The man's eyes widened in amazement as seen by the other palace servants. "Yes, my lord, how may I be of service?" he replied.
Charlton's eyes also widened, and he felt his heart thumping in his chest. Although he has tested the product in the company last time, he was still nervous about today. He was thinking, 'what if it doesn't work?' but now that it did, he finally can breathe in relief. If it failed, he could only imagine what would become of him.
"It's now working, your majesty. Please, I implore you to give it a try." Charlton said as he stood up from the chair to give way to the king.
The king did not want to seem so eager, so he slowly sat on the chair. Then, he placed the earpiece on top of his ear.
"Who is this?" the king asked.
The groom of stool immediately recognized his majesty's voice. "Your majesty, it is I, Heuseff, your groom of stool."
The king closed his eyes to not make obvious to everyone how amazed he was. "Good." Was the only thing he said.
Charlton knew from the expression on the King's face that he was satisfied.
Then, royal duke Regulus said, "Perhaps Charlton, you should connect us to the port of Windsor. That is quite a distance from here and will be the true test of your product."
The king placed the earpiece back to its original position on the phone. Then, he looked at Charlton to indicate that he can continue.
Charlton bowed respectfully and pulled grabbed the earpiece again. This time, he dialed the numbers to the port.
The phone rang, and again, he heard a voice speaking. "Hello? We are calling from the house of lords, can you hear me?" he repeated the line.
People in the port have been looking forward to this call, so everyone was there to wait and see how the product would work.
"Yes, I can hear you. This is from the port of Windsor. Is his majesty there?" The man replied while on the background, sounds of men cheering can be heard.
Charlton this time shown his smile and said, "Your majesty, I believe they wish to hear your voice."
The king received the phone, "Is this from the port of Windsor?" he asked.
"Yes, your majesty! This is your loyal vassal, Andrew Cromwell, at your service." He replied, the people in the port hearing his words, all began to say, "All hail his majesty, King Edward V."
The king heard everything from the other line, and this time he could not stop the upward tilt of his lips. "Very good." He said this time.
Meanwhile, all the peers inside the house also wanted to have a try on the telephone but they could only feel sorry for themselves for they cannot that instance.
The king placed the earpiece down again as he stood up from the chair. Then, he patted Charlton's shoulder. "Good job. Keep it up. You are indeed my nephew, the blood of the generations of Williams pulsing strong in your veins." He praised.
Charlton did not have to pretend this time, his eyes widened with the praise. He could not hide the upward tilt of his lips and the shine in his eyes from his elation.
The king noted his reactions, and he was satisfied. He will be useful to him someday so long as he acts within bounds.
Charlton quickly bowed, "your majesty, I am not worthy, but I shall not lie, I feel more than honored to receive the praise. It is my greatest privilege to serve you and our kingdom."
The king liked his glib tongue too, so he laughed as he patted his shoulder three times before turning on his back to go back to his throne.
Geoffrey looked at Charlton and their eyes met. "Congratulations, Charlton. The product is truly outstanding. I also read about Benz-motors, I apologize for not being able to attend." He said. As he offered his hand for a handshake.
Charlton took his hand and smiled back, "thank you. It's alright, I understand." He replied.
Then Frederick butted in, "It's been a while cousin. It's good to see you. Congratulations." Then offered his hand.
Charlton did not have any bad blood with the 2nd prince, so he also took his hand for a handshake and replied, "Thank you. It's nice to see you too."
All the ministers also did the same, not only to him but Alexander too.
When all the excitement was over, the speaker of the house began to address everyone, asking them all to take their seats. Then, royal duke regulus stood up to open the topic of voting regarding the telephone lines.
Since 2/3 of the members were present, the meeting was a quorum. Thus, when the voting ensued, and everyone voted for a yes, the telephone wires using the electric posts to attach to were approved that day.
--
After the meeting, many of the lower peer members along with those who already knew him, (e.g. Duke Ligeti) started approaching Charlton to congratulate him. Charlton who was friendly and did not show arrogance given his position was easily likable.
Still, one can never please everyone. While other were praising him there were also some who hated his father who were still skeptical and talked behind his back.
"A singer and a merchant. Ha! I don't know what you think, but for me, it's a shame. Have you seen how he stopped at the dock earlier? It's as if his father has not educated him for the real duties of a lord. All he knows is playing and having fun I believe," Duke Cobalt began.
"Indeed. Did you read about the opening of their company, benz-motors? It's the height of arrogance." Marquis Cobalt added.
Duke Winston shook his head, although he initially said that 'the fruit fell too far from the tree', he has to give credit where credit was due.
"I guess, the blood of those from the Daniel's is still running through his veins. I don't know what their family did to receive such blessing. Then again, it may as well be a curse."
--
"Are you sure that's what he told you in Normandy?"
"Yes, my lord. He even returned the article to me after reading it. He said that he believes in autonomy. My men can even testify that he was there." Baron Umbridge reported.
The marquess nodded his head. The first time he saw Charlton at the Arena, he thought that he was already unlike his father. When Baron Umbridge informed him of his encounter with Charlton at the times, he felt that there was some possibility. But now, seeing how he talked and made even the king like him, he was sure.
The son was indeed not the father. He was smarter and more charismatic. Without a doubt he will grow to become very capable. But beyond that, he could see that politics is a game that he could and would play.
He cannot wait to see the day that he enters the house of lords carrying his own title of Marquess. Once the crown pokes this wolf in sheep's clothing, he knew that he will definitely strike back and that's the day that their cause will come to life.
--
TBC