Restart:Untalented Man

Chapter 128 Establishing The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs

?Riz returns to his office with the letter in his hand. While waiting for dinner to be served, he'll take this opportunity to write a response to Count Tetherswest.

In his opinion, accepting Tetherswest would bring him more trouble than benefits.

If he is a normal king, he may agree with his request. To the king in an agricultural-centred kingdom, the land is a precious wealth. More land means more taxes.

For someone with advanced knowledge, such an offer does not look appealing in his eyes. The idea of having someone in charge of a region with autonomous power causes him to reject it without a second thought.

Riz feels as if he'll have a mini-king in his kingdom. It is very uncomfortable, like a bone stuck in his throat.

In case something bad happens down the road, the royal family will be the one who has to bear the consequences while the nobles get off scot free. History has proven this fact.

Nobles are double-edged swords he doesn't want to possess.

The Kingdom of Ryntum is in the transition from an agricultural-based economy to an industrialized nation. The entirety of his kingdom needs to move as a whole and he wouldn't allow anyone to disrupt it.

The door of his private office was knocked. Edward came to inform him that the dinner was ready.

After tidying up his desk, Riz grabs a file and makes his way to the dining hall.

Today, there are a lot of people joining them instead of the usual four.

They're the former viscount of Bagyarosia, former prime minister Wendall and a bunch of scholars.

Each of them carefully looks at him. Some were stunned to see the king of this medium size kingdom was a young man in his teenage years.

Shortly thereafter, their composure returned.

An eerie silence befalls the entire dining hall and the atmosphere is tense.

Riz doesn't initiate any conversation with them which causes his guests to have excessive perspiration. They secretly cast a glance at him from time to time but the young king pays no attention to them.

He silently waits for dinner to arrive while closing his eyes. Theodora, Charlotte and Josephine have a tacit understanding of his behaviour so they didn't bother to talk to him.

Theodora gives quick warning stares when she sees one of them open her mouth. She knew her fiance hated when his mealtime was disturbed by noises.

The tense atmosphere ended when maids entered the hall with a meal. They cautiously take a step so as to not make any unwanted noises.

A medium well beef steak topped with sautéed mushrooms was put in front of them. Instantly, the fragrance of the freshly cooked meat penetrated their nose and triggered their smell sense.

"Enjoy the meal, everyone," said Anna respectfully.

She is a personal maid of Theodora that comes to Bideford together with her. Riz made her an apprentice of the head maid. She was expected to take the position when the head maid retired.

"Thank you, Anna." Riz gratefully replies. He always remembers his teacher's advice to be respectful to the person that serves you food.

Riz begins savouring the delicious meal in front of him quietly. Others followed his lead and picked up their cutlery.

For quite some time, only the sound of chewing fills the silent hall.

An hour later, Riz finished eating his dishes. He looked up and set his eyes on Michael. It causes another party to jolt in shock.

The former viscount doesn't dare to continue eating while the king is staring at him. This young king emits an unbelievable amount of pressure. He never felt this way when facing Nicholas I.

"Michael" The young king called his name. Yet, it attracts a reaction from others as well. Everyone stops eating as they're curious about what the young king is going to say.

"Y-Yes?!" He unexpectedly studded.

"I'm planning to establish the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and I want you to lead it as minister. What do you think?" Riz dropped a bombshell on everyone in this room. Such a lofty position was given over a simple dinner just like that.

After the incident with the Kingdom of Inver, Riz was gradually aware that he couldn't solve everything with war. Considering the level of industrialisation of Ryntum, war can put a strain on their finances and resources.

Thus, Ryntum needs to solve any troublesome issue that arises diplomatically and reserve war as a last option. For that, he needs someone competent to deal with foreign nations.

He can guarantee that the problem will come to their doorstep on its own. The rise in his kingdom in various aspects would intentionally or unintentionally touch the interest of others.

And it will attract the eyes of many rulers whether he likes it or not.

In this era where there's no such organization The United Nations to keep international peace and security, only god knows what rulers in Jozia would do.

Micheal obviously freezes in an instant. It took him a few minutes to register the words spouted by the young king.

He comes to Bideford in preparation for the worst but his expectation betrays him. He was instead offered a high position of minister in this kingdom.

"Your Majesty, I've no experience holding a high position. I merely worked as a messenger of Nicholas I in my entire life." Michael politely replies. Based on his tone, anyone could tell that he was reluctant to accept it.

Riz rolled his eyes up, "Oh, please! Stop being so humble and undermining your talent. You've done more than that. I did not make this decision on a whim."

He then opens the file on his side and makes a quick scan, "My subordinates have investigated you to an extensive extent. I've to say, I'm very impressed by your previous accomplishment. Everyone thinks Nicholas I keep Bagyarosia together on his own. However, it is further from the truth. He has you in his shadow helping him keep a leash on nobles. Not to mention your latest contribution in turning the three barons against us during the war. But, I decided to let it go. So, what do you say?"

Michael's face pales in colour when Riz mentions that. Is this some kind of threat to him if he rejects his offer? It is too late to escape now. He sighs heavily, "What is my job exactly?"

"To name a few, the ministry would be responsible for foreign affairs, diplomacy, foreign relations, bilateral affairs and multilateral affairs. I'll give you your portfolio tomorrow and ask Gerald to give you a rundown on how we recruit our official."

Michael pondered for a second. He doesn't see any problem continuing this line of job. Dealing with people is what he essentially does until now. In the end, he thought this may be the best course of action for him.

"Your Majesty, I accept your offer."

"Great!"