Ados slightly bowed his head.
Even though the ministers present were all confidants who basically knew that the Count was actually the Empress, this was obviously a slip of the tongue.
Ados was sowhat worried about Sif’s ntal state.
When a monarch makes a mistake, it is naturally up to the subordinates to fully compensate.
He smiled and reminded, "Lord Count, you indeed can address vassals as ’Minister,’ but this formal title would cause them unease."
Sif realized her mistake as well.
She was presiding over the eting as a Count and Vice Governor, not as the Empress.
These formalities are indeed troubleso, yet cannot be mistaken. If Teacher Mary heard her using the term ’Minister Ados’ as a Count, she would surely turn furious.
Ados and others hold roles not just as her vassals but also as Empire officials. When serving directly in the Imperial Governnt, their primary allegiance should be to the Emperor.
At least during working hours.
Sif’s address just now had overstepped.
As Count, Sif had encroached upon the domain of Sylph the Empress, crossing a boundary.
If taken seriously, the Cabinet could even use this as grounds to impeach her.
Fortunately, she is the Empress herself.
Sif smiled sowhat sheepishly, nodding to Ados in gratitude.
Ados was not only reminding Sif to be mindful of her identity but also cautioning other ministers not to talk carelessly.
Ados, the Baron under Sif, addressing as ’Minister XX’ was sowhat presumptuous, but strictly speaking, it could be overlooked, and the matter ended there.
The old fox Ados, as if nothing happened, proceeded to present his proposals according to Sif’s requests.
As a senior official of the Three Overseas Provinces, having followed Count Sif and Governor Roland for so long, he is naturally well acquainted with their styles of working.
In front of these two leaders, there is no need to hold back or play tricks; if one has talent, it should be fully displayed.
He had just reported the plan to build a new industrial zone in the outskirts of Hansa City.
He was, of course, not just making suggestions. The entire construction plan for the industrial zone was also ready.
The steam engine factory, textile factory, coal-chemical plant, paper mill, and glass factory prominently featured on the list.
If it were modern society, wanting to simultaneously launch so many highly polluting projects would surely lead to environntalists pinning them to the ground, but in 1792, there was no concept of environntal protection.
There wasn’t much pollution to begin with, so why speak of environntalism.
This ti, Sif finally took things seriously, listening attentively to the report.
She affird Ados’s overall planning, but the only objection was against building the paper mill around the Rodinia River.
While factories need water, building by the river isn’t much of an issue, as long as it’s not that river.
"Building the factory here will impact shipping and trade; choose another location. Build a new town here, with the factory nearby, then construct roads to connect the two cities."
Sif walked to the map hanging on the back wall of the conference hall and pointed to a location.
The river she chose is only partially within Hansa Province and flows downstream into the Prudon Kingdom.
Building a factory here is otherwise fine, but it could easily spark international disputes.
Ados wanted to remind her, but Sif’s next words made him hold his tongue.
"If the Prudon people have an issue, let them settle it with gunfire."
Although the Prudon Kingdom has risen as a strong nation in recent years and is much stronger than the Oden Kingdom, compared to a behemoth like the Sussex Empire, the gap is still apparent.
Even if they have grievances, it’s unlikely they would go to war with the Sussex Empire over a bit of industrial waste.
The Prudon Kingdom is currently engaged in military conflict with the Wende Empire, with both sides suffering thousands of casualties in several skirmishes, at risk of escalation at any mont, leaving no room to care about these matters.
Ados silently thought that the Prudon Kingdom’s close ties with the Vladimir Empire likely placed them on Her Majesty the Empress’s enemy list.
He knew Governor Roland sailed out with his fleet a week ago, and although unsure of the task, he could vaguely guess so aspects.
The Golden Kite Wanderers, who had been listless and dispirited, recently seed more spirited, hinting at sothing joyous having occurred.
Governor Roland going out to sea likely has sothing to do with this affair.
Though he mused over it, Ados would never inquire further.
The lord holds the reins of the entire situation; the subordinates don’t need to know, just attending to their duties is sufficient.
After Ados completed his report, the other ministers took turns reporting on their tasks, to which Sif generally agreed with their appended implentation plans, while offering guidance on so details.
Her nonchalant words caused several ministers to break into a sweat.
So lacked ability, while others sought personal gain. Although they hid it well, Sif discerned it at a glance.
Seeing the ministers trembling nervously, Sif smiled to reassure them, "No need to be tense, I trust your abilities, and I trust your loyalty. Do well, and dismiss."
A bit of self-interest is allowable as long as it doesn’t disrupt the bigger picture; after all, everyone has families to support. But they must not go overboard or think they can fool her.
Her gentle gaze swept across the room, making contact with each minister. In her warm eyes laid both encouragent and warning.
Several ministers with hidden agendas were quite frightened, continuously wiping sweat once Sif’s gaze moved away.
Luckily, Sif doesn’t indulge in unnecessary talk during etings; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to sit still.
The final item on the eting’s agenda was for Raikkonen, responsible for oversight, to report on the illegalities and cris of officials.
Raikkonen’s report was concise.
He categorized the suspects into economic cris, official misconduct, and criminal offenses, handing the list directly to Sif, eliminating the need for individual readings.
He also provided disposal plans for Sif’s reference. His proposed solutions adhered to laws and precedents, being rational and well-founded.
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