Nightmare: Nation Rising
Chapter 4: Chapter 3: Constituendum Pace
Previous Chapter Next Chapter"Everything went far better than I expected, especially taking into account how I was perceived just a few months ago." Andromalius commented, surveying the crowd of ponies with a content look on his face. He was relieved to know ponies would accept him and other demons much easier than he expected.. "I'm glad everything turned out this way."
"Luna and I have been teaching our ponies about appearances and how they are connected to a person." Celestia said. "It seems they understood that what's on the outside doesn't necessarily show what is on the inside." she sighed in relief. "I feared it would go worse, too.
"Now, I suppose we should build a two-way portal between Union and Equestria as our first step towards unity. We should get ponies meet demons on regular basis. Besides, a railroad through the Frozen North would be too expensive."
"I agree." Andromalius nodded. "I could perhaps send an architect or two here. We can build this together and show the world that we can work side by side peacefully."
"We should begin now." Celestia nodded.
In the evening, Andromalius finally returned to his castle. He was teleporting back and forth between his own country and Equestria, taking builders and architects that would help build the portal. It was planned as a massive structure about fifteen meters high and ten meters wide. It was divided into two sections: one would allow to enter, and another would allow to exit. It would support hundreds of ponies and demons going through it daily without cluttering the portal. By dusk, the construction had already begun.
After the demon lord returned to his castle, he spent most of his time studying the law of demons and creating his own, more refined version of it. Inanna, meanwhile, was walking around the castle, exploring it, as well as waiting for her lover to finish with his royal duties. She was going to live with him, after all.
As Andromalius finished writing, he called his butler.
"Good evening, my lord. Do you require my assistance?" Nebet said, entering Andromalius' study.
"I need you to answer a few questions, Nebet." the demon lord said. "First and foremost, how many demons know how to write and read?"
"I would say..." Nebet tapped his chin. "About thirty percent can write while almost sixty can read."
Andromalius frowned. The level of language knowledge wasn't too good, he would certainly need to do something to fix that.
"How many schools are there?" he asked.
"About ten overall. All of them require a fee to study at. Unfortunately, most can't afford it and have to rely on their parents to teach them."
"It must be fixed right away." Andromalius stated firmly. "Does anyone own those schools?"
"No, they're by themselves, completely independent."
"I suppose I will visit them tomorrow morning and see what I can do." the hell stallion nodded. "Education shouldn't be a luxury. Now, I would require the best remaining architects to meet me in the throne room. I have a very important task for them."
"I will send them letters right away." Nebet nodded. "Do you require anything else, my lord?"
"I suppose not. Inform me when the replies arrive." Andromalius said. "Dismissed."
Nebet bowed and then exited the personal quarters of his lord. The hell stallion sighed, relaxing slightly. The day has been pretty tiring to him. However, he will have to adjust to it eventually. He never expected lordship to be easy, after all. A lot of work needs to be done in order for the country he's in charge to become great.
As he rested, Inanna entered the study. She looked at the hell stallion and noticed how tired he was.
"Oh my, Andro, you look tired." she said with slight worry, sitting nearby. "I suppose being a lord is harder than you expected?"
"No, but it is tiring." he replied. "Though, I'm certain I will get used to it eventually. Besides, it has something... entertaining. As a game of sorts. Well, I used to play a lot of games where I had to manage resources and build relationships with different countries. I was pretty good at them, in my opinion.
"Everything is just a game, albeit harder and consequences for both victory and defeat can be far greater and more complicated. I have to watch the same things I did in games, and then try to predict how my actions will be perceived and what reactions I might get. It is very interesting and challenging."
"But you still need some rest." Inanna said. "Say, how about a, I dunno, a blowjob?" she suggested casually, smirking suggestively and teasingly. "I can help you relax, you know."
"I'm not against it." Andromalius chuckled. "Ah, it's still bugs me sometimes just how casual you are about it. Though, what else would I expect from a succubus?" he smirked. "Just don't make a mess. I'll be meeting some people soon."
"Nah, don't worry. You know, I always swallow." Inanna laughed. "Now, relax and let me do all the work..."
***
After Andromalius and Inanna had some relaxation, the demon lord went to the throne room to meet the architects and the builders. He had a plan in mind, the one that would make not only the capital better but the whole country as well.
He entered the throne room, walked to his throne, and sat on it. He went through his thoughts, organizing them in a comfortable and useful pattern. He needed to state everything clearly.
Soon, Nebet entered the throne room.
"The architects have arrived, my lord." he bowed. "May I let them in?"
"Of course." Andromalius nodded.
Soon, a few demons entered the throne room and bowed before their lord. They were two, and both were minotaurs.
"Rise." the demon lord said. "Now, I have a very important task for you that will greatly benefit our country. Did you notice how lively it became around here with all the plants and trees?"
The two nodded.
"We should keep it that way." Andromalius continued. "I summoned you to make a plan for the sewer systems throughout the kingdom. All waste should be disposed not by dumping it onto the streets but by throwing it into the underground systems."
"Actually, my lord, the capital city has one, albeit it is in a very poor state." one of the architects said. "I suppose we can fix it. We didn't have time to do it because of the war, my lord."
"Excellent." the demon lord said. "I need you to make a plan of the current sewer systems and bring it to me. Also, make plans for sewer systems for other cities and villages. Then, we will discuss the details. Dismissed."
"Will be done, my lord." the same architect bowed.
After the two left, Andromalius summoned Beledal into the throne room.
"What can I help you with, my lord?" the advisor asked.
"I need you to find those who will spread my word across the country." Andromalius said. "I've been working on the new governmental system, and I already have a basis for it. Everyone should know it as soon as possible."
"May I inquire what the new system is?" Beledal asked.
"The new system will be aimed towards developing new technologies that will benefit us all and raise the quality of life. Not only that, but all systems in our country will be changed to achieve that goal.
"A long time ago, I became very interested in one peculiar project." Andromalius explained. "That project was aimed at creating a new global sustainable and peaceful society. Eradication of any suffering is our main goal, and everything must work towards this. In the end, everyone should stop worrying about any necessities and instead focus their mind on obtaining new knowledge that will further raise the quality of life and open new horizons. We will start with reforming the law system, for it is one of the most important systems that is in need for a change.
"First of all, we need to form a new general law-defining document. It will be called "The Mandate". It will contain the basis of our future system, including rights and obligations, as well as necessary statements, so called axioms. For once, the government is a body that serves the people, for it cannot exist without them. The government doesn't have its own money or resources — it uses them to the benefit of the people in the most efficient way possible. Everyone must learn it. People sacrifice some of their freedom to the government, and the government must provide food, shelter, and protection. It's as simple as that.
"Now, I suppose I could use your help with reforming the law system. It's not yet finished, and I require your assistance on some matters, advisor." Andromalius finished. "Follow me to the study and I will show you some notes. I could use a hand, I suppose."
"As you wish, my lord."
Meanwhile in Canterlot.
Princess Celestia was observing the beginning of the construction that would soon become a portal between Union and Equestria. The portal will be placed just outside the walls in the castle, in the previously empty area.
Ponies and demons were working side by side. Architects were discussing the last details, builders were already laying out the base for the structure, and royal guards of both countries were overseeing the project, making sure no one gets in accidentally or on purpose. Imposing minotaur guards of the demons looked much more threatening to the possible disruptors of peace and security, no pony dared to as much as get close to the construction site. It was clear that it won't be opened until completion.
"Um, good day, princess." a voice spoke behind Celestia. She turned around and saw Natura Stella. The unicorn was observing the construction with interest. "I heard something... Is it true Andromalius came out to the public?"
"Indeed." Celestia nodded. "And the public is pretty acceptive towards him. We're already doing a project together with the demons to solidify our friendship and alliance. Pretty soon, we will stand united like pony tribes once stood. Divided by time, we meet again and see each-other, and we are ready to put our past behind and spread harmony. It is how it should have been."
"I'm happy to hear it." Natura nodded. "Demons in my world aren't exactly... cooperative. Here, however, everything is pretty nice. And... well, I was thinking about going around the city for once. Is it okay?"
"Of course, Natura." the princess replied with a smile. "If you find any trouble, just call nearby guards and they will help you."
"Thanks. Well, I'll be on my way." Natura smiled back and went off to discover the city.
She finally decided to come out and explore the world. She couldn't stay at the Canterlot Castle doing nothing, after all. Maybe she'll make a couple of friends and acquaintances here and there. Besides, she wanted to learn more about the new world. What's a better way than seeing it herself?
As she exited the castle grounds, she found herself in a city unlike others she has ever seen. While there were plants and even trees, artificial structures and buildings prevailed, most of them having light coloration compared to more dark colors of elven cities.
Natura stopped and looked around, stunned by the beauty of the city. It was true she liked forests and glades, but this city was nice in its own, unique way.
She continued her walk through the city, and soon found ponies glancing at her. She blushed slightly, not used to such attention. She smiled shyly at the passing ponies, being as friendly as possible.
"Excuse me, miss." she heard a mare saying to her. "You look marvelous!"
"Um, thank you..." Natura blushed deeper, nodding to the mare. "That's very, um, kind of you to, um, say that."
Natura's smile widened as she found more confidence in herself. If ponies were acceptive towards her, she would maybe find a place for herself in the new world.
Next Chapter: Chapter 4: Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 4 MinutesAuthor's Notes:
I'm sorry for the lack of updates and for the length of this chapter. I'm currently doing research on political and economical systems that Andromalius will possibly use during his rule. As soon as I figure out everything necessary for the story to evolve logically, the updates will become more frequent.