"Your majesty, my lords, I am pleased to provide the updates regarding our approved bill from last year. After the bill on increased tax for cigarettes and alcoholic beverages has entered into force, we were able to increase collection from taxes by 20%. This was not the only positive effect we had. In line with this, according to the minister of health, and minister of defense, there has been some indirect positive effect for them too. Such as lower crime rate, lower cases for lungs related disease…" Leonard announced.

The peers were all very much delighted, and one can see Duke Maxwell from the opposite side brimming with pride. 

The king gave a nod in approval. 

After Leonard was done, he sat, and Charlton gave him a nudge. While the other peers began talking amongst themselves.

"Good one, congrats." Charlton praised.

Leonard gave him a smirk, "You're next."

Charlton gave an exaggerated sigh. He knew that he would have to report next for their minister, his uncle, was so lazy and was giving him most of the work in their ministry. In fact, after just 6 months of him working there, most of the people there were treating him like he was the minister himself.

After everyone settled, the speaker of the house called the minister of works next, and as expected he turned for Charlton to speak.

Charlton stood up and everyone turned to look at him. "Your majesty, my lords, regarding the projects our ministry are heading, I am pleased to report the following. First, the telephone lines interconnecting all the towns and fiefs in our kingdom has been completed. Second, although the railway to Torton is only 70% done, up to where construction has been completed, trains are already operating. Third, construction of the bridge connecting Lobart and Harton has commenced 2 months ago, and Lastly, as you may have noticed since you arrived, 80% of the main roads in the capital has been modernized from cobble stones to flat cement."

The peers listened. All nodding in approval. Since most of the projects from last year were almost completed, there's a chance for their requests to get approved this year. They all waited with baited breaths for the next words Charlton will utter. 

It was very important to them as they have all seen the economic effect of the constructed railway from suffox to the capital to all the towns it passed through. Aside from that, Charlton also began giving new ideas and what positive effects those projects may have in their lands. Having complete belief in him, most of them drafted requests and appeals and sent them to the ministry of work so that they can sponsor the requested project. 

"Meanwhile, for the ones who submitted requests for improvement, due to the sheer volume, we have to carefully sift through them for prioritization. Please understand that we wanted to approve everyone's request, however, due to limited funds and manpower, we can only accommodate the following. First, national road construction from Guian to the capital."

"YES!!!!!" Earl Reginald who could not stop his happiness expressed as he fisted his hand, as if he won the lottery.

The peers all looked at him and laughed. Charlton looked at the King and the king nodded his head for him to continue.

"Second, the railway from Rondell to the capital. Third, irrigation for the west counties, and last, farm to market road from Normandy to the capital. Again, as the heading ministry we were only able to recommend these projects based on our assessment, and it was only because of his majesty's generosity that these have been approved." He smiled as he finished reporting, then he bowed to the king before sitting. Then, he looked at his father who was trying to keep his smile from showing. He can tell that he's proud of him too.

After that, the updates continued but no one was really listening anymore. 

--

The session ended at 11 am. After the king exited and the princes exited, the peers were left.

Many started approaching Charlton, wanting to consult with him about certain projects they wish to implement in their lands. Charlton smiled and answered everyone politely. Telling them that they can visit him in the ministry if needed, but today, he needed to excuse himself as he would be attending the graduation with his friend.

Leonard who sat beside him shook his head. "Geoffrey will attend with us."

Charlton nodded his head, "I'm attending with Kylo."

"Oh, I haven't seen him for quite a while. Is he here to visit Via for her graduation?"

"Yes, he also misses you and is looking forward to see you later. Anyway, let's walk to our fathers."

"Alright." Leonard replied as he sighed. After Serena has been open with her relationship to Charlton with him, he could not help but worry. In the end he could only be pulled in the mess and try to help them hide the matter from everyone else. At first, he had his doubts about what Serena told him. But in 2 years, he has seen how much Charlton changed. Perhaps, not changed, but improved himself. He could only hope that whatever he has in mind would all turn out well. If not, then so help them God.

Leonard has seen how more than 2/3 of the members of the house were hanging to each and every word Charlton says. He has no doubt that he was very influential now. Still, Geoffrey was not some lackluster. He was the crown prince, and more than half of the members were now loyal to him. 

He has also seen how much Geoffrey changed. He was no longer the crown prince who stayed in the shadows, he also has his own light, and sometimes, he would push his own agenda and would get them approved in no time. 

The second prince was no match for him at all. The only one who could rise and might have a chance on contradicting him and affect the peers was Charlton. 

He shook his head. Why was he even thinking of that? 

When the two reached their fathers, they all said their goodbyes politely and went their separate ways.

--

TBC

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