Published: July 3, 2025
Ryo was inside a chartered carriage, returning to the Holy Capital.
((Wow, that was a fulfilling trip to the Republic.))
((Is that so? I'm glad to hear that.))
In response to Ryo's cheerful voice, Abel's tone was heavy.
He was probably buried under paperwork again today...
Ryo felt a sense of pity for the king.
((Abel, why don't you take some time to inspect the country?))
((Inspect?))
((Yes. Since your ascension three years ago, you haven't had a chance to tour the country, have you? Your illness has healed, so how about making an appearance to the citizens you govern? Even though you are his majesty the king, it's not wise to neglect popularity among the people, right?))
Ryo suggested a domestic inspection.
Abel was a very popular king due to his background and the fact he was a former A-rank adventurer.
That's why Ryo thought that if he toured the country, the citizens would be even more delighted.
It is always better for a ruler to have the people on their side.
The best way to win the people's favor is through the creation of prosperity.
This is a truth that remains unchanged in any era or world.
The second way to gain the people's support is through the ruler's visibility.
However, this must be done after ensuring prosperity; the order is important.
If you go before the people while the economy is still struggling... it could lead to unfortunate outcomes.
To put it bluntly, historically speaking, as long as there is prosperity, the citizens generally don't care about the political situation...
"Revolution? Demonstrations? What if things get worse than they are now!"
Therefore, throughout history, excellent rulers have focused on improving the economy.
Thinking about that, Ryo shook his head slightly and said.
((I don't want to see you being dragged down by the citizens, Abel.))
((What do you mean by that...?))
((Aside from the post-war period, normally during the recovery period of a country after a war or civil war, the economy tends to improve unless something very strange happens, so I'm sure Abel will be safe.))
((O-oh...))
After disconnecting from the "echo of the soul," Marquis Alexis Heinlein visited Abel.
And he proceeded with the scheduled report.
"That concludes today's report."
"Ah, thank you."
After saying that, Abel paused for a moment to think before opening his mouth.
"Alexis, regarding the domestic inspection you suggested earlier... I've decided to go."
Upon hearing those words, Marquis Heinlein's eyes widened in surprise.
It was true that he had previously suggested it, but he thought that the busy Abel wouldn't agree.
In fact, when he proposed it, Abel simply said, "Impossible..."
"I understand. Your Majesty, what caused this change of heart?"
"Ah... Just now, Ryo told me to at least tour the country once. He mentioned that even though I am the king, I shouldn't neglect my popularity with the citizens..."
"I see. As expected of Duke Rondo."
Marquis Heinlein said this and nodded vigorously.
For some reason, he holds Ryo in high regard.
"That said, we certainly don't have the luxury to cover the entire kingdom."
"You're right. It seems you already have some ideas about the areas we should visit."
"Most likely the North and East, when thinking normally."
Many of the nobles in the northern region sided with the younger brother of the crown prince, Raymond, and were stripped of their titles.
These territories became royal properties at first, and through the merit-based rewards from the liberation war, they were redistributed to nobles who contributed, or new nobles were appointed to the North.
As a result, there was a fair amount of territory held by nobles with bases in the South and West that emerged in the North.
Moreover, the new nobles who acquired land in the North have only been there for three years, so their positions are still quite unstable.
The North, of course, borders the Empire that lies even further North, meaning that if something were to happen, it would become the frontline.
Defending it is impossible for the royal family alone.
Thus, they want to place nobles there to help protect the kingdom.