( Back at the Capital, Julien D Evanus's POV )
Despite Julien trying his best to calm the common populace using his pre-emptive speech, once the true horror of what happened in Thumba City spread, the common populace no longer felt as safe living within the Empire as they did before.
Crime rates went up explosively and there was a general sense of uncertainty where nobody really knew what would happen tomorrow and nobody really wanted to invest into their future 2 or 5 years from now, since that future was so uncertain.
Thankfully, Julien had prevented the Empire from undergoing a complete breakdown using his pre-emptive speech, however, he needed to now think of more solutions to keep the situation stable.
In a room full of his closest advisors, Julien discussed this problem candidly, hoping for suggestions from his counselors on how to solve this problem.
"I think we must push-back against the demons somehow. The only way to restore confidence is to deal a big blow to the enemy, bigger than the one that we have received–" Commander Thalion suggested, however Strategic Chief Alaric immediately dismissed the idea.
"For us to deal a big blow to the demons, we must mobilize the royal army and our bannermen.
Considering the Elven rebellion and the volatile situation in the south, mobilizing the royal army now will do more harm than good.
We have too many internal problems currently for us to deal with external threats effectively–" Alaric countered, as Julien nodded and agreed with his assessment.
"As much as I would like to push back against the demons, I don't think it's a feasible solution, Commander Thalion.
I hope you understand…." Julien said, as Thalion clutched his palms and tried to reign in his anger.
Over the past few days he had been begging Julien non-stop to allow him to launch a counter operation, however, Julien did not allow him to set foot outside the Capital.
This decision of Julien to not attack the demons had greatly frustrated Thalion, who was beginning to question whether or not the Emperor even had the guts to rule anymore, or was he too getting too old for the throne.
Nonetheless, he held in his doubts and let out a deep sigh as he said "I understand my lord…"
Smiling, Julien moved on with the discussion, as he waited for other suggestions.
A minute passed however nobody seemed to have any ideas, when suddenly the young Nathan D Evanus spoke up.
"Father if I may?" He said, raising his hand shyly, as Julien gestured for him to speak.
Although Nathan had not earnt his seat at this table yet, since no-one had any other ideas, Julien decided to give his son a shot since it could at least thaw the tense atmosphere in the room.
"It's almost time for this year's Grand Tournament to begin, however, instead of hosting a regular Grand Tournament for commoners, I suggest that we host a special tournament this year…." Nathan began, as it was Thalion who was immediately offended by this offer.
"No offense my prince, but how will hosting a tournament help with anything right now? We are discussing the demon threat, not fun and games" Thalion said, as Nathan shook his head and continued to mumble at a low volume.
"If the problem is the morale of the masses, then a tournament is the solution.
It's like a circus to distract the masses from the demon problem, while we think of other solutions, however, for everyone to be focused on the tournament, this edition needs to be different from all others.
My idea is that we invite only the 'Master' level fighters of our Empire to participate this time, with the winner of the tournament getting the ultimate prize unlike anything seen before.
To the commoners we will sell this idea as the masters competing against each other to polish their skills before facing the demon army, while to the masters we will sell this idea as a once in a lifetime opportunity.
I'm sure many will be keen to spar against fellow masters, while the others will be compelled by the reward.
All in all, I feel like if the masters like Commander Thalion, Ben Faulkner and others are fighting in this tournament, it will definitely become the talk of the town–" Nathan said, as Chief Advisor Alaric immediately seconded the idea.
"I think the prince's idea is brilliant my lord, a tournament for only master level fighters can indeed excite the masses unlike any other event.
If the hype for the grand tournament every year is already so high, then this masters tournament should really get everyone and their grandfathers drawn to the Grand Arena" Alaric said, as Julien began to seriously think about the idea once Alaric seconded it.
"What do others think about this idea?" Julien asked, as the first one to respond was Nysa the information chief.
"I think it's a feasible idea, but the reward has to be big enough for the masters to be interested in fighting," Nysa said, as Nathan beamed after getting the approval of two council members.
"I think we can put up the defeated kingdom of elves as a reward.
The winner of the tournament can become the next Elf King, or can receive the sword of the First Emperor, either of the two" Alaric suggested, as Thalion immediately got up to his feet when he heard Alaric's suggestion.
"If the reward is so hefty, then of-course all masters will participate, including me.
To wield the legendary sword of the First Emperor is the greatest honor for a swordsman within the Empire" Thalion said, as Julien let out a deep sigh.
The sword of the first Emperor was a treasured heirloom of the Evanus family, but it seemed like they would need to part ways with it for the sake of the Empire's stability.
"Very well then….. Nysa, send a letter to all the masters within the Empire with my seal on it informing them of this masters tournament that is going to be held in 15 days time.
Once you're done with that, introduce the concept to the masses and make sure to create sufficient hype behind it so that everyone forgets about the imminent demon threat" Julien said, as he gave his approval to this masters tournament.