NOVEL WEB Chapter 232 - Divine Cat Mii-chan's Fur is Supreme Quality.
Chapter 232: Divine Cat Mii-chan’s Fur is Supreme Quality.
The clerks in the same room were in a panic. Rather than saying they hadn’t noticed, they probably hadn’t been looking in the first place. They likely only glanced at the yearly income and expenditures to ensure there was no discrepancy from the previous year. In other words, the embezzlement by successive officials had been going on for a long time.
Having at least one noble with integrity wouldn’t be a bad thing, but perhaps aligning oneself with the status quo is how nobility operates. Even so, weren’t the previous officials aligned with either the pro-king faction or neutral parties? And yet, even they ended up like this. The bad habits of the nobility might run deeper than I thought.
The reason Katia pointed this out to me is that the tax revenue from the past ten years of this territory is to be transferred to me. Even if I receive the territory, without the funds to operate it, I’d be at a loss.
While the clerks were busy running around, Katia and I began reviewing the documents sent by the Grand Duchy of Hildenburg. These documents were simple yet clear, characteristic of the Hildenburg bureaucracy. The Grand Duchy operates under a meritocracy with no nobility, where military officials are valued more than civil officials, and the atmosphere of austerity keeps corruption low.
It seems Katia is also satisfied with these documents. However, compared to Forte, the tax revenue is significantly lower due to the lack of industry. On the other hand, there are many undeveloped areas.
If I had to point out a problem with the Brocken Barony, it’s that it borders a forest inhabited by the Goblin King. Although the area is separated by the territory of the Spider Queen, and with King Fang residing in Brocken Mountain, not to mention the stationed dragon knights, there’s no immediate threat. Still, it’s wise to remain cautious, and I’ll need to coordinate with King Fang. Also, I’ll have to form a private military force for emergencies.
It seems I’ll be able to get copies of the documents, so I’ll need to review them again when I return. As for personnel, I can borrow the civil officials currently stationed in each town for two years, and after that, I have the option to hire them. However, based on the documents, it feels like these officials might be accomplices, so I’ll need to be careful.
“Mii~”
For the next ten days, Lucas, Katia, and I were locked in this room, working tirelessly…
“Nero-kun, you look exhausted. Are you okay? Mii-chan’s fur is still glossy, though.”
“Mii~”
Which mouth is letting you say that? The queen herself…
“Do you think I’m okay?”
“Since you’re young, I believe you’ll be fine.”
“Sigh… Can I go home and sleep now?”
“Of course not. The handover is done, but the real work starts now.”
I’m already full…
The first thing the queen informed me about was the punishment of the nobles who had served as successive officials. Severe punishments, such as partial confiscation of their lands, were imposed. While I’d like to say it has nothing to do with me, there’s a possibility they’ll hold a grudge against me because it was my acquisition of Forte that brought their crimes to light. However, the king and queen are planning to use that to their advantage. They’re thinking of wiping out any houses that try to meddle with me. Scary…
Next up is the real issue: King Fang of Brocken Mountain. Originally, the Kingdom of Lumière and the Grand Duchy of Hildenburg were going to send emissaries, but now the task has been entrusted to me. Though the draft agreement is already prepared, all I need to do is visit King Fang, confirm the details, and get his signature. The funds allocated to King Fang will be managed on my side as the Baron of Brocken.
“I’d love to meet him one day.”
“You can’t fluff him, you know. Even I haven’t.”
“Oh, what a pity. I guess I’ll settle for Mii-chan’s fluff then.”
So it was just about wanting to fluff him, huh… But Mii-chan’s fluff is top-tier. I’ve never come across anything better.
“Nero-kun, what I need from you is to quickly start work on the roads. The western route has become unusable, and it’s starting to affect things. The funds for the roadwork will come from the national treasury, so please begin as soon as possible.”
“You make it sound easy…”
“That’s the privilege of royalty.”
The road through Brocken Mountain is only wide enough for a single cart, so it needs to be widened to accommodate two passing carts. We also need to create a campsite at the midpoint of the mountain. Of course, I’ll also need to speak with King Fang and ask him not to attack the carts. Well, the last part will be covered under the non-aggression treaty with King Fang.
This will be a large-scale construction project. The question is whether we can find anyone willing to take on the work. Entering Brocken Mountain for the construction might make the locals uneasy. Even if I promise to hire hunters to ensure safety, I’m not sure if anyone will accept the job… Also, with autumn approaching, it’s harvest season, so I’m unsure if they’ll have the manpower to spare for this project.
For now, I’ll take the draft of the treaty to King Fang. After that, I’ll think things through.
“Mii~”