"By the way, take Audrey with you. She has potential but still needs to learn and experience more." Riz added.
ραпdα nᴏνɐ| сom He actually wants to let Audrey go but the problem is she's a woman.
Like in the medieval age, the position of women in society is not as high as in the modern era. Although Ryntum's women are treated well, that's not the case for others. His kingdom is the only nation that provides women with opportunities to pursue knowledge and career like a man.
Despite some complaints received, he doesn't care. The one who made so much noise is the conservative people.
To please them, Riz enacted many laws for both men and women related to sexual harassment, adultery, code of conduct, workplace dress code, maternity leave, et cetera. With women entering the workforce, he can confidently say there will be a case where a hanful men and women who can't keep their pants or skirts on.
The punishment he made won't be as soft as in the modern world. His people should remember the fate of his stepmother, Maria Gyalcakes ended up with.
If they dare, they're welcome to do it. It's been a long time since he torture someone.
Riz to be honest is far from being a supporter of gender equality. He sees everyone the same; as a human resource.
He couldn't simply let uneducated women take up spaces in his kingdom without making any contribution.
By giving them knowledge, they can participate in society by working in various sectors.
If they choose a traditional way of getting married and raising children, the knowledge they learnt will contribute toward the early development of their children.
Either way, Riz is on the profitable side.
Back to Audrey's problem, not only is she a woman but she's also young.
The King of Inver may not want to meet her at all or even see it as a sign of disrespect.
Thus, he can only let Audrey accompany Gerald as his assistant.
Maybe one day Audrey can take a post as his minister. But only time would tell.
"I don't mind at all, Your Majesty. She indeed has potential. When should I depart?" asked Gerald.
"You will depart in two days. I want to end this petty issue as soon as possible. You can make preparations and inform Audrey right away."
....
Two days later, preparation was completed.
Riz personally visited them at the plaza right before they left. He has nothing to say except for reminding Gerald of important key points. He sounds like a concerned mother.
"Don't worry about your job as Minister of Trade and Industry, Gerald. I'll cover it for you during the time you're gone."
"You don't have to, Your Majesty," Gerald replied, smiling shyly. The thought of the king doing his task brought shame to him. He knows the king has no problem handling it as the king has been doing it way before he establishes ministries. But, still...
"Allow me to do it," Riz interjected. "To begin with, we don't have an idea of how long you will be away from your office. It could take two or three months. Your office will be filled with piles of documents at that time."
"If you say so, I don't mind Your Majesty." He sees no point in arguing with the king. This might be the way the king repays him. From his conversation with William and Theodora, the king seems to hate the idea of being indebted to someone.
"Alright then, have a safe trip," Riz said with a smile. At the same time, he patted Gerald's shoulder.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. We shall depart now. Wait for the good news."
"I will."
A total of fifty people begin their journey to the south. Usually, it took a week or so to arrive. But considering the luggage and field cannons they brought, they may reach Baroks in ten to twelve days.
According to the plan, ten of them will stay in Baroks to conduct military training with soldiers there while another forty will move straight to Inver.
On their journey, they pass hundreds of people who are very likely construction workers. As the carriages passed through, everyone couldn't help but occasionally glance at them. Especially, at those field cannons with curiosity.
However, no one dares to approach it. Soldiers led by Duan are guarding it left and right.
"I can't wait to use this road in the future," said Audrey. Her eyes sparkle as she looks at the construction site through her carriage window.
She was excited to be called up again for the task.
Since the day she sent her grandfather's letter to her mother, Audrey ran away from Csorvar and lives in the capital. She wants to avoid her mother's wrath at all costs.
Thanks to the money she got previously, she managed to rent a small house near the city centre. Audrey has been working in a local bakery, waiting for a hiring announcement for a government servant post.
An opportunity arrived on her doorstep two days ago when someone from the Ministry of Trade and Industry sent an invitation to her house in Bideford.
Arriving there, Gerald handed her an official appointment letter to be his assistant as a diplomat for Ryntum's negotiation with Inver.
With a disbelief look, she asked Gerald for confirmation again and again until Gerald who was known for his patience almost got angry.
She never thought to be called again as the job she takes previously is just a one-time job. According to Gerald, the king personally brought her name up and recommended you. Once again, Audrey happily jumped around in her joyfulness because the king remembered her. She doesn't give a single care about the fact she is in the minister's office which almost got her kicked out of the building by Gerald.
"Me too," replied Gerald who sits across her, Unlike Audrey, he often comes for site visits with the king. He already got used to this scene.
"But I heard rumours that said people need to pay a toll to use it."
"Of course, if not, how is the government going to do periodic maintenance? Moreover, its revenue will be a source of income for the kingdom. In the future, any upgrade on the road will use this money. Worry not, the price we plan is cheap so anyone can have access to the road."
"That's good to hear," Audrey replies. She kept staring at the outside scenery.
For the first time in her life, she's taking a long trip and going out to another kingdom. Instead of being nervous, she feels excited.
The trip to Inver will be a long one for her.
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