Arthur stepped out of his chamber, carrying a leather briefcase filled with reports detailing the institutions he planned to establish. These institutions would oversee government expenditures, ensuring investments were necessary and free from corruption. His destination was his father's office, where he intended to present his findings and proposals.
King Cedric, much like Arthur, was a workaholic. Even on the last day of the year, he remained in his office, attending to matters of state. As Arthur reached the office doors, he instructed the guard to inform the king of his request for an audience. Shortly after, permission was granted, and Arthur stepped inside.
The king, seated behind his desk, set down the report he had been reading and looked up at Arthur. Upon noticing the leather briefcase in his son's hand, he smiled knowingly. "You've chosen work over rest, even on New Year's Eve," he remarked.
Arthur returned the smile. His father's words reminded him of a response King Cedric had often given when Arthur had questioned his relentless work ethic as a child. "I will have an eternity to rest when I die," Arthur replied.
King Cedric chuckled at his son's familiar response. After a moment of shared laughter, the king's expression turned serious. "Well then, what is it that you wish to discuss?"
Arthur placed the documents from his briefcase onto the desk. As King Cedric began to examine them, Arthur spoke. "While reviewing the annual reports sent to me from various state departments, I discovered multiple instances of unnecessary investments and corruption. The Ministry of Transportation has been funding unnecessary infrastructure projects. The navy continues to spend excessive sums on maintaining sailing ships despite our ongoing transition to steam-powered vessels. Similar inefficiencies are present in various other departments."
As the king read through the documents, his initial amusement faded, replaced by a deepening frown. The extent of wasteful spending, mismanagement, and possible bribery within government projects became increasingly evident. His jaw tightened as his temper flared.
Arthur continued, "Even if we address these issues now, there is no guarantee that similar problems won't arise in the future. That is why I believe we need a permanent oversight mechanism—an institution responsible for reviewing government investments, conducting cost-benefit analyses, and ensuring expenditures are justified. Additionally, to prevent corruption at the highest levels, this body should have the authority to investigate and question senior officials."
King Cedric nodded, acknowledging the necessity of such a system. He gestured for Arthur to elaborate.
Arthur outlined the structure of the proposed institutions, modeled after Britain's National Audit Office (NAO) and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). "For civil affairs, we need a National Audit Bureau. It will scrutinize government spending, ensure financial accountability, and provide independent reports on state expenditures. This organization must have the power to audit all major projects and expenditures, reporting directly to the crown and parliament."
"For the military," Arthur continued, "we require an independent oversight body to ensure that defense spending is efficient and not subject to manipulation. This Military Procurement and Oversight Commission will evaluate the necessity of equipment purchases, fleet expansions, and infrastructure projects. Its objective will be to prevent waste and ensure that military resources are allocated strategically."
King Cedric leaned back in his chair, absorbing the information. "These institutions," he mused, "would certainly help control unnecessary spending and curb corruption."
Father and son spent the next hour discussing the finer details of these proposed agencies. They debated the level of authority such institutions should wield, how they would be funded, and what safeguards would prevent them from becoming corrupt themselves. By the time they concluded, the sky outside had darkened.
King Cedric glanced at the clock and sighed. "It is nearly time for dinner. Your mother has been complaining that she hardly sees you anymore. You are always working, eating your meals in your study. She misses you." He paused. "As do I. Lately, I have been caught up in work myself, and I fear she has been quite lonely."
Arthur hesitated, then nodded. He knew his father was right. Since arriving in this world, his primary focus had been on constructing the industrial and social framework necessary to modernize the kingdom. This relentless pursuit had come at the cost of personal relationships. He decided to postpone his visit to the industrial sector, where he had planned to deliver typewriter designs to William, until the next day. For tonight, he would prioritize his family.
Before dinner, Arthur returned to his study to review the remaining reports. One particularly concerning document contained intelligence on the rising tensions between the Usman Empire and the Kingdom of Svyatoslav. According to the reports, Svyatoslav aimed to seize Usman territories along the Black Sea, thereby strengthening its influence over the region and extending its reach into the White Sea. Intelligence indicated that Svyatoslav had been steadily bolstering its navy and preparing for a land invasion of Usman's coastal territories. Sources suggested that war would likely begin in the spring.
The Usman Empire, aware of the looming threat, had been making hasty preparations. To finance its war effort, it had secured significant loans from Pendrallis. Arthur noted that, in exchange for financial support, Pendrallis had obtained permission to establish a military base on Cybrus Island, located east of the White Sea. This would ensure that, in the event of war, Pendrallis could swiftly intervene if Svyatoslav threatened the strategic straits near Constantell, the Usman capital.
Arthur turned his attention to the state of Pendrallis' navy. Each month, more steam-powered warships were added to the fleet. He had worked tirelessly to expand the kingdom's naval presence in the White Sea, knowing that in the worst-case scenario, their forces needed to be prepared for military intervention. After confirming that the navy was on track to meet its strategic goals, he felt reassured.
As the evening approached, Arthur set aside the reports and left his study. He made his way to the dining hall, where he joined his parents for a formal family dinner.
During the meal, Queen Eleanor expressed her frustration with both her husband and son. "You two are always working," she lamented. "I hardly see either of you. Arthur, you bury yourself in reports. Cedric, you disappear into your office for days on end. Do you even realize how much time has passed since we last sat together like this?"
Father and son exchanged glances, momentarily silenced by the queen's reprimand. The conversation shifted to lighter topics, though Queen Eleanor's frustration was evident. Arthur, realizing how much he had neglected his personal life, resolved to spend more time with his family moving forward.
After dinner, Arthur excused himself and returned to his study. Meanwhile, King Cedric and Queen Eleanor remained in the dining hall, speaking in private.
Despite their marriage being a political arrangement, the king and queen had, over time, developed a deep respect and affection for one another. Their conversation turned to Arthur.
"He is twenty-one now," Queen Eleanor remarked. "It is time we consider his marriage."
King Cedric nodded. In their world, marriage was not merely a personal matter but a strategic alliance. The couple agreed to begin investigating suitable matches, both within the kingdom and among foreign noble houses.
Arthur, unaware of these discussions, was in his study, reviewing the technical details of the typewriter plans he would deliver to William the next day. He meticulously went over every specification, ensuring the design was flawless.
Arthur examined the details of the typewriter machine, ensuring that the design could be manufactured using the technology of this era. Satisfied, he gathered the papers containing his schematics and placed them in his desk drawer. He then poured himself a glass of wine and settled in front of the fireplace. The warmth of the flames enveloped him as he sipped his drink, contemplating the state of the oceanic exploration fleets.
Three months had passed since two fleets had been dispatched—one under Edward Smith's command to the west and another under James Cook's command to the south, tasked with mapping the southern coast of Velmora. If a continent similar to America existed to the west, the fleet should have reached it by now. Likewise, the southern expedition should have covered over a thousand kilometers along Velmora's coast. Arthur gazed into the flickering fire, wondering what adventures these explorers had encountered.
He knew the significance of these expeditions. Discovering new lands could lead to immense economic and strategic advantages. Trade routes, valuable resources, and potential colonies could all redefine Pendrallis' future. However, there were risks as well—hostile indigenous populations, uncharted dangers, and unforeseen logistical challenges. Arthur hoped that his commanders had been prepared for such eventualities. Although he had done everything in his power to ensure these fleets were equipped with the best medical supplies, experienced navigators, and sufficient provisions, he knew that unforeseen hardships would still arise. Disease, adverse weather, and the psychological toll of long voyages were challenges that no amount of preparation could completely eliminate. Despite his efforts, he understood that these expeditions would test the resilience of every sailor involved, and he could only hope that his men would endure the trials ahead.
After finishing his wine, he added a few more logs to the fire before heading to bed, bringing the year to a close.
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