CHAPTER 895: CHAPTER 895: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

"I would like to tag along to the afflicted territories as well, if it’s possible, Your Majesty," Norbert expressed.

"Why is that?" Arabella asked as if she did not already know from his thoughts.

"If my suggestion is to be assigned to me, it will be the mining industry.

I’d like to take a look at the actual locations of the mines.

I also want to speak with the miners and those who manage it, so I can make a more appropriate proposal," Norbert explained.

Arabella glanced at the others and said, "Is this also what you were going to say?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," they all replied in unison.

"I also believe seeing the place myself would help me draft a more appropriate and concrete proposal..."

All of them explained their reasons one after the other.

[Would Her Majesty think we are being too much?]

[I know teleportation is expensive, but I believe going with Her Majesty will fast-track everything. I will ask my family to pay for my teleportation scroll if I must.]

[It has to be while Her Majesty visits. If I go on my own, I won’t be able to gather as much information as I can in a few days.]

[Seeing the situation for ourselves will help us adjust and tweak the plans per location.]

"Pfft," Arabella could not stop herself from chuckling after she heard all their explanations and the thoughts running through their minds.

’See, Ferdinand.

It’s not just me.

I’m not the weird one.

Even my assistants want to go to the actual site as well.’

Arabella was delighted to know she was not the only one.

[Did we make Her Majesty angry?! Or were we being too unreasonable that she found it funny?!]

Her assistants were puzzled by her reaction.

"Oh, don’t mind me. I just found your drive quite adorable. I will ask His Majesty if he will allow all of you to accompany me in my visit," Arabella explained.

Of course, she would actually not ask for permission. She will simply inform him once again.

It is not a difficult task for Zion to teleport nine more people, after all.

Or if Alwin is already awake by that time and has recovered fully, he might be the one to teleport them.

"Our deepest gratitudes, Your Majesty," her assistants thank her in unison.

They then continued with the task delegation.

"For the game tournaments, Felix and Nadia, you will work together for this. I trust that you will cooperate accordingly.

We want both the merchant and the people to be pleased with this, so you must keep this in mind while making your plan.

The games and rewards will depend on your discussion with the merchants.

As for the cash prizes, the budget will be handled by the palace.

Please include the games and their mechanics in your draft.

Only games His Majesty and I approved of will be implemented," Arabella explained.

"Yes, Your Majesty. We will do our best," Felix and Nadia replied.

"Now, let’s move to the long-term solutions. For the reading and writing lessons, Ronald, it was your suggestion, right?" Arabella glanced at Ronald, who had clearer eyes ever since he learned the truth about his identity.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Ronald replied on alert.

"His Majesty has approved for this to be prolonged.

Thus, you will work with Denzel, who has suggested prolonging this." Arabella glanced at Denzel.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Denzel smiled brightly upon learning he would be part of two major tasks.

"The target time for this will be at least one year.

It may last for several years if accepted widely by the locals.

You two will try to find teachers from the locals during our visit.

In case finding teachers was difficult, you will continue searching and hiring while other activities are already implemented," Arabella gave them a longer time frame since it might prove difficult to find teachers.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Denzel and Ronald said in unison.

"As for fully operationalizing the mines, Norbert and Felix, you will work on this together.

This can be dangerous, so ensure to inform the people you are speaking with that this venture is in my name and your ducal houses had no part in the earnings.

Assure them that the profit will go to the owners of the mines, be it the ruling lords or whoever.

The Empire will only take taxes as usual. Inform them we simply want more employment for the people," Arabella reminded.

After all, mines could be a delicate thing with all the danger and the amount of money they could make.

Conflicts of interest might occur and lead to problems.

People might think the Fidelis and Orville Dukedom would have a cut in the earnings, so Arabella had to warn her assistants in advance that both sides should know there’s no profit share for Fidelis and Orville.

"Rest assured, the Empire will compensate your duchies accordingly based on what strategies and technology you are going to share with the afflicted territories. Monetary compensation will be discussed between your experts, me, His Majesty, and the Department of Finance," Arabella clarified.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Norbert and Fidelis responded.

[Her Majesty giving her trust to our households should be more than enough as compensation. However, I cannot speak on behalf of those who must stop their work to help in the afflicted territories.] Norbert thought.

[Is it alright for them to receive compensation? I volunteered to be part of this since I know my household would be more than willing to take part just for the sake of their pride. Our household might even already pay a great sum to the representatives who will be sent.] Felix thought.

Arabella already knew this.

Norbert and Felix did not suggest this with monetary gain for their households in mind.

However, monetary compensation is necessary for those who will actually do the work.

Likewise, not only Fidelis and Orville had their pride, subjects of Valeria do have it as well.

The Empire has a lot of money, so there’s no problem giving compensation to a few people.