Chapter 9 Terrifying Taxes.
Vincent didn't know about the others, nor did he care. The position of a Scrivener, with a salary of 120 copper coins, was too tempting.
He had once been a teacher in Eldoria, but most people there couldn't even afford a decent meal, let alone education.
His life had been down and out. Now, he couldn't resist a well-paid job that paid 120 copper coins each month.
Vincent pushed through the crowd, adjusting his clothes, and headed towards the Lord's Mansion. He wanted to be the first to apply to avoid any competition.
In front of the castle, Henry stood at the gate, observing the commotion. A faint smile appeared on his face. "It's a good start," he murmured.
His gaze fell on Vincent, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He motioned for Vincent to come inside.
In the main hall, Henry, with a calm demeanor, asking the nervous old man, "Are you here to apply for the position of Scrivener?"
"Yes, I am," Vincent nervously replied. How could he not be nervous? The young man before him was the only noble in Eldoria.
"Don't be nervous. Please have a seat," Henry gestured. After Vincent sat down, Henry continued, "The role of a Scrivener is to assist me in managing Eldoria and other affairs."
"Yes, I understand," Vincent nodded quickly.
"Give me an overview of the situation in Eldoria," Henry said calmly.
Vincent stood up immediately and respectfully presented all the information he knew.
As Henry listened, his brow furrowed.
Eldoria was nothing but a slum, just like a refugee camp, all due to the exorbitant taxes imposed by the previous rulers.
There were countless unjust taxes, such as an entry fee of one copper coin every time someone entered the city.
This led many people to leave Eldoria or visit only once in several days. The citizens would rather live in the fields than waste a copper coin.
There were also taxes on passing through, giving birth, using the wheat fields, and even getting married. Subsequent rulers found various ways to exploit the people.
Vincent was now trembling with fear. He looked at Henry's displeasure and regretted applying for the position of Scrivener.
If he was put in charge of taxation, he would immediately resign, or his friends and neighbors would curse him.
Henry regained his composure by looking at him and calmly said, "From today, we will abolish these unreasonable taxes and only keep a few essential ones."
"What?" Vincent's eyes widened, and he looked at Henry in disbelief, wondering if he was hallucinating.
Henry took out two scrolls and quickly wrote on them. One was a notice to abolish unjust taxes, and the other was Vincent's appointment as the new Scrivener.
"Put up this notice on the board outside, and you can start working tomorrow," Henry handed the scrolls to Vincent, allowing him to leave.
Watching Vincent leave, he sighed, "These absurd and oppressive taxes and the people haven't revolted. Carter is indeed fortunate."
"You are different from the usual nobles."
A crisp voice suddenly came from the side, startling Henry. He turned to see Mila standing there silently.
"Can you walk with a little noise?" Henry rolled his eyes.
"It's the instinct of a great cat warrior, and I can't change it," Mila said lightly.
"A lord who can't ensure his people have enough to eat is not a qualified lord," Henry sighed.
Mila remembered something Henry said when they first met: "In this life, you can have nothing, but you can't be hungry."
She remained silent. Having grown up with one meal a day, she understood the importance of those words.
"Why haven't you left yet?" Henry asked curiously. He remembered that the catgirl wasn't friendly to him at first, but now she was lingering around. Although he did it on purpose, her attitude changed too quickly.
"None of your business!" Mila wrinkled her nose, shook her ears, and walked away with a swaying tail.
...
Vincent, still in a daze, left the Lord's Mansion. When he reached the gate, he turned his head and looked back, finally coming to his senses. He looked at the scroll in his hand, and a smile of relief and joy appeared on his wrinkled face.
People outside saw Vincent coming out of the Lord's Mansion and immediately surrounded him, asking questions.
"Mr. Vincent, what happened? Did that atrocious noble impose more taxes?"
"What kind of taxes? How else could he offer such a high salary?"
"If it's too much, I'll try to sneak into another big city. Otherwise, I won't be able to save enough wheat for the winter this year."
The more Vincent heard, the more he felt that something was wrong. Unable to control his anger, he raised his hand and slapped on their head, shouting, "What nonsense！Are you asking for trouble?"
The crowd fell silent, all astonished by Vincent's outburst. Wasn't he usually the one who cursed the most? Why had he changed today?
Vincent raised the scroll in his hand and said seriously, "Things have changed this year. We have a good lord now, and everyone is lucky."
"Huh?"
"Did Mr. Vincent get bribed by the nobles?"
"It's very likely. After all, with a salary of 120 copper coins, I would be bribed too. It can make life a little easier for a family and add a little more salt to the food."
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