Reign of the Diamond Emperor

I scanned my kingdom with a scrutinizing gaze, taking pleasure in seeing the citizens of my empire go about their tasks. The joyful laughter of children filled the air, while a particular fragrance filled my nostrils. A blend of mushrooms and fresh meats from the animals in the surrounding mountain.

However, despite the comfort and relative abundance, I couldn't help but feel a certain lack. Metal and precious stones were indeed plentiful, but a part of me yearned for my subjects to have access to more... refined luxuries. Real meat, superfluous objects, those little touches of ease that mark the difference between survival and comfort.

My empire was prosperous, but I couldn't help but dream of a future where my subjects would enjoy all the riches I had envisioned for them.

I strode through the gates of the barracks with a determined step, a vast stone building erected to accommodate my newly recruited soldiers. The next moment, an unbearable stench hit me, a suffocating mix of sweat, metal, leather, and spoiled food.

With a sharp glance, I surveyed the scene of chaos that reigned throughout the barracks. Swords, spears, shields, even bits of armor, strewn about haphazardly... it was a disaster. I forced myself to take a deep breath, my contained fury evident in every feature.

"All present soldiers, outside! In line, now!" My voice thundered, breaking the silence. At first, there was a moment of hesitation, some even starting to chuckle, not realizing who I was. Then, a soldier turned his gaze in my direction just as I grabbed and armed two crossbows.

"Boss?" his eyes filled with surprise.

"Your emperor, must he repeat himself!"

"No, boss," they replied in unison. In less than a minute, all the soldiers stood outside, lined up somewhat haphazardly.

I positioned myself in front of them, hands behind my back, pacing along the row. My fifty soldiers resided here; only my personal guard enjoyed the luxury of individual chambers in the same corridor as mine.

"I'll be back in four hours. I want this barracks clean and tidy." My demands didn't reach the level of strictness of the army in my world, but a minimum of order was non-negotiable.

"I also plan to replace the furniture, but not today. Now, get to work." I watched them hastily re-enter the building.

I walked away quickly, calming myself along the way, heading toward the nearest artisan to place an order for four red stone necklaces and one blue necklace. It was time to instill some discipline and order in this place. My empire deserved a proper army, ready to fight .

Feeling generous, I had granted them four hours and ten minutes before returning with my order, a small box carefully held under my arm.

When I entered again, the smell had somewhat diminished, and a semblance of order had been established. The shortage of supplies was evident, and it would be imperative to address it to enforce more discipline.

"Everyone out, in line, just like earlier," I commanded. The soldiers promptly complied, forming rows.

I placed the box on the floor, observing them closely. I had five of them, randomly chosen, all diamond dogs, step forward. "Form fair columns behind each of you." Although they were soldiers, they were not trained military, and the order took some time to be executed. I waited, watching their progress with patience.

When the five columns were finally formed, I addressed them. "Let each column designate the man they deem most competent to me." I wanted to see who would stand out in this impromptu selection.

Several long minutes and an indecisive murmur later, each column had finally designated a representative. I then asked the five chosen ones to select a spokesperson among them.

I pulled out the blue necklace first and placed it around the neck of the designated diamond dog. "Congratulations, you are now a sergeant," I declared, shaking his paw. I repeated the gesture with the four others, granting them the rank of corporal.

"Sergeant Rock, you have the privilege to request an audience with me or to address my right-hand if any issues arise in the barracks. You are also in charge of overseeing the state of the building and ensuring that the soldiers dedicate ten minutes every morning to its maintenance," I explained, then turned to the corporals.

"As for you, you will be the guardians of the common soldiers. You will need to inspect the basic equipment, and in case of any issues, report them to the sergeant." I gave them an encouraging smile.

"Sergeant and corporals, I trust you to maintain order..." I made sure to memorize their names as I went along.

After a brief speech about the importance of discipline and regular training, I allowed them to return to their tasks. The atmosphere in the barracks had already begun to change, and the order now prevailing in this place was a promise of improvement for the future.

I returned to the throne room, my head slightly tilted as I pondered the search for an education overseer. It turned out that the only individuals with some literacy were Bandit and myself, which meant that I had to seriously consider training competent personnel.

Entering the throne room, I paused for a moment to observe a mare pulling on her chains with all her might. I quietly approached her from behind.

Then, gently, I lifted her into my arms and whispered into her ear, "Where do you think you're going, my Fallen?" She jumped slightly in surprise.

"It's... it's not what you think, Master," she managed to articulate. I nibbled her ear lightly, muttering under my breath.

"I'm not thinking of anything in particular, but it's true that it's been a while since I've enjoyed what your body has to offer me..." My hands moved slowly across the map that adorned my new table, arranging it properly before placing the defiant mare on it. The muffled moans of pleasure that Fallen was doing her best to stifle quickly echoed through the room.

In the calm that followed my cardio session, I settled on my throne, taking one of the blank scrolls retrieved from the village. Carefully, I wrote down instructions regarding the functioning of the ranks and the expectations I had for my soldiers. Even though they couldn't read them at the moment, I was convinced of their future utility.

Crucial questions plagued my mind. How did Equestria's army still function? These were inquiries I couldn't afford to have answered just yet. My gaze shifted towards Fallen, asleep by my side. The ponies were not trustworthy for this task, and the people I ruled over were unwelcome among them. How could I establish a reliable information network in this world?

For now, walking remained my only means of transportation. I couldn't bring myself to attack a train for current information; it was far too risky, and no ponies had been sighted since the hamlet disappeared. The success of my future plans relied heavily on the information Argos could bring me.

I refocused on the search for someone to educate my people. We had neither a school nor a museum, and Bandit already had a significant share of responsibilities in commanding the army and the scouts.

Perhaps I could personally train Sergeant Rock briefly so that he could pass on the basics to my soldiers. It was a path worth exploring. I opted for this option, hoping it would give a start to my people. It also occurred to me that I could seize one of the ponies currently in my mines and compel them to instruct certain individuals.

I retrieved the list I had made of my slaves, with their new names and a brief description of their cutie marks. None of them seemed to resemble a literate individual, but perhaps False Chord could suffice. A musician must know how to handle words, mustn't they?

I didn't directly engage with him, instead explaining to Bandit what needed to be done. I entrusted him with the responsibility of selecting the first five candidates. It was a crucial mission for the future of my empire, and I relied on their cooperation as well as to show Bandit that he had my trust.