Chapter 197: Second official reforms part-1 (Merger)
Purana Qila, Council chamber, afternoon of 11th April 1557.
The grand hall of the Council chamber buzzed with renewed energy as the Samrat convened his court to address a long-anticipated issue: the registration of companies and the rights to form private armies for mercenary services.
For a month, the empire had delayed this sensitive discussion, citing the absence of the imperial prince. But with his return to the capital, the matter had regained momentum, and the date for the critical session had finally arrived.
The grand hall was packed. Following the tradition of the previous Islamic rulers, who preferred standing over sitting to accommodate more attendees, the same custom was upheld. Ministers clad in royal silks, nobles adorned with gems, ambassadors from embassy, and wealthy merchants, many of whom were trying to increase their own influence, all had gathered here.
These merchants and nobles, were keenly aware of how this discussion could tip the balance of power. They had spent weeks strategizing, forging alliances, and lobbying behind the scenes. Now, the culmination of their efforts would unfold before the royal court. All eyes were on the grand entrance.
The grand doors creaked open, and Prince Aditya strode into the hall, flanked by his loyal bodyguard, Bheem, and his trusted butler, Hari Singh. The moment he entered, a ripple of whispers swept through the room like wildfire, igniting a mix of awe and envy among the gathered courtiers.
"That’s Bheem, the one who helped broker the merger," a court official whispered to his neighbor, leaning in conspiratorially. "They say he’s been promoted to sub-commander and vice-general of Aditya’s mercenary forces."
"Really? He did that?" his neighbor replied, his eyes wide with amazement. "Damn, the kid has balls of steel!"
"Luckiest bastard alive—two posts for one person," a royal guard muttered from the corner, his tone dripping with jealousy as he exchanged glances with another guard nearby.
"Oh, I see some are having fun, thanks to their ties," a noble from Punjab remarked with a smirk, nudging his friend.
Another noble chimed in, mockingly, "A meteoric rise for someone from such a low background."
Rumors of praise and jealousy swirled in the air, but for Aditya, they were nothing more than a backdrop as he guided his small entourage through the sea of courtiers, smiling and nodding to those who dared to meet his gaze.