Chapter 456: Elin Objection

"...We will establish the Department of Foreign Affairs, which will handle relations between the vassal state and countries outside the Eldorian Empire. Additionally, each city government will separate it arms force, and each county will set up an Office responsible for cooperating with the Supervisory Court in enforcing laws, arresting criminals, and handling civil disputes."

As Prince Simon spoke, Atwood handed out printed booklets detailing the vassal state’s official and administrative system to the officials present.

Other vassal states had their own official systems, but Brambleford and the other six divisions had never had such a well-organised system due to wars and a shortage of personnel.

Although Prince Simon was now formally establishing his own management system, it was still very different from the original official system of the Eldorian Empire.

The officials listening were totally confused, so when they received the booklet, they carefully studied it. Comparing it to what Prince Simon had said, they finally grasped the basics of the new administrative system.

Overall, from now on the officials’ responsibilities would be more specialised and fewer in number, which was good news for them.

But the downside was that their powers would be divided; they could no longer hold all power in their hands.

After half an hour of explanation, Prince Simon finally finished clarifying the new administrative and official system. Then he looked at the officials and asked, "Does any one of you have any questions?"

Then someone asked, "Your Highness, since there are nine ministers in the cabinet, who are the other eight besides Chief Minister Baldwin?"

Hearing this, Prince Simon and Chief Minister Baldwin exchanged a smile. Then Baldwin replied, "The other eight haven’t been selected yet. Your Highness is still considering candidates, and you all will have a chance."

At this, the officials stirred and whispered among themselves.

Governor Monti asked, "Your Highness, now that there are six departments, what role does the cabinet have?"

Prince Simon answered loudly, "The six departments’ affairs must first be reviewed by the cabinet. A decision can only be issued if the cabinet ministers reach a consensus and then submit it to me for approval. You can say the cabinet reports directly to me."

The establishment of the cabinet was not a sudden idea by Prince Simon, but rather because the Eldorian Empire’s governance system was outdated and no longer fit for today’s development.

That was why he introduced the cabinet system into his domain. In his view, the old dynasty’s cabinet was very close to a constitutional monarchy, but unlike a constitutional monarchy, the cabinet system preserved Prince Simon’s absolute power.

Also, coming from the modern world, Prince Simon would never favour eunuchs or let them hold power, nor would he panic in governance. So the cabinet system suited his rule over the vassal state and would prevent powerful ministers from dominating.

Since the cabinet had nine ministers, even if Prince Simon ignored affairs, two-thirds of them still needed to agree before orders could be implemented. Although Baldwin Atwood was Chief Minister, his power was not the greatest; he only oversaw cabinet operations.

Monti nodded. Now he understood—it meant Chief Minister Baldwin previous powers were distributed among nine people.

Other officials had their own thoughts. Would this mean they would become a third tier of officials? After all, beneath the cabinet were the six departments, and beneath them were these officials.

Viktor Laplace said, "But Your Highness, with so many new posts, the vassal state doesn’t have enough officials to fill them."

Prince Simon and the Chief Minister Baldwin had already considered this. Prince Simon said, "I’ve already discussed this with Chief Minister Baldwin. Oxford Academy has been training officials for a long time. Now it’s time for these students to pass exams and enter official duties. Of course, you all can take the exam too. Since you have administrative experience, I will consider you specially."

Upon hearing this, the officials became excited. Simon’s words meant they too had a chance to enter the cabinet and the six departments—an opportunity of a lifetime.

Aiden Smith and six other officials became ambitious. Already in high positions, with Prince Simon reestablishing an administrative system, naturally, they wanted to achieve more.

Moreover, as Prince Simon said, they had administrative experience, making them suitable candidates for leading roles in the cabinet and six departments.

They certainly didn’t want to lose to some kids from Oxford Academy.

"Thank you, Your Highness," the officials said excitedly. They eagerly awaited the exam, as they were all good at tests and already had Prince Simon governance books, even if they weren’t from Oxford Academy.

Besides the cabinet and six departments, the biggest change in this reform was the Supervisory Court.

This marked the start of judicial independence. From now on, officials in the domain—from ministers to commoners—would be supervised by the Supervisory Court and required to follow the rule of law.

Like the cabinet, this institution was still in its early stages without concrete organisation or staff, which Prince Simon would need to fill.

The meeting started at noon and lasted for a long time. Some institutions had no staff yet and would wait until after exams. Others could be immediately separated out, like the Guard Office planned by Prince Simon.

Now the Guard Office would be spun off from the government office and unified under the Guard Department, while county magistrates would focus more on civil affairs.

Because this reform was major—almost overturning the old system—Prince and Chief Minister Baldwin answered officials’ questions carefully.

That night, Prince Simon held a banquet for the officials. But none were in the mood to enjoy the meal; they all thought about how the reform would affect them.

However, this meeting only outlined the reform. The detailed measures would be implemented step by step. Prince Simon was preparing the officials psychologically.

After the banquet ended, officials from various Cities and counties expressed their thanks and left. They would carefully consider the reform.

"My Lord, what’s going on? Why are so many officials gathered in Brambleford at this time?" Elin asked as she came out of the bedroom after they left.

After finishing the day’s tasks, Prince Simon returned to his castle to relax as he told his Lady about the government reform.

"Cabinet, Supervisory Court, Guard Department—My Lord’s reforms are truly innovative," Elin said with a smile. "But that means your domain will need a large number of officials to run it as well."

Prince Simon nodded. "Yes, and I’m troubled by that now. Suddenly there are so many official vacancies—it’s going to be a headache."

As he spoke, Simon suddenly thought of something. He said to Elin, "The Baker family is a scholarly lineage, producing three generations of high-ranking officials. Maybe they can help me solve this urgent problem at hand."

***

In a dark room sealed away from the passage of time and sunlight. A man sat in front of a table with his hands and feets bind by heavy chains. Only the occasional breathing of the man could be heard from time to time, then the silence was broken when the door was pushed out by a man wrapped up in sky blue rope. His golden eyes shine brightly. With a snap of his fingers, the dark room became lit. "Good to see you alive, Lyon. Hope you wouldn’t keep Grandmaster Remichan, Skyveil’s King Esro_Coeus and the others waiting for the golden ticket."

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