Now then, as far as dealing with the Marquis Broker was concerned, everything seemed to be settled. And yet, for some reason, the meeting continued.
“Next, we need to discuss plans for reorganizing the various organizations and the military. Unfortunately, we’ve confirmed cases of corruption involving bribery. On the other hand, we should take this as an opportunity and carry out as much reform as possible.”
Just as His Majesty said, bribery and corruption by the Marquis Broker’s faction had been confirmed.
There was a good chance that other people were involved in similar misconduct as well, so we needed to take measures to address the problem.
“From now on, we will conduct checks for both improper conduct and bribery at the same time. We will also make the civil service examinations more rigorous, and even nobles currently holding official positions will be required to take examinations to a certain extent. Any noble who fails to meet the required standard may, in the worst case, have their position revoked.”
I suspected there were nobles who had been given official positions simply because of their family connections. If people could obtain positions through inheritance without putting in much effort, then it was only natural that the organization as a whole would become inefficient.
Still, there was something about this that bothered me.
“Your Majesty, may I ask a question?”
“Shun? Of course.”
“I believe that noble families currently rely on private tutors to educate their children, but I imagine the quality of that education varies considerably. Is there some kind of textbook that covers the minimum knowledge and skills they’re expected to learn?”
“Unfortunately, there is no standardized textbook. Many nobles don’t even believe that much education is necessary. Some simply leave all matters of governance to their retainers and do nothing themselves except sign documents. There are people doing the same thing within various organizations. When that happens, it becomes impossible to even identify corruption or misconduct.”
Just as I thought.
This was exactly the kind of person who could produce someone like the third son of that count’s family who had caused trouble for Sue. When nobles holding completely useless positions are allowed to run things, it becomes impossible to accomplish anything.
“I expect there will be considerable resistance, but these bad practices must be changed. We’ll allow a grace period, but those who cling to their vested interests will have to be removed.”
Thinking about it, the tangled web of vested interests in politics had been a pretty major headache in my previous life, too. Apparently, vested interests were just as troublesome in this world.
“The military will also move forward with modernizing its equipment. Rarely, someone as overwhelmingly powerful as Shun may appear and turn everything upside down, but we cannot rely on miracles like that. In addition to improving the overall capabilities of our soldiers, we must also improve the military’s equipment and facilities. We will establish a military academy to conduct research into tactics and military technology.”
Being compared to me was obviously ridiculous, but as far as His Majesty’s thinking went, I thought it was a pretty good idea.
Improving their equipment, rather than relying on training alone, would also help boost the soldiers’ morale.
And when it came to fighting the Dark Organization and the Human Supremacy Cult, it was something we absolutely couldn’t afford to neglect.
“This will be an extremely difficult and demanding mission, but I want every organization to work together and see it through. Never forget that you are working for the sake of the country and its people.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
His Majesty really did seem intent on pushing through some pretty modern reforms. At that point, the real question was how much leadership he could actually bring to bear. And for that very reason, capturing Marquis Broker was absolutely essential.
But unfortunately, events weren’t about to wait for us.
“Pardon the interruption to the meeting. I have a report: a large-scale battle has broken out at Marquis Broker’s estate.”
“Tch… couldn’t they have waited?”
His Majesty listened to the official’s report with a grimace.
It seems the situation is about to escalate rapidly.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeneijiworks.com
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