<h4>Chapter 5: Formation of the Imperial Council II</h4>


    Three of the seven council members have been selected so far. The remaining four positions will be filled with Vijay''s own people, as they are considered too important to be given to outsiders. For the military department, the ideal candidate should be adept at military and politics, possess no actual power, but have massive influence in the army.


    Vijay pondered the situation, and a thought came to his mind, "Ah, I see. In that case, the ideal candidate for the military department is Lokanandha Senapati, a 60-year-old military general. He has a remarkable track record of serving alongside his father and sessfully oveing various challenges that hindered his family. Though now retired due to his age, Lokanandha Senapati remains an excellent choice for the position in the military department. His experience, expertise, and loyalty make him the best candidate for the role," he muttered to himself.


    For the finance department, it was an easy choice as no one else crossed his mind other than his butler. The butler had practically managed the treasury of his family, which, for all purposes, was also considered the kingdom treasury. Given his exceptional skills in financial management and trustworthiness, the butler made him the perfect candidate for the role.


    As for the religion and cultural department, Vijay needs someone with an open mind and a high eptance of new concepts. As he tapped his finger while pondering, a face came to his mind - Raghavendra Bhat, the head priest of the Shiva temple who had previously canonized him.


    Raghavendra Bhates from a distinguished lineage of Brahmins, holding a significant position within the social hierarchy as representative of the Brahminmunity. Despite facing challenges early in life due to his father''s passing, Bhat took on family responsibilities during his teens, which led to his mature upbringing. Unlike other children who might benefit from nepotism butck manners and ability, Raghavendra stands out with both his manners and abilities.


    Convinced that Raghavendra Bhat fits the criteria perfectly, Vijay wrote down his name as the ideal candidate for the role in the religion and cultural department.


    Having a big headache over the selection for the judicial department, Vijay found himself unable to think of anyone suitable for the role. With a sigh, he massaged his head.


    Feeling the need for assistance, Vijay called his trusted butler to convey his orders.


    "Uncle Ravi, I need you to put your job down as the family''s butler and..."


    *thud*


    "Your majesty *sob* please forgive any sins *sob* I havemitted *sob sob* Please don''t abandon me," the butler knelt down crying like a child.


    Vijay''s face turned ck for a moment, then softened as he continued.


    "Uncle Ravi, please get up. I am not punishing you. Please listen to me carefully. I am not abandoning you. As a matter of fact, I am promoting you to a higher position in the kingdom. I want you to take the position of the head of finance. I don''t have anyone else I can trust, and you will have to take over this job," Vijay exined earnestly.


    "Keeping you as a butler is like killing a pig with a cavalry charge, which is quite an overkill, if I say so myself," he added, trying to lighten the mood with a touch of humour. "You possess the skills and practically ran the kingdom''s treasury; nothing has changed except your title, and now you are working full-time in this new role."


    The butler was touched by the trust his highness ced in him, fully aware of how crucial finance is to a country. As he prepared himself for the significant responsibility, a concern crossed his mind, as he asked, "Your Highness, after I be the head of finance, who will take care of you?"


    Vijay chuckled and reassured him, "It''s okay, Uncle. I am the only one remaining in the family, so there isn''t much for you to do in that regard anyway . I trust you to handle the financial matters of the kingdom efficiently."


    Relieved by the exnation, the butler nodded, understanding that Vijay hadplete faith in his abilities to manage the kingdom''s finances.


    Vijay continued, "Also, inform Lokananda Senapati of his role and contact Raghavendra Bhat."


    Handing over the appointment orders to Uncle Ravi, "As you wish, Your Highness. Is there anything else I can do for you?"


    Vijay thought for a while and then discussed the matter of the judicial department with his butler.


    After a moment of contemtion, the butler''s face lit up with an idea. "Your Highness, I have the right candidate for your description," he said eagerly.


    Vijay''s face also lit up with excitement. "What are you waiting for? Bring him to me right away!" he eximed.


    The butler nodded, as He swiftly left to carry out his task, confident that he could fulfil Vijay''s expectations with his choice.


    A few hourster, Uncle Ravi came back with a middle-aged man who looked a little haggard.


    "This is..." said Vijay, confused by the appearance of the middle-aged man.


    Butler Ravi noticed Vijay''s confusion and exined, "This is Bhuvan. He used to be in charge of judging cases in Vellore town, but because of his rigid personality, he offended many noble people and got kicked out of officialdom."


    Vijay suddenly understood the situation and became interested. He asked Bhuvan, "Tell me, Justice demands wisdom. How would you handle a case where a noblemanmits a crime?"


    Bhuvan replied, "With due process, Your Highness. I shall treat all equally, regardless of rank, ensuring the truth prevails."


    Vijay was impressed and continued, "And if your family were involved in wrongdoing?"


    Bhuvan responded with determination, "Your Majesty, my duty lies with justice, and I would hold my family ountable like any other."


    Encouraged by Bhuvan''s principles, Vijay made a decision, "Let''s appoint you as a temporary council member, Bhuvan, and hope your words ring true until you prove yourself."


    Despite Bhuvan''sck of qualifications and some lingering doubts about his trustworthiness, Vijay recognized his rare and solid principles in this era. However, he remained confident that with his "golden finger," he could make Bhuvan a crucial part of his small startup team, provided he proved his loyalty.


    "Uncle Ravi, please convey to all council members that we shall hold a meeting tomorrow, and I expect their presence without any dy."


    End of Chapter 5.