The knights were flattered by the compliment, but the king himself disdained the remark.

“Though we have accomplished more than I ever dreamed possible,” Zeroun continued, “we must push even further. Injustice still dwells within our kingdom, and the common man still has many unmet needs. It is simple to meet their needs as law enforcers, but our people have other requirements that must be fulfilled. Peasants work themselves to death, skilled craftsmen are forced to do menial labor: all this simply because there are certain problems, problems that your majesty and milords don’t see during your daily duties. By keeping in touch with the common man, we can learn of these problems and eliminate them. In addition to this, it will boost moral, which of course will raise production.”

The knights and the lords began to talk amongst themselves. Several were taken aback by Zeroun’s words. Some simply because the old knight had the courage to suggest such a thing. The only one at the council who held his tongue was the king.