“Rent control,” she pleaded.
“Explain.” I immediately pulled out my Goals book, ready to jot down notes.
“In some areas—like this one here—there’s not much in the way of housing or free land. Almost all the land up here is either the baron’s property or imperial property. It forces people to rent, as they’ve no other option, but the landowners take advantage. They mark up the rent to absurd heights.”
I hadn’t even known this to be an issue, but it was definitely a serious one. Charge too high, and it either pushed people to do desperate things, or forced them out onto the streets, which was ridiculous. I now questioned whether this had been an issue in my first life, one I had failed to realize. Had everyone been so focused on the other, more disastrous situations, that they’d justnot brought it up to me? “I’ll immediately see to fixing this issue. It’s absurd. Even greed should have limits.”
Relieved, she relaxed back into her chair. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
It might take some legislation and a few months to get this sorted, but I would definitely make it a priority. “What else?”
With that first request out there, the others felt more comfortable expressing their own wishes. I listened to each as they came, jotting down what they requested and who had requested it so I could follow up with more questions later. Some of what they said I’d never realized was a true issue. Some of what they asked for aligned with my own plans. In any case, it was eye-opening for me to realize how fucked up this country had become.
I’d always been surprised by how adamant people had been that I become king in my first life. In my opinion, I’d done very little to deserve it. Hell, I’d barely done more than two or three things to improve a citizen’s life when the call for me to be king started rising.
Now, though, it made more sense to me. Somuchhad gone wrong, without any apparent notice or concern from the nobility, that people had seized upon the one man willing to fight for a better life. It made for a very sad state of affairs.
I wouldn’t become king this time, though. I’d fight from the sidelines.
Ten
Edwin
I quietly took my own notes all through dinner as Prince James talked to people. He seemed quite focused on what people said to him. Sincerely focused, no less, not simply listening for the sake of politeness. I also saw strange flashes of guilt, which made no sense. He hadn’t even become prince until only a few days ago, so what did he have to feel guilty about?
Sir Alloways had told the story of Prince James rescuing the little girl’s bear and I’d been surprised—but not. It somehow seemed completely in character for this man I barely knew. Of everything I’d seen in my two weeks of serving this man, it was that hecared. About all of us. He was quite possibly the most empathetic man I’d ever met.
No wonder he succeeded wherever he went. People liked sincere, thoughtful men like him. They were more inclined to be helpful in return. I was certainly no different.
Eventually, the hour grew late enough for people to retire to their beds. I felt sure Prince James would be one of the first. He appeared lethargic in how he moved, as if his very bones wereweary. I had started to pick up on his tells, I think, and the way he looked said he hadn’t slept well recently.
To my surprise, Prince James lingered, speaking with Hattie, one of the maids who had come along on this trip. She was urgently telling him about the care her disabled father needed but had no way of getting. Prince James heard her out, every word, making many a note. I was well aware of Hattie’s struggle. I’d spoken with her before and offered what resources I knew of.
Somehow, I knew Prince James would give her a proper solution.
“It breaks my heart one of our veterans isn’t being properly cared for after he’s retired,” Prince James said, looking troubled. Also guilty again, for some reason. “I do not like it. I don’t have an immediate solution, Hattie, but I’ll look into possibilities the minute we’re back at the palace.”
Hattie was nearly in tears. “Thank you for hearing me, Your Highness.”
Prince James waved her off. “I’m your arbitrator when things go wrong. It’s my job to hear you out when there’s a problem. One thing that can help me—are you literate?”
“I am not, Your Highness.”
“Hmm. Then sit with Edwin later and write up what a typical day looks like. What routine you follow, what’s missing to make your father truly comfortable and cared for. I need something detailed to present to the council as I look for solutions.”
“I’ll do so,” she promised.
Prince James turned to me. “Edwin, is that all right?”
“Of course. We’ll speak more on the way back.”
“Very good.”
Hattie stood, curtsied, and for the first time ever, she looked like a millstone no longer hung about her neck. “Thank you so much, Your Highness. Good night.”
“Good night, Hattie.”
Prince James waited until she was at the stairs before speaking again. “The very second we’re back, I’m commandeering a hospital. I’ll pay for it out of pocket, but I want a veteran’s hospital put together as soon as we can manage it. I’m appalled that a decorated knight, who was acknowledged for exemplary service, is being left to rot.”
