After the introduction of the new members, reports on the bills which came to force after it has been approved last year followed. The meeting went smoothly since all were just reporting and no voting was required. Questions were raised, discussions were made, until all was said, and everyone was satisfied. Some matters arising were left unanswered and would be further discussed on their next session.

Before the meeting was adjourned, the speaker asked if anyone has other matters they wished to raise or discuss.

Since last year was Geoffrey's first year attending, all he did that time was to observe. This time though, with his father's approval yesterday, he stood up to catch the speaker's eye to be given the chance to talk. 

"Yes, your highness?" The speaker said as everyone turned to his direction.

Given the chance to speak, began, "Your Majesty, my lords, I wish to open a topic on a subject vital to the future flourishing of our kingdom. Allow me to speak personally from my experience as the student leader of Windsor school of nobles. 

Last year, we headed an outreach to give assistance to an orphanage ran in our kingdom. While doing so, we discovered problems that the kingdom must address for the implication of these are tantamount to society's effort for advancement. 

The number of orphans in orphanages have been ever increasing. Their basic needs are lacking, and at the same time, orphans are being exploited. As usual, the main problem lies in the lack of funding. Now, the question would be where to allocate the funds. Which issue must be addressed first for a progressive solution? In a quest to determine that, a research paper has been prepared. Using a comparative analysis model, it was concluded that standardized education is the key.

I believe that this issue is of national concern. In this regard, I wish to request the house to table the policy recommendations of said research paper in the coming meetings." Geoffrey ended.

The minister of education got on his feet to have his turn to speak. Since Geoffrey was done, the speaker gave him the go signal.

"Your majesty, your highness, my lords, the budget allocated for education this year cannot accommodate such request as providing schooling to the orphans immediately. However, we will endeavor to discuss this matter and perhaps with your approval allocate funding for next year."

Well, if his brother wanted merit, he would help him. Frederick thought with a sinister smile. Then he got on his feet.

"My lords, I believe that this issue should be addressed at the soonest. Orphans need help and as vanguards of this kingdom, we must provide it."

Hearing those words, many nobles started furrowing their brows. 

The king finally spoke, "Minister Douglas, what about the current budget?"

Then the minister of finance stood up.

"Your majesty, your highness, my lords, the budget for this year has already been aligned and approved. All the funds have already been allocated and we have no surplus. Meanwhile, the emergency fund cannot be realigned as we are only in the middle of the year. We have to be prepared for storms and the winter."

Geoffrey clenched his jaw. He knew what was coming next. He should've known that it would end this way. His good intent has now been transformed to raising monetary tributes from the other nobles. Good. Very good. 

Then the king spoke again, "As this is the first time that my son has recommended a policy, I want everyone here to support him."

In this case, anyone who disagrees would be against the king and the crown prince. It has been a brilliant trap to milk out the nobles and although some would give tribute open heartedly because of the cause, it just made Geoffrey less popular to some.

No one spoke because what else was needed to be said?

Thus, with that, the meeting was adjourned. It only took 2 and a half hours as it was just the first day. The king left first with everyone bowing as he walked out. 

Frederick smirked at Geoffrey's direction. Then he talked to the minister of justice who was sitting beside him. 

Geoffrey did not react. He just stood up to leave after the king walked out. Let Frederick try and sway the minister of Justice on his side. It would be good to watch when he thought that he did and gets stabbed in the back. 

Stepping out of the house, Geoffrey's aids were waiting to walk with him back to the main palace. Geoffrey wanted to talk to Serena's father to ask about her. However, he must keep a certain distance from the peers so as not to earn the ire of the king. He must give the impression that he was not partial to anyone and that he was not trying form an alliance to build a faction of his own. 

In closed doors however, it's another story. With his brother present, he must amass and strengthen his own power. 

Geoffrey sighed. In the end, he was still just a pawn to his father's politics. He could not say that he was not disappointed.

--

Meanwhile, Charles was first amongst the dukes to leave the house. When he did, the nobles from the monarchist faction started talking behind his back. Although he was a part of their faction, a lot of them still disliked him. Perhaps, it's mostly rooted on their deep sense of envy.

"Still acting like he's holier than thou. He's already past his prime but still acting like a big shot. I bet his soldiers are eating up his purse that's why his son is already dabbling in the entertainment industry." Duke Cobalt suddenly said.

Marquis Trent who was sitting beside him snickered. "Indeed, maybe that's the reason why we're being squeezed dry. Where else can he find source to fund his army other than from our pockets?"

Grand duke Charles was titled a Grand duke because he was a war hero and at that time, was to marry a royal princess. He was also one of the only two remaining dukes who still provides military service to the crown. The other 6 have shifted to paying monetary tributes. 

However, one must note that there was no truth about Charles relying on other's pockets. The rewards from the war itself was still sitting in his treasury and the eyes of these people could only turn green with envy, that is of course if they knew. It's just that Charles have never been lavish and kept with his military style of frugality.

Anyway, from the other side of Duke Cobalt was Duke Winston who commented, "We have to admit though that he was one of the best in our generation. However, isn't it a pity? The fruit fell too far from the tree." 

"Indeed, a son of a duke turned music producer? I'll hit my son if he ever does that."

Then the three snorted like overgrown boys.

Next to them was Duke Ligeti who was already in his 70's. Although he was old, he could still hear them clearly. Hearing them talking about Charles' son that way made him frown. He knew the boy personally and he's one fine child. Duke Charles should be proud. 

He wanted to say that to the three on his left but then again, it would be senseless to tell them that. They were envious of Charles and are only too happy to imagine that he's in the brink of his downfall. 

Meanwhile, Duke Simoun was seated on the third seat and was talking to Earl Binzane who sat behind him. The earl wouldn't stop gushing about his daughter. He of course felt proud. After a while, Duke Ligeti joined their conversation.

--

TBC

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