Chapter 543 (1/2)

Chapter 543: The Turning Point

Translator: TransN Editor: TransN

Barov was like a different person when Roland met him again.

He looked vigorous and radiant, and even his chest had risen considerably. His footsteps were powerful and conveyed a strong sense of confidence. He was not how a 50-year-old minister typically looked.

It seemed that the days he spent in the king’s city was highly satisfactory.

“If I had known it, I would have called you back a little later.” Roland joked.

“No, Your Majesty. Regardless of how prosperous the City of Dawn is, it can’t compare with the City of Neverwinter personally created by you.” Barov responded while smoothing his mustache. “Wherever I am, my heart will always be with you.”

Why do these words… sound so weird and awkward?

Roland coughed twice and attempted to change the subject. “How’s the situation over there?”

“Don’t worry. With my students and the First Army around, the new assigned nobles aren’t able to create trouble even if they intend to,” the director replied smugly. “I’ve deliberately given them more space to fight for money and power among themselves. As long as they don’t disrupt the normal livelihoods of the citizens, that is acceptable. I believe that, for a long period of time henceforth, they’ll scheme and scramble among themselves to attain the tiniest amount of power—after all, they’ve had absolutely no qualification to enter the City Hall thus far.”

“It’s indeed a good idea.” Roland commented and laughed.

Although he knew a thing or two about political balancing and other control strategies, he was obviously not as good at actualizing them as these old foxes who had been involved in politics for a long time. While they might not be the wiliest of foxes, they were definitely thick-skinned and vicious enough. It could be said that it was only now that Barov revealed the true extent of his talents.

As the king, Roland could stay out of dabbling in dirty political tricks himself. As long as he had the personnel, law and military power in his grip, nobody would dare to covet his authority.

“Your Majesty, may I ask where have you sent Treasurer Lauren Moore?” Barov revealed a little displeasure as he sighed. “The ceremonial officer told me that you didn’t execute him.”

“He siphoned off some of the relief rations distributed to the people, colluded with the former Prime Minister, and was involved in the exploitation of refugees.” Roland shrugged. “His crimes didn’t warrant execution, and while at his age, he wasn’t suitable to be sent to the mines. The only thing I could do was to deport him.”

“That’s a real… pity.”

“Why, you need him for something?”

“Of course not. Lauren was rather influential in the king’s city. I was just afraid that the lower nobles wouldn’t be able to handle him.” Barov laughed and shook his head. “As my mentor, he bullied me for a long time. I regret that I didn’t have the opportunity to see him begging for mercy.”

Roland joined the laughter. “I believe that he could bring his whole family to the Kingdom of Dawn. Who knows, you may get to see him again one day.” Let’s not talk about this. I called you back because I intend to build a few factories. They’re related to the upcoming series of major reforms in the City of Neverwinter.”