Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 61: Chapter 60: The King’s Pleasure

Prim’s actions were swift.

Shortly after the parade ended, the Spanish Government announced reforms to its departments, eliminating some meaningless ones and merging others with similar management scopes.

Following the governmental reforms, the number of departments within the Spanish Cabinet was also streamlined. The army and navy were consolidated into the Ministry of Defense, with Duke Serrano promoted to Minister of Defense.

This was necessary. Spain’s naval strength was originally weak, and there was no immediate need to develop the navy (actually, there was no money to develop it), so the navy did not need to exist separately.

What appeared to be a merger of the army and navy into the Ministry of Defense effectively reduced the importance of the navy, since the Minister in charge of the Ministry of Defense was Army Marshal Serrano.

The interior departments were split into security and livelihood sectors, joined by finance, industry, agriculture, health, education, defense, and foreign affairs to form Spain’s new Cabinet system.

The nine department ministers, along with Prime Minister Prim, totaled ten members in the Cabinet, whose size was reduced to increase administrative efficiency.

Among these nine Cabinet departments, the most important currently are defense, finance, and industry.

Finance and industry are crucial to Spain’s overall development, while defense pertains to its territorial security. This also means that these three departments are led by some of Spain’s most renowned figures.

There’s no need to elaborate on Defense Minister Serrano. The Minister of Finance is Prime Minister Prim himself, and although the name Manuel Ruiz Soria is relatively unknown, he is considered quite esteemed in the political arena as Minister of Industry.

Ruiz was born in Burgos de Osma and graduated from the University of Madrid, majoring in law, deeply influenced by radicalism.

Ideologically, Ruiz supports a revolution in Spain, which is why he became the Minister of Industry.

Having participated in several revolutions, Ruiz naturally accumulated significant prestige, serving successively as Minister of Religion and Minister of Justice.

Although there’s a considerable gap compared to Prim and Serrano, Ruiz is considered the third most influential figure in Spanish politics and is quite popular in revolutionary circles.

The Cabinet Government’s reforms were implemented swiftly. The eliminated departments mostly lacked real power and therefore couldn’t stir much trouble.

After merging the eliminated departments into larger ones, the rights of existing Cabinet members increased, something the Cabinet members certainly did not oppose.

On July 11, 1870, the first meeting of the reformed Spanish Cabinet Government officially commenced.

With a serious expression, Prim announced the Spanish Government’s first five-year development plan, setting specific goals for each department’s development over the next five years.

Particular emphasis was placed on the education and industry departments.

Education is the foundation of a nation, and if Spain wants to achieve revival, it must fully focus on developing education.

And the industry department is the source of national strength. For Spain to reemerge as a major power, it must possess a certain level of industrial capability.

Emphasizing education and industry meant other departments were destined to receive comparatively less of the budget.

In reality, this was indeed the case. Apart from the defense budget, which was not greatly reduced, all other departmental budgets would be cut by at least 10%.

The budget cuts would prioritize the education and industry departments to advance Spain’s educational and industrial development.

This is where the Prime Minister’s appointment of Cabinet members showed its benefits—other Cabinet members wouldn’t express significant objections, as they were all promoted by Prim and could be replaced at any time.

Once Spain’s developmental priorities were set, the rest of the proceedings turned somewhat mundane.

Carlo suddenly realized that government affairs seemed to have little to do with him, and the reforms hardly affected him.

As the King of Spain, Carlo seemed to be able only to indulge in good food and seemingly good fun throughout the day.

Umm, thinking about this, Carlo glanced at the two maids diligently serving him. Yes, they were indeed delightful.

Looking at the pure and sweet-looking Anna, a smile crept onto Carlo’s face, as if he were a mischievous uncle trying to coax a little girl: “Anna, would you like to try Iberian ham?”

Anna’s impatient hands upon hearing this immediately set to work, expertly undressing Carlo and lowering her head in eagerness.

Ah, the joys of noble life.

As he offered Anna Iberian ham, he turned his gaze to the more voluptuous and alluring Alice, chuckling as he instructed, “Alice, I’m hungry.”

Alice immediately understood, handing over two pristine, round, smooth breads for Carlo to play with, eventually eating them.

Indeed, Vittorio Emanuele II picked two maids for Carlo, each with their unique charm. Anna, with her mischievous innocence, often boldly seduced Carlo.

In contrast, Alice was more reserved than Anna, but her impressive figure added an unspoken allure, equally captivating.

Both Anna and Alice’s names imply beauty, suggesting a high level of naming expertise.

These two maids would undoubtedly be considered peerless beauties in any era.

Had Carlo not possessed remarkable self-control, he might have lost his virtue long before turning 18.

Yet these maids were meant to be Carlo’s guides into adulthood, and at 18, he relished an unspoken joy.

Carlo appreciated his fortuitous journey to the late 19th century, rather than some critiqued Middle Ages.

At least modern European nobility understood the importance of bathing, ensuring the maids were fragrant, sparing any terrifying odors.

Had he time-traveled to the Middle Ages, even in the presence of world-class beauties, the lack of bathing would suffice to turn anyone away.

Carlo initially believed his frail childhood body wouldn’t last long, but since his arrival, his physique had vastly improved.

Although not thoroughly tested, Carlo was certain this body was even superior to his pre-travel form. Defined muscles were visible, while not exaggerated, they attested to his health.

Most importantly was endurance. Even when facing the tempting Anna and Alice, Carlo could engage in several rounds without feeling sore.

Indeed, this was Carlo’s favorite aspect of his time travel, as what man wouldn’t want to showcase prowess in battle?