Chapter 560 (1/2)
Chapter 560: Uncovering the Truth
Translator: TransN Editor: TransN
Roland was debating which kind of incendiary weapon was easier to manufacture when a guard came in. “Your Majesty, the ambassadors of the Northern Region requested to see you.”
[It has been just one day…] Roland thought, feeling a bit surprised. [Are they planning to directly turn down my offer without even letting the duke know?]
“Bring them to the drawing room.” He instructed after a momentary silence. “Also, ask Carter to block all the exits to the Foreign Affairs Building and stop the emissary delegation from getting out.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Since they had refused to agree to his policies, it left him no choice but to detain them by force.
…
When Roland entered the drawing room, he noticed that the pair across the long table had switched their seatings. The lady, who claimed to be the assistant to Cole, was sitting in the guest of honor seat, whereas Cole was sitting next to her with a book in his hand.
“Your Majesty, I’m the first daughter of the Duke of the City of Evernight, Edith Kant, Cole’s sister. Please accept the best regards from the Kant Family.” The lady rose and performed a perfect curtsy. “Please forgive Cole for not introducing me during our first meeting.”
“Calvin’s daughter?” Roland was intrigued by this turn of the events and after a short pause said, “So you’re the real leader of the emissary delegation?”
“Yes.” She placed her hand on her chest. “My father has authorized me to act on his behalf with respect to all matters concerning this visit and has also given me his seal.”
It was fairly rare for a woman to participate in political affairs in this era, especially for a young and pretty one. Judging from Edith’s confident expression, Roland could tell it was evidently not her first time to deal with heads of state. Every trait of her demeanor was impeccable. As to holding back her real identity, Roland knew it was simply a little trick to draw his attention. It was not a deliberate act of concealment or deception whatsoever, but just a disguise to mislead the other party. Most nobles would view it as a bold and playful move, which he had to admit was really effective.
“In other words, you can make the decision on behalf of your father?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. More accurately, he’ll follow my advice.”
[That’s such a confident answer,] thought Roland, who was amused to see Cole scratching his head beside his sister.
“Alright… So, Miss Edith, what’s your purpose of this meeting?”
Roland had thought she would politely decline his terms or talk him out of implementing the new laws using a more “playful” tactic, but he did not expect to see her taking out a booklet from her backpack and spreading it on the table. That was the exact booklet he had drafted.
“I have a few questions to ask you.” Edith came straight to the point. “You said feudal nobles will be obsolete as the centralized power increases. However, how are you going to guarantee the effective management of all the local authorities in the Kingdom without the assistance of nobles?”
[Is she… planning to discuss politics with me?] Roland thought.
From her sincere look, Roland knew she was serious.
It had been a long time since he had heard such an interesting question.
“By people and the development of technologies,” Roland answered after pondering for a long time.
“Do you mean free men? What’s the development of technologies?”
“Correct. A management team trained, paid and disbursed by the City Hall. Since the City Hall will provide labors and necessary equipment, administrators aren’t required to have large properties or affluent manpower. Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether they’re nobles or not.” Roland started to explain what a centralized government should look like and how ordinary people could get promoted, as well as the practical significance of technologies in domain control. It took him an hour to detail everything.