LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Richard Anger
Inside the private library,
Arthur leaned against a desk, chuckling to himself as he contemplated the conditions he had just proposed. Perhaps the condition is too absurd and unfair, he mused, but the previous kings were incapable of managing the country's affairs, handing out Duke titles to family so they would fully help in war and sacrificing significant tax revenue in the process. A Dukedom can generate tax revenue comparable to that of Blackthorn, the smallest and least populated region in Keldoria. I must make the most use of the Dukedom of Luke current situation so I can at least help out with the physiological needs for Keldoria's citizens.
As he pondered these basic/physiological needs, Arthur recalled the lessons from his marketing class about Maslow's hierarchy of needs. At the foundation of this pyramid lay physiological needs—food, water, shelter, and other essentials for survival. Once these physical needs were met, people would begin to consider their safety, seeking assurance that they were protected and secure.
Only when individuals felt safe could they turn their attention to the need for belonging and love, nurturing intimate relationships and friendships. If he could successfully address these three levels, his citizens would then aspire to fulfill their esteem needs, seeking self-actualization, prestige, and a sense of accomplishment.
"There are more up Maslow's hierarchy level of needs but I should make more opportunities for the citizens so they won't have to worry about not getting a meal for the next day. Also improve the military so that the nation is safe and citizens could think about having fun with friends and their loved ones without needing to worry about their meal or being attacked." Arthur thought to himself.
…
In a guest room,
Duke Richard's fury erupted. "What the hell is wrong with King Arthur Jr.?" he shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.
"How could he change his mind so suddenly?" In a fit of rage, Richard grabbed the cup from the table and hurled it to the ground, shattering it into pieces.
"Father, I'm so sorry. I'm really, truly sorry," Olivia cried, tears streaming down her cheeks as she struggled to contain her distress.
"Why are you apologizing, my dear? You did nothing wrong," Richard said, his tone softening as he turned to comfort her.
With a trembling voice, Olivia recounted her encounter with King Arthur Jr. the previous night. "I went to see him and asked him not to marry me. He got angry and shouted…" Her words faltered as she explained everything that happened that night without leaving anything.
"You did what?" Richard's voice rose again, a mix of disbelief and anger.
Before he could continue, the knight stepped forward, trying to mediate. "My lord, please don't be too hard on Miss Olivia. Consider what has happened over the past two days. Arthur Jr. has shown himself to be anything but an incompetent king. He has been more reasonable than ever, making decisions that even surpass those of many lords. Even if Miss Olivia hadn't approached him, the outcome might have been the same."
Richard's frustration simmered. "You have a point, but it doesn't change the fact that Olivia's actions have complicated matters. Now he has a perfect excuse to reject my first condition."
Feeling ashamed, Olivia sank into her chair, her gaze fixed on the floor. The knight, sensing the tension, gently reminded Richard, "My lord, perhaps we should read the conditions first. We only have three hours.
With a heavy sigh, Richard unfolded the letter and began to read. At first, he was captivated by the clarity and detail of the conditions laid out before him. But as he continued, his amazement quickly change into frustration
"How am I supposed to agree to this tax system? I don't even know if it would be good or bad to implement it on my own land? This is nothing more than declaring that I will be a Duke but only in name, while he takes 20% of my taxes! And set rule over my land" Richard's voice thundered, filled with indignation.
"And what is this nonsense called shares, tariff rates, and building infrastructure for public to use? The most absurd part is that I must adhere to these conditions for next hundred years—even after I'm death, my descendants will be bound by this!" His voice echoed through the room, a mix of anger and disbelief.
"Perhaps I should meet with his majesty to understand his intentions about how he is going to apply Taxation and other rules better before deciding whether to agree," Richard said, his tone becoming softer.
"If it is not for the situation I am in I would reject this absurd condition Arthur Jr implemented without even thinking" Richard again shouted with frustration in his voice.
Calming himself a while, Duke Richard stood up and opened the door, ready to find the valet. As he walked through the hallway, his mind raced with thoughts of the implications of Arthur's conditions. He soon found the valet and inquired about King Arthur Jr.'s whereabouts. The valet informed him that his majesty was in the private library.
Richard followed the valet to the library door, pausing to instruct his knight and daughter to stay behind. He entered alone, finding Arthur engrossed in his writing.