The Beginning of Governance

Tuktaktaktaktak-!

“Give back Governor Hulani! You villains!”

“What protectors of the people! Curse upon the Rashka!”

“May you all receive Zanitra’s divine punishment! All of you go to hell!”

The morning after the occupation of Zangar.

Stones were flying wildly toward the governor’s castle.

A shower of stones from angry citizens erupted.

“Stand back! Zangar is under our occupation!”

“Don’t test the patience of us Rashka!”

“If this continues, forced dispersal through violence will be implemented!”

The Rashka guarding the governor’s castle shouted sternly.

Nevertheless, the citizens of Zangar did not back down at all.

The hail of stones became even fiercer and rougher.

“Stand back! Back off! Invaders!”

“Return Governor Hulani! Save Governor Hulani!”

“Give us back Zangar! Go back to your desert corner where you belong!”

Contorted expressions of agitated people of all ages and genders.

The expressions of the responding Rashka were also bitter.

It was true that they had ruined these people’s daily lives.

“Warrior Corps! Scorching Sand Art! Deploy!”

Eventually, Bajid, in charge of guarding the governor’s castle, had no choice but to shout.

Passssss-

The forms of the Rashka guarding the governor’s castle all scattered into sand at once.

The protesters were engulfed in thick yellow sand in an instant.

Hwarrrrrk-

This was not simple sand erosion.

The sand became burning with clear heat and flames.

The Samara tribe’s unique secret technique, Scorching Sand Art, was activated.

Hwaaaak-!

Burning sand with fire attributes added engulfed the protesters.

It was as if sparks from a furnace were being poured.

The citizens of Zangar screamed.

“Huk! H-hot-!”

“My robe! My turban! My sandals!”

“Sparks are getting inside my clothes everywhere!”

The citizens of Zangar scattered in all directions, clutching their burning clothes.

The fiercely rampaging protesters dispersed in an instant.

Bajid looked around the now clear surroundings and said.

“Is this enough to drive them away?”

Kasim, who had constructed his form, sighed and answered.

“No way, they’ll surely come back again.”

Even if driven away, they gather again after a certain time passes.

Then they pick up whatever they can reach and throw it.

The anger of the Tasham people was like an unquenchable wildfire.

The rage of people who had lost their loved ones and been deprived of their freedom was enormous.

The Rashka, who had become the new rulers, were never welcomed.

All common people were rising up and resisting.

Looking down at this scene, I sighed softly.

[This is problematic.]

The shadow left by Hulani’s light.

In any case, it was true that he had carried out good governance.

I wondered if I could truly win the hearts of the citizens of Zangar.

[I have returned, White Sovereign.]

[Good work, Tarkhan.]

I commended Tarkhan, who had returned after completing his mission.

It may be difficult to win the hearts of the residents, but that’s one thing.

As a ruler, I have my duties to fulfill.

First, the survey of Tasham Province through worms was completed.

By difficultly applying the square kilometer scale method from my previous life through comparison of worm body lengths, Tasham Province was estimated to have an area somewhere between Busan’s 767㎢ and Incheon’s 1,066㎢.

The margin of error was quite large since each worm traveled around the periphery based on the boundaries with other provinces, so this couldn’t be helped.

While the area was roughly similar to Busan Metropolitan City or Incheon Metropolitan City, the population according to the household survey was a mere 42,000.

Considering that Busan’s population was about 3.3 million and Incheon’s about 3.05 million, the population was terribly insufficient for the area.

This was because most of the territory was barren desert, and due to geographical characteristics, the population density was very sparse.

In such a harsh environment, the phenomenon of population concentration in the capital was extremely severe, with more than half of Tasham’s 42,000 population, 25,000 people, residing in Zangar, the central city of Tasham.

The rest of the regional population was distributed among 18 villages of various sizes, ranging from a minimum of hundreds to a maximum of thousands.

Perhaps the population assessment through household surveys could be inaccurate.

It could be much more or much less than this.

[Is the construction of walls along the provincial boundaries progressing smoothly?]

[Currently, the excavation team composed of Death Worms led by Erden and the construction team composed of Sand Worms led by Sivat are each working on their assigned roles.]

[They are performing admirably.]

[Though it’s expected to take some time due to the wide boundaries, I believe it will be completed suddenly at some point, as if by magic.]

The reason I measured the area of Tasham Province was clear.

To make all of Tasham the foundation for the Rashka kingdom.

And to place the region under my complete control.

You need to understand a region to implement governance.

When even the governor who ruled the area is killed, rumors spread very quickly.

The rule of the White Sovereign, one of the Four Great Lords of the Shahar Great Desert, will soon be known.

The dice have already been cast, and the ferry has crossed the river.

Once committed, there’s no choice but to face the consequences.

Currently, the number of subjugated worms is 1,252, having relatively recently surpassed 1,000.

Most of the worms are deployed at the Tasham provincial boundary line for civil engineering works.

The construction speed of worms with all kinds of skills was unrealistically fast.

With 1,000 worms, even an imperial capital could be built overnight.

Out of greed, I’d like to cover all of Tasham with walls tens of meters high.

But realistically, it’s impossible and overwhelming with the current number of worms.

I plan to cover it with at least low earthen walls like the Great Wall of China.

That alone will be sufficient as a barrier boundary line from the outside.

Apart from the wall barrier line for the entire Tasham Province, the expansion of the city walls surrounding Zangar City is already in progress.

The 5-meter earthen walls that could barely block a cavalry charge are being reinforced with stone walls over 15 meters high.

Naturally, additional outer walls surrounding Zangar’s governor’s castle and surrounding facilities will also be rebuilt.

It’s better to have an excessive defense system than an insufficient one.

[What about the progress of the waterway exploration team led by Zorya and Kacha, and the waterworks construction team led by Sharan and Zand?]

[All are progressing smoothly. Since this was originally a city, there are sewage facilities and underground waterworks, though somewhat deteriorated. We are proceeding with major reinforcement, repair, and expansion work.]

[Well done. I suppose there’s no need to abandon and not use what was already existing, unless it wasn’t there to begin with.]

I continued to receive reports from Tarkhan, who was the chief responsible for the Tasham reconstruction plan.

[…However, there is an unexpected problem.]

[What is it?]

[During the process of installing the waterworks facilities in the downtown area through manifestation art, citizens rush in and cause disturbances.]

[They do that because the Rashka are also humans and seem easy targets. Use Death Worms, which are better at urban mobility due to their smaller size, to appropriately threaten and drive them away.]

[To think they resist when we’re building something good for them… Ha, these foolish humans…]

I continued to coil on the middle slope of the rocky mountain, looking down at Zangar.

Tarkhan and several other Death Worms revealed themselves, sliding like giant anacondas through various narrow downtown areas.

Citizens immediately fled at the sight of grotesque red intestinal worms crawling.

The appearance of a Death Worm is terrifying just to behold.

Soon, led by Tarkhan’s command, the Death Worms began to use the manifestation art I had used in Akran.

Fountains spewing clear purified water were created here and there in the downtown area.

The appearance of precious structures normally seen only in royal palaces in the West Continent.

The citizens around stared blankly at the scene.

Finally, progress in the work begins to show.

I nodded in satisfaction.

Tarkhan’s telepathy immediately reached me.

[Indeed, as the White Sovereign said, it’s effective when done this way. I will now focus on creating a proper environment in earnest.]

[Work hard.]

Water. Water. Water.

After wall construction, what I focused on was water.

It’s the most important resource and means of life for humans, so much so that there’s even a famous saying that water has all the answers.

In the currency units of the eastern part of the Arubian West Continent, 1 kopir, which corresponds to copper coins, is roughly 100 won in Korean currency.

1 silvir, a silver coin, is 1,000 won, and 1 goldir, a gold coin, is 10,000 won, with the units increasing as they get higher.

Befitting an environment where water is extremely precious, the concept of water here was absurd.

A glass of 2nd-grade water with cloudy sediment clearly visible at the bottom, tasting like soil with no flavor, sells for 10 kopir—about 1,000 won in Korean currency—per cup.

Yet in Korean restaurants, such water would be provided unlimited from water purifiers.

I wondered how they survive drinking such water.

You could become a tycoon here just by connecting a common Korean public toilet sink and running tap water all day.

No joke, even the water in a toilet bowl is sweet ambrosia here.

It’s the first time in my life I’ve deeply felt the preciousness of water.

Currently, worms are busy digging waterways.

Since worms are experts at finding waterways deep underground, I just need to trust and assign them.

Desert worms were large and powerful underground workers.

If the waterways seem shallow, we can draw from distant rivers.

I plan to open a grand canal across the entire Tasham Province.

I will definitely make life bloom in this yellow barren land.

Water resources had to be secured somehow for all 13 partitions classified as Tasham’s legal administrative districts and extraterritorial areas bordering the Grabadra Sea.

Water supply is essential for increasing population and developing civilization.

Water is never excessive, no matter how much there is.

Ultimately, I plan to connect the waterways already dug extensively around Akran all the way here.

Thus, I will establish waterworks facilities that rival any modern city.

“All sources come from water” has become my motto.

[The governor’s advisor is working hard… observing from beside him, he is truly an excellent human. Ahem.]

This time, I briefly responded to the report from Batar, who remained as a monitor inside the governor’s castle.

[Continue to observe and learn alongside the Rashka.]

[Yes.]

I think it’s fortunate that I immediately recruited Shahid, Hulani’s experienced advisor.

Currently 65 years old, with a career of 42 years serving as an official in Tasham Province.

He was literally a living witness who had experienced everything and was well-seasoned.

I was confident that no one knew the local situation better than him.

Even upon reconsideration, it was a choice I would never regret.

It would have been very troublesome if he had died.

It’s not just existing officials around Shahid.

The Rashka, who have only trained in martial arts all their lives, are also studying together.

Unexpectedly, those with aptitude for calculation and administration have been discovered and are joining the new provincial government.

Thanks to them, complex fiscal matters can be delegated, and I and the worms can turn our attention to completely different areas.

We are performing tasks that would never have been possible with human power alone.

There could be no more perfect division of roles.

[There’s so much to pay attention to…]

Governance was more difficult than I thought.

I was experiencing that with a monster’s body after transmigrating.

“…Hmm, White Sovereign?”

This time, I turned my gaze to Hakan’s voice calling me.

[What is it?]

“…The citizens of Zangar keep gathering like lamps that never go out, and they’re protesting.”

He, who had somehow approached the middle slope of the rocky mountain where I was, spoke with a troubled expression.

[I’m transmitting to the Sand Worms now. Use that method immediately.]

“Certainly.”

Passssss-

Instantly turning his form into sand, he flew toward the city below.

He approaches citizens protesting sporadically here and there.

[Sand Worms, prepare it.]

[Yes!]

After transmitting the instructions to the Sand Worms as well, I listened carefully.

“Step back! Invaders! Invaders!”

“All Rashka get out!”

“Worms get out too!”

Hakan appeared in the middle of the protesters.

“Ahem, citizens of Zangar?”

Clearing his throat, Hakan continued speaking.

“From today, there will be no taxes for a while.”

“……”

An immediate silence fell over the gathering at this bombshell declaration.

Adding to that, Hakan raised his arm and gestured.

“And this is a special gift from the White Sovereign to you.”

Kusssss-

In sync with Hakan’s gesture, several Sand Worms rose from the ground around him.

The Sand Worms opened their large mouths.

Warrrrr-

What poured out from inside were giant leather pouches filled with clear water produced in Akran.

These were specially prepared by the assassins of Akran, made from the excess byproduct leather from hunting monsters.

“These are all 1st-grade water. Take as much as you want.”

“W-waaaah-!”

“W-water!”

Immediately, commotion arose among the citizens of Zangar.

Everyone rushed forward to grab the leather pouches.

It was the moment when the protest group, full of dissatisfaction, transformed into money-chasers.

In modern terms, it was like dropping $100 bills from a helicopter in the city.

“Move aside! This is mine!”

“Don’t push! Ack! Damn it!”

“The Sand Worms are spewing water pouches all over!”

The citizens of Zangar embraced the 1st-grade water pouches with their whole bodies and left the scene.

My gifts containing the crystal-clear life water, Akran’s specialty, spread out.

Drugs that, once tasted, make you unable to live without them.

“Uwaah-! I’m being trampled!”

“Help!”

“Control this!”

Even citizens on the verge of being crushed to death in the chaos appeared.

The watching Rashka hurriedly stepped in to control the situation.

Hakan awkwardly scratched his turban.

“…The effect is too overwhelmingly good?”

There are not many brave ones who can resist being treated to money.

Even those with firm resolve will eventually yield.

A cautionary tale of “it was too much money to refuse.”

[Good work, Hakan.]

I praised him with a light telepathy.

But all of this so far is still just the tip of the iceberg.

How could it be so easy to remodel a city overnight?

[There’s still so much more to pay attention to…]

While I was intensely staring at the city.

A woman entered one of the taverns in the marketplace.

[Hmm?]

For a moment, curiosity led me to stare at her intently.

The moment she caught my eye, there was a strange charm that immediately drew my gaze.

I couldn’t help but be captivated and stare fixedly at her appearance as if entranced.

Wavy light blue curly long hair flowing to her waist, swaying as if containing waves.

Milk-white skin, snow-white, extremely rare in the Arubian West Continent.

Beauty that possessed supreme attractiveness to the point of seeming artificial.

[This is definitely not the appearance of a West Continental person…?]

No matter how I looked at her, she didn’t seem like a human from here.

I could be absolutely certain of that.

Curious in that moment, I exerted my Insight Eye.

[Phurnicia Aqua Serdiant Etera]

[Gender: Female.]

[Height: 172cm.]

[Weight: 58kg.]

[Race: Dragon.]

[Age: 2,135.]

[Occupation: Dragon Warrior of the Seven-colored Dragon Corps of the Dragon King’s Army, Member of the Blue Dragon Bloodline, Drion Baroness, Adventurer of the Dawn’s Light Guild, Leader of the Latalis Merchant Group, Director of the Mirnesion Orphanage, Professor of Magic at Wirnia Royal Academy.]

[Characteristic: Water Dragon.]

[Rank: S-rank Level 4.]

[Emotion: Lust, Malice.]

I couldn’t help but gape in shock.

Indeed, she was not an ordinary being.

Especially, her list of occupations was impressive.

[Dragon…?]

I focused on the emotions harbored by the polymorphed dragon race.

She clearly possessed lust and malice.

Directed toward something.