Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 167

Thinking about the increase in unemployment numbers, Minister Seehofer asked anxiously.

“Such arrangements are not illegal, Your Grace. While the term ‘scheme’ does imply something sinister, it is a creditor’s right to seize wages.”

“I’m not seeking your approval.”

Erich snapped his fingers as he spoke, causing Seehofer to stumble over his words.

“Well, you needn’t have to…”

“I pay my workers well not out of charity but to maintain productivity and invigorate the entire domain. If I thought destitute workers surviving on stale bread and tainted water were acceptable, I’d have sourced people from the poorhouse, not paid wages to the masters of slaves drugged on opium.”

Minister Seehofer could only nod, recognizing the truth in those words.

“Is there anything else you wish to discuss?”

“Are you planning to extend these inspections beyond the Dukedom?”

Erich’s cold gaze swept over the minister, causing him to shrink slightly.

“I have no right to interfere in other regions. You need not worry.”

Though he did not suspect Minister Seehofer of involvement with the opium syndicate, Erich said it nonetheless.

For now, he did not plan to escalate the issue publicly.

It was better known that he approached it from a domain management perspective.

The management directives were in place from the beginning, so the Empress would not suspect.

“However, I do not wish to see opium-addled addicts wandering my lands.”

“When used in moderation, it can be medicinal…”

“…”

“How would the poor peasants survive without it to alleviate their suffering?”

Erich remained silent for a moment.

This was a common perception. Minister Seehofer even seemed to be speaking from a humanitarian perspective.

Yet, Erich shook his head slightly.

“My wife asked if it was fair to expect a person in such dire need of pain relief to practice moderation.”

Minister Seehofer had no response. Erich gave a faint smile.

“I could not disagree with her. Therefore, in line with my duty to protect my subjects, I plan to open a clinic. It will cater to all addicts caught in this inspection who are terminated from their jobs.”

If Wilhelm were to hear this, he would be shocked. An enormous budget would be required.

Minister Seehofer was taken aback, but soon asked cautiously.

“Is this also the Duchess’s intention?”

“It’s something that needs to be done.”

Erich replied, his brief smile fading, causing the minister to miss his chance to praise the Duchess’s compassion.

“In the long term, it will target all addicts in Klausener. Also, I will prohibit the mass distribution of opium within Klausener.”

Such a decision wasn’t for the Duke to make alone since legislative power belongs to the parliament, executive power to the cabinet, and judicial power to the courts.

However, who would dare to defy Duke Klausener’s prohibition within his own domain?

It was not a matter to be regulated by law anyway, and no nobility would oppose it.

Minister Seehofer simply nodded in agreement.

“I understand. I will note that then.”

Erich’s gaze was stern. Recognizing the dismissal, Minister Seehofer stood up.

“I’ve taken enough of Your Excellency’s time. I will take my leave now.”

“Proceed.”

Erich replied curtly. The minister bowed respectfully and exited the office.

After a moment to gather his thoughts, Erich immediately ordered.

“Prepare a train.”

“A train?”

“To Ludendorff. If there’s one departing within the hour, book a car. If not, schedule a departure.”

The secretary was surprised but did not question further. Although the Duke had never rented a train for personal use before, it wasn’t beyond possibility.

Aides hurried to fulfill the commands. One went to prepare the train while another informed the butler to pack the luggage.

Erich quickly delegated the remaining tasks and called in the intelligence team.

“What’s the situation with intelligence regarding Duchy Ernst?”

“The Duchy itself hasn’t been heavily infiltrated by slave bands. We are currently checking the business operations Duchy Ernst holds outside its territories.”

“And the second prince?”

“He is preparing to move to the capital.”

“What’s the public perception?”

“He still hides inside the Ducal residence, rarely coming out. The staff turnover at his residence is so frequent that Duchess Ernst has sent over 70 letters to the Empress in the past six months.”

“Linus isn’t an easy-going character.”

Erich muttered briefly.

“Come with me.”

He essentially meant overseeing the entire flow of intelligence, though the chief of intelligence simply nodded in affirmation.

Erich skimmed through recent reports concerning the capital as he boarded the train. It took exactly one hour to reach their destination.

Whoom….!

The train bound for Ludendorff blew its whistle as it departed.

* * *

Joanna Bloom’s description of Ludendorff Manor being well-built was no exaggeration.

Situated against a backdrop of tall, white birch trees, the manor basked in the warm winter sun, looking even more inviting. The estate was expansive and not overly tall.

The mature trees in the garden cast beautiful branches.

“Wow.”

Elliot’s body was already bustling with excitement.

“Mom, can I climb that?”

“You can’t climb trees when we visit someone else’s home.”

“Hng…”

“We’re going to see Great Aunt Victoria, so you need to behave while we’re there.”

Claire disciplined Elliott, who responded with a reluctant grunt. After all, one could hardly rely on a young child’s patience.

She could only hope that Archduke Victoria would take good care of him.