CHAPTER 552: CHAPTER 494: AUDIENCE AND MEMORIAL (4300)

Mid-January.

Phaletis Royal Capital Bekele, St. James’s Palace.

Even though heavy snow was falling outside, Queen Isabella’s study was warm like spring.

No matter how much Her Majesty the Queen advocated for frugality, the warmth of the fireplace was indeed of no consequence to a Great Knight. But for the court ladies serving the royal family, it was impossible to let the royal family lose dignity in this regard.

At this moment, the guests in the Queen’s study engaging in high-minded discussions clearly owed their gratitude to those stubborn court ladies.

"Mr. Francis, I have no intention of further discussing the issue of human nature with you, a philosopher.

My viewpoint has remained unchanged: human nature is inherently self-interested, and the pursuit of personal gain is the sole motivation for the citizens to engage in economic activities.

As long as the country does not excessively intervene in these economic activities, then guided by the price mechanism of the free market, citizens will not only maximize personal interests but also further enhance public interests, thereby strengthening the country as well."

"Mr. Kirkcaldy, I agree with your viewpoint of enriching the people and strengthening the country.

However, the true origin of national strength must rely on technological advancement; if the kingdom remains in an agricultural society, then no matter how wonderful the political and economic theories might be, they are merely castles in the sky.

Furthermore, a market completely dominated by citizens is not conducive to resource coordination. I believe the kingdom should step in to conduct unified planning, so that a kingdom without so many rich colonies to plunder can quickly catch up with Hilus."

"Mr. Francis..."

"Mr. Kirkcaldy..."

The two elderly gentlemen with greying hair were arguing endlessly in Queen’s study, neither able to convince the other, while Queen Isabella, sitting behind her desk, did not intervene and occasionally noted something on paper.

This is a reserved program that occurs every week during political inquiries; although the two seniors argue incessantly, they do provide valuable suggestions and ideas for the Queen regarding the kingdom’s future plans.

The two elderly gentlemen dressed like ordinary individuals were, in fact, advisors within the royal think tank, their other identities also included professors of higher education, philosophers, economists, scientists, writers, and more.

Economist Kirkcaldy, the chief advisor of the think tank, is also a strong proponent of private property and the free economy.

Philosopher and scientist Francis, deputy advisor of the think tank, advocates that knowledge and technology are power and is a pioneer in steam industrialization.

The debate in the study seemed to continue for a while longer.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The suddenly resounding knock on the door made the two voices pause slightly.

With the Queen’s permission, a court lady walked in and respectfully consulted Her:

"Your Majesty, Her Highness Liweina has brought the person; would you like to meet now?"

"Hmm, let them in."

After the lady-in-waiting went out with orders, Queen Isabella put down her quill and smiled slightly at the two advisors:

"Honorable advisors, today we happen to have a promising young person in audience; why not hear his views on the future economic development of the kingdom?"

Although the debate was lively, the two gentlemen equally held themselves in high regard and were not interested in the insights of a so-called young man; formalities were not within the consideration of these pure scholars.

Standing up ready to bid farewell to the Queen, they were unguarded when Isabella further added:

"Have you not always wanted to meet the author of the ’Overlord Disqualification Plan’? Today... he is here."

The two sat back down on their chairs with speeds unbecoming of their age, releasing a simultaneous snort as they noticed their identical actions.

...

"Aiven, don’t be nervous, this is just an informal meeting before your advancement ceremony.

Chat briefly with Her Majesty to get acquainted, and we’ll head back; Her Majesty won’t make things difficult for you."

Crown Prince Liwina, having been promoted to Great Knight, gave Aiven a final instruction and personally pushed open the door.

As she stated, it was an informal meeting to display closeness, so the meeting was arranged in the study.

Aiven, dressed in a pristine dark blue military uniform, with the gilded General’s Command Saber hanging at his side, donned with the gold sash and several glittering medals awarded by the kingdom, stepped forward following the Second Princess and entered.

Normally, knights do not part with their swords; however, in the King’s presence, wielding a sword is a special privilege enjoyed only by high-ranking nobles and Guardian Knights.

Aiven was justly among them.

"Your Majesty, Aiven is here."

Facing the few pairs of eyes looking from inside the room.

Bam—

Aiven stood at attention five steps away from the Queen’s desk and saluted.

"Your Majesty, good day! Aiven Galliot has come to pay respects."

No matter how great their own force might be, until one possesses the power to overthrow the ruling order, no one has the right to look down on lords and mighty men.

Aiven certainly did not; after saluting, he slightly lowered his head, glancing hurriedly at the figure behind the desk, his initial impression was:

’So young.’

With the same golden-red long hair as Liweina, lake-green eyes, and fair skin that seemed not even thirty years old, the Peak Transcendent’s genes cannot be said to be weak.

Even after being promoted to Great Knight, Liweina’s appearance regressed to around twenty, yet standing beside Isabella, people might mistake them for extraordinarily beautiful sisters.

However, the profound majesty emanating from Her Majesty the Queen left no room for confusion.

The Queen spoke with a remarkably gentle tone to Aiven: