Gerd Rodney
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"Father in heaven!"
Hansel rubbed his eyes and looked again at the letter in his hand.
This letter, more specifically, was an edict personally written by His Majesty the King.
His Majesty the King... the supreme, unparalleled His Majesty the King had personally written to me!
After experiencing a series of emotional changes—shock, disbelief, and repeated confirmation—Hansel was overwhelmed with joy.
Half an hour ago, Hansel, the head of the Agriculture Department, had just returned home from the State Affairs Council when his servant informed him that three prominent figures from the royal capital, Crystal Glare, were waiting for him in the reception room.
Since they came from Crystal Glare, Hansel didn't dare to delay; he quickly washed his face and went to meet his guests.
As soon as he entered the reception room, he saw three young people dressed in fine clothes sitting there.
The one sitting in the middle was slightly older, with a slender face, deep-set eyes, and a well-groomed mustache. He had a steady gaze.
The two next to him looked much younger and were not much older than Earl Grayman. They were very similar in appearance, clearly twins. Although they had rounder faces and no facial hair, their expressions bore some resemblance to the man in front of them, suggesting they might be his twin brothers.
"I am Baron Hansel Abbott, the royal representative to the Northwest Bay and the head of the Agriculture Department of the State Affairs Council for the three territories of Alden, Byerldine, and Emden. May I ask who you three are...?"
Facing guests from Crystal Glare, Hansel didn't dare to act too familiar and politely inquired about their identities, although he couldn't help but repeat his title.
The slightly older young man sitting in the middle slowly stood up with a smile and said, "Baron Abbott, I'm very pleased to meet you, and I'm glad to see that you are in such good health. My name is Gerd Rodney; perhaps you've heard of me."
Rodney? The royal family?
Hansel's heart skipped a beat.
Wait, Gerd Rodney? Isn't he the eldest son of Prince Jasim Rodney, His Majesty the King's brother?
Quickly, Hansel's mind raced.
Earl Gerd had a pair of twin brothers—August Rodney and Yuriko Rodney—could these two beside him be them?
A serious expression instantly replaced Hansel's face.
"My esteemed lords, forgive my lack of proper hospitality. Please, have a seat, Earl."
Yuriko Rodney smiled and sat down again, while Hansel called for his servant to prepare tea with the best tea leaves in the house.
"This is my brother—August Rodney," Gerd pointed to the brother on his left.
August Rodney had a gentle demeanor; upon hearing his brother introduce him, he immediately stood up and shyly smiled at Hansel, even raising a hand in a greeting gesture. He gave the impression of being easygoing, humble, and shy in daily life.
"This is my other brother—Yuriko Rodney," Gerd pointed to the brother on his right.
Unlike his twin brother, Yuriko Rodney had a very proud expression, only slightly nodding to Hansel without moving from his spot on the sofa.
Hansel greeted them all respectfully.
He asked, "May I ask what important matters have brought you three to the Northwest Bay? Is there anything I can assist you with?"
"Mainly, I have business here; my two brothers are accompanying me to see the world," Gerd replied as he took out a letter and handed it to Hansel.
"The purpose of my visit is all in this letter."
Looking at the signature on the envelope, Hansel's heart stirred.
He carefully opened the envelope with trembling hands and began to read word by word.
"…I have ordered Earl Gerd to act as the royal representative to the Northwest Bay, to discuss the introduction of secondary industries with Earl Paul Grayman, Earl Henry Fraule, and other lords of the Northwest Bay. As the royal representative to the Northwest Bay, you must assist Earl Gerd in completing this matter…"
Then, he found himself in the situation at the beginning.
Aside from his family and friends, his only contact with the Crystal Glare kingdom's government was the unpleasant Viscount Aiden from the kingdom's intelligence department, who seemed to have forgotten him, not sending any information for half a year.
This left Hansel unsure whether he was the royal representative doubling as the head of the Alden Agriculture Department or vice versa.
How did it suddenly come to the point where the King personally wrote him a letter?
He was truly flattered!
Hansel read the contents of the letter repeatedly, feeling overjoyed.
Seeing his actions, Yuriko Rodney sneered and quietly said to his brother, "After all, he's the son of a lowly prostitute. He pretended to be dignified at first, but now that he sees His Majesty's letter, he reveals his true self."
Gerd shot his brother a glare, signaling him to be quiet.
Hansel took a great effort to calm his excited heart and began discussing serious matters with the three guests.
"So, His Majesty the King intends to develop industry and commerce in the royal territory?"
"Yes," Gerd spread his hands. "Baron Abbott, I believe you are aware that Crystal Glare has gathered a large number of southern nobles who have lost their territories, right?"
Southern nobles? So that's it.
Hansel recognized these individuals from the letter he received at home and knew they were a headache for the kingdom's government.
"To be honest, His Majesty is worried that these nobles, with nothing to do, might cause trouble, so he wants to find them something to do."
"I see..."
Hansel appeared thoughtful.
Gerd continued, "After much consideration, we can try to get these people involved in industry and commerce, especially in… in manufacturing. If they can achieve some results, it would also contribute to the kingdom's economic prosperity."
Hansel replied, "His Majesty truly has a far-sighted plan."
Gerd asked somewhat uncertainly, "Uh… Baron Abbott, do you think… it's feasible?"
"Feasible! Absolutely feasible! The speed of wealth accumulation in industry and commerce is certainly faster than sitting on a few fields collecting taxes and rents. In fact, I've already written several suggestions to Baron Aiden. Didn't he show them to you?"
Gerd felt more assured, having confirmed what his cousin Eileen had told him.
That Aiden fellow was truly a fool obstructing communication.
Yet, he still asked uneasily, "From what I understand, the Northwest Bay has already taken the lead. Wouldn't that create strong competition for our development in the south?"
Hansel waved his hand dismissively: "Earl, you need not worry; given the current circumstances, developing industry and commerce is undoubtedly a sure-win venture—provided we implement several additional measures."
Additional measures?
Gerd smiled wryly inwardly. I hope it's not what Eileen mentioned.
(End of the Chapter)
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