Crown Prince Roland’s Ambitious Plan (Bonus Chapter)

//We reached 50 power stones in one week! As promised here is the bonus chapter. Remember 50 power stones equals 1 Bonus Chapter, and 100 power stones equal 2 Bonus Chapters.//

"Master Will, an invitation arrived from the palace," Michael said.

"Thank you, Michael," Will said.

The invitation was from Prince Roland, inviting Will to the castle for a meeting.

"Michael, send a letter to Cardinal vont Gaius asking her over for lunch tomorrow. I want Elizabeth and Mei present as well," Will said.

"It shall be arranged, sir. I've alerted the driver, he'll be out front shortly," Michael said.

As Will stepped into the carriage, he reviewed yesterday's events.

In one day, he got to rid of the man who threatened his family and stopped the former crown prince from gathering his army.

The first thing Will did after receiving the deed to the former Marquis vont Hanover, was close the banks for good.

Now Will's bank was the only active bank in the country. Will laughed at his good fortune. Things were starting to turn around. Even his ledgers showed his businesses were gaining profit. Of course, the loss of 2 million gold hurt, but in the end, he would auction the former Marquis items he didn't want.

On the carriage ride to the castle, Will thought about what to do with these two properties. His first thought was to build an auction house. Using theatre to auction items was a temporary solution. But a standing auction house would be very lucrative.

The more Will thought about the auction house the more Will liked that idea. The remodeling fees would also be inexpensive. When he got back to the house, he would work up some designs.

As the carriage arrived at the castle he was welcomed by the Royal Steward.

"Welcome, Baronet vont Ballard. Please follow me to the Crown Prince Roland's study," the steward said.

"Thank you, Lord Steward, it is an honor to be greeted by you," Will bowed respectfully.

"Thank you, Baronet, but advisers, even temporary ones, do not bow to stewards. It is our responsibility to serve the crown and his advisers," the steward said formally.

The steward led Will inside the castle. This was Will's first time walking through the Royal residence.

In the past, Will had only viewed the entrance and the court. Now, the steward led Will on a tour of the castle.

Rows of knights' armor, expensive tapestry, and walls filled to edges with antique paintings decorated the hallways.

Servants walked by, always bowing to Will and the Royal Steward.

Finally, they arrived at a wing on the second floor that overlooked the garden.

The steward knocked at the door and said, "Announcing Baronet William vont Ballard," the steward said.

"Thank you, Bryson," Crown Prince Roland Godwin said.

"Will, when I ascend the throne, Bryson will become my Royal Stewart," the Crown Prince said.

Will bowed to the crown prince.

"Formalities only in public Will. Now, you've done me a great favor, exposing and disposing of my brother's mercenary army. How shall I repay you," the crown prince asked.

"Prince Roland, I simply held up my end of our agreement. I seek no additional benefits in return," Will said.

"As you said, you held up your end and I shall do likewise. I name you as my transition economic adviser," Prince Roland said.

"I am honored and humbly accept, I shall serve at the pleasure of the future king," Will said.

"Indeed. Bryson let my father know, and then an announcement," Prince Roland said.

"Now on to business. Earlier you mentioned a way to increase the kingdom's tax revenue, how?" the crown prince asked.

'What a twisted world," Will thought. Will spent much of his life arguing for tax cuts or sheltering his money overseas. Now, he would temporarily advise how to raise taxes, how ironic.

"Your Royal Highness, a short-term answer is to spend money and circulate it through the economy.

A long-term answer is to overhaul the kingdom's tax structure and change the tax code.

I would recommend the short-term solution to gain national praise," Will said.

"What should build?" The Crown Prince asked.

"Whatever does the most good to the kingdom," Will answered truthfully.

"Give me an example?" Crown Prince Roland asked.

"Update the Roads, bridges, walls, and farmlands. Infrastructure and food affect everyone.

They might not be the most eye-catching, but they are the most appreciative," Will said.

"Give something eye-catching," the prince asked.

"A handsome eye-catching statute of your father, or a memorial to the dead. Imagine giant 8-meter mahogany obelisks. with all the names of the dead inscribed in silver. You could add flame at the top, perpetually burning in memory of the sincerely departed," Will said.

"Hm, I like that idea. But, I think now is not the appropriate time for such a monument. The reason why I summoned you was, at today, the Award Ceremony, my father will abdicate the throne and declare me Regent until his death. You were summoned because my first decree shall be an economic endeavor!

When I announce my plan you shall stand at my side. If your plan is successful then we can discuss fixing the country's tax policy. Bryson!" Prince Roland declared.

"You called your highness," Bryson said.

Are the others here yet?" the Crown Prince asked.

"Yes, they are waiting patiently in the hall," Bryson said.

"Well, invite them in," Prince Roland said.

The doors opened and Colonel vont Smith entered with a studious-looking slender man with glasses.

"Good everyone is here. You three are my transition advisers before I officially take the throne.

Let's start with introductions, Trevor introduces yourself first," Prince Roland said.

"Good Afternoon, my name is Trevor vont Lawrence. I am a Dean of Civil Administration at the Royal Academy. I currently oversee the Civil Administration department of five professors and over 100 students and a small budget. It is a pleasure to meet you three," Dean vont Lawrence bowed.

The Royal Academy was a college for non-magical studies. Various arts and philosophies were taught, as well as civil administration and estate management.

The Royal Academy was located in the capital and catered to almost exclusively non-magic noble youths. Only geniuses or well connect commoners were allowed to enroll. Of commoners that enrolled, only one could earn free tuition and board.

"Will and Jing you all met during the war. Trevor this is Baronet William vont Ballard, and this is Colonel Jing vont Smith, he's the son of Viscount vont Smith.

Before we get started, let me tell you later this afternoon, my father shall abdicate and announce me as regent," the prince said.

"Regent!" Trevor looked stunned.

"Yes," Crown Prince Roland Godwin said.

"To prevent civil war, my father shall announce me regent and then mentor me through a peaceful transition before his death," the prince said.

Now that we're all together, let's chat about the direction of this kingdom under my reign. Before you're arrival, I met with Baronet vont Ballard. I told him, I plan to announce an economic decree first. What I want from you three other policies I should consider" the Prince said.

"Your highness, I agree with Baronet vont Ballard. This country is desperately behind on updating our infrastructure," Trevor vont Lawrence said.

"However, your highness we must ensure our borders are safe and plan our strategy for beating Albania 20 years from now," said Colonel vont Smith.

"Is there no other suggestions?" the Prince sadly.

"Your highness, I have many suggestions. But as your temporary advisers, our first duty is to see your reign starts with much fanfare. There will be plenty of time for more—" Will was interrupted as palace guards rushed in and surrounded the prince and advisers.

"What is the meaning of this?" the Crown Prince huffed angrily.

"The first prince escaped. The king ordered us to guard you and your chambers. From now on the royal tester shall eat and drink before you!" said the palace guard captain.

"He escaped! How?" the Crown Prince asked angrier.

"He dressed as a castle maid and escaped out the servants' entrance," said the palace guard captain ashamed.

"Quick advisers, give me your thoughts!" ordered Crown Prince Roland Godwin.

"Your highness, let me lead your troops in battle against your brother," Colonel vont Smith said standing up and beating his chest passionately.

"Trevor, what is your advice?" the Crown Prince asked not sure violence was the appropriate choice. He did not want to kill his brother.

"I'm sorry your highness, but I have none, except to wait until there is more information. Surely, the king's spies will inform when there are new developments," Trevor said nervously.

"Baronet, what say you?" Prince Roland asked.

"Your civil adviser is right. Now we wait. When we know more, we'll track his trail of money until we find him." Will said calmly

"I'm not comfortable waiting, but I guess we must," the Crown Prince sighed.

Lunch was then served on gold platters. A salad with vinaigrette was the appetizer, the main course was roasted pheasant, caramelized onions, soft red potatoes, and warm. The meal was paired with a sweet white wine.

After eating such a luxurious meal, the prince and his advisers talked until evening. They discussed the kingdom's finances, issues dealing with nobles and commoners, future wars, and safety.

No issue went undiscussed and the advisers did not shy away from controversial or sensitive subjects. The prince asked for honestly, and he got his share in solutions and debate. The result was a rather enjoyable discourse on civil society.

"I want to meet every day at mid-morning for tea, to go over my first speech as Regent. I want to make sure our plan is in place before my announcement," the Crown Prince said pragmatically.

"Your majesty, your first decree is a major policy. It would take an army to prepare for such an undertaking," Will said.

"It's a good thing I have one, then. Now let's discuss every detail of the plan," The Prince commanded.

Will arrived back at his estate at the 23rd bell. Prince Roland wanted to discuss every detail. The cost of such endeavor was in the tens of millions of gold.

"Good evening, Master Will," Michael said taking Will's coat.

"Michael, the Crown Prince request my attendance every mid-morning, please inform the carriage driver. Did Cardinal vont Gaius, Elizabeth, and Mei confirm," Will asked yawning?

"Master. Both Elizabeth and Mei confirmed for lunch tomorrow. Cardinal vont Gaius sends her apology. In her stead, she'll send an Adept Lady Cecily. Lady Elizabeth also request to know your dinner plans," Michael said.

"I'll ask the prince tomorrow, and give her a reply at lunch," Will said walking up the stairs.

"Ahm," Michael cleared his throat stopping Will in his tracks.

"Your mother has requested April return to the barony. Her letter to me was quite…direct," Michael said.

"I'll respond in the morning," Will said collapsing into his bed.