Crafting a Better Kingdom Takes More Then Just Hope.

Deep in thought. It's what the Prince was constantly doing as of late. Many nights he would be in thought. Thoughts of the present and future. Thoughts of the kingdom he's hoping to re-shape for the better. Ideas on how to improve where both him and his brother had both failed. Plans to ensure his future reign as King go on without trouble. But such a thing would be asking too much. Such a request would be hoping for too much. Nothing was going to be so simple. Even when he's recognized as King? Many are still going to doubt. Many are still going to find him untrustworthy. It's his curse. A curse he'll live with until he reaches his end. Because you can't erase history. You can't rewrite fate. Artemis will always be known for and remembered as the Mad Tyrant that almost consumed the world in Darkness. The Nightmare in every foal's closet. The Monster under everypony's bed. The Evil Creature of Folk-lore. The Menace towards all things not Dark Magic. He's accepted this. "A Kingdom is built on strategy and support. Not on hoping and wishing. The Kingdom of Equestria as it stands currently? Just a Kingdom. One that brings ponies together and chews them up sadly. For every good in this Kingdom? There's a touch of bad to stain it. Such a thing needs to be fixed. Probably won't be the fastest process, but it's better then sitting around and Ruling while the land you own eats away at itself." The Prince seemed to speak as he was gathered in his private office. He was stood in front of a round table, having a map of the Kingdom displayed on it. The Map was marked specifically in certain areas. Canterlot, Las Pegasus, Manehatten, Vanhoover, and many other large city seemed to be marked under the Prince's symbol. This also included small towns and villages in between. All areas and territories within the Prince's control. "Each land under my gaze has it's moments of peace. However.....as of late? A lot of sins have sprouted in them. Problems and thorns being caused by the Nobles. However....things are starting to take a turn for the better. Many Nobles have been kicked from their position of power, while other families have risen to Noble Power, having promising futures in helping the Kingdom thrive better. However....I sense a problem still on the horizon. If the families go unchecked or ignored? The same problem of Noble Greed is bound to happen again." Standing across the table The Nightmare Spirit of Artemis would be present, listen carefully to the words of his host. Seems Artemis had been in the process of deciding a future solution. But all this thinking and planning? Seemed like such a waste of time. Didn't it? Especially when the easiest solution would be to... "Why not rule Iron Hoofed? Tyrant like, but without the evil? Just display yourself as King. Take control of Cities and Villages by force. Rule them, but fairly. Prove yourself as King. You know these creatures more then they know themselves. Sinful by nature. If you want a Kingdom to run smoothly and safely? You cut out the problem from the start. Threaten to deal with law-breakers in ways of execution. Not punishment. Demand respect and claim it by actions. They may hate it at first, but let's be honest. They aren't going to like you if you go the 'good guy' route anyways. It doesn't make a difference. And while we are on the subject. There is no 'Good guy' Route. It's as simple as this. What do you want for your Kingdom?" All this was being brought forth to the Prince, and he was hating the fact that he could slightly agree. But he couldn't fully agree. After all, he couldn't trust himself. If He tried to go into this new Role as a Dictator of sorts? It was only a matter of time before he himself takes it too far. He knew himself. He could reach that breaking point. "I think.....I got a better solution." Artemis spoke up, gaining the attention of Nightmare. "Why Rule....alone? King Artemis and Queen Lesa. That's the future. It's approaching. But it doesn't have to be just us. What if I found....individuals. Families. Allies. Two or three of them for every major city? Ones that I trust to overlook things? Like A Noble standing, but higher in authority? Groups that keep their assigned city in check? Groups that work for me?" "Are you meaning like a Council of sorts. A gathering of powerful names that work under you to serve the Kingdom?.....That sounds.....intriguing. But all that is in theory. It'll have to be ponies we really trust. Ponies that are from these cities or simply know these cities. Ponies that...respect you. That want to help you. Where would you find them? Not to mention? We are also understaff at the Castle. We need to find more magic users. If you are wanting to continue the Artifact Project? We need more help. Trusting help. Where do you plan to find this help?" All very important questions. Where indeed does one find help? The Prince could only give a grin. A rather...dark grin. Rolling up the map and putting it aside, Artemis only had one simple answer. "Well....how else do you acquire favors? Simple. You earn them. If I go out there and do some 'good' for some important ponies or ones I find interesting? Then they will have no choice, but to be in my debt~"