Free Web NovelChapter 66: Chapter 66: Invitation
Duane paid Julian’s persuasion no mind. Instead, he decided to take things a step further.
"The reduction in the grain tax doesn’t stop there. Go and announce that for every household with a child aged thirteen or younger, their required grain submission will be reduced by an additional 1%, up to a maximum of 5%."
If reducing the grain tax was a policy to genuinely ease the burden on his subjects, then this was a policy to actively encourage childbirth.
Exempting children thirteen and under from the head tax and further lowering the grain tax based on the number of children would provide a powerful incentive.
’As the saying goes, productivity comes from willingness.’
Duane was confident that with the incentive of such tangible financial benefits, his subjects would surely be willing to have more children.
Julian mulled over the Baron’s series of decrees. He’d never seen a nobleman be so hard on himself.
"My lord, are these policies temporary or permanent?"
"Temporary, of course."
Julian breathed a sigh of relief. He had thought they were permanent.
However, Duane then added, "I’ll make adjustments based on the territory’s annual statistics. I might even lower the rates further."
"You... you’re going to lower them even more?"
Duane nodded.
’In ancient history, during periods of recovery and rebuilding, taxes were as low as one-fifteenth, or even one-thirtieth.’
’The policies he had just established, a rate of three-twentieths even for freeholding farmers, were still much higher.’
Julian thought the Baron was a little mad.
"My lord, I know you have some savings. But if you keep making such concessions, you might one day find yourself unable to even support your own soldiers."
The Lord’s servants, officials, and Guards required fixed annual salaries totaling more than sixty Gold Coins.
Coupled with other expenses, how long could Duane’s savings of over a thousand Gold Coins possibly last?
Duane, however, had already considered this.
’Besides the trade taxes, there was also income from the iron mine and the oak trees.’
’Moreover, once the free rations of Fire Source Beast Bone Soup and Delicious Fish Soup ran out, he could sell them for a price, which would bring in another stream of revenue.’
’In truth, compared to the grain tax, the Extraordinary food was the real money-maker.’
’If he managed those ventures properly, he would still have enough income to strengthen himself and his entire retinue.’
"I’m aware of all that, but I’m sticking to my plan."
Duane instructed, "Make sure my decrees reach every corner of Broken Wave City and Lingang Village."
"Very well. As you wish, Baron!" Julian raised no further objections.
In truth, he was also curious to see what effects the Baron’s unconventional policies would have in a few years.
"When we first left Lakefront Manor, we thought Black Forest Island only had ten thousand people, so I only gave you three spots for assistants."
Duane continued, "But things are different now. Not only is the population larger than we anticipated, but matters are also more complex. So I can give you five more spots."
"You can decide on the specific candidates yourselves, but it would be best to choose people with high standing from the various districts of Broken Wave City and Lingang Village—people who will work for me honestly."
Julian’s face broke into a smile. "This decision of yours is a huge help!"
He and Haien had been incredibly busy lately.
Not only was their workload immense, but they also had to spend a great deal of time traveling, since the territory was so much larger than Lakefront Manor.
If the Baron hadn’t requisitioned the dozen or so horses that Monbodt kept, free of charge, their legs would have probably given out from all the running.
Now that the Baron was allowing them to expand their staff, it would undoubtedly lighten their burden considerably.
’Julian already had a few candidates in mind for the new assistant positions.’
After all, over the past half-month, as the Baron had gradually solidified his control over Broken Wave City and Lingang Village, many of the more discerning locals had been clamoring to pledge their allegiance.
He just had to pick the most suitable people from that crowd.
"There’s one more thing."
Duane said, "In ten days, on May twentieth, I will tour the territory. You can plan a route for me beforehand. I want to see the primary resources of this land."
He had arrived in Broken Wave City on April tenth. Now, a month later, it was time for him to get out and see the lay of the land.
As for why he chose to wait ten days, the first reason was to give Julian and his men time to plan the route. The second was that he had other business to attend to: collecting a debt.
The duel had been over for more than half a month, but the contract fees owed by the Holy Hand Association and the Broken Wave Gang were long overdue.
Although both Daniels and Bard claimed to be negotiating their respective contribution ratios for the iron mine, Duane felt he needed to give them a push.
After all, a contract fee worth four hundred and sixty Gold Coins was no small sum.
"Have Monbodt come see me," Duane ordered.
Black Forest Island’s Civil Servant had been remarkably compliant lately. Whether carrying out Julian’s instructions or handing over horses for Duane to "borrow," the man had complied without a single complaint.
If Monbodt continued to be this docile, Duane might just be able to stop viewing him with such suspicion.
"My lord, you sent for me," Monbodt said, bowing cautiously.
Duane nodded. "Yes. I need you to deliver an invitation to Daniels of the Holy Hand Association on my behalf."
As he spoke, he handed Monbodt the finished, wax-sealed invitation.
’This sort of task was better suited for Monbodt.’
Monbodt accepted it respectfully. He wanted to ask about the invitation’s contents but didn’t dare.
"As you wish, my lord. I will deliver it to Daniels at once."
He hastily exited the study, mounted a swift horse, and galloped toward Broken Wave Bay with the invitation.
But Duane’s invitation was not addressed to Daniels. It was for Simone, the Advanced Warrior who had fought Raymond.
The invitation’s contents were quite blunt:
I witnessed your prowess in the battle the other day. The Gobel Clan’s Fire Eagle bloodline is truly formidable.
The Brians were also once a Knight Clan. I believe we would have much to discuss.
I have prepared a banquet at my villa and would be honored if you would join me for dinner.
I ask Lord Daniels for his indulgence. My men and I wish only to speak with Simone about the glorious histories of our families and to discuss Combat Techniques. It will involve nothing else.
The invitation was delivered to Daniels, and as the Elder Mage read its contents, his brow slowly furrowed.
’Is this Baron trying to drive a wedge between me and Simone?’
His gaze fell on the final few words, where the sender had specifically added, "It will involve nothing else."
’Does it really involve nothing else?’
’Who would believe that!’
"Monbodt, did the Baron say anything to you before sending you with this invitation?"
Monbodt shook his head. "I’m sorry, Lord Mage. The Baron only instructed me to deliver this into your hands. I know nothing else."
Daniels grunted in acknowledgment and fell silent for a long moment. "Go back and tell the Baron that Simone will attend the banquet on time this evening!"
Only then did Monbodt realize that Duane hadn’t invited the leader of the Holy Hand Association, but rather the Warrior who had defeated Raymond.
After seeing Monbodt off, Daniels didn’t immediately inform Simone. Instead, he sat quietly in his chair.
Simone’s presence was crucial to him and to the Holy Hand Association.
If he were to lose this Advanced Warrior, his power to deter the Broken Wave Gang and the Baron would be diminished.
The more Daniels thought about it, the deeper his frown became.
He had only learned on the day of the duel that Simone’s family name was Gobel and that he hailed from a Knight Clan.
He suspected that the difference in their social standing was precisely why Simone was so quiet and reserved.
’So, what would his attitude be toward the Baron?’
’Although you made a promise to me, a promise is just a promise in the end.’
As if having reached a decision, Daniels called for a servant from outside.
"Go and inform Kalina. Tell her to take the prepared supplies and accompany Simone to the Baron’s villa. She is to stay for the banquet as well."
He paused. "Also, go tell Uleir to come and see me."
