The next morning Ethan awoke not to quiet study time but to the sound of urgent knocking. Lira entered quickly holding several scrolls. Her face was tense

Professor the nobles met again last night. Some want to stop your reforms. They are calling emergency sessions

Ethan stretched his tired shoulders. Then we must move faster

They walked to the council hall where the high mages waited. The atmosphere was heavy but determined. Ethan laid out his newest proposal the creation of the Magic Market Regulatory Bureau the first institution in the kingdom designed to enforce fairness transparency and accountability in all markets

He unrolled a large parchment across the table. On it was a diagram of the Bureau’s structure. The mages leaned closer studying each part

Ethan began. A stable currency is not enough. You need an institution that ensures markets remain fair. Without enforcement guilds will find ways to bypass the rules. Nobles will pressure merchants. Chaos will return

He pointed to the top section. The Bureau will be independent. Its directors will not be chosen by nobles or guilds. They will be selected by the council of mages and approved by a public review

A mage blinked. Public review. Citizens approving officials. That has never been done

Ethan nodded. That is why it will work. When people see that leaders answer to them they gain trust in the system

He moved to the next section. The Bureau will issue standardized reports every season. Prices mana supply production levels guild activities and tax compliance. This will be the first time in history that the kingdom records real data

Lira spoke softly. So the Bureau becomes the eyes of the economy

Ethan smiled. Exactly. You cannot manage what you cannot measure

The high mages exchanged thoughtful glances. Ethan continued outlining the Bureau’s authority. It could investigate guilds that restrict trade. It could block nobles who issue illegal taxes. It could enforce consistent rules across regions. Not by magic but by institutional power

A younger mage raised a concern. The guilds will fight this. They will claim we are overreaching

Ethan replied. They will fight yes but when merchants and citizens gain stability they will support the Bureau. Incentives will shift. Influence will follow

The head mage tapped the table. But nobles will resist even more. They believe taxes belong to them

Ethan answered calmly. That belief is exactly why your kingdom is collapsing. When rules serve individuals rather than the public the system always breaks

The head mage nodded slowly. He understood

Ethan continued. The Bureau will also introduce licensing. Guilds must register their activities and provide records. If they manipulate prices or block trade the Bureau can suspend their license. This creates accountability without destroying traditions

Several mages murmured in approval. It was a radical idea but also one that made sense. Guilds kept their identity but lost their unchecked power

Ethan added. The Bureau will also oversee currency exchanges during the transition to the Arcane Float. This ensures fairness while old currencies are phased out

He then revealed the final part of his plan. Public education. The Bureau will hold open gatherings where citizens can learn how prices work why taxes matter and how the currency moves. A knowledgeable population is the strongest defense against corruption

Lira looked amazed. Teaching the public. That is so unusual

Ethan nodded. Knowledge protects people from manipulation. When citizens understand the system it cannot be twisted as easily

The mages stood in silence for a moment absorbing the full vision. Ethan had not simply proposed a new institution. He had reshaped the foundation of the kingdom

Finally the head mage spoke. Professor Ethan Ward today you have given this kingdom something it never had. Structure. Vision. Order. The Magic Market Regulatory Bureau will be created

Lira smiled with relief but Ethan’s eyes remained steady. The real challenge had not yet come

That afternoon Ethan walked through the capital once more. Merchants were arguing about inconsistent guild fees. Citizens worried about the next tax shift. Carpenters could not buy lumber because their coins were not accepted. The kingdom was full of friction small frustrations that multiplied into despair

He watched a baker try to explain why bread cost more today than yesterday. She had no real answer. Just like many before her. That was the world Ethan intended to change

He looked toward the castle district where nobles were gathering to discuss their next move. He knew resistance would intensify. Powerful people never surrendered their privileges easily. The guilds were already organizing. The nobles were preparing speeches. But Ethan felt no fear. He had seen this in his own world again and again. Systems resisted until they broke. Then they reformed

And he was there to guide that reform

As evening fell Ethan wrote new notes outlining the first tasks for the Bureau. He outlined training requirements reporting schedules staffing structures and inspection protocols. He worked into the night with a steady mind. The kingdom might resist but he would not stop

Lira entered quietly holding a lantern. You work too hard professor

Ethan looked up. Change requires effort

She sat beside him watching the diagrams. You believe this will save us

Ethan replied calmly. I believe structure creates stability. Stability creates prosperity. Prosperity creates peace

She smiled softly. Then I believe it too

Outside the night wind blew through the capital carrying whispers of unrest and whispers of hope. And in a quiet room lit by a single lantern Ethan continued shaping the future of a kingdom that had never known true economic order