Chapter 76 Time To Declare Independence

Sunday, 12nd March 301 Paign Era.

Two months have passed since the ministries in the government plaza began their recruiting official to fill the post. Qualifications, background checks, exams and interviews were held to find competent workers for the job.

When the news reaches people's ears, they all mutter words of gratitude and praise for their lord. Like on Earth, their standard for jobs becomes higher along with their education. All of them try to find the best job that fits their qualification but not everyone is fortunate.

Until today, only 60 per cent of the jobs were filled despite many applications.

Riz's words to his ministries regarding the recruitment are simple, "Prioritize Ryntum people first. If you can't find a suitable candidate for the position, then leave it be."

He doesn't want anyone to be recruited just to fill in the blank. It is a recipe for disaster. Riz also implemented the concept of five working days and two days off for government officials. A new concept that was welcomed by the people, causing the profession to become more and more appealing in the eyes of citizens.

Something that Riz wishes for.

Everything is going well. He doesn't receive any complaints from people and ministries about the new system yet. A complaint is important for any organisation. It helps them improve customer service by pinpointing the problematic part and resolving it.

Now, his workload has decreased albeit only around thirty per cent. At least he has some room to breathe and relaxed his mind.

Riz took this chance to walk around the town with Charlotte. Theodora can't join since she is busy as finance minister. Along his walks, people from left and right politely greet him. Some have worry and restlessness in their eyes.

He concluded that they might be new people who move here. The original inhabitant of Bideford never had that worried look when meet him.

"Did the population here increase again? Where did they come from?" He asks Charlotte.

"I receive a report from Robick stating that they came from Royal Territory after hearing the prosperity here." She replied.

"I didn't know our town is so attractive." Riz scoffs. Didn't these people the ones he's been fighting in the last war? Now they come to live here. "I guess I shouldn't call it town anymore. From my estimation, the population here probably increase by ten thousand to twenty thousand."

"Free education, job opportunities and no noble oppression are the factors that attract them here. The capital gradually become deserted as we speak. Nobody wants to be under an unstable king."

"Make sure you move our agent to investigate all the new population. Don't let any spies slip in. If you deem them as suspicious, feel free to eliminate them." Riz said with a serious tone.

An exponential increase in population is not a good occurrence in his opinion. Many rats can slip past into his territory easily. It is best to remove unstable factors before they can grow.

"As you wish," replies Charlotte.

....

In the evening,

Riz return to his office after strolling around the town. He sees no trouble the governance system pose on people. In fact, it makes their life easier which pleased him.

He glances at his desk. It is a letter he received from Nicholas I condemning his actions. He is described as resembling the behaviour of a king, rather than a nobleman.

Nicholas I are seen by other nobles as a king with no sanity left. Riz is wondering why Niall didn't usurp the throne.

"Should I drive his craziness even further? I would be considered rude if I don't reply to his letter, right?" said Riz with a playful tone.

He believes that everything is ready for the next step.

Grabbing a fancy paper, he begins to write a letter titled "Declaration of Independence."

[To Nicholas Napuna Bagyarosia,

I believe all men are created equal at the beginning. However, some of them were given a chance to rise above others as a ruler. They create a social hierarchy which I am confident will have an impact on society for hundreds of years to come.

I understand this is a natural course in human civilization. Nothing can stay equal forever and it can never be equal. Nevertheless, I also believe nothing we get in this world is free. For that, all rulers have a responsibility and care toward the people below them.

Regardless of their nobility rank, rulers should respect each other for the sake of people and peace. For the past year,

I see no respect toward my family from your side despite our help during the rules of your dynasty.

I see a war being invoke for a petty reason to hide your incompetency in international diplomacy.

I see the nobles' greedy eyes directed towards us like hyenas.

I see the life of my people fleeting due to your idiocy and collective aggression toward us.

I see the wasted children of royalty scheming on each other endanger the future of both nobles and commoners.

I see your instability in decision-making and your stubbornness to abdicate as a sign of a bleak future for this kingdom.

For all reasons above, I, as the head of the House of Ryntum, in the name of my family and the loyalty of my people hereby declare, the Ryntum territories to be an independent kingdom. All the allegiance to the Napuna crown and all political connections between us ought to be, totally dissolved.

As an independent kingdom, I have full power to do what every independent kingdom can do; levy war, conclude peace, forge alliances, establish commerce and so on.

Rizieri Ryntum,

Head of Ryntum Family]

After finishing and finalising the letter, he calls Edward to his office.

"What do you need me for, milord?"

"Here, have this letter delivered to the king. And order all the cities and towns to take down the Napuna flag and raise my family flag in their place."

"I will fulfil your order in haste." After a respectful bow, Edward left the office.

Riz open another letter on his desk. It is from Jason Patterson, manager of the iron mine. From the content of the letter, Jason manages to uphold his promise to set up mass production for steel. Though he has some difficulty along the way, Jason manages to deal with it. He also promises to deliver a steady supply of steel to Bideford at the earliest next month.

He checks the package Jason sends a substantial amount of steel to him.

"This guy is quite capable..." said Riz while checking its quality.