"Are they all here?" Adrian asked Aldo as soon as he reached the double door of the huge meeting hall. Aldo nodded and passed a parchment with the meeting's agenda written on it.
A guard opens the door to a room filled with Nobles sitting in an order across the long table. Many knights and guards were standing in attention behind their respective lords along the wall of the room. Sir Victor, the commander of the Royal Knight was also present, standing behind the Kings chair. The moment Adrian entered the room, Sir Victor knelt on one leg offering his greetings. All the Nobles, hastily stood up at their place. Some were so old that others could hear the sound of their bones rattling.
"Stand up Sir Victor. I told you, you do not have to indulge in such formalities" Adrian gave a gentle smile to the brown haired commander, who stood up and made a slight bow to the King again. "That's how I get to show my loyalty to you, Your Majesty".
"I believe in a person's action, Sir Victor, and your actions have more than once proved your loyalty."
Adrian moved to his seat and settled himself. He looked at the people in front. A few of them were wearing genuine smiles, some were expressionless and many showed discontent and discomfort for standing way too long. A fraction of the crowd was surprised to look at their King for the first time. They were both, in awe and apprehension.
Adrian signaled everyone to sit and asked Aldo to start the meeting.
"The first agenda is regarding the Lapis Mine labor union's notice of going on strike if their compensation is not increased this year".
"Didn't we raise their compensation last year? Baron Kron, you are taking care of the administration, isn't it? Why are we still facing the compensation issue with the workers?"
"Your Majesty, we did increase their compensation by ten percent last year. But, these people just keep getting greedy. With the current budget it is impossible to increase their daily wages" Baron Kron replied in his squeaky voice. His voice started trembling more when he saw Adrian lean back on his chair and cross his arm.
"Baron Kron, if I remember correctly, we decided to increase the wages by 25 percent due to the huge profit that we earned last year. By whose permission did you decide to go for 10 percent?" Adrian was smirking now.
Baron Kron looked at an elderly man sitting on the right side of the King for a moment before turning his gaze to the King. He steadied his voice and replied. "Your Majesty, we already know that the workers will not be satisfied with whatever we give them, hence, we decided to slowly increase their wages. But, the recent flood caused a lot of loss to the Mine business. We can - "
"Baron Kron, my question to you is, who decided to reduce the compensation from 25 percent to 10 percent? I just need the name of the person who thinks that he can change the King's decision"
Baron Kron stood speechless for a long time. Adrian was sure who was making decisions on his behalf, but he needed to hear it from the wrongdoer. Unable to bear any longer, Adrian looked at Aldo.
"Increase the wages to 25 percent from this month. The difference of the 15 percent that the workers lost for the last many months will be taken from Baron Kron's personal treasury."
"No No Your Majesty. I beg of you. I do not have that sum to pay off the wages for so many workers. Please have mercy." Baron Kron walked towards the King and bowed deeply.
"I just need the name, Baron Kron" there was a movement on his right side. Adrian turned his gaze from the trembling Baron to his right at the blonde elderly man who was starting to slowly get up from his seat.
This man has long past crossed the retirement age but is still sticking like a glue and interfering in the matters of the Council. Unfortunately, he is a loyal vassal. I can just pray for his death to come early.
"Your Majesty" the man made a slight bow. "I am the one who suggested decreasing the compensation. It is not that we do not respect your decision, but, you are still young and don't have much experience handling the administration. The workers will never be satisfied with the raise, they will keep coming back. So, I decided that it was only proper to raise the wages slowly. My actions were made for the good of the King and his people" contrary to his words, the eyes of the man did not show any respect, but only glowered at the King.
"Count Morris" Adrian chuckled "whether it's politics, administration or war, I have shown my worth enough time to the people of this Land. I think I have a good amount of experience to make such decisions". Adrian took the glass of water and looked at every member sitting in front of him. "Consider this your final warning. My decision will be the final one. Next time I hear such nonsense from the members of my Council, they will be stripped of their title." He took a sip of the water and turned to Aldo. "The difference that the workers lost will be paid by both Baron Kron and Count Morris. This should be done before the end of this week." Aldo nodded. Both lords reluctantly took their seat.
"The next agenda is about reducing the tax on farmers during winters" Aldo said.
The Nobles started grumbling like children after hearing the agenda. "Food and leather become expensive during winters. Farmers already suffer from low harvest during the season. After paying taxes, they are not left with much to survive the harsh cold. I am thinking of reducing the taxes for these three - four months until the weather changes for the better. I would like to hear your opinion on the matter. We have less than two months to take action. Bring me some good ideas before the end of this month" Adrian ordered them without looking at their scowling faces.
"The next agenda is about investing in the research department of the National Academy".
"Marquess Abbot, I will talk with you in detail later, but just for transparency I wish to inform you all, I have decided to invest in the research department of the National Academy. As per the Chief of the Turq Tribe, there are few herbs that are on the verge of extinction due to over consumption. I would like you to form a team of researchers who would work to find ways to preserve these herbs. I can ask the Mage Tower to help you with this research". Marquess Abbot was a thin, but, tall man. He quickly bowed, accepting the task. "I will form the team as soon as possible, Your Majesty".
Adrian looked at Lara who was seated at the farthest chair along the table, then, turned his gaze towards Aldo.
"The last agenda is the announcement of your marriage" Aldo said.