Chapter 7: Chapter 7: The New Condition

    In the Great Hall.

    The throne was positioned at the center of the far wall, its back resting securely against the wall. Arthur was sited on the throne.

    A luxurious crimson carpet ran down the center of the hall, stretching from the grand doors to the base of the throne. It served as a path for guests and esteemed visitors. To the left and right of the throne, the king''s councilors stood.

    Duke Richard entered the room, his voice steady as he greeted, "Good morning, Your Majesty. Thank you for providing us with a place to stay and for making time to meet with us first thing today."

    As Richard spoke, Arthur couldn''t help but think to himself, Well, that''s not entirely true; this isn''t the first thing I did this morning. But judging by his demeanor, it seems he''s not angry about how I treated Miss Olivia yesterday. That''s a good sign.

    "Of course, you are our esteemed guest. It''s only right that I make time for you," Arthur replied, his gaze sweeping over the three guests.

    Arthur took a glance and saw that Richard and the knight appeared unchanged from the previous day—neither angry nor upset. However, when his eyes met Olivia''s, she quickly looked down, avoiding his gaze. She seems too afraid to even meet my eyes, he thought. "I did frighten her by suggesting her family could fall into my hands. I shouldn''t have let my words run wild, especially when I mentioned she might be captured by another nation and become their plaything. I should apologize to her if I get the chance".

    "Your Majesty, have you made a decision regarding my proposal?" Duke Richard asked, his voice tinged with nervous anticipation.

    "I have made my decision, and I will accept your proposal," Arthur announced, his tone firm.

    Inside Richard mind, he couldn''t help but chuckle to himself. How could this foolish King Arthur Jr. even consider rejecting a marriage with Olivia? Ever since the former King Arthur III passed away, he has been pushing for this marriage, only to stop a few months ago when he realized my efforts were futile. But now, this is his only chance to marry my lovely daughter! How could this brain-dead king refuse my proposal? I was foolish to worry last night about his hesitation. Winning over a simpleton like him is easier than I thoug...

    Before Richard could finish his thoughts, Arthur added, " But the condition would be different from what your first proposal is."

    Once again, the hall fell into a heavy silence. All present—members of the king''s council and the three guests from the Dukedom of Luke—shared a common thought: Keldoria was doomed. The incapable king, who seemed more concerned with his own interests than those of his citizens, was proposing a change in the taxation system. How could he possibly implement such changes?

    The council members exchanged worried glances, fearing that Arthur''s misguided reforms would drive all the people away from Keldoria and the nation to its fall. Is he really going to impose a 20% tax on the Dukedom of Luke? Does he even understand the significance of the title of Duke? What the hell is shares and tariff? Questions swirled in their minds, and a sense of dread settled over the room.

    Most of the council members were anxious for one of two reasons: the corrupt officials feared losing their comfortable positions if the kingdom fell, as they had grown accustomed to manipulating the king for their own gain. A small faction, however, genuinely worried for Keldoria''s future. They wanted to voice their concerns but were too intimidated by the memory of Arthur Jr.''s previous outburst, where he had nearly punished a council member to death for suggesting King Arthur Jr should consider the kingdom''s welfare. Thus, no one dared to challenge Arthur''s decisions, opting instead to remain silent, their apprehensions hanging heavily in the air.

    As Richard continued to read the document in the heavy silence of the hall, Arthur broke the stillness. "Duke Richard, I will give you some time to consider my proposal." He glanced at the pendulum clock. "Let''s say three hours. We will reconvene at 1 PM. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to send my valet to find me."

    Richard felt a surge of relief at being granted time to contemplate the weighty information. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he replied, eager to accept the offer forgetting to ask about words he didn''t know.

    With a nod, Arthur dismissed everyone in the room, leaving Richard to process the implications of the proposal. After taking a deep breath, Arthur stepped outside and spotted his valet waiting patiently.

    "Please inform Duke Richard that I will be in the library when he comes to see me," Arthur instructed his valet.

    "Also just like yesterday, please bring my lunch to the library around 12," he added before making his way to the library.

    ...

    Not a part of the story

    Is the new condition fair for Duke Richard? answer in the comment.