Things have been going rather well, Elonshe and Atsuko have gotten really well along. The two of them, along with Estrella have been really happy, working hard. Estrella became a teacher, Elonshe decided that she would continue her work as a maid even when she had the chance of becoming something bigger, but she didn't choose this. We did get many more attempts at a revolt at the other lands, but they didn't succeed. Military intervention was swift and all of the leaders of those revolts were executed. What me and Kahoda didn't expect was that the eggheads managed to develop not only ships further and even developed a machinegun i.e. a Chain gun. We are not that far off from developing real firearms. They are quite smart and have proven themselves. As for our little 'colony' they have been good, constantly delivering resources, two times they were late but they had a reason which was perfectly ok. However, it seems that most nations didn't contact us, actually, no nation attempted to contact us which was strange. Usually when someone rises to power they are immediately swatted by invitations and diplomats as they try to rub themselves in to a favor, so that they aren't next on the chopping block. Atsuko had to retire as she gotten into a depression. You see, we were supposed to have a baby but had a miscarriage which really devastated both of us, her more than me. I mean, I am no monster, but she took it much harder than I. Tried many times to end her life, always saying  how she is a failure even though it wasn't her fault. Stress from work and bad luck caused it, she had no control over it. So, with constant supervision she started to seek therapy, talk to Estrella and Elonshe who really helped her out. If it weren't for them, she would have been probably still depressed but they were there for her so in the end it went well. 

Also, with a wider range of terrain we could start experimenting with alcohol, wine could be grown in most parts next to the sea but each had a slightly different taste but the stronger stuff we started recreating. Herbal drinks like Jägermeister, the Scotch and Whiskey and even a little known but still super strong from the Balkans called Rakija. That shit is strong, not complicated to make and can be made from basically any fruit, but mostly from apples and plumbs. As that progressed it became quite popular to use it in cooking and bakery, especially bonbons and cakes. We were really experiencing a golden age of culture and food and technology. Music was on the rise, art of all sorts and literature, with food sprouting  here and there, many festivals being organized in terms of food where some could bring their traditional recipes before a selection of kingdoms cooks and if it was good, there would be talks on what to do with it. Honestly, a sense of pride hit me and it seems the people had grew to like us, there weren't many complaints and those that were, were more like suggestions on what to change. We even got a couple overseas students from our colony that came here to study which was quite nice. We did have a program that would allow them to study here and would be financed by the government while also have the chance to work to earn some pocket money. I am really happy with the accomplishments of our education sector. We do have some mages, actually a quite large number, but we really took favor of not your usual ones, but mostly those that are dealing with healing and nature. Especially nature to help out with agriculture. 

Of course, there have been many factories opened up, they weren't private of course, but government owned, those that I do speak of were ammunitions and firearm factories. Shipyards were still private, some were of course, those that built warships were under our wing as we simply needed to. However, one day while I was sitting in my office, looking over some documents about affairs in the country Elonshe came in with a letter in hand. 

Elonshe: Draven, I have brought you a letter.

Draven: A letter? From who?

Elonshe: I don't know, it reads Pasheos. It came with a dragon rider. 

Draven: A dragon rider?

Elonshe: Yes.

Draven: Hmmm, never heard of such a country. Let me take a look. Dragon thing is quite cool.

As she hands me a letter I take a good look at it. It is sealed with a wax stamp, it carries a crest, a dragon and I do know some nations carry such a crest, but this, I can't remember exactly that I have ever seen it. 

Draven: Thank you. You may leave, unless you want to stay?

Elonshe: No, no. I will go, I still have work to do. 

Draven: Alright, but take care, don't overwork yourself. 

Elonshe: Thank you for caring for me. 

Draven: Always. 

She smiles before leaving the room, leaving me and the letter alone. I open it and look into it. It reads:

Greetings to you, Draven, King of Prussia. We had heard about your feats from many and our curiosity grew. You are unknown to us  as we are unknown to you, yet you intrigue us. And so, with a great sense of hope we have sent forward this letter in hopes that you do read this letter and decide to visit us. We know that you are a busy man, with a lot of work. But when you do manage to spare us some time, we would be more than gracious and honored to host a King of such a great and powerful nation, yet unknown. Our rider will forward a letter to us with your hopeful confirmation. If not, we are still grateful for taking the time to read our letter. 

With sincerity, Zigrath, King of Pasheos.

Hmm, that was quite a nice little letter. Pasheos? I have never heard of such a kingdom. Though, we certainly don't have a full map of this world so I wouldn't know where it is. And I highly doubt the others know, maybe Estrella might know, I will have to ask her. Seeing that I don't have a reason not to have some time, I might as well reply. It could be considered as a vacation of sorts. A diplomatic, though I don't know where that nation actually is. What kind of climate does it have. Nevertheless, I still write a heartedly reply and call forward one of the guards. 

Draven: Take this to the messenger that recently came. And tell him, that if he knows, to give us some directions if possible. 

Soldier: Yes, Your Highness. 

He takes a leave and having no more brainpower to deal with those damn affairs I give it to my secretary. For now, I head over to Estrella, to the Academy. I need to see if she knows anything about this nation, anything would be great. Once there, I am immediately swarmed by the horde of students and teachers, all wanting to greet me. Thankfully, the bell rings and they quickly disperse. I request a meeting with Estrella and quickly am given one. The two of us stand on a balcony overlooking the academy grounds. 

Estrella: Greetings Draven. 

Draven: Hello Estrella. You don't have to greet me formally, we are friends for Pete's sake. 

Estrella: I know, but you are a liege, aren't you. 

She has that amusing and teasing tone, as if she is rubbing it into my face. 

Estrella: Anyway. You wanted to talk to me?

Draven: I did. 

Estrella: Well, let's hear what you want to talk about.

Draven: Do you know anything about a nation called Pasheos? 

Estrella: Pasheos? 

She takes a moment to think. 

Estrella: I have never heard of such a name. Where did you hear that from?

Draven: A letter was delivered by some soldier on a dragon, a small one. It contained the seal of that nation and the letter was written by some Zigrath. He is a king I guess. 

Estrella: At first I would have thought it was some sort of joke but you when you said a dragon rider I was stunned. 

Draven: Why?

Estrella: Because those are rare, only a few nations have then. And you would think I know all of them and I do, but I have never heard of Pasheos. 

Draven: They did acknowledge that they were unknown to us. 

Estrella: Odd. What do you plan on doing?

Draven: I will be going over there. Considering the country is quite stable, there isn't all that much work, a visit and a vacation would be most welcome. 

Estrella: Being a king is easy, as far as I can see it. 

Draven: Hey, it can be difficult. You have to deal with soooo many damn letter, like, damn. 

Estrella: True. Hahahah, I barely have the will to correct the tests of my students let alone deal with petty affairs. 

Draven: Hahaha. You see. Anyway, how is work? 

Estrella: Quite good. I like it more than my past workplace. Here it is more relaxing, there is more to do. You aren't just stuck in some damn forest, you can go out into the city and enjoy life. Imagine that, to enjoy your life. 

Draven: Was it that bad back there? 

Estrella: Oh don't get me started. Honestly, here I am more welcomed, respected. Colleagues are much more relaxed and welcoming, the students are less egoistical and spoiled and the standard of living is quite nice. I mean, the pay is really good and even if it wasn't I still would have liked it more here than back there. 

Draven: I am glad that you enjoy it. 

Estrella: Say, if you are going to go there, can I tag along? 

Draven: But of course, though I still don't know the location or how long it will actually take. But if you want then you can. 

Estrella: Thank you. How it Atsuko? 

Draven: She is doing quite well. Still a little devastated but better than what was before. Thank you, to you and Elonshe. 

Estrella: No need to thank us. She is our friend and we gladly helped her out. She is a good person and what happened to her, she didn't deserve it. So we were more than open to help her. I mean no offense but you wouldn't be much good in that thing. 

Draven: Oh trust me, I know. You better understand her than I would ever. 

The bell rings again. 

Estrella: That is my que. Well, I must go, class awaits. Just contact me when you will be setting off. 

Draven: No problem and good luck with them kids. 

Estrella: Haha, thank you. I will need it. 

With that, she disappears and I soon follow. But not before taking one last look at the view, marveling at the brilliance and might that our nation had become. Once back at the castle I return to my office where the soldier that had contact with the messenger awaits. He hands me a crudely drawn map, like a really bad child drew it but it was better than anything. It seemed quite far away, maybe the longest voyage that we will ever undertake. Though, by the looks of it, it looks quite tropical which would be quite nice. I lean into my chair, taking a moment to gather my though before lighting a pipe and taking a nice puff. Then, once fueled up I set to work to answer all those damn letters. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so damn trivial. Thankfully, the secretary answered most of them which he will get quite a nice bonus for that.