Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World-Chapter 621: The Attitude Towards Magic

TL: Rui88

The new king’s audience came to an end. Some of the lords from various regions returned to their territories, while others were to stay in Crystal Shrine for a period.

Inside the royal palace, Rodney XVIII summoned the ministers who held significant influence over the kingdom’s policies.

“Gentlemen, the first country to recognize the legal status of wizards has appeared. What impact might this have on the world? And how should we, Ordo, respond?”

The Lord Chamberlain, Lord Rupert, squinted as he looked at Paul Grayman, who was sitting opposite him.

The young northwestern nobleman sat somewhat reservedly next to Her Highness Catherine, perhaps a little unaccustomed to the unfamiliar environment.

Grayman’s presence here made Rupert feel a little surprised.

But on second thought, he felt it was reasonable. He was Princess Catherine’s fiancé, and it was proper for the king to have him attend such a high-level meeting out of respect.

He glanced at Princess Catherine beside Paul, a wave of regret rising in his heart.

He had watched Catherine grow up. What an outstanding woman she was, yet because of the exclusive nature of power, she had to marry into the Northwest Bay.

If only she had been born a boy.

As for the new king, Rodney XVIII, Rupert had some complaints. How could he not even consult with old ministers like himself on a matter as important as marrying off the princess?

Strictly speaking, Rodney XVIII had indeed consulted them, and he had come to them together with Catherine.

But it was more like going through the motions out of respect for the ministers.

The worldly-wise Rupert could see at a glance that the two siblings had already made a private agreement, and judging from Catherine’s unenthusiastic attitude, the king had definitely persuaded his sister through a combination of soft and hard tactics.

Later, Catherine had separately summoned the old ministers left behind by the previous king, stated her position with a sincere attitude, and asked them to serve her cousin with one heart and one mind, without any other thoughts.

Although many were not convinced in their hearts, at the current stage, this was the only way for now.

“Your Majesty!” The first to speak was Count Walsh McKee.

“I believe the kingdom should immediately sever official ties with the Duchy of Eton. Not to mention that wizards and magic have always been seen as evil in the eyes of the world, if we continue to maintain friendly relations with Eton, we will face immense pressure from the Holy See.”

He glanced at everyone and said, “I believe you all saw the performance of the Holy See’s envoy at the audience? It was like a thunderous rage.”

Many of those present nodded in agreement with Count McKee’s view.

“I disagree!”

Rupert looked at Walsh McKee and retorted, “If we were to sever official ties with Eton based on this alone, wouldn’t Ordo become a mere vassal of the Holy See, following its every step? We are an independent nation.”

“Besides, the Holy See has not even begun to criticize us yet. If we panic and try to curry favor with them, other countries will laugh at us.”

Rupert had a very poor impression of Walsh McKee. It was rumored that this Walsh McKee was one of the key figures behind the princess’s engagement this time.

A petty man who played at conspiracies had actually appeared here.

But there was nothing to be done about it; he was, after all, a man brought in by the new king.

“As far as I know…” said Count Adra, another man brought by the new king, “during the Jars rebellion, there seemed to be traces of witchcraft among the rebel army.”

He looked at the Minister of Intelligence. “Count Merlin, am I correct?”

Count Merlin nodded, “Indeed, many phenomena that we could not explain with common sense occurred during that time.”

Count Adra said, “From this perspective, it seems wizards should be our enemies.”

Just as everyone thought he was about to express the same view as Count McKee, he added, “But if we completely push this force to our opposite side, it seems it would be greatly to our disadvantage.”

“What do you mean? Are you suggesting our great kingdom should align itself with magic?”

“No! I mean that, at least until the current crisis is resolved, we should try to make fewer enemies, especially mysterious and unpredictable ones.”

“According to what was just said, the wizards are already on Jars’s side.”

“How do you know all the wizards have gone over to him? Isn’t there another group in Eton?”

“It’s very likely the same group…”

The crowd chattered, breaking into a noisy argument.

Rodney XVIII had a bit of a headache. He glanced to the side; his sister and future brother-in-law were both sitting upright and saying nothing.

“What do you two think?” he asked Catherine and Paul.

Catherine furrowed her beautiful brows slightly. “The Lord Chamberlain is right. The kingdom’s independence should be the top priority. We must not rush to fawn over the Holy See before our substantial interests are harmed.”

The king turned his gaze to Paul.

“Ahem!” Paul had intended to remain a spectator throughout, but since the king had asked, he had no choice but to speak.

“Your Majesty, the attitude to hold towards wizards and magic should be based on the impact this mysterious power can have on ordinary people in reality.”

“Eton’s new policy provides us with a very good sample for observation. Perhaps you should send more people to understand it.”

“Go observe, go collect data, go summarize. Whether this power becomes our enemy or our ally in the future, we should have a full understanding of it beforehand.”

“Knowing the essence of magic may be difficult, but the manifestation of magic can be seen with the eyes, as well as the impact it can have on the lives of ordinary people without the suppression of a ruler.”

“As it is now, to blindly fear or blindly pursue not the magic of reality, but the magic of imagination, is extremely inadvisable.”

“I believe that with sufficient data covering most aspects, you will arrive at a relatively correct conclusion, and a correct conclusion will help you make the right choice.”

Paul’s words brought a sudden clarity to Rodney XVIII’s mind.

Princess Catherine beside him also looked at Paul in surprise, a touch of softness added to her gaze.

“From the sound of it,” the king said, “it seems you want me to treat magic as a normal new phenomenon.”

“Yes, existence is reason. Since it has already appeared and is no longer some rural ghost story, it is a manifestation of the laws governing our world.”

“Alright! I have an idea. Thank you, Paul.”

Clap, clap, clap. Rodney XVIII tapped the table in front of him.

The arguing crowd immediately stopped and turned their gazes to the king.