355 Establishing a Republic (1)
After Zeshion finished his business, he didn't linger within the castle and immediately left. After all, he seemed a little busy being a god-tamer and all that.
"Now then, time to work on what I promised."
Zeshion said that, at the earliest, the Cleaver Kingdom would respond in a week. During that time, I should work to strengthen the current government of this kingdom.
"First, let's call everyone for a meeting!"
---
Inside a large hall, a long, rectangular table was set. At the head seat, I sat down comfortably. To my right were the girls, arranged by the time they got contracted, while to my left were the representatives of each sector.
I wanted to invite all the town mayors, actually, but given the limited space, I needed to make do. Right now, there are a total of eight representatives, representing major directions from the center, namely north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, and northwest.
Everyone's faces were serious, and their gazes were sharp and judging. Still, I didn't mind at all and continued to speak.
"So, everyone here already knows what I want to implement, right? A government that is voted for by the people. A system where everyone's voices can be heard equally. Democracy!"
The room retained its silence, but the expressions on either side of the table were contrastingly different. To my right, the girls were smiling, nodding their heads along in approval, while the other side was showing reluctant expressions; some were even frowning openly, showing their discontent.
"King Will, so you really plan to implement that?"
The representative of the south, a familiar face, asked with a thin smile.
"Of course, Max. I'm not one to spout nonsense, much less break promises. I said I'd change the current system, so that's what I'll do."
"Hahaha! I like that and would even support you. However, you know that this will earn you quite a backlash from the nobles, right?"
As if representing the nobles in the room who were too scared to open their mouths, Maximillian, the head of the Virgil family, decided to speak for them. Well, I knew that would happen even before I became king, so I simply shrugged my shoulders.
"If they're a good ruler to the citizens, then most probably they'll simply return to their post, only changing their titles a little."
Technically, the only change would be that the post would no longer be hereditary nor be decided by the king. However, this change in itself was what the nobles were dissatisfied with.
17:18
"So nobles who weren't exemplary would lose the hard work they've done for their territories and have their achievements passed to a different person?"
Another representative, gaining some confidence after seeing Max talk to me frankly, added with a frown.
"You are... Henry, the representative for the Northeast, right?"
Since he didn't deny it, I guess I remembered his name correctly.
"What you said isn't accurate. It's not that they would lose their hard work since it would still be a part of their achievements. What they would lose would only be control over public projects since it would be under the government's control."
"So you're not denying that the government you're planning to create would monopolize all our hard work!"
Another one raised her voice. I maintained my smile, replying to her with a straight face, not showing even the slightest sign of panic.
"It's not a monopoly, but the complete opposite. It becomes public property, belonging to everyone!"
I raised my finger, explaining further.
"Of course, businesses aren't something we would take from you. That's what you're all worried about, right?"
Nobles don't only have their citizens' taxes as their source of income. Most of them have one or two businesses running on the side, generating profits that would be greater than what they could get from taxes alone.
If I touched that, then, for sure, the nobles would start a rebellion. I don't want to cause strife when there's no need for it. Well, I'm sure they've used the people's taxes for their businesses, but I'm saying that I wouldn't press them regarding that. Reading my intentions exactly, the two who raised their voices shut up immediately.
After all, they know that I started this meeting for them. As the king, I can actually bulldoze through their opposition, after all. The king's words are absolute!
"Are there no more voices of opposition? Then let's start with the main topic."
Finally, everyone was willing to listen. Well, it's not that they're completely convinced, but it seems that they're willing to compromise now. As expected of Zeshion and the others, they chose great figures as the representatives.
"Then, our first topic would be the name of the renewed kingdom. No, let's call it a country from now on. As the king, I suggest the name Heaven Republic. Since we are the only country with god tamers, I think this name should fit. Any objections?"
*Murmur*
Everyone was talking in hushed voices to each other, considering the name seriously. After a while, not a single hand was raised in objection. Either they decided it was too bothersome to think of an alternative, or they were simply afraid of going against my idea. Either way, it worked out well in the end.
"Alright, then from now on, we'll be known as the Heaven Republic."
*Clap!* *Clap!* *Clap!*
Everyone celebrated with smiles on their faces. After all, it had been hundreds of years since this kingdom became nameless. Up until now, I still have no idea why they didn't decide on a new name, but whatever.
Finally, with the name of our country decided, the next thing to do would be to fix up the current government's officials.
"Right now, I'm no longer the king, but the president of this country. Next, let's decide on who would fill the other posts under the president, starting with the Vice President."
I thought we would proceed smoothly from there, but everyone was clueless about the duties of most positions I raised. I needed to explain everything roughly, ask for their opinions on who was fitting for it, and decide with a majority vote when there were multiple candidates.
The meeting went on for hours, but thankfully, we managed to fill up all the posts without much trouble. Things were going relatively well, but the true problem was just about to rear its ugly head.
"The next topic is the prominent problem that our country is facing right now: we are lacking funds!"
Why is cleaning the house before the new year a thing?
Sorry for the late update, I was busy and was too tired after cleaning. I should be updating two chapters today, but I'll give the second one tomorrow instead.
Anyway, thanks for the continuous support! Cheers!
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢