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After the teacup was placed on the table, the atmosphere in the hall remained silent. Anos stared at Losta quietly.
After nearly a minute of this tense silence, Losta grew restless. She stood up respectfully, lowered her head, and folded her hands in front of him.
"Losta, do you know why you were appointed as the Minister of Commerce?"
Anos finally spoke. His tone was casual, but Losta felt an unmistakable weight in his words.
Nervously, she thought back to her actions over the past few months, wondering if she had made any mistakes.
"The reason I became the Minister of Commerce is entirely due to Your Majesty's trust!"
After some hesitation, Losta could only respond this way.
"You're correct. My trust is indeed a factor. In your position, you hold immense responsibility and knowledge far more than most others in the Tru Kingdom. But tell me, how have you managed this responsibility in the past three months?"
Anos's voice grew colder as he spoke.
"Please, Your Majesty, I await your guidance!"
Losta replied with deep respect.
"It's not just about how much revenue industrialization can generate right now," Anos said. "As long as the basic needs of the people are met, that is sufficient for the time being. While you've done some things well, in other areas, you've fallen short of expectations."
"Tell me, why do all the officials in the kingdom reek of alcohol including you? Is this the kind of behaviour that should be displayed in times like these?"
"And regarding the Fourth Phase Plan, what were my orders? I specifically instructed that it should not be implemented unless under extraordinary circumstances. Yet, how have you handled it?"
"In the past three months, you've failed to report any significant events occurring in the Tru Kingdom. Are you suggesting that the kingdom is so peaceful that there's been nothing to report? What do you think this nation will look like in a few months if this continues?"
Anos's tone gradually softened, but the reproach in his words was clear.
Losta's expression betrayed her nervousness. She clasped her hands tightly as beads of sweat began to form on her forehead. Swallowing hard to suppress her anxiety, she replied, "Your Majesty, I didn't wish to disturb you while you were attending to matters with the World Government."
"Furthermore, there haven't been any notable events in the Tru Kingdom. As for the Fourth Phase Plan, I believe the timing was right. That is indeed my fault. I ask for Your Majesty's forgiveness!"
Anos observed her silently. He didn't mind minor infractions or hidden motives after all, no one was perfect.
Losta was a talented and intelligent individual, and right now, the Tru Kingdom needed people like her.
As long as Losta could keep everything under control, he didn't care about minor missteps.
"Losta, we'll discuss business plans and strategies later. In half a month, we'll leave for Alabasta. You will remain there to oversee the kingdom's commerce."
Leaning back on the sofa, Anos casually propped his feet on the coffee table.
Hearing this, Losta grew even more anxious. Unsure of the reason behind this decision, she quickly knelt on one knee and pleaded, "Your Majesty, I admit my shortcomings. I shouldn't have acted impulsively. Although I'm originally from Crimea, that nation is where my parents perished. That's why I resorted to activating the Fourth Phase Plan. Please forgive me!"
"Do you think I care about Crimea?" Anos responded with a dismissive tone. "That nation will be dealt with in due time."
"I'm not concerned about your personal ambitions, but you need to understand this: there are tasks I allow you to handle freely, and there are others that I do not. Do not cross that line."
"If you wish to seek revenge, I won't stop you, but the condition is that you must perform your duties with precision. Do you think you've done that?"
"You haven't," he continued. "And I'm not sending you to Alabasta for leisure. You're to finalize the business plans, familiarize yourself with the preparations we've made, and open new trade routes along the Grand Line. I trust you won't disappoint me again."
Anos's tone was calm, but the warning in his words was unmistakable.
Losta's heart sank. She understood this was a clear admonishment. Her previous actions and hidden motives had been entirely exposed. Any attempts at justification would be meaningless now.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's understanding. I promise I will not make the same mistakes again!"
"Making mistakes isn't the issue," Anos said. "What matters is whether you learn from them. You've earned my trust to hold this position, and I've given you the freedom to act. However, that freedom comes with the responsibility to uphold your duties impeccably. I expect you to understand this."
He gestured for Losta to rise.
"Now, sit down. Let's discuss the Alabasta mission in detail."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Relieved, Losta returned to her seat. Looking at Anos, her admiration for the king deepened.
For Losta, rising from obscurity to becoming the kingdom's chief minister was nothing short of a dream. Yet, this opportunity had become a reality for her.
Anos, on the other hand, understood the dynamics of leadership. He knew when to wield authority and when to offer encouragement.
People with hidden agendas weren't necessarily dangerous, as long as they could be guided and controlled.
For a king like Anos, managing such individuals was merely a matter of skill.
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