When it was time for dinner, Arin Helev was alone in one chamber in the Zeon Province. It was one of the chambers in the Magistrate's office and if things went as planned, the King will arrive in the western provinces tomorrow evening.
On his way, the King stopped by in the Magistrate's offices of several provinces. As his visit was always unannounced, many said that the Magistrates worked diligently because of that. They never know when the King will suddenly show up in their office.
The magistrates were mostly lower-ranked officials and each high ranking officials, excluding the Prime Minister, were in charge of several provinces. The Prime Minister was in charge of all and it was his duty to report and inform all matters to the King.
While Arin was standing near the opened windows, he heard the sound of knocking on the door. He responded and the Magistrate of the Zeon Province walked inside with some servants who brought food for dinner. Once they served food on the table, the servants left again.
"Your Majesty," Magistrate Cillian Mareyi called out and Arin turned around. Then he walked towards the table.
"The chef prepared these in a haste. It might not be comparable to the dishes in the palace but I hope you like it," the Magistrate explained to the young King.
"I'm not that picky, Magistrate," Arin simply said with a small smile. "I spent most of my time in the camp before I take over the throne."
"I know that, Your Majesty."
"Have a seat," Arin said and gestured the Magistrate to sit on the chair on his right which the Magistrate complied.
Arin could spend the night in the Grove Province which was right before the Zeon Province where he currently stayed. But Magistrate Cillian was someone he could trust. So, he continued his journey even though the sun was about to set when he left the Grove Province.
At 25, the Magistrate was one of the youngest officials and he was also the older son of the Prime Minister.
"I think it's time for you to return to the capital and work for the court," the King pointed out when they started having dinner. "You will be able to achieve bigger things that way."
"I've stayed here for two years, Your Majesty. I think I understand the people here well. I don't really wish to leave," Magistrate Cillian replied.
"That's what you told me since the past year," the King said. "You know, Cillian, most of the current officials are capable and trustworthy. However, they've served the kingdom even before I was born. That means they will soon be old enough to retire. I need to prepare for that. The young officials in the court aren't comparable to them."
The young Magistrate admired the way how the King always think for the future. It's a sign that Qalagon will be safe and prosper in his hands.
"Can I give you advice on that, Your Majesty?" he asked.
"Go ahead."
"Why don't you give the chance to the commoners too?" the Magistrate suggested. "Exams are conducted mostly for the nobles and upper-class families. But if you open it for everyone, from the highest to the lowest, I think it will work out. Who knows, you might even dig out some hidden gems."
Cillian Mareyi's instruction reminded the King of the dream he hold on to for years. It drew a little smile from his lips. "That will be great," he remarked. "I should discuss this with the Prime Minister."
"Everyone doesn't think the same, Cillian," the King continued. "I always spent my time, thinking of a way to provide a better life for the commoners. Lifting the commoners will reduce the power and influence of the nobles. I know many officials and nobles are scared of that."
"But Your Majesty is intelligent. I'm sure that you will find a way to deal with this," Magistrate Cillian promptly said.
"That's why you should help me," Arin Helev pointed out. "I need someone like you."
Realizing the King's intention, Cillian Mareyi laughed. "I should be careful with you, Your Majesty. I have a feeling that you really plan to trap me."
"You said that I will find a way," Arin muttered. "I indeed have a way. One is peaceful but it requires a lot of patience. The other will be quick but the method will be brutal."
"What is the better way to you, Your Majesty?" the Magistrate asked.
"The second one," the King replied. "If an official doesn't care for the well-being of the people, I don't need that official." He paused and said, "While pushing for a greater change for the better, sacrifices are always needed."
He was saying that he was willing to eliminate those who stand in his way and Cillian Mareyi understood it very well. Even when they were young, Arin was calm and patient but... once provoked, he could become the worse.
It's a relief that it rarely happened. No one was ever foolish enough to provoke the Crown Prince.
"All my life, I opted for peace," the King continued. "But for a better world, I'm willing to be violent. I know that will give me many enemies and fighting against my officials will be a very dangerous path to walk. However, if I refrain just because I'm scared of the effect, what's the use of me becoming a king?
"If I'm not brave enough to push for the things that will benefit my people, then I don't deserve to sit on the throne."
"Do you think the officials will be willing to go that far just to stop you, Your Majesty?" Magistrate Cillian asked the King. "Almost everyone always support you even when you were the Crown Prince."
"I know that," the King uttered. "During my father's reign, their power was never threatened. They have no reason to go against me but... power can change humans to a great extent. If they think that the change I want to introduce will reduce their power, they won't remain the same.
"I can't be a King without having subjects and the same goes for the officials. They are in power because the people are powerless.. But if the commoners rise to power, then it will be surely different."
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