"Thank you all for gathering, I know you have had some long journeys and busy days." Shang Yang began as he started the meeting, with Dom sat beside him listening in. Dom had his own opinions, but he left it to Shang Yang to open the meeting. "Today's meeting is in preparation for our goals of declaring a Kingdom. I believe that we will be in a position to establish this within the month at our current trajectory. I am reluctant to push it past that date as I think it is key to the stability of our growing enterprise. I shall hand you over to Xun Yu who shall explain the outline of today's meeting."

Dom leant forwards to see Xun Yu as stood up and began speaking, all of the rest in the room also leant forwards to see what he was talking about. Most of them had been with Riverside a long time and knew his importance since his arrival and the importance of this meeting. Some were excited for the possible power they would have in their roles, whilst others were nervous at the gravity of their tasks.

"We shall first agree the style of our government and the importance of it's figurehead. We will then discuss the layout of our government and the key pillars that will allow it to stand." Xun Yu began to the attentive crowd. "We will then agree who will fit in these key Pillars, before agreeing the roles of Central and Local Government. For those that have been here a while, this is a restructuring and advancement to what is already being done. However, the aim this time is to create something lasting that will allow our Kingdom to flourish."

Xun Yu then turned to Lucius, who was sat on the other side of Dom, who stood with a serious face for once. Dom wasn't aware of how the event would flow, as Shang Yang had only given him the basics and had allowed him to choose who he felt was best for the roles.

"Many of us are from Republics or Democracies, whilst others are from sprawling empires or Monarchies. Some of us have seen how a Dictatorship can either positively or negatively impact a society, whilst others have seen how too much conversations can lead to little work being completed." Lucius began, before turning to Dom. "Lord Lazarus has created a place for us to create a new and growing home, our opinions matter and we are given the freedom to make our own choices. The three current Senior Leaders of myself, Shang Yang and General Subutai have agreed unanimously that we should formally become a monarchy upon establishment. Settling Lord Lazarus as our King, or an evolving title that fits with the size of our lands."

There was agreement across the room, everyone nodded, with some of his older and most loyal followers such as Tomyris, Crassus and Hatshepsut, banging their fists on the table in support. Heroes like Xun Yu had died for their beliefs in the past, whilst others such as Cicero had fought for democracy to continue in their previous lives. However, here they were all united to have Dom as their Lord and future King.

"Following this, we will establish our Government as a support for Lord Lazarus to make the final decisions." Shang Yang stated, taking over from Lucius who sat down after doing his part. "He has always and will continue to grant us the freedom to do what is best, however he is the tip of our leadership and the final decision maker for all things of importance."

Shang Yang then turned to Dom, allowing him to stand and speak, as everyone in the room went silent to see what he had to say.

"It is a humbling position to be in, but I will drive our Kingdom forwards with your support." Dom began, "I can not do that however, without a strong Government and Military. Tomorrow I will speak with all of our Generals, including some of those that have sneaked in to this meeting. However, first I need a head of our Government who can make important decisions and who can nurture and support me and my wives, as we are all young and in need of the support."

Tomyris seemed to smile at the mention of sneaking in to the meeting, having been made the Mayor of Noctus, whilst Su Fei seemed more embarrassed as he had just joined them and was now a mayor of Renatus as well. At the mention of a government leader, all eyes seemed to flock towards Shang Yang who stood beside Dom with the weight of the next words on his shoulder.

"As Xun Yu stated earlier, after agreeing our direction we would agree the outline of our Government." Dom continued, "I will therefore like to put forwards that Elder Shang Yang is installed as our Prime Minister and the first Prime Minister of our Kingdom."

There were mumbles of agreement across the room, with Lucius being the most vocal for this. Shang Yang was already the acting leader within the Government function and this was more of a formality. However, after doing some research, Dom understood the importance of this role. His Aunt had also been in a similar role in reality and he understood the power that came with it. Shang Yang currently had no family or loyalties to anyone but Dom, and Dom felt that this was part of the reason the others had pushed for it. Normally, out of politeness Shang Yang should have declined the position multiple times before finally agreeing to it, however he had learnt that Dom liked it simple and that this was a different world to that he was used to.

"Thank you Lord Lazarus." Shang Yang bowed, his tone even and polite. "As my first act, I would like us to discuss the key arms of our Government. I have spoken with Xun Yu, Crassus, Cicero and Umako about the different government style's they had. I believe a amalgamation of sorts is needed, with separate key pillars that feed in to me and then Lord Lazarus. I will ask Xun Yu to explain more."

"As with all of our governments, the senior leaders and ministers would gather and debate, we intend to keep this tradition. However, decisions will be made in departments and pushed through ti the debate for confirmation. Both Shang Yang and Lord Lazarus have veto rights on any decisions, with Lord Lazarus's being the superior." Xun Yu explained, "This means that if Prime Minister Shang Veto's an idea, Lord Lazarus can counter Veto so it is pushed through."

"We have outlined five Pillars for our Government, with sub areas beneath them. I believe that every Hero in this room will be assigned a role within one of these Pillars." Shang Yang explained, "The five Pillars are; State Affairs, Secretariat, Chancellor, Development, Local. You will notice that Military has been kept separate from these functions. We believe that by keeping them separate, we are reducing the risk of corruption leaking in to it. They will be controlled by their own leadership, but will work directly with the Political Pillars for things such as equipment and funding."

"This is to keep both the Government and Military in check of each other, so that one can not work without the other. For example, internal defence should fall within the State Affairs, however the need for Military Support is key." Xun Yu added.

"I shall now go through the different areas, whilst Lord Lazarus will announce his choices for each role. State Affairs is the direct Pillar under the Prime Minister, it monitors the other departments and makes sure that no corruption sneaks in. This is the key Pillar and making sure that the Government functions." Shang Yang explained, "As well as monitoring the other internal departments, the State of Affairs will continue to manage the external diplomacy as well. As with the other departments, we will name the department heads and then fill the roles in between after."

"Xun Yu will become our Head of State Affairs." Dom explained, "I believe he is the best suited to act as Shang Yang's deputy and keep the other departments in check."

The group all agreed, with most of the other Senior Heroes already expecting this decision, with their own expectations for their roles. The newer Heroes all watched on in anticipation, especially the younger group who watched on with hope that some opportunities would arise for themselves.

"The second Pillar is the Secretariat. The Secretariat will be in charge of edicts, laws and rites. The key part will be managing the creation of laws within the Kingdom and making sure those laws are upheld." Shang Yang explained, "This is an important Pillar that I am highly passionate about. I know there is an ideological difference between my thoughts and others, but regardless the laws of the land are key to a safe and growing kingdom."

"I would like to propose Marcus Tullius Cicero as the Head of the Secretariat department." Dom put forwards, surprising Cicero himself, whilst those around him all nodded in agreement. He was a talented Hero who fit the role perfectly. He was the first to be put forwards for a role who was not part of those that Dom classed as his originals, who were all with him before Tongpai Town.

"I would second that." Xun Yu stated, "A trustworthy and impartial person who can be an important Pillar to the Kingdom."

"Thank you." Cicero replied with a bow, clearly honoured by the role.

"The next Pillar is the the Chancellery. The Chancellery is in charge of Trade and Finance within the Kingdom." Shang Yang continued, "A key role to make sure that our Kingdom grows and is economically viable."

Everyone in the room turned to Crassus, who looked at Dom expectantly, knowing that he was already in charge of finance and it wouldn't make sense for anyone else to have this role.

"Marcus Licinius Crassus." Dom replied with a grin, as relief hit Crassus's face.

"Any change to usual?" Crassus asked seriously, wondering if he had to change his plans.

"Just keep doing what you do." Dom laughed, as he visible relaxed.

"The next role is for the Development department, this is a department that is to manage the growth of the internals of our Kingdom. Managing the creation and direction of our Cities, Towns and Villages." Shang Yang continued, "The importance of this role can not be hidden, the Development department is key to making sure that what we build now can last."

"Hatshepsut has already been doing this role and should continue to do so." Dom stated, with no disagreements from anyone in the group. She smiled, locking eyes with Sostratus who knew that any escape plans from working for her had just gone.

"Finally, we have the Local Department, this is a department that will manage the Mayor's of the Towns, as well as control the food production of the Kingdom." Shang Yang explained, whilst a slight grin appeared on his face, whilst Lucius that was sat on the other side of Dom suddenly paled.

"Don't worry Lucius." Dom said to him quietly, "We realised that being a Mayor is a lot of work for you, and have decided to find something better for you. I guarantee you won't be the Mayor of Riverside anymore."

Lucius nodded his head, but the feeling of unease had not yet passed. Instead, as he looked at Shang Yang, Xun Yu and Dom, he felt more worry than anything else.

"Before we continue, I need to also update you on the changes to the Mayor system. For Towns that are growing, the role of Mayor will continue, with Towns being allocated specialities." Xun Yu commented, taking over. "However, as the Towns become Cities and begin to expand, the Mayor's will be promoted to Governors with more power in their decisions."

"Whilst we know that Lucius would enjoy nothing more than looking after the farming part of the Kingdom, unfortunately this role also comes with managing the Mayors." Dom stated, standing up from beside Lucius. "So I would like to appoint Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus as the Head of Local Department."

"Therefore, Lucius, as well as being the Head of Local Department, you are also now the Governor of Riverside." Shang Yang added, whilst grinning towards him, whilst Dom and the other original Heroes did the same. Tomyris sat in her corner even leant back in her chair laughing slightly, whilst Meritamen who have been quiet so far covered her face in her hands. Lucius just accepted the decision, as if he had done some terrible deed in a past life and this was his penance.

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