NOVEL SIMPLE v1c9
'Ho, is the tax rate really being lowered? And it's not just for appearances?"
Kamil, a farmer, asks in disbelief.
It is natural to have such suspicions.
After all, when the tax rate was raised to 70%, he was told, "We will guarantee your livelihood for the higher tax rate.
Naturally, they did not keep their word.
On the contrary, if one tried to leave Antoner's territory, a huge tax would be imposed.
Because of this, they could not leave the territory and were taxed to the level that they could not lead a decent life.
And when all of this was being used to line the lords' pockets, the people's anger was understandable.
The huge taxes on goods coming in and out of the city meant that few merchants stopped by, and as a result, Benjamin, the chairman of the territory's trading company, had to purchase a large amount of goods for the lords.
In a sense, he was the one who received bribes from Kurt's parents.
Benjamin was trying to chide Jordan's anger and assess Kurt as the new lord.
He wonders if he will be able to make him as profitable as the previous lord.
Jordan, on the other hand, was the one who had suffered the most from the tax increase.
Not only was he unable to purchase proper supplies, but he also had to pay a toll tax when he tried to go outside of the city to pick up the materials.
In addition, he had to pay a huge amount of capitation tax every year, and he also had to pay a huge amount of money for the use of the facilities.
Of course, since he did not have that kind of money, he had to go out of hiding to get it, and guards were patrolling the streets just to crack down on that.
Many craftsmen were caught and sold as criminal slaves.
As a result, Jordan was the only one left in good standing.
He is the person who has the most grudge against the aristocracy in this territory.
Even if they are replaced, nobles are still nobles.
If he and Kurt had been alone in the hall, he would have jumped on him without a doubt.
That is why he was the one who was the most disbelieving in Kurt's words of tax reduction.
Kurt, who immediately recognized this, began by trying to persuade him.
You're just going to play word game again and try to get the money instead of using the word "tax," aren't you?
"No, nothing complicated like that. A single flat rate of 40%. This amount includes all the taxes that have been separated until now, such as per capita tax, land rent, facility use fee, and church tax."
"Are you sure that's the right amount?"
Camille asked in disbelief.
"Of course I am sure about it. I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused you."
"No, not at all. ....... I am sorry that it is us who have been poking at you. ......"
Camille seemed to believe him right away, but Jordan still had his arms folded and was glaring sharply at Kurt.
'As for the future, that's fine. But what about the past?"
"Oh, hey, Jordan! What has happened before has nothing to do with Kurt-sama ......."
"No, it was his parents! Do you know how many craftsmen have lost their lives because of them?"
Jordan shouted, his voice trembling.
'Sold into slavery ......, right?"
'Oh, that's right. What are you going to do about them!'
I'm sorry, that's all I can say. I wish I could have gotten into the position of lord a little earlier,....... I can't change what has happened, so I promise you one thing. If I can find the craftsmen who were sold, I will do my best to bring them back to this territory. This is all I can promise you now."
In a way, the law of the country requires that even if they are criminal slaves, they are guaranteed a bare minimum standard of living as a human being.
However, this is something that does not seem to exist.
Some of the nobility make it their hobby to play with slaves.
That is why Kurt could not be sure.
But Jordan shut his eyes, clasped his trembling hands, and muttered a few words.
'What would you do if that craftsman was still being sold to the slavers for a high price?"
"I would buy him back. I don't care about the price."
Now he could still have some money in his pocket, especially since he had the good equipment, the present of the Grand Duke of Castaing.
He did not intend to waste money, but this was also the money that he needed in order to gain the trust of the people.
I understand. I can't believe it all, but I believe you ......, no, I wanted to believe you. I'm sorry for my rudeness. If I've offended you, old bones, punish me as much as you like."
"I don't mind. Don't worry about it, you're going to have to work hard from now on."
Jordan's face was downcast and he covered his eyes with his arms as Kurt tapped him lightly on the shoulder.
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"Kurt-sama, what will happen to me?"
It was Niklas of the Mercenary Association who asked me again.
Mercenaries, who are considered independent people, pay a part of toll tax and commission fee as a tax.
The toll tax had become so high that Niklas now spent his days drinking in a deserted establishment.
'That's just like with merchants. Toll tax itself can't be eliminated. But I'll reduce the amount of the tax."
If it were true, it would be enough to eliminate the tax, but it would still be opposed by the surrounding nobles.
A small amount would be fine, but it could not be completely repealed.
"One silver coin per person and see how it goes . I want to revitalize the situation from the blockade that it has been in up to now."
"I understand. I will notify the headquarters of the mercenary association as well."
He bowed and simply backed out.
The reason for the slightly troublesome look on his face was because he imagined the busy days that would be waiting for him.
'Well, ......, that would bring in a lot of merchants other than myself,......."
It was Benjamin who opposed the reduction of the toll tax.
From his point of view, he wanted to concentrate the business in Antoner's territory to himself.
But that would mean that he could charge any price he wanted.
He was also in a close relationship with Kurt's parents, so he would be very strict here.
"What's wrong then?"
"What?!"
Isn't that what a merchant is supposed to do? Trust is the most important thing for a merchant. Isn't that enough to fight with what you've cultivated so far?"
"Well, that's true, but ......"
"So what's the problem? Or what if I tell you in front of everyone that you've been selling various things to my parents for quite a lot of money?"
No, please don't do that. If you do that, business will be--. Oh, ......."
Benjamin tries to cover Kurt's mouth in a panic.
However, Jordan, Kamil, and Niklas stand in front of Kurt.
'What, you were an accessory to this too?"
"I won't allow you to hurt my lord."
"I'm a mercenary, after all. I have to demonstrate something like that."
It was an event that made him think that the people of this territory might be surprisingly talented, as no one on Kurt's side could react.
And Benjamin put his shoulder with a gulp.
As expected, he could no longer continue his business in the Antoner territory, and left the city to escape quietly.