Arthur wasn't particularly hungry, so he ate sparingly, only picking at the food on his plate before taking his wine glass and stepping toward the balcony for a mont of respite. As he moved through the room, he noticed several guests watching him intently. Offering them a polite smile, he said, "Please, don't mind . I just need a breath of fresh air."
His words seed to break their curious stares, and they quickly refocused on their conversations or als. Arthur couldn't help but observe that most of the guests, like him, had barely touched their food. The banquet wasn't about the al; it was an opportunity for networking—fostering alliances, building relationships, and subtly testing the waters in this newly proposed era for Keldoria.
Stepping out onto the balcony, Arthur welcod the cool night air as it brushed against his skin. Above him, the three moons hung in the sky, their soft light bathing the palace grounds in a silver glow. He rested his hands on the railing and let his thoughts wander. That was a lot of talking and explaining, he mused, sipping from his wine glass. I think they understood at least so of it.
He glanced back toward the grand hall, imagining the discussions likely still buzzing among the guests. Maybe the scholars will grasp the concepts more thoroughly than the others. They asked the most questions but it was more that they didn't understand, instead of rejecting the ideas outright or arguing.
Arthur's private thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the balcony door opening behind him. Turning his head, he saw Duke Richard stepping out, his towering presence unmistakable. Richard was dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit adorned with intricate gold embroidery, a cape draped over one shoulder—a style befitting his status yet practical enough to convey his restrained, militaristic personality.
Beside him, Olivia appeared, her presence imdiately commanding Arthur's attention. She was radiant, more stunning than he had ever seen her before. Her gown, a deep erald green that shimred in the moonlight, hugged her figure elegantly. Fine golden embroidery swirled across the fabric like vines, and a delicate diamond necklace adorned her neck, accentuating her beauty. Her hair was styled in soft waves, framing her face, and the faint blush on her cheeks gave her an ethereal glow. At that mont, it was undeniable—she was the most beautiful lady in the banquet hall.
For a fleeting second, Arthur's thoughts faltered and felt a bit of regret. So, this is the sa Olivia who I rejected to marry. Clearing his mind, he straightened his posture and greeted them with a nod.
"Duke Richard. Lady Olivia," Arthur said, his tone calm but curious. "I wasn't expecting company out here."
Richard smirked slightly, his deep voice carrying the sa weight it always did. "Well, Your Majesty, it seed only fitting to check on the man who managed to silence an entire banquet hall with words alone. Impressive, I must admit."
Olivia stepped forward, her erald gown shimring faintly in the moonlight. Her gaze locked on Arthur's, her voice gentle yet inquisitive. "You've certainly given everyone much to think about, Your Majesty. Even the scholars seem at a loss for words. I must admit, I find myself intrigued."
Arthur couldn't help but notice how different her deanor was compared to their first eting. Back then, Olivia's tone had been sharp, almost condescending, as if she were addressing soone far beneath her station. But now, after spending ti with Arthur and witnessing his resolve and vision, her tone carried genuine curiosity—and perhaps even a hint of respect.
"Thank you, Miss Olivia," Arthur replied with a polite nod, his expression composed yet warm. Then, shifting his attention to Richard, who stood beside her, Arthur added, "And you, Duke Richard? Is there sothing on your mind?"
Richard paused, his intense gaze studying Arthur as if weighing every word he was about to speak. Finally, he broke the silence. "Yes, Your Majesty. I do have so questions."
Arthur tilted his head slightly, gesturing for him to continue. "Go on."
Richard's tone was asured, yet the weight of his question carried an air of caution. "As you ntioned earlier, you intend to make these theories public. Do you not worry that other kingdoms might steal these ideas and use them to their advantage? And, if I may ask, how exactly do you plan to make such knowledge accessible?"
Arthur took a slow sip of his wine, letting the question hang in the crisp night air before answering. "You raise a valid concern, Duke Richard," he began, his voice steady and thoughtful. "But here is the reality: innovation cannot be contained forever. If we hoard these ideas out of fear, Keldoria may enjoy a fleeting advantage, but it will ultimately stagnate. Progress thrives on the free exchange of ideas, not secrecy."
He set his wine glass down on the balcony railing, turning fully to face Richard. "By making these concepts public, we won't just be sharing theories. We'll be creating a system where Keldoria leads the charge. Even if other kingdoms adopt these ideas, they will always be playing catch-up because we'll be the first ones to adopt these innovations. They will have to acknowledge that our kingdom has changed and this would create more trade opportunities."
Richard's brows furrowed slightly as he absorbed Arthur's words. Olivia, however, looked more intrigued than ever, her lips parted as if she wanted to say sothing but held herself back.
Arthur mused to himself, Even on Earth, it was the sharing of ideas that propelled societies forward, transforming them into more advanced civilizations. If I want to implent the new tax system effectively, I must also work to improve trade and ensure everyone understands how it operates. Transparency will make it more efficient, and, truthfully, it would have beco public knowledge eventually. By taking the initiative, not only do I maintain control of the narrative, but I also bolster my image as a king.
Arthur refocused from his thoughts and addressed. "As for how I plan to share this information," he began, his voice steady and deliberate, "I will compile these theories into written docunts—clear and concise. Copies will be made available for purchase for those who wish to own them, but for those who cannot afford it, the information will also be accessible in libraries and public forums. Knowledge should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy or the elite; it should be a foundation for everyone."
Richard asked, "What about those who are unable to read or write?"
Arthur nodded, acknowledging the importance of the question. "That is a valid concern," he replied. "Since many of the people in Keldoria cannot read or write, vital information—such as changes in the tax system—will be communicated through verbal announcents in town squares and other public forums. However, when it cos to more complex subjects, like economics, these will remain in written form. It's unlikely that people would absorb or rember everything if it were only spoken aloud."
Arthur's tone grew firr, resolute. "But I will not leave those who are illiterate behind. I plan to establish the Keldoria Departnt of Education, where the kingdom will provide opportunities for those who wish to learn. Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our people, and it will be a cornerstone of the kingdom's growth."
He continued, "Beyond that, I intend to create additional institutions, such as the Departnt of Ho Affairs, the Departnt of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and more. These departnts will not only improve governance but also ensure that Keldoria adapts to the challenges of an evolving world. Of course," Arthur added with a asured smile, "these changes will take ti—months or even years—but the foundation must be laid now."
Richard took a mont to process the information and offered a respectful bow, his tone carrying genuine regard. "Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Your Majesty."
Arthur acknowledged the bow with a asured nod, his expression steady and composed. "It's no trouble at all," he replied. "Now, if you'll excuse , I must return to the banquet. There is still a small announcent I need to make before the evening concludes."
As Arthur walked back inside, his thoughts drifted. Although I've shared many ideas tonight, there's still a long road ahead. It will take months, maybe even years, to refine and publish these theories for the public. For now, my focus will remain on implenting the tax reforms. Concepts like shares and investnt can co later, after I've managed to invent a proper printing press to ensure widespread dissemination.
These musings faded as Arthur approached his seat at the head of the hall. He picked up his wine glass and lightly tapped it with a spoon, the chi cutting through the hum of conversation. The crowd turned their attention to him, the room growing still in anticipation.
Arthur took a deep breath and addressed them, his voice carrying a confident but approachable tone. "Thank you for your patience, everyone. Now that I have your attention, I'd like to make an important announcent."
The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on the king.
"As you've heard tonight," Arthur began, "I've outlined plans for a new tax system, introduced so of my theories on economics and many more. I want to express my hope for your full support in these endeavors. The new tax system will be officially implented starting next week. As for the economic theories, I intend to refine them further, add additional insights, and compile them into comprehensive docunts. Once completed, these will either be available for purchase or accessible for free in libraries and public forums."
Arthur paused for a mont, scanning the room, his gaze steady. "However, this process will take ti—months, perhaps even longer. In the anti, I must ask that you return the docunts distributed to you tonight to one of the maids or staff before you leave. Rest assured, when the refined versions are ready, I will ensure they are shared with you again."
The murmurs rippled through the hall once again as Arthur's words settled over the crowd, each guest digesting the weight of what had been said. So nodded quietly in approval, their gazes reflective, while others exchanged curious, skeptical glances. Whispers filled the air, a mix of intrigue and speculation, as they tried to piece together what this would an for the future of Keldoria.
The maids moved gracefully through the room, collecting the docunts that had been distributed earlier. A few guests hesitated, their disappointnt evident as they reluctantly handed back the papers, their desire to study the groundbreaking ideas more deeply evident. Others skimd the docunts once more, before returning, their curiosity tempered by uncertainty.
As the final docunts were gathered, the banquet gradually resud its course. Conversations shifted to lighter topics, though the weight of Arthur's revelations lingered beneath the surface. Guests mulled over the implications, so whispering excitedly about the king's unexpected brilliance, while others remained cautiously reserved.
The evening continued for a short while longer before winding to its conclusion. One by one, the guests approached Arthur, offering their respects before taking their leave. So bowed deeply, their expressions thoughtful, while others gave polite nods, their minds clearly preoccupied with what they had heard.
Finally, as the grand hall emptied, the banquet ca to an end, leaving Arthur standing amidst the fading echoes of footsteps and murmurs.
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Not part of the story
If power stone reach 30, I will release an extra Chapter. If it didn't reach, it will be as scheduled, 4 Chapters a week from Tuesday to Friday.
Thanks for reading.
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