache.

"It’s been about a week since we last saw each other, hasn’t it?"

The next day, Leon used the Communication Stone to summon Cecilia back from the Emerald Corridor to the Volcanic Island and shared with her the plans he had in mind.

"Master, why are you suddenly thinking about founding a kingdom?" Cecilia asked curiously. "It’s no easy task to establish a nation."

"I know it’s not easy, which is why I called you back," Leon replied with a smile, then laid out the political system he’d spent an entire day crafting.

"Master, did you truly think through this political system?" Cecilia asked skeptically. "With positions like Chief Justice, Minister of Seal, Prime Minister—where will we find enough people to fill all these roles?"

"Staffing won’t be a problem," Leon said matter-of-factly. "In the early stages of founding a kingdom, when personnel are scarce, we’ll simply have individuals take on multiple roles at once. It’s all about laying the groundwork first—building the foundation before constructing the house, focusing on core structure before considering decorative details."

"Based on your plan, the issue of limited manpower is addressed," Cecilia said, nodding thoughtfully. With her experience managing Watchtower Port, she brought the conversation back to a crucial concern. "The next problem is that if you don’t want to grant nobility, you’ll have to figure out how to incentivize people to help out. Without benefits, no one will work for you."

"Of course," Cecilia said sweetly, "I personally don’t want anything—I just want to stay by your side."

"Stop it," Leon responded bluntly. "Humanity chases profit; people come and go for personal gain. I haven’t overlooked anyone’s interests... You can’t expect the horse to run without feeding it. That’s just not realistic."

After some hesitation, Leon said, "I’ve decided to implement a system of appointed counties rather than a feudal system, but that doesn’t mean I won’t grant land."

Leon nodded and continued, "I will grant territories, but they cannot be directly managed by the recipients. Administration must be unified under central government-appointed officials. The territories would come with usage rights, but not ownership rights—I can reclaim or reassign them at any time..."

"I won’t do so lightly, but I absolutely must retain that authority—the power to give and take lives." Leon clenched his fist as he spoke.

Leon didn’t truly care about the land itself. He’d been willing to distribute hundreds of thousands of gold from the tombs of the Ancient Fallen Empire without hesitation. His aversion to the feudal system stemmed mainly from the sense of unity ingrained in him since childhood.

Cecilia looked at Leon, her face full of smiles rather than disapproval.

A mighty Red Dragon should indeed possess such dominance.

"Speaking of which—" Leon paused, "characters like Anglistra and Salovis are totally unsuited to be rulers. Giving them a territory without expecting them to govern it, and setting up a monthly allowance instead, would satisfy their desire for land while avoiding the chaos they’d bring to management."

Cecilia nodded thoughtfully.

"Any other issues?" Leon asked.

"I haven’t noticed any for the time being," Cecilia said hesitantly.

"Very well—report back promptly if any problems arise." Leon patted Cecilia on the shoulder. The short-haired girl’s frame was thin, almost frail. "I’ll leave this matter to you, then."

"What are you saying?" Cecilia nearly jumped in response. "I haven’t even sorted things out in the Emerald Corridor, and now you’re dumping another task on me?"

With a serious expression, Cecilia said, "I’m human, not a beast of burden."

"You can set aside the Emerald Corridor for now," Leon reassured her. "Focus on nation-building; founding the kingdom is more important."

After some thought, Leon made a promise: "I’ll ensure that once the kingdom is established, you’ll receive the title of Duchess... Given my current territories, it would be presumptuous of me to call myself Emperor. For now, I will simply assume the title of King and grant you the role of Duchess at most."

"I have just one question," Cecilia said, gazing at Leon. "If you’re King, who’s your Queen?"

"You better not tell me it’s Tassera," Cecilia added with a hint of melancholy. "It seems I’ve been mistaken all along."

Leon shrugged.

...

...

Of course, Leon couldn’t leave the entirety of founding the kingdom to Cecilia.

He had his own share of responsibilities. Certain tasks required his personal involvement, such as arranging for Anglistra and Salovis to conquer the Yuan-Ti’s original city, visiting the Lost Plateau to ask the Cloud Giants whether they wanted to join his kingdom, and heading to the desert to seek out the Brass Dragon—ready to threaten the dragon that if it refused, Salovis would come find it next time.

"Alright, I agree. Just don’t bring that little troublemaker here."

"Also, you promised me a position—Engineering Minister."

The Brass Dragon had always been pragmatic.

There was an endless list of chaotic tasks, leaving no one with any idle time.

After more than six months of preparation, the groundwork for the kingdom was finally complete, and now it was time to officially announce its founding at the grand opening ceremony.

"Are you nervous, Master?"

"Honestly, a little."

"Do you think someone might come to disrupt the process, interfere with the founding, and turn the ceremony into a joke?"

"I hope someone does try—I wouldn’t mind spilling some blood as a flagstone."

"You probably won’t have that chance, Master, because I’ve already arranged everything. Nothing will go wrong."

"I trust in Cecilia’s capabilities."

The opening ceremony was planned by Cecilia, held in Watchtower Port’s central plaza.

Thanks to a month of prior promotion, the plaza was already packed with bustling crowds—not just local residents, but adventurers, merchants, and spies from around the world, including Humans, Dwarves, Elves, and other humanoids, as well as monsters like Hags, Ogres, and Evil Ghosts...

With the sound of a deep, resonant bell, the grand opening ceremony officially began.

"Everyone has gathered here today, so you’re all likely aware of what’s about to happen."

"I imagine you’re all impatiently waiting."

"Now, let us welcome the Cliff Sword, Master of Flash Sea, Lord of Watchtower Port..." Cecilia, acting as host, rattled off Leon’s many titles, "the great Red Dragon, Lord Leon, to the stage."

Leon had dressed meticulously in advance, his Dragon Armor polished to a dazzling shine under the sunlight. He soared from the Volcanic Island, his enormous silhouette blotting out the sky, before swooping down onto Watchtower Port’s plaza, kicking up a whirlwind of dust and banners.

He deliberately slowed his pace, striding heavily and steadily up to the stage. Each step caused the ground to tremble faintly. Then, he used his crimson eyes to sweep across the crowd in the plaza.

Leon believed his reputation was enough to intimidate any troublemakers but couldn’t guarantee that no one would underestimate him and stir up chaos.

Suddenly, Leon let out a low roar, the sound like thunder, instantly silencing the plaza’s chatter. He then began his speech, prepared in advance by Tassera.

The speech recounted the past of Watchtower Port—its sordid history of corruption, collusion, and suffering—as well as the profound changes Leon had brought to the city. Under Leon’s leadership, the small harbor town had transformed into a bustling metropolis in only a short time...

Finally, the speech reached its pivotal moment.

Even Leon couldn’t resist licking his lips in excitement.

"Citizens, comrades, friends..."

"I hereby declare: the Zhen Dan Kingdom is officially founded from today onward."

As Leon’s words fell, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, led by actors and amplified by Spellcaster magic. Both the attendees, monster and humanoid alike, rose and shouted their praise—largely because several dragons stood nearby, ensuring no one dared kill the mood.

Next, Leon announced a series of new policies.

The Zhen Dan Kingdom would be founded on principles that prioritized the people, reducing taxation, increasing agricultural production, promoting education, fostering talent, encouraging commerce, and striving for prosperity and stability for its citizens.

Alongside the policy announcements came the awarding of honors. Apart from the newcomer Brass Dragon, all the other dragons were granted titles. The Efreeti weren’t forgotten, either—ensuring everyone was satisfied.

Following this was the military parade.

Leon showcased his Salamander troops, which were taller than ordinary Salamanders. Goblins were simply not presentable, and Fire Melt Salamander forces were barely passable, but Cecilia put together a heavily armed Hobgoblin battalion and Orc division...

After the parade came the celebration.

Through connections with the Gold Shore Chamber of Commerce, Leon brought in a symphony orchestra from the Talia Alliance to perform grand compositions, along with around ten bards dressed in elaborate attire for live performances in the plaza.

The celebration concluded with a banquet, where food and drinks were freely provided.

For this grand opening ceremony, Leon spent nearly fifty thousand Gold Coins, splashing money as if it were water.

It wasn’t until nightfall that Leon had time to check his Golden Finger reward.

"To wear the crown, one must bear its weight—establish a kingdom."

"Advanced Reward: 72 Transformations."