Chapter 195: Learning
"Your Highness, Darrel holds the position of Chief Advisor in the court. He is responsible for advising and responding to imperial commands but does not have a fixed official duty," Said Baldwin.
Having worked in the official circles of Eldora, he knew Darrel very well.
"Also, this Darrel comes from the Mason family and has always been close to Prince Lloyd. He is also a renowned religious scholar, highly respected in the court, and has founded the Zayta Academy in Eldora, where he gives lectures. Many officials in the Eldorian Empire court have attended his lectures."
Aiden nodded. "The reason Darrel became the leader of the peace faction is because of the support from many officials who studied at the Zayta Academy. These officials follow him closely and have considerable influence in the court."
"So, you’re saying Darrel is forming a faction for his own benefit?" Simon asked.
"Exactly. These officials, along with Darrel, are privately referred to as the Zayta Faction." Said Baldwin.
"Then why does Father..."
Simon originally wanted to ask why Emperor Alaric didn’t crack down on Darrel and his Zayta Faction, but after a bit of thought, he understood that this was the typical strategy of emperors throughout history. When the emperor wants to go to war with the reavers, he needs the pro-war faction to suppress the peace faction. When he wants peace, he uses the peace faction to suppress the pro-war faction.
This way, the emperor can manage them with ease and won’t be controlled by any one side.
Baldwin continued. "My Lord, you don’t need to worry too much about this. Even before you arrived in Eldora, these rumours started spreading, yet His Majesty has done nothing. Don’t you find that odd?"
"Afraid of my achievements overshadowing his?"
Simon gave a bitter smile. It was all part of political games. In his past life at the research institute, every time he achieved something, the leader would praise him first, then pick on some small faults, and finally say, ’You still need to work harder.’
"Exactly. Even if Darrel tries to accuse you, Your Highness will be fine. But now that you’re heading to Eldora, it’s a good opportunity to connect with some pro-war generals. These people have a very good impression of you now." Said Baldwin.
Aiden then handed over a piece of paper, saying. "My Lord, Baldwin and I have listed the officials you may want to approach, both civil and military."
Simon glanced at the list. Lancet was at the top, followed by Hughes, along with several commanders of the imperial guards and high-ranking officials.
"Alright then. Since that’s the case, I’ll go meet these court officials." Simon said.
Being in Brambleford, while Eldora’s political scene was ever-changing, he understood this was not the time to act on impulse. He needed basic diplomatic skills.
Otherwise, if something happened in Eldora, he might not even be able to safely rescue Lady Isolde.
Moreover, he also needed Gius to set up an intelligence network in Eldora so he could get timely information and respond accordingly.
At the same time, he wanted to send a message to the court officials: he, Simon, is a major supporter of the royal family. Anyone wanting to stir chaos in the Eldorian Empire must consider his presence.
This was part of Simon’s strategic plan.
It was obvious now that the reavers were the true threat to the Eldorian Empire. The next war would only be more brutal.
At this moment, he couldn’t afford internal strife in the Eldorian Empire. He needed a stable environment to develop; otherwise, it would severely impact Brambleford’s economic growth.
After all, he couldn’t expect to produce and sell all his industrial goods just within six cities.
As for foreign markets, there would be strong competitors, and he had no real advantage there. Only by first monopolising the Eldorian Empire’s market could Brambleford accumulate enough capital.
So, for this purpose, Simon decided he must try to help stabilise the imperial power during this trip to Eldora.
After discussing the matter, he sent Baldwin and Aiden away.
Then, he asked Ysabeau to prepare everything he would need for the journey, and told Benjamin to select an elite guard team.
After two days of preparation, on the third day, Simon set out for Eldora with Carl.
This time, Lancelot and Liam accompanied him. Ysabeau and Joan also came along to take care of his daily needs.
After travelling for seven or eight days, the group finally arrived in Eldora.
"Your Highness, that gate ahead is the gate to the capital. We’ve arrived." Carl said with a smile.
Looking at the tall gate in the distance, with the characters ’Gate to The Capital’ written above, Simon felt overwhelmed with emotions.
This was his first long journey since coming to this world. Along the way, he had passed through many cities and seen many different sceneries. The natural beauty lifted his spirits.
And Eldora, the most prosperous city in the Eldorian Empire, held all the childhood memories of his former self.
"They say Eldora is rich beyond measure. Now I can see it’s true. Even the common people here dress better than those in Brambleford." Lancelot muttered.
Liam said proudly. "Of course. Otherwise, how could it be called Eldora?"
Ignoring their banter, Simon and Carl continued riding forward. Behind them, a thousand elite cavalry rode in neat columns of four. The lead rider carried a flag with the character ’Brambleford’ on it, Simon’s royal banner.
Seeing the banner, the people along the road began whispering, likely guessing Simon’s identity.
At the city gate, the soldiers immediately lined up and crossed their spears.
A man who looked like an officer stepped forward and asked. "Who goes there?"
"Are you blind? Don’t you recognise Prince Simon?" Carl shouted angrily.
Upon hearing the title ’Prince Simon,’ the officer’s face changed, and he hurriedly said. "So it’s Prince Simon! I deserve to die! Quickly, make way for His Highness!"
Carl nodded in satisfaction and said to Simon. "Your Highness, please. His Majesty is waiting for you at the castle."
Simon nodded and rode into Eldora City. Ahead of him was the wide, straight Wall Avenue, fifty meters wide and leading directly to the imperial castle.
As he rode, Simon observed Eldora.
The city was still as prosperous as ever. The wars in the northern frontier mostly involved Prince Ravencrest, Prince Lionel, and others, so most of the Eldorian Empire had remained peaceful.
Because of this, royal territories and southern regions ruled by princes had time to develop and were far more prosperous than Brambleford.
From the moment they entered Eldora, Lancelot hadn’t been able to close his mouth. The city was packed with people, commoners, merchants, scholars, and nobles.
The streets were bustling with traffic. Luxurious carriages came one after another, each followed by servants and maids.
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