Translator: Cinder Translations
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The conversation with the new king lasted nearly three hours. Rodney XVIII humbly consulted Paul about the various changes he had made in the Northwest Bay.
Paul was open and shared with him many of the measures he had implemented in agriculture, industry, and commerce, even discussing the customs alliance he formed with other lords.
Of course, he also included some discordant topics, such as the attacks from the Kent family and the recent rebellion he had faced.
"I can imagine it has not been easy for you along the way," Rodney XVIII remarked with a sigh.
However, what Paul saw in the slightly furrowed brow of the king was more worry than sympathy.
While Rodney XVIII spoke with Paul and the others, Princess Catherine mostly listened quietly, pondering, and occasionally interjecting a question or two.
In the end, Rodney XVIII sincerely asked, "If I want to replicate your achievements in the Northwest Bay, what do you think I should do?"
"Ah? Well…" Paul hesitated, unsure how to answer.
Historically, any reform would inevitably disturb the old powers, and this man in front of him was, by all accounts, the representative of those old forces.
"Your Majesty!" He carefully organized his words, "I'm afraid I cannot answer your question directly. The situation in the royal territory is vastly different from that of the Northwest Bay. Just in terms of population, it is several times larger than that of the Northwest Bay, and therefore the problems you encounter may be many times greater than those I faced."
There were some things he couldn't say openly; compared to the royal territory, his own Alden was essentially a blank slate, allowing Paul to freely draw on it. The Grayman family, due to their previous status as traitors, was unable to feudalize their vassals, which also meant that Paul faced fewer constraints once he took power. Within his territory, his word was the only law, and the opposition he faced was merely a group of landowners without noble status.
But what about in the royal territory? In Crystal Glare?
Since the founding of the kingdom, various families had settled there, each holding a superior legal status as great nobles. They were deeply rooted, their branches sprawling, competing with each other while also forming connections, weaving an impenetrable net that supported the king's power but also imprisoned it.
Every decision the king had to make had to consider potential issues from multiple angles and balance the interests of various factions.
In fact, Paul had some suggestions he wanted to express.
"Your Majesty, if you truly want to promote the development of the era, why not return with me to the Northwest Bay? We can start over from there and conquer the entire realm of Aldor again, eliminating anyone who stands in our way. In some ways, founding a country is much simpler than reforming it; turning Aldor back into a blank slate would allow us to mold it as we wish. Alden's cannons paired with the king's name would be a match made in heaven, but… you need to listen to me."
Of course, Paul didn't dare express his ambitions openly in front of the king; he simply said: "Your Majesty, only your feet know if the shoes fit. Some things cannot be rigidly applied, so I suggest you leave enough room for trial and error. Why not establish an experimental zone first?"
Rodney XVIII asked, "Trial and error space? Experimental zone?"
Paul nodded, saying, "Yes, before large-scale planting of new seeds, wouldn't you first want to pick a piece of land to test what fruits can be produced? Perhaps you could designate an area in the royal territory that is absolutely loyal to you, capable of smoothly executing your orders, and implement your new policies there, observing the effects. If the policies have issues, they can be corrected and modified until they fit the real situation and achieve your goals."
Rodney XVIII and his sister Catherine exchanged glances before turning back to Paul.
"Interesting," the king extended his hand, "please continue."
Paul cleared his throat and continued, "This area could perhaps be called an 'Economic Special Zone.' If a certain policy proves effective within this zone and brings great benefits to the kingdom, it could silence potential opposition, garnering more support for your reforms. Then you could implement those successful policies throughout the kingdom with much less resistance. If your policies might be harmful—I mean, hypothetically—then the risks can also be contained within a small area, only affecting that small region of the Economic Special Zone."
"Earl Grayman, your suggestion truly opens my eyes," Princess Catherine remarked.
At this moment, she looked at Paul, who instinctively glanced at her upon hearing her voice.
"A somewhat immature suggestion," he said shyly, quickly averting his gaze.
"This should be a point worth trying, right, Your Majesty?" Catherine asked her royal cousin.
"Um..." The king stroked his chin, seemingly savoring Paul's earlier words, "I should think it over."
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Three hours later, Rodney XVIII and Catherine stood at the door of the reception hall, seeing off Paul and his party.
Rodney XVIII looked at Catherine, "What do you think, my dear sister?"
Catherine asked curiously, "Are you talking about the Earl's suggestion? Didn't I say it was worth a try?"
"Oh, no, no. I meant… what do you think of Earl Grayman as a person?"
Upon hearing her cousin ask this, Catherine thought for a moment and said, "He seems a bit shy and introverted, not very talkative. He tends to say as little as possible during conversations."
Rodney XVIII nodded, "Oh? Shy and introverted? Yes, I feel that way too. I inquired when I was in the Northwest Bay, and everyone said the Earl is not good at socializing. Anything else?"
In Rodney XVIII's view, putting aside the fact that Paul was indeed introverted, he knew his sister well; every young noble who met her was eager to show off and would chatter endlessly. In contrast, Paul seemed much quieter.
Catherine frowned slightly, displeased, and said, "I don't know why, but when he looks at me, his gaze always seems to dart around as if I'm some kind of ferocious beast."
"Ahhahaha…" Rodney XVIII laughed, somewhat playfully.
"Your Majesty, don't you think that's quite rude?"
"It is a bit rude, especially in front of our Princess. Oh, by the way, what do you think of his appearance?"
"Above average, I suppose; anyway, he's not unpleasant to look at," Catherine pondered, "Oh dear, any man would pale in comparison to our heroic king."
Since their father's death, Catherine had been somewhat melancholic, but she rarely made a joke; it seemed she was in a good mood now.
"Catherine, I know your judgment is usually accurate, so I take you seriously."
Rodney XVIII smiled and played along with his sister's jest.
"Ah, let's talk about something else." The king changed the subject and asked, "Catherine, do you know the current situation in the kingdom?"
"Yes," Catherine's expression turned serious, and she scoffed, "That guy, Giles, is hoping that the two of us will fight amongst ourselves."
The king looked at her and asked, "I want to know how far you're willing to dedicate yourself to the kingdom?"
"I have already sworn an oath before father, my brother! My answer is—everything!"
"Everything?"
"Yes, everything." Catherine said with utmost certainty.
Rodney XVIII was greatly pleased and said, "Alright, I understand. Now we must unite and not allow outsiders to see us as a joke."
"Then let's start now. Thank you for your trust; I want to return to the army immediately to deal with military affairs."
"Go ahead and be busy."
Watching his sister's departing figure, Rodney XVIII's gaze was somewhat complicated.
"Catherine, I hope you won't hate me by then."
(End of the Chapter)
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