The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 45 : Minister Robarta

Later in the day, the Minister of Agriculture came to meet Julien in his 'Private Audience Chamber'. Julien would prefer to call it his office or cabin, but somehow, he was not able to make the people around him adopt that terminology. Tradition and habit were difficult to let go off.

"How may I help you, Minister?" Julien asked when he sat down.

"I do not think I am capable of doing what you are expecting of my Ministry."

Julien arched his eyebrows.

The Minister continued, "There is a lot of work required. The data is complex and at my age, I do not know whether I can learn so much of new stuff. And what you are asking us to do, will anger the Nobles. I do not think I am capable of handling it. You will need someone else who can ..."

Julien continued tapping his fingers on the desk. The Minister was getting more nervous. Julien had developed a reputation of being ruthless in the few days after his nomination as Crown Prince. He was not sure what Julien would do for what could be seen as a refusal to follow the instructions of the crown...

Finally, Julien asked, "So what do you propose?"

"I would like to resign. Please appoint someone else who is better suited..."

"And you will join the ranks of the opposition who will be clamouring against the proposals?"

The minister quickly shook his head indicating he had no such intention.

"You may put your resignation before the Emperor. I have no objection. But I hope you remember that you have been a minister for a long time. You have benefited from the position as has your family. If you are going to side with my opponents, then remember the Crown has extensive reach. You will suddenly find yourself in the middle of a fast river without a paddle, if you understand what I mean." Julien said calmly.

The Minister gulped visibly as his face took on an ash-colour.

"There are many members of your family. Keep them under control. If one stick catches fire, the rest of the bundle will burn with it..."

By the time the Minister took his leave, he was nervous and looking over his shoulder.

Julien passed the information to the Emperor, who did not seem to be surprised. Then he called Lord Melster and Drabert over to him room, along with Louis. When they were all seated, he brought them up to date with the development.

"So now we need another minister? Julien, you are going through them pretty fast, huh?" Louis joked.

"Who do you have in mind, Your Majesty?" Lord Melster asked.

Julien looked around at them and said quietly, "I think that Assistant Secretary is good with her work. She knows the ministry and has the right ideas. The only thing we need to find out is whether she is a good administrator. Drabert, use your resources. I want to know what her colleagues, junior and senior think of her."

Lord Melster was hesitant. "Your Majesty ..."

Julien interrupted him, "Lord Melster, please call me by my name when we are in private. Or at best, I will accept is Sir. If you are unhappy, 'Crown Prince' will do. You are far senior to me."

Lord Melster reddened before he continued, "Sir, I do not think I can call you by your name. It is inappropriate ...Anyway, my point is, you are considering a woman for the post of the minister... And also, not from the Noble Families. It will not go down very well with the ..."

"Lord Melster, when you talk to me, please do not hesitate to say what you believe. And do not beat around the bush. Anyway, the problem that will come here for me is not so much about her family or status, or her gender. All those will be spun positively. After all, none of my actions so far have been to endear the Nobility to me. The problem will be with her experience or lack of it. She worked many years with a silent minister."