Chapter 157 - Assigning A Minister
"Ah?" Robert and Aisha were stupefied why their daughter was suddenly brought up. "Yes… We have one precious daughter." They answered after recollecting their thoughts.
"I see, that's great!" Elizabeth clapped with a light smile and asked, "What does your daughter think of my son?"
Elizabeth had received all the information, the Shadowguards could collect on her son in the past 17 years, including his interactions in recent days. She was aware that the couple's daughter favored her son. However, she wanted to confirm it from the couple's own mouth.
"Our daughter… haih…" Robert sighed, before asking carefully, "I wonder… what your Majesty's intentions are in asking such a question…?"
"Oh… I was wondering if you'll be interested in marrying your daughter to my son." Elizabeth said frankly.
If Leon heard his mother's words, he would have gaped in disbelief. How many wives does his mother want to find for him!?
Robert and his wife widened their eyes in surprise. They didn't think the Queen would be the one to bring up this sort of matter.
"Of course, we would be interested! It's just that…" The couple's eyes suddenly dimmed. "Our daughter favors your son, but where his highness favors our daughter is an entirely different matter. His highness is already engaged to the flower of the Cromwell family and the jewel of the Lancaster family. We also heard his highness has another lover; whose beauty was unrivaled in the kingdom."
Praises for the Saintess had been the hubbub among the commoners. Even they had caught wind of the news, while treating the commoners.
"They are all close to his highness in age, while our daughter is relatively older. Why would his highness fancy our daughter?" Robert continued.
"Is that so? Age shouldn't be a problem." Elizabeth simply smiled at their concerns, before continuing with a chuckle. "You may not know this, but my son is a hot topic among my guards and maids. They all see him as a licentious person, who would lust after any beauty. So… as long as your daughter isn't some ugly duckling, my son wouldn't have a reason to refuse."
If Leon knew what the maids and guards thought of him, he would have puked blood out of anger. Was his image so bad!?
"Is that right…? In that case, I'm not trying to boast but our daughter is quite the beauty herself. She truly takes after her mother." Robert said proudly, before turning downcast. "Unfortunately, it's too late."
Taken aback, Elizabeth asked, "What's too late?"
"Our daughter already left on a journey some time ago. No one knows where she went."
"Why did she leave? I can send men to look for her." Elizabeth suggested. However, Robert shook his head. "No, this is something she wishes to do. That girl always wanted to go see the world. We don't want to continue holding her back."
"I see… fair enough. I shan't concern myself with her matters further then." Elizabeth said, but she secretly noted to speed up the expansion of the Shadowguard's forces and have them keep an eye for Greene family's daughter.
"Is that all you called us over for, your majesty?" Robert asked politely, believing it was for them to return.
"No, I actually called you both over for a different reason. I plan to reestablish the department of agriculture, tasked with the management of the farmland, food resources and tackle the food crisis the Capital is currently facing. As you know, transporting food from other cities isn't exactly a long-term plan. I wonder if you are willing to take up the ministerial post of this department and assist me in solving the food crisis?"
After hearing this, Robert and his wife were greatly startled, with astonishment written all over their faces. The minister of agriculture was a lofty government position with great authority and responsibility. They report directly to the king and wasn't below anyone else, unless a prime minister was assigned. Compared to their current situation, it's like ascending the heavens. Although Robert had some experience managing a fief, they weren't exactly the same. He wasn't sure he was the best candidate for the role.
"I believe with your experience, loyalty and ability, there is no one more suitable for the role than you." Elizabeth said sincerely, after noticing their doubts.
That's right! Their ability wasn't just useful for healing, but also extremely useful in cultivating crops! If food was in abundance, food prices would be low, and no one would ever have to starve again. Having lived in the Lower District in the past 17 years, it wasn't uncommon to see commoners fighting over food or starving to death. He could potentially save more lives as the minister of agriculture than he would as a small-time doctor.
'I will never let the people starve again!'
Robert's eyes burned with determination and passions like he had just found his true calling. He was about to accept, when his wife, Aisha tugged his clothes. Seeing her worried expression, he immediately knew what she was concerned about.
The biggest factor that caused the stagnation and deterioration of the kingdom was that there were no ministers. They had all be slaughtered by the Queen for joining the rebellion camp, which in itself, didn't make any sense as only the discontented nobles would join the Duke's rebellion.
His wife was afraid that he would be implicated if the Queen decides to clean house again. Robert could guess that much. They had been husband and wife for two decades and weathered many winds and rains together. One could not ask for a better partner than one who can understand them most.
Robert placed his hand over his wife's hand and gave her a reassuring smile, before facing the Queen. "Your majesty, this subject is willing to share your burden and do my best to live up to your expectations."
Elizabeth flashed a brilliant smile and said, "I have no doubt that you will do well in your new position." She fished out an exquisitely designed golden badge and handed it over to Robert. It was his unique identification as the new minister of agriculture.
"As the new minister of agriculture, it will not do if you do not have any subordinates. You may take 4 men from the palace guards as your subordinates." Elizabeth made a gesture and her personal maid, Lily stepped forward and handed over a stack of paper. "These papers contain all the information needed to help you quickly familiarize yourself with your new position. Also, as your old home has been destroyed in the recent crisis. I send someone to accompany you in picking your new residence in the Upper District later."
"It seems your Majesty has already prepared everything. I will follow your arrangements." Robert gladly accepted everything. They couldn't continue staying in the Guest Courtyard forever.
After the Greene couple left, Lily, who had not spoken a word, finally spoke something.
"Your Majesty, the underground mining has been progressing quite well. A lot of rare and common metal ores have been procured, in addition to some unknown crystals. Maybe it's time for you to advance your cultivation, your Majesty. You have been holding back and remained on the same level for so long." Lily suggested.
"Mm. Perhaps, it's time." Elizabeth nodded. Her cultivation had stagnated at the 7-star level because of the lack of metal as cultivation resources.
All the metal deposits in the western mines had long been depleted to build the wall and laid the foundation of their human race. Although, there was a fair bit in the treasury, they were all among the rarer types of metal and she couldn't selfishly use it all for herself. She had to leave some for her husband, who was still at 9th step Awakener Realm.
However, now that they no longer lack metal, it truly was a good time to advance her cultivation. This was a cruel world ruled by strength. She should try to push all the way to the peak 9-star level.
"Have someone go collect the resources and deliver it to my cultivation room. An adequate amount is fine. Don't let it delay the construction projects."
"Yes, your Majesty." Lily bowed in compliance and went to carry out the task.
Elizabeth headed to her cultivation room first and did some simple meditation while she waited. Suddenly, a random thought occurred to her. She had always been behind her husband in cultivation.
What sort of feeling would her husband have once he wakes up and find out his wife had left him far behind in cultivation and achieved Transcendence?