The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 39 : Cabinet Meeting

Julien attended his first Cabinet Meeting that week. He chose to dress in his new image, which would have surprised all those who knew him well. He put on a purple and white suit, beard and contacts and stepped out of the Palace.

The Cabinet met at 8 am instead of the usual 11. He wanted to start things early. He wanted to show that things will change, shake up the lethargy that had pushed everything to its comfort zone. Some Ministers protested, but the Emperor brushed aside all objections. Many of them were looking tired, having been forced to reach the office when they normally woke up from sleep. The demand for strong coffee was high that morning.

But the Crown Prince had the full support of the Emperor and no one was ready yet to test the limits of his patience.

While the Emperor was often lenient with the Ministers, the real powerful decision makers were those 'The Core Ministers'. They were members of the Royal Family, and favourites of the Emperor. If you needed a decision, you needed to have them on your side. The other ministers, mostly chosen from Nobles, could be easily replaced. Few of them had power or popularity to make a difference.

And the Core Ministers knew that Julien did not want to be Crown Prince and they were not willing to say anything that will give him the excuse to walk off. The Emperor would not have it. And Emperor's anger was not something anyone wanted to experience.

"Good Morning, Gentlemen. In a way I am glad this meeting is early in the morning when we are all fresh to start our day...First, we welcome the Crown Prince, Julien Lidwig – I, to the cabinet. Henceforth, he will chair all cabinet meetings. No Cabinet Meeting will be held without his approval.

"Some of you have met the Crown Prince already. For those who have not met him, you may schedule meetings through his ADC. Each of you are expected to update him of your department's work, difficulties and requirements. You may present him with your problem, seek his advice, give your inputs." The Emperor continued.

Julien went up to the head of the table where the cabinet was seated and greeted the Ministers, "Good Morning. I believe we all need to start the day early. So all future meetings will be at this time.

"I have spent the last 2 years understanding the country, the economy, the government and the finances. However, I know that each individual in this room has experience and expertise far more than me. But time has come to change things rapidly. We may need to turn things on their heads at times. I am willing to listen to advice, and I will listen to all suggestions with an open mind.

"However, you need to justify everything you say. And in most cases, 'This is how things are always done' and 'I know this from experience' are justifications I will not accept.

"On the other hand, I expect everyone here to also listen to my suggestions with an open mind." Julien made his opening statement.

He had already gone through the agenda and all supporting documents that were sent to him. He was aware of all what would be said. He decided to do things differently from the start.

"Ok then. Item 3, 4, 5 and 11 on the agenda. They are just information reports that do not need any decision now. I am sure you have all read the same. So does anyone have anything that needs to be brought to the attention of the Cabinet?"

There was a murmur around the table. Some of the ministers had actually not read documents and had to ask their secretaries for updates on whether there was anything that needed to be discussed. There were none. So, Julien decided to proceed.

"I an surprised that no one has anything to say. Ministry of Culture, do you wish to explain item 5. I am surprising no one is questioning it. Minister, what is your Opinion?"