The Next Prince, Chapter 12 pg2
The Next Prince, Chapter 12 pg2
Those hard eyes reflected the image of the Sovereign King, who was seated at the head of the table, speaking politely and respectfully according to customs and traditions, but conflicting with his emotional expression.
“Please tell us, Rachata. If there is a problem, I will do what I can to help.”
“Your kindness is appreciated, Your Majesty.” Rachata thanked him according to etiquette before raising the main issue he had encountered.
“...”
“As you know, according to the Kimberley agreement, we will not import or export diamonds that have not been certified by member countries because we do not want to support illegal activities. However...” The owner of the paper paused at the end of the sentence, his face looking menacing. Rachata raised his eyebrows and swept his gaze over others before stopping at Tarin, the current leader of Atsawathewathin, who was sitting beside him.
“...”
“Recently, there have been reports of people smuggling diamonds into the country, and it must be stopped... And those who smuggled them were previously based in the Northern Regions. My nephew has checked. They only moved their registration to the east coast less than two years ago. We do not want to keep the stolen diamonds, we want to return them all. Can Your
Majesty help me with this, please?”
The tone of the speaker sounded like a plea and a request, but if one knew Rachata's true nature, they would know that he was doing this to exert pressure.
If other countries knew that there was smuggling of diamonds from their country, Eastern Emmaly would also be affected. However, if there was a document signed by the Sovereign King stating that the offender was not a person in his state, then Phuchongphisut would escape punishment.
“The Royal Secretary has issued a letter stating that the culprit is not from the East but rather from the North and has acted covertly... I will sign to certify it.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Rachata's mouth twitched into a smile, while Dhipabawon, who held power above anyone else, looked at the third person in line with apparent indifference.
“Chana.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” Prince-Chana, leader of the Thawetmetha family, which ruled the prominent city of precious gems to the west, stood up to report.
“How is Thawetmetha doing?”
“There were slight issues with the trade of gems to the West, but we have managed them accordingly. As for production problems, we have implemented a full digital system for sales, resulting in an increase in the export of soft gems and jade.”
“And what about the reports of missing goods during transportation?” Sovereign-King's question caused Prince-Chana, who had a conservative disposition, to hesitate.
“...We have not found clear evidence of the cause. For now, we are working on preliminary solutions by improving transport routes and thoroughly inspecting missing goods.” The highest authority remained silent for just a moment before voicing thoughts and proposing a comprehensive solution as expected.
“Hmm. If there is anything you need my help with, do not hesitate to ask.”
“I am grateful, Your Highness.”
“Waseen is next.” Finally, it was the turn of Prince-Waseen of the Meenakarin family, who governed the sea-bound territory brimming with pearls.
“This quarter, there are no issues with our pearl farms, and exports are meeting expectations. Currently, we are in the process of developing dark champagne pearls. If there are any reports from the lab, I will send a letter to the Royal Secretary.” His soft voice, soothingly delivering a detailed report, creates a rhythm that is pleasing to the ears, allowing Dhipabawon to relax.
From today's discussions, it seemed that only Atsawathewathin and Meenakarin did not cause any worries for the Sovereign-King.
“And is there anything you need me to help with?” The highest-ranking man asked in a soft voice. Those hard eyes were hidden behind a facade of patience. For many years, the Meenakarin family seemed to be the only one that never had any problems or issues that would make Dhipabawon feel agitated.
“There's nothing that needs your assistance. I just wanted to know if Uncle is still in good health and spirits... We haven't seen each other face to face like this for a long time. I'm glad that we can gather together like this again.” Waseen smiled, expressing his happiness, which was different from Rachata, who simply chuckled before placing his teacup back on the table.
“We haven't seen each other like this because of what, then? If it's not because of the ironclad rules.”
When speaking to someone with high authority like the Sovereign King, Rachata's tone changed slightly. The leader of the Phuchongphisut family looked suspiciously at the ruler of the southern city.
“For the safety of all parties concerned.” The Sovereign King said softly, “Our country's administration does not allow large groups of people to enter and leave the capital frequently. Our security system is tight, and my guards will take care of everything. If you wish to visit, simply send a letter beforehand, and I will send my guards to ensure a safe journey.”
“Safe? You know very well that nobody trusts another person's guards.”
Rachata retorted. The more he listened, the more frustrated he became with the Sovereign King's explanation, which was an old-fashioned way of trying to justify the ironclad rules that were established after an incident 20 years ago.
“...”
“I don't think it's too difficult, my dear, that other leaders cannot enter the palace without permission or a good reason. It's an important matter.” The Sovereign King replied.
Since the establishment of the ironclad rules, access to the palace has been restricted. External individuals or even members of the royal family must send a travel notice and adhere to strict guidelines to gain entry. This made Rachata feel extremely frustrated.
Leaders from each city are not allowed to bring excessive amounts of guards and must receive approval from the Sovereign King before entering or exiting the palace.
“It is extremely chaotic and frustrating...”
“The affairs of the city's rulers are likely to be more chaotic than this. Uncle, do you not think that following a certain rule would be more complicated than the ability of those in government? Is that true?”
“…”
“Most important is that the guards can check on everyone's important treasures, but they cannot go and check on anyone else's personal guards.”
Sovereign-King spoke calmly, his mind calm, but he concealed his power and caused those of lower rank to quiet down.
Rachata let others talk for a while before trying to improve his facial expression and then turning to invite an older person to speak about something else instead.
“I have heard that you, uncle has become very ill. If you need it, the royal doctor from the eastern capital can send a letter to me, and I will send the most skilled doctor in science and medicine in the country.”
The words of Rachata were true, as it was well known that the Eastern
Comments
Post a Comment