Chapter 72
Prime Minister Richman rang the bell to summon his secretary.
The secretary arrived promptly.
“Your Excellency. Was there something you required?”
“My apologies for the trouble, but please summon the Minister of War and the Minister of Finance.”
“Understood.”
Not long after the secretary left, two men entered the room.
“It’s rather unusual for you to summon us, Prime Minister. Is something the matter?” a portly man spoke up.
“Thank you for coming, Minister of Finance Urs, and Minister of War Luschen.”
“Is that a weapon Hughes is holding? Might I take a look?” Minister of War Luschen, his interest piqued, took it from Hughes and drew the sword.
“This is magnificent! If we could acquire swords like these, we’d have nothing more to ask for.”
Prime Minister Richman cleared his throat and began to speak.
“Ahem. The reason I’ve asked you both here is this: Lord Claude has delivered a large quantity of swords and spears, but Hughes came to me in distress, saying we cannot pay for them.”
“What! Does that mean the youth over there is Lord Claude? The Lizardman Leather Armor was of excellent make as well. And now, for you to provide us with Mithril weapons on top of that… As Minister of War, I offer my gratitude.”
“Wait just a moment! Did you say Mithril weapons? Do you have any idea of the going rate for Mithril? As Minister of Finance, I cannot simply approve such an expense on a whim!”
“This is rather difficult to say,” Claude began, “but what I’ve brought this time is only a portion of the finished items. In the future, I plan to deliver about this much…”
“This much?!” Luschen exclaimed. “I was wondering which units we should prioritize for deployment, but with this quantity, we could even recruit volunteers and establish a new unit!”
“As Prime Minister,” Richman said, “I understand both of your arguments. However, monster attacks and the damage they cause have been rampant lately. Strengthening our military is an urgent priority.”
“On His Majesty’s orders, many nobles have applied for tax deferrals, and our finances are deteriorating, you know!” Urs retorted.
“Isn’t it the Minister of Finance’s job to somehow manage that?” Luschen countered.
“Even if you say so, I cannot conjure funds from thin air!” Urs replied.
“Excuse me for interrupting,” Claude interjected. “As for myself, I wouldn’t mind if the payment were made in installments?”
“I see. Installments, you say?” Urs mused. “In that case, it might just be possible to find the funds.”
“It seems the matter is settled,” Richman declared. “Then, we shall pay Lord Claude in installments for his deliveries.”
As Claude exited the Prime Minister’s office, Minister of War Luschen approached him.
“Lord Claude. Do you have some time after this? I’ve been hoping for an opportunity to speak with you.”
“I was just planning to head back, so yes, that’s fine,” Claude replied.
Following Luschen, Claude entered the Minister of War’s office.
“Please, have a seat here,” Luschen offered.
Gestured to a reception chair, Claude sat down.
“I’ll prepare some tea now, so please wait a moment,” Luschen said.
And so, the Minister of War himself began to prepare tea.