Chapter 93: At the Office
After one hour, the lunch ended, and Ernest and Hollen were escorted to another room, this time, alone with the King of Belfast.
They were in the office of the King.
The room was far less extravagant than the throne chamber and dining hall, yet somehow it felt even more imposing.
Tall bookshelves occupied an entire wall, filled with hundreds of leather-bound books and scrolls. Several maps of the kingdom hung neatly upon another wall, their edges marked with notes and pins. A large fireplace crackled softly despite the pleasant weather outside, and near the windows stood a massive desk made of dark oak, its surface covered with papers, reports, and sealed documents.
Ernest’s eyes immediately noticed the maps.
Road networks.
Major rivers.
Provincial boundaries.
Ports.
Trade routes.
His engineer’s mind immediately began examining them.
The office looked less like the room of a king and more like the headquarters of a chief executive officer managing a nation.
King Edward noticed his gaze and smiled.
"You like maps?"
"I do, Your Majesty."
"I’ve found that maps tell stories."
The king walked toward one of them.
"Where wealth is created. Where people move. Where armies march. Where problems begin."
Ernest nodded.
That was true.
Maps were simply data represented visually.
And data was power.
King Edward seemed pleased by his reaction.
"I had a feeling you would appreciate them."
The three of them took seats near the fireplace. A servant quietly served tea before departing and closing the door behind him.
For a few moments, the room became quiet.
It felt different from before.
The throne chamber had been ceremonial.
The banquet had been social.
This felt... private.
Almost like a business meeting.
A knock suddenly sounded.
"Enter."
The door opened.
A man in his late fifties stepped inside.
He possessed neatly combed silver hair and sharp green eyes that immediately seemed to take in every detail of the room. His dark blue coat was simple compared to royal attire, but the quality of the fabric was undeniable. He carried a stack of documents beneath one arm and had the calm expression of a man who solved problems for a living.
The moment he entered, King Edward smiled.
"Perfect timing."
The man bowed.
"Your Majesty."
Then his eyes moved toward Ernest and Hollen.
Curiosity immediately appeared.
The king stood.
"Master Ernest, Master Hollen, allow me to introduce someone very important."
He gestured toward the newcomer.
"This is Lord William Ashford, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belfast."
Hollen nearly dropped his teacup.
Ernest blinked.
Prime Minister?
The silver-haired man inclined his head politely.
"It is an honor to finally meet the famous Master Teucher."
Finally?
Apparently, another person had been hearing his name repeatedly.
The king laughed softly.
"William has heard so much about you these past three years that I suspect he already feels acquainted with you."
The Prime Minister sighed.
"I have read reports concerning your factories, exports, industrial output, and steam engines for months."
He paused.
"I confess I expected someone older."
A faint smile appeared on Ernest’s face.
"I’ve heard that several times."
The older man looked amused.
"I imagine you have."
King Edward motioned for him to sit.
Once everyone settled, Ernest’s mind was no longer focused on the conversation.
Prime Minister.
The term alone had sent his thoughts racing.
His gaze unconsciously shifted toward the king.
Then toward the Prime Minister.
Then back again.
A strange sense of familiarity washed over him.
King.
Prime Minister.
Parliamentary administration.
Cabinet ministers.
The Royal Household.
The structure...
It was remarkably similar.
King Edward seemed to notice his thoughtful expression.
"Something on your mind?"
Ernest hesitated.
Then he spoke.
"Your Majesty... if I may ask a question."
"Of course."
"Does the Prime Minister oversee the kingdom’s administration?"
Lord Ashford looked slightly surprised.
"I do."
"And there are ministers beneath you?"
"Yes."
The Prime Minister looked increasingly curious.
"We have ministers responsible for finance, trade, agriculture, justice, the military, and several other affairs."
Ernest blinked.
King Edward smiled.
"You seem surprised."
"A little."
The Prime Minister folded his hands.
"The king governs the kingdom, of course, but much of the administration is delegated. My office coordinates policy, taxation, infrastructure, trade, and provincial matters."
Another pause.
"We also supervise the civil service."
Ernest’s eyes widened slightly.
Civil service.
The similarities were becoming almost uncanny.
King Edward leaned back.
"Our system has evolved over centuries. Why do you ask?"
Ernest considered his words carefully.
Because if this world truly mirrored Great Britain not only geographically but politically...
Then many things became predictable.
Industrialization.
Reforms.
Infrastructure development.
Trade expansion.
Even future problems.
Finally, he answered.
"I was merely curious, Your Majesty. The organization of your government seems... efficient."
That earned a laugh from both the king and the Prime Minister.
"Efficient?" Lord Ashford repeated.
"I’ve never heard anyone describe government that way."
King Edward nodded solemnly.
"Usually people use less flattering words."
Even Hollen laughed.
The Prime Minister smiled and looked toward Ernest.
"I am curious, however. Most businessmen your age would ask about titles or taxes."
"You asked about administration."
He leaned forward slightly.
"Why?"
Ernest looked toward the maps.
Because nations functioned like machines.
And machines fascinated him.
Finally, he answered honestly.
"Because industries do not exist by themselves."
The room became quiet.
He continued.
"Factories need roads. Mines need laws and property rights. Merchants need ports and trade policies. Steam engines require coal and iron. None of these things exist in isolation."
The Prime Minister’s expression slowly changed.
"You think on the scale of the entire kingdom."
Ernest blinked.
Actually...
He hadn’t intended to reveal that.
King Edward suddenly laughed.
"I knew it. Well, for the reason why I summoned you to my office is for a different matter."
"What type of matter, Your Royal Majesty?" Ernest asked.
"Ernest, I admit that you possess a genius mind, one that would elevate the Kingdom to a new greater heights. Of course, as a King of this land, you are my subject. And when the Kingdom is in danger, it calls for his subject to serve the country. And I want you to serve the country."
Ernest blinked. What the hell does the king meant by that?
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