"Losano, can you burn other colors of...gemstones?"
"Your Highness, if I mix in different crystal stones and metals, I, Losano, should be able to do it!"
Xiulote didn’t speak; he simply nodded slightly. Patting Losano on the shoulder, he turned and left.
The next day, hundreds of loyal Samurai arrived at the glass workshop, controlling every apprentice and guarding the place so tightly that not even air could escape. Accompanying the Samurai was a Royal Decree elevating Losano to hereditary nobility.
Soon after, the special trade department under Divine Revelation was quietly established, directly under the King himself. Then, the news that "divine blessings upon the Kingdom of the Lake, a massive gemstone mine discovered in the Patzcuaro Lake region" began to spread among the people. Days later, the first batch of Emeralds from the Lake Region, exclusively sold by the Royal merchants, entered the market in limited quantities, continuously traded to foreign merchants in exchange for a large amount of food and supplies.
These Emeralds were not large in size but shone brilliantly, with a hint of crystal clear flow, resembling water ripples, hence they were also called "Lake Green Jade."
Many foreign merchants, based on this name, concluded that the gems must originate from within Lake Patzcuaro. Some merchants, risking discovery by the Kingdom’s navy, searched the vast Great Lake for the source, hoping to engage in private trade directly with the miners. They all returned empty-handed, merely leaving several lives behind in the process.
Summing up, the Mining and Metallurgy Bureau, Gunpowder Bureau, Manufacturing Department, Military Construction Department, Construction Department, Printing Bureau, and the special trade department – these five bureaus and two departments now oversaw the majority of the Fief’s production sectors, controlling tens of thousands of craftsmen and laborers, and making Divine Revelation increasingly powerful.
As the Chief Priest of the Lake District, Xiulote naturally took on the role of head of Divine Revelation. In his plan, Divine Revelation, an institution similar to the Ministry of Works, focusing on production and research and development, would gradually grow into a true behemoth, becoming the driving force for the development of the entire Kingdom and also an important source of power in the hands of the King.
Therefore, the deputy director of Divine Revelation, who compiled various matters, must be selected primarily for loyalty. Xiulote hesitated for a long time, finally choosing Talaya, who had always followed him faithfully and was deeply in love with him. The King knew that once she took on such an important position...she would be bound to serve the crown in solitude for her entire life.
"Talaya, are you willing to dedicate your life to the Chief Divine?"
In the dim Stone Hall, Xiulote’s demeanor was calm, but his gaze deeply set on Talaya. After being separated for a long time, time passed like a clear stream, washing away the flames in the girl’s eyes, yet leaving behind a more enduring perseverance.
Talaya smiled. Looking at the divine-like Highness before her, she nodded vigorously without hesitation.
"I am willing, my Sun God! I am willing to offer everything for you!"
Xiulote’s expression was complex, and he nodded slightly. Then, he turned and strode towards the exit of the Stone Hall. The sound of running footsteps followed him immediately. He paused slightly and then felt a tight hug from behind. The King shook his head, about to free himself, but then he heard a soft whisper.
"Your Highness, it’s been three years...just a moment...a moment...that’s all..."
Upon hearing this, Xiulote stiffened, standing still. After a long moment, he left the Stone Hall calmly, leaving behind a lone silhouette gazing after him.
"A true King aspires to the whole world, with a heart like solid iron, never to be softened by private feelings...and I am only just starting out!"