CHAPTER 477: GERALD RODNEY 1

“Oh, Father in heaven!”

Hansel rubbed his eyes and looked at the letter in his hand again.

This letter, more specifically, was a directive personally written by His Majesty the King.

His Majesty the King… the supreme sovereign, actually wrote to me personally!

After going through a series of emotional changes, from shock and disbelief to triple-checking, a wave of ecstatic joy surged in Hansel’s heart.

Half an hour ago, Hansel, the head of the Department of Agriculture at the Administration Council, had just returned home from work when his servant informed him that three distinguished individuals from the royal capital, Crystal Shine, were waiting for him in the drawing room.

Considering they were from Crystal Shine, Hansel didn’t dare to delay and hurriedly washed his face before meeting the guests.

Upon entering the drawing room, he saw three elegantly dressed young men seated there.

The one sitting in the middle, slightly older, had a lean face with deep-set eyes and a meticulously trimmed mustache. His gaze was steady.

The two younger men beside him looked not much older than Count Grayman. Their strikingly similar features suggested they were twins. Though their faces were rounder and lacked facial hair, their expressions bore some resemblance to the man in the middle, perhaps his twin brothers.

“I am Hansel Abbott, Baron and Royal Representative of the Northwestern Bay, in charge of the agricultural affairs of Alda, Baylding, and Emden in the Administration Council. May I know who you three are…?” Hansel asked politely, unable to resist mentioning his own titles.

The older young man in the center slowly stood up, smiling as he said, “Baron Abbott, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m glad to see you in such good health, both physically and mentally. My name is Gerald Rodney. Perhaps you’ve heard of me.”

Rodney?

Royal family?

Hansel was startled.

Wait, Gerald Rodney?

Isn’t he the eldest son of Prince Jassim Rodney, the younger brother of His Majesty the King?

Quickly, Hansel’s mind raced.

Count Gerald had twin brothers – August Rodney and Yuriko Rodney. Were they the two sitting beside him?

Hansel’s expression immediately turned solemn.

“Noble sirs, forgive me for not greeting you properly. Please, have a seat, Count.”

Yuriko Rodney smiled and sat back down, while Hansel called for his servant to brew their finest tea.

“This is my brother – August Rodney,” Gerald pointed to the brother on his left.

August Rodney, gentle in demeanor, stood up, showing a slightly shy smile towards Hansel, even greeting him with a wave. He seemed like a congenial, modest, and reserved person in everyday life.

“And this is my other brother – Yuriko Rodney,” Gerald indicated his brother on the right.

In contrast to his twin, Yuriko Rodney appeared quite proud, merely nodding slightly at Hansel without moving from his seat.

Hansel respectfully greeted each of them.

He asked, “May I know what brings the three of you to the Northwestern Bay? Is there anything I can assist you with?”

“Mainly, I have some business here, and my two brothers accompanied me to see the world.”

As Gerald spoke, he took out a letter and handed it to Hansel.

“The purpose of my visit is all in this letter.”

Seeing the signature on the envelope, Hansel’s heart was like a stormy sea. Carefully, with trembling hands, he opened the envelope.

He read each word meticulously.

“…I have ordered Count Gerald, as the royal representative, to go to the Northwestern Bay to discuss the introduction of the secondary industry to the royal territories with Count Paul Grayman, Duke Henry Ferdinand, and other lords of the Northwestern Bay. As the royal representative in the Northwestern Bay, you must assist Count Gerald in completing this task…”

Then came the scene described at the beginning.

Apart from his family and friends and other personal connections, Hansel’s only link to the government of the Crystal Shine Kingdom was through the unlikable Viscount Aiden of the kingdom’s intelligence department. This man seemed to have forgotten about him, not having sent any information for half a year.

Hansel wasn’t even sure anymore whether he was primarily the Royal Representative who also managed agriculture in Alda, or the other way around.

How did it come to be that the king himself wrote him a letter?

He was indeed overwhelmed with honor!

Hansel, still not fully over his surprise, read the letter three more times.

Observing his actions, Yuriko Rodney, clearly disdainful, whispered to his older brother, “Just as expected from the son of a lowly courtesan. He pretends to be dignified at first, but his true nature reveals itself the moment he sees a letter from His Majesty.”

Gerald gave his brother a disapproving look, signaling him to be quiet.

Hansel, after much effort, calmed his excited heart and began discussing the main matter with his three guests.

“So, His Majesty is planning to develop industry and commerce in the royal territories?”

“Yes,” Gerald said, spreading his hands. “Baron Abbott, you must be aware that Crystal Shine has attracted a large number of dispossessed southern nobles, right?”

Southern nobles? That made sense.

Hansel was aware of these people from letters he received from home and knew they were causing the kingdom’s government quite a headache.

“To speak frankly, His Majesty is concerned that these idle nobles might cause trouble, so he wants to find them something to do.”

“I understand…”

Hansel appeared thoughtful.

Gerald continued, “After much consideration, we thought of involving these people in industry and commerce, particularly manufacturing. If successful, it could significantly contribute to the kingdom’s economic prosperity.”

Hansel replied, “His Majesty is truly foresighted.”

Gerald, somewhat uncertainly, asked, “Uh… Baron Abbott, do you think… it’s feasible?”

“Feasible! Absolutely feasible! The speed at which industry and commerce accumulate wealth is definitely faster than just collecting taxes and rent from a few pieces of farmland. In fact, I’ve already written several suggestions to Viscount Aiden. What, hasn’t he shown them to you?”

Gerald felt a bit more assured; this was in line with what his cousin Eileen had said.

That Viscount Aiden, what a fool for blocking communication.

Still a bit worried, he asked, “From what I understand, the Northwestern Bay has already taken the lead in this area. Won’t our development in the south face stiff competition?”

Hansel waved his hand dismissively, “Count, you can rest assured. Given the current situation, venturing into industry and commerce is a surefire profitable enterprise — only a few other measures need to be coordinated.”

Other measures?

Gerald inwardly sighed. Could it be those suggestions Eileen mentioned?