Chapter 294 - 291: First Session Of The House Of Lords I
As customary, the first session of the house of lords was held mid-June that year, the same date for the graduation day in Windsor School for nobles.
Charlton stood in line on the left amongst all the ministers and vice ministers. In front of him was Leonard who was wearing the same garb as him, red robe with 3 ½ miniver bars and the emblem of their respective ministry embroidered on the left shoulder area.
Last year, the two of them entered the house of lords and were given the position in accordance with their birthright. Except that this time, instead of Charlton becoming the vice minister of defense, he was offered the position of vice minister of works.
Although vice minister of works seems like a good position, it's not as good as being the vice minister of defense. The reason was that it requires the person in that position to really work. While for defense, the work is easier, and one will also have control to the soldiers under him.
The position was offered to him by the king himself the reason being that he has so much more potential for it given what he has done with the telephone, and the railway which was still unders construction which they all heard about. Of course, the offer was not really an offer, but a command put in a nice way.
Charlton agreed not only because he doesn't want to offend the king, but also for himself. He honestly thought that it was actually good. He can do so much more being the vice minister of works, while as for the command of the soldiers, what use was there for men not loyal to himself? He already has one in his command as the Marquis of Suffox, the sole heir of the grand duke, anyway.
Thus, for the first time since the founding of the kingdom of Windsor, the position of vice minister of defense did not go to the Daniels but fell to the Cobalts. Of course, Duke Cobalt and Earl Cobalt could only be happy with the exchange.
A gong was hit 3 times and the doors were opened. Like usual, the Minister of Justice, and the grand duke of Suffox entered at the same time, followed by the others.
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Charlton took his sit after the King told the peers to pray be seated. From where he was, he could also see his father sitting at the 1st seat opposite his. Last year, he figured that his father was not very popular amongst the people in the monarchist faction. Looking at him, he clearly understood why.
He seemed aloof and lofty, but he knew that that was not really the case. His father was just not good with politicizing with the others, and that he has no reason to. It's a good thing that he only was required to attend the sessions during the 1st week, as he can obviously see how uncomfortable he was.
For himself, when he first arrived, there were people who passed the sentiment they felt for his father to himself. Meaning that there were some nobles who did not like him the first time he entered. Behind his back, he heard them laughing at him for dabbing with merchants and entering the entertainment industry. However, he was a man on a mission.
He never let their words affect him, for every sarcastic remark, he only gave them a smile in return. He projected the image of kindness, humility, and a person who only ever wanted to serve the crown. Everyone knew of his achievements regarding the telephone and the cars, but they just thought that they were flukes. Besides, they were his own, nothing for them.
Then, a month into his entry to the house, the railway project was completed. It took a year to construct, and when it started operating, the impact it brought was beyond anything they have ever imagined.
With all those plus him bringing Isambard Brunnel under him in the ministry, his achievements have been extraordinary. Those who thought that the king has demoted him from Vice Minister of Defense to Vice Minister of Works could only sing praises.
Even the king felt proud of what he did. After the sessions in the house of the lords which were held from June to October, they still have to meet all through the year with the king in his throne room discussing projects they need to work on.
Anyway, that year, for the first time in history, the largest allocation for budget has been given to the ministry of works. Royal duke Regulus was beyond delighted. All praises for Charlton and would even jokingly tell him that if his son were half as good as him, then he can die a happy man.
On the other hand, Leonard was also doing a great job as the vice minister of Finance. He was able to increase tax collection by 20% by suggesting that they increase the tax for luxury goods, such as cigarettes and liquor. It was crazy how he came up with his idea. At first the bill was not popular with the peers, however, after reading through the justifications of such, they could only vote for its approval. Later, the minister of finance will be reporting that, and Charlton can only imagine the eyes of the peers dropping out from their sockets.
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The speaker introduced the new peer members, as their custom and everyone received them warmly. Though it was inescapable to everyone that none of the new members were as notable as Charlton and Leonard who entered last year.
After that, the updates regarding the bills from last year followed. The minister of Justice who was sitting beside prince Frederick was the first to report. The minister of Defense next to him has nothing to update about so the speaker requested for the minister of finance to go next, and report about the bill regarding cigarettes and alcohol. The minister turned from his sit to look at Leonard, and Leonard stood from his seat to begin reporting.
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TBC