Chapter 10: Economic Struggle and Taxation Woe

After a couple of days, the construction of houses progressed smoothly. Ten homes required serious repairs due to the monster attack and battle, while another fifteen needed minor maintenance due to age, with almost a quarter of them already in progress.

All the wood from the forest had been safely transported to various points where construction workers were spread out.

Surprisingly, the workers under Cassius's supervision had no complaints. They worked even more diligently, attributing their dedication to Cassius's rescue during the monster attack.

While they keep worshiping him and saying:

"Lord Cassius saved us from the monster."

"We owe him our lives."

"So we work harder to become his subordinates for life."

Lucien furrowed his brows at their responses but remained silent. He couldn't help but feel it was easier for his father to gain supporters and subordinates, whereas his own loyalty rate among the villagers remained stagnant.

'What did I do wrong?' Lucien thought to himself as he watched the construction workers hammering the roof and transporting fresh wood from the forest.

But his thoughts were interrupted by Gibson's voice behind him. "My Lord, I've already brought what you need."

Lucien turned around and nodded. "Alright then, let's find a suitable place to discuss that."

He glanced at his sister and added, "Sorry, Sister, can you stay here to keep an eye on the workers?"

"Ehhh... Why? Can't I just come with you?" Seren protested, not keen on interacting with anyone, especially when she always saw villagers bombarding Lucien with questions.

"I'll only be gone for a few minutes. Please, just stay here," Lucien insisted, heading toward the prepared spot with Gibson, leaving Seren resigned to her post, hoping to avoid conversation.

As Lucien and Gibson sat facing each other, Gibson handed Lucien a book and three large pouches.

Upon inspecting the pouches, Lucien found them to contain copper coins, silver coins, and gold coins, with the amounts detailed in the book Gibson provided.

"There are 860 copper, 550 silver coins, and 180 gold coins?" Lucien remarked, that his understanding of coin values and economic matters was still limited. "Is this considered bad?"

The only thing he knew was the converted rate of coins, 50 copper equaled 1 silver, and it took 100 silver to make 1 gold.

Gibson bowed his head in shame. "Yes, My Lord. Much of our funds go toward paying high taxes to Lord Edgarda. The situation worsens with each passing day of the war."

Gibson then proceeded to explain the various jobs held by villagers and their average incomes. Out of 125 active workers, the remaining villagers were children, elderly, or homemakers.

Most worked as farmers, with others in professions like hunting, construction, blacksmithing, and entrepreneurship.

The average income was 30 silver coins, while basic necessities like bread cost about 5 copper coins, making it challenging for them to afford daily meals.

"I see. It's not surprising, considering Lord Edgarda's taxes amount to 100 gold coins per month." Lucien remarked, pointing at the notes in the book, his frustration evident.

'That wretched noble! They're nothing but bloodsuckers!'

Today had already been exhausting for Lucien, exacerbated by triggering a territory quest while discussing the village's treasury fund and economic situation with Gibson.

Lucien glanced at the screen in front of him, feeling a mix of disappointment:

[Territory Quest Info]

[Free from Poverty: The Euclair village is currently plagued by poverty, with a heavy tax burden imposed by a greedy Lord that is crippling the village's economy and depleting its treasury funds.]

[Objection: Increase the economic growth by 20% inside the Euclair village and determine a fair tax rate that alleviates the burden on the villagers, ensuring they are not pushed into poverty. ]

[Reward: 2000 Satisfied rate and 50.000 Nexus Points.]

He randomly got this quest while asking Gibson about the village treasury and the financial situation. It seemed like the universe was throwing another curveball his way.

While pleased with the rewards, Lucien couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the daunting task ahead.

The objective laid out in the territory quest was no small feat—it would require extensive effort and time to uplift the village's economy and liberate it from poverty.

'This quest... Probably needs like months to finish. What a pain.'

There were numerous strategies to spur economic growth, such as creating more job opportunities, attracting investors, fostering trade and exports, and so forth.

'This village is too impoverished for doing all of that,' he mused to himself. 'Let's focus on the taxes first.'

Lucien understood that Gibson had implemented such high taxes to cover the hefty payments to Lord Edgarda.

The burden of 60% property and land tax and 50% income tax was a direct result of this obligation.

The backbone of Euclair village's economy lay in its thriving farm. The primary sources of income stemmed from the cultivation of cotton and wheat, commodities that were tightly controlled by the village chief to manipulate prices.

However, a significant portion of these resources—nearly half—was siphoned off to supply Lord Edgarda, posing a challenge to the village's economic stability.

"Let's decrease the tax income rate to 20%, and set property and land tax at 25%," Lucien declared, his tone resolute.

Gibson, however, raised a valid concern. "But, My Lord, won't that jeopardize our treasury funds?"

Lucien paused, considering the potential consequences. While he acknowledged the risk of depleting the treasury, he harbored another plan to offset the deficit.

"Don't worry, we will stop giving tax and our crops to Lord Edgarda. The reason the village is doing that is because of the Crimson Night, right?"

Lucien reassured Gibson, recalling their earlier conversation about the village's dependence on Lord Edgarda's protection during the Crimson Night.

Gibson nodded solemnly. "Yes, My Lord. Lord Edgarda's knight has been our safeguard during those perilous times."

But Lucien remained steadfast in his decision. "We don't need it anymore, since I have my family," he asserted confidently.

"I'm sorry if I overstepped, but please don't underestimate the Abyssal Wolf," Gibson cautioned, bowing slightly.

Lucien placed an encouraging hand on Gibson's shoulder. "You see, my parents defeated Lord Edgarda's knight in less than five minutes. So don't worry about it, Gibson," he said with conviction. "We will be fine."

They had five months to defeat the monster. Lucien was confident that his family's levels would be high, given their love for fighting.

Lucien didn't even need to convince them to take on the 'Abyssal Lupus'. They would undoubtedly jump at the chance the moment they laid eyes on it.

Gibson sighed in resignation, recognizing that he couldn't oppose his Lord's decisions. Together, they devised a plan to enhance the village's economic growth.

After the discussion concluded, Lucien announced, "I will take a rest, and the announcement will be given tomorrow."

Gibson stood up as well, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you for your hard work," before leaving Lucien alone to rest.

Finally, Lucien could relax without being disturbed by his chaotic parents or menacing monsters.

With Amane tasked with observing the forest and Cassius occupied as a supervisor, Lucien savored a peaceful moment of solitude.

Lucien stretched out in his chair, feeling the strain of the day weighing heavily on him. His once-handsome face was now marred by exhaustion, evident in the dark bags under his eyes.

'Ugh, that uncomfortable bed,' he muttered to himself, frustration evident in his voice. 'I can't take it anymore. I'll have to ask Gibson to organize some workers and build a more comfortable one.'

Being a city boy thrust into this medieval setting was proving to be quite the challenge, especially considering the poverty and lack of modern conveniences.

Lucien couldn't even enjoy a proper bath, as there was no bathroom in his family's cottage. All the bathrooms in this village were outside the house or they just took a bath on the river.

Just as he was about to close his eyes and drift off into much-needed rest, a loud scream pierced the air, followed by the unmistakable sound of a monster's roar.

"Not again! Not when I'm trying to rest!" Lucien groaned, realizing that his moment of peace was about to be shattered once more.