Kohei PoV
"Your wit is as sharp as ever, Your Majesty," Itou replied smoothly, regaining his composure with practiced ease. "But let's not dwell on matters of the spirit when there are more pressing concerns at hand."
I smiled as his deflection. He wasn't the only one who could get under people's skin.
He leaned forward, hands on my desk. "The kingdom's stability hinges on our ability to manage these challenges effectively. We can't afford to let discontent fester, whether among the nobles, merchants, or the peasantry."
I nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words. Despite our differences, Itou understood the intricacies of governance, the delicate balance we needed to maintain to keep the realm from descending into chaos.
"What do you recommend then?"
"Seizing the church's property."
I frowned. Itou's solution was characteristic of his approach—shifting the burden rather than addressing the root of the problem.
