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Chapter 420: A Reform Bound to Fail
Chapter 420: A Reform Bound to Fail
A man with a petty heart~
After hearing Lyon's response, Veronica knew the reason for his words; it was a retaliation for her previous "teasing." She couldn't help but glare at him with a hint of annoyance.
"Stop fooling around. I genuinely want to hear your opinion."
Putting aside her playful mood, Princess Veronica straightened up and spoke earnestly, "What you said earlier was quite interesting. Although the description was a bit too blunt, it did capture the essence of power in one sentence. Despite your lack of political experience, you don't seem dull when it comes to such matters. On the contrary, you have a... hmm... strangely sharp insight."
"So, if you don't mind, could you share your thoughts with me? For example, what do you think of the things I've been doing these past few years from your perspective?"
How do I see it?
Looking at the princess's serious expression, Lyon understood that she genuinely wanted to hear his opinion. However, after some thought, he couldn't help but respond with a hint of insincerity, "What you're doing... is pretty good. At the very least, you've been doing the right things, and many people's lives have indeed improved because of your efforts."
That's probably not what you truly wanted to say, is it?
From Lyon's somewhat perfunctory "praise," Veronica keenly sensed some underlying implications. She stared at his eyes for a moment before tentatively asking, "Lyon, do you... disagree with what I'm doing?"
"I do agree. What you're doing can indeed make the kingdom a better place."
Considering that she was paying for this meal, Lyon thought for a moment before replying as gently as possible, "But your goal is probably not just to make the kingdom a little better. With the amount of effort you're putting into the military department, you must be aiming for something more, right?"
"Hmm..."
Princess Veronica hesitated for a moment, feeling that the topic might not be appropriate. But after glancing at Lyon across from her, she decided to speak honestly, "I want more. I not only want to become the next queen of the kingdom, but I want to be the best queen!
You know that Joshua doesn't possess the talents needed to be a good king. If he becomes king, the entire kingdom will fall into the hands of the Chancellor of Finance and the Queen. All my efforts for the past six years would be in vain, and I can't let that happen!
Lyon, although you might not believe it, my desire for power isn't that strong. What I truly want is for the kingdom to become strong and maintain its strength for a long time, never again allowing a tragedy like the War of National Defense to be repeated on this land."
"I've never doubted that."
You're not someone with a strong desire for power. Power, to you, is more like a tool to achieve your goals. You seek something else.
Having seen the depths of the princess's soul, Lyon nodded, indicating his willingness to believe her words. However, after looking into her clear and determined eyes and sensing the unwavering determination within, he couldn't help but gently remind her, "But I think your reform is unlikely to succeed.
Even if it has some effect, it will certainly fall short of your expectations. The final outcome will likely be vastly different from what you want... Are you prepared for that?"
...
The path I'm on... may ultimately lead to failure.
Upon hearing Lyon's words, Princess Veronica pursed her lips slightly. However, instead of arguing immediately, she looked into his eyes and asked softly, "Can you tell me why you think so?"
...
I must be starving, she's still a princess. She won't let it go without an answer.
Seeing the stubbornness in her eyes, Lyon couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret.
Regarding the so-called reforms of the Princess, I personally believe they are unlikely to succeed, and this thought has been with me since long before today.
However, firstly, I am only half-convinced of this idea; secondly, although the Princess's reforms have issues, they can genuinely improve the lives of the Kingdom's commoners; and thirdly, our "relationship" isn't quite there yet, so discussing this would be a bit too intimate for our current level of acquaintance. That's why I've never brought it up before.
But just now, when our eyes met, I saw a hint of determination in hers, as if she were ready to face a thousand enemies alone. I couldn't bear the thought of witnessing her dreams shattered in the future, so I unconsciously steered the conversation towards this topic.
Since I'm here anyway... I might as well say a few words.
"To be honest, this is just my personal opinion, and it might not necessarily be correct."
Lyon slightly raised his head, meeting the Princess's calm gaze, and spoke softly, "You can listen to what I have to say. If you think I make sense, then you can follow this line of thought.
But if you find my words unreasonable, then just forget about it. Feel free to continue doing what you believe is right, because no matter what, your current actions are not wrong."
After adjusting his armor, Lyon didn't immediately share his thoughts. Instead, he posed a question.
"Your Highness, if we were to categorize the political forces in the Kingdom based on their affiliations, what would that look like?"
"Affiliations?"
Princess Veronica thought for a moment before replying, "I, along with the Minister of Defense, represent the Reform Party. The Parliament Party consists of members from the Lower House, the cabinet officials appointed by the Prime Minister, and some of the new nobility who rose from commercial backgrounds.
Lastly, the Old Nobility, who control the Upper House, and the remaining new nobility form the Noble Party.
These are the three main factions, but Joshua, with the support of the Chancellor of Finance and the Queen, has been actively courting the nobility. He can be considered a half-faction."
So, the Reform Party, the Parliament Party, the Noble Party... and the Marry-a-Monkey Party!
"That's more or less what I understood as well."
Lyon nodded towards the Princess and continued, "Then, can you tell me who these three and a half factions represent and whose voices they are speaking for?"
Who do they represent?
Upon hearing Lyon's question, Princess Veronica furrowed her brows, slightly confused by his inquiry. Nonetheless, she answered honestly, "I am the leader of the Reform Party, backed by the Royal Family. Naturally, I represent the interests of the Royal Family. The Old Nobility represents themselves, while the Parliament Party primarily speaks for the grand merchants.
Joshua also represents the Royal Family, but his 'intent' differs from mine. I stand for those who wish to suppress the nobility and reclaim power for the Royal Family, while Joshua represents those who have marital ties with the Royal Family but also value their original families, favoring 'coexistence' within the Royal Family."
"Are you sure?"
"What?"
"I mean, are you certain that you represent the interests of the Royal Family? Are you truly speaking on their behalf?"
"..."
(End of Chapter)
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