Translator: Cinder Translations
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All eyes turned to the king.
Rodney XVIII said solemnly, "Given that we know too little about magic, investigating this mysterious force and gathEileeng information about it is our top priority."
He looked around at the crowd. "We should summarize and analyze the impact of this force when it manifests before ordinary people on a large scale. Our attitude toward magic should be based on the overall interests of the Aldor Kingdom, rather than hastily seeking to curry favor with the Holy See or maintain our relationship with Eaton, making rash conclusions without sufficient understanding of the matter."
Chancellor Rupert stroked his beard, nodding frequently. "What Your Majesty says is quite reasonable."
The king's words greatly changed his attitude toward Rodney XVIII.
The other ministers also voiced their agreement.
"We should observe for a while, refrain from expressing opinions, neither supporting nor opposing."
He looked at the Foreign Minister. "Lord Valentine, if the Holy See asks us to take a stand, try to deal with it as best as you can."
Earl Valentine nodded. "I will do my utmost, but I don't know how much pressure the Holy See will put on us."
Rodney XVIII pondered for a moment. "It's fine for us to offer some verbal support, but if the Holy See asks us for substantial help—like sending troops or providing supplies—then that's a different story. I believe the Holy See will understand our predicament, after all… we still have domestic enemies to deal with."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Earl Valentine replied.
"During this period," Rodney XVIII turned to the Intelligence Minister, "Lord Merlin, you will be responsible for investigating matters related to magic and wizards. While we maintain a good relationship with Eaton—who knows what the future holds—send people there to gather information. We also need to keep an eye on the Holy See's stance. If they show a determination to extinguish this power at all costs, we cannot recklessly position ourselves against them."
Earl Merlin stood up. "As you command, Your Majesty."
The front court meeting reached a conclusion, marking the new king's first significant decision regarding state affairs. His calm demeanor left a good impression on Rupert and the other old ministers.
After everyone dispersed, the king kept Paul and CathEileene behind, inviting them to dinner.
Also joining were Eileen and the king's two younger brothers.
"This is our family dinner."
Rodney XVIII appeared relaxed, casually eating the food laid out before him with his knife and fork.
"Ah, by the way, Paul!"
"Yes, Your Majesty?" Paul, who had been focused on his meal, looked up at the king.
Rodney XVIII wiped his mouth with a napkin. "About your idea of the so-called 'Special Economic Zone,' I think it's excellent. Since it's good, we should implement it immediately."
Paul praised, "Your Majesty is indeed decisive."
"I've thought it over. The enterprises we previously cooperated to establish are mainly concentrated around Westport, so we can designate that area as the Special Economic Zone. Westport is a port city, convenient for external communication, and it's also quite close to Crystal Glare, which helps with our management and observation."
Paul considered. "That should be a very suitable location."
Rodney XVIII looked at him with hopeful eyes. "I'm planning to establish a… committee. Ha ha, a new term I learned from you, called the Special Zone Management Committee. I hope you can send someone from your side to be part of the committee and provide some… guidance to the other members."
Paul replied, "If that's the case, I'll think about who would be most suitable."
The king observed him. "In fact… I already have a candidate in mind, and I hope you can part with him. Of course, I will respect your wishes and his."
Paul curiously asked, "May I know which lucky individual has won Your Majesty's favor?"
Rodney XVIII smiled. "You are very familiar with this person: Malon Ganard, your ally brother."
Paul looked away, staring at the gleaming white plate in front of him, deep in thought for a few seconds.
"Uh… Your Majesty, I will convey your message to him when I return. Malon will be very honored. I must say, your judgment is spot on; Malon would make a great assistant—assuming he's willing to stay, of course."
Indeed, aside from technical issues, Malon knew almost everything about the West Bay, including the administrative system and organizational structure, and so on.
"Oh, of course. I consider you all friends, and I respect your personal wishes," Rodney XVIII said with a smile. "I'm making a request, not issuing a command. I won't use my royal authority to demand he fulfill the duties of a vassal."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Paul said this, but in his heart, he was pondering whether this was a reminder to them.
Suddenly, he remembered something and requested of Rodney XVIII, "Your Majesty, I have a request."
Rodney XVIII smiled. "Speak freely, my future brother-in-law! Within my capabilities, I will do my best to accommodate you."
Paul said, "I believe you are aware that a group of scholars has gathered in the Northwest Bay, covering various fields—some researching biology, others studying chemistry… oh, I mean alchemy. We have made some interesting discoveries there, so the scholars hope to hold an academic seminar in Northwest Bay, inviting scholars from various places to share new findings, discuss together, and even argue, sparking more ideas."
As Paul spoke, Eileen, who had been quietly eating beside him, lit up with interest.
"With my own reputation, it is difficult to gather so many distant scholars; this would greatly diminish the value of the seminar. However, if it's done in the name of the king, I think it would attract enough attention."
Rodney XVIII asked, "So you hope I can provide assistance?"
Paul nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty!"
"A fascinating request," Rodney XVIII chuckled. "I have always supported the organization of scholarly exchanges, so I promise you this, Paul."
But he immediately raised a question with curiosity. "However, I have a doubt. As far as I know, knowledge is strictly guarded in your territory, and even Crystal Glare supports your patent law. Are you not afraid of organizing this academic seminar…"
Paul understood what the king was referring to. "Your Majesty, we protect inventions, not discoveries. Specifically, a discovery refers to extracting those laws of nature that already exist, whether anyone has described them or not. Natural laws have existed since the world was created and do not cease to exist simply because people are unaware of them. In contrast, an invention is something created from scratch by humans, an entity that did not exist before."
(End of the Chapter)
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