Chapter 16: Chapter 16: The Bribery Attempt

    Knock, knock, knock.

    The door creaked open, revealing the valet. He stepped inside and bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, Baron Yone wishes to see you."

    Arthur stirred from his slumber, his voice groggy as he replied, "He must be here to talk about his son''s punishment? Also what time is it?"

    "It is 10:30 a.m., Your Highness," the valet responded.

    "10:30 ?" Arthur sat upright, startled. "How did I oversleep?"

    ''Maybe, I got too worked up last night about the plans to deal with nobles who might rebel against me or leave the country if I implement rules that might be disadvantageous to them.'' Arthur mumbled to himself.

    He ran a hand through his disheveled hair and said, "Bring my clothes and leave them by the bed. You don''t need to stay and assist me. Also, inform Baron Yone that I''ll be down shortly."

    "Yes, Your Majesty," the valet said with a bow before leaving to carry out the instructions.

    Arthur sighed as he rushed to the bathroom to freshen up.

    Once cleaned up, he approached the neatly arranged clothes the valet had prepared and began dressing. The intricate layers and heavy fabric reminded him of his old life cloths that are easy to wear unlike the cloths that right in front of him.

    ''I wish I could wear lighter clothes like those on Earth. Wearing these royal garments feels more exhausting than climbing two flights of stairs.''

    Baron Yone''s voice took on an apologetic tone as he countered, "Your Majesty, I ask only that you consider the past. Our family has supported this kingdom through wars, providing funds and resources in times of great need."

    Arthur leaned forward slightly, his gaze unwavering. "Baron Yone, enough. I have already shown mercy by not punishing your son further when he insulted me, the king of Keldoria. Is that not enough? Or would you like me to revisit that offense as well?"

    The baron paled, opening his mouth to respond, but Arthur cut him off. "I understand your family''s contributions, but I have a responsibility to all citizens of Keldoria. I publicly announced my intent to improve the lives of every citizen yesterday. News of that declaration has likely spread throughout the kingdom by now. Do you truly expect me to contradict my own words for personal gain?"

    Baron Yone faltered, his attempts at persuasion exhausted. The silence hung heavy in the hall as Arthur allowed his words to settle. Finally, Arthur broke the stillness.

    "Baron Yone, your son has violated the laws of this kingdom, and he will face the consequences. I advise you to accept this reality and ensure no harm comes to the commoner your son wronged. Any retaliation will be met with severe repercussions. If you have nothing further to say, you may leave. And do not forget to pay the twenty Keldo gold coins as ordered."

    Defeated, Baron Yone bowed stiffly and departed the hall, his shoulders heavy with resignation.

    After dismissing everyone from the great hall, Arthur leaned back in the throne, lost in thought. ''Baron Yone might hold a grudge against me, but I had no choice. Gaining the favor of the commoners is crucial if I''m to solidify my position as king.''

    He ran a hand through his hair and stifled a yawn. ''I still feel so sleepy. I probably overworked myself yesterday, but it was worth it. At least I''ve come up with a plan to handle nobles who might consider leaving the kingdom. Still, I need a more effective strategy to deal with influential figures like the Marquises and powerful Counts. They are likely to rebel instead of leaving if I push too hard when implementing new rules and a fair tax system.''

    Arthur sighed, rising from the throne. ''For now, I should check the training grounds and get a sense of the mages and knights we have in Eldoria. Knowing their capabilities might help in the future.''

    He exited the great hall, pausing briefly to call for the valet. "Take me to the training grounds where the kingdom''s soldiers train," he instructed.

    "Yes, Your Majesty," the valet said, bowing slightly before leading the way.