I’m Going to Marry a Poor Count in the Middle of Nowhere and I’m Going to Work Hard to Reform My Territory

echo randomly in the space room.

Angelique spoke clearly and solemnly this time.
“The tax rate must be raised.
Of course, we will only raise it if there is a sufficient harvest.”

“But you still want to raise it.”

“You want to take advantage of us and spend the money as you wish.”

“That is not true.”

It’s a mistake to say that you can spend it however you want.

Angelique explained as she examined each of their faces individually.

“I want to use the taxes collected to improve the roads and cultivate the land.
I want to build a hospital to take care of the sick, a kindergarten to take care of small children, and a food storage so we won’t go hungry in case of famine.”

There’s plenty of work to be done.

“But first we have to expand what we can grow here, but we can’t promise that we won’t raise them when the time comes; if I don’t say it now, I’d be lying.”

Taxes have to be raised.
But it’s all for the common good.

“Angelique…”

When he called her name, she was startled.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

“No, you’re right.”

Serge nodded solemnly.
He addressed the audience quietly but clearly.

“I’ve been ignoring important things so far, and I’m causing a lot of trouble for everyone.”

“No, that’s not…”

“If you could lower taxes, we could…”

“Taxes are important.
Actually, what I should have done with taxes is what Angelique just said.”

Serge continues, turning his clear blue eyes to each of his people.

“If the harvest is so big that you don’t have to worry about raising taxes, I will raise them and use the money to improve people’s lives.”

The people remained skeptical, but they affirmed, “We have no right to decide anyway.” If they are asked to pay, they have no choice but to pay.

Some of the lords of the land even wanted 40% of the national maximum.

Angelique sighs softly as she looks around at them and hangs her shoulders in resignation.
There is nothing she can do now.
They won’t get it right away.

Still, she couldn’t tell a lie that was pleasant to hear.
But she was relieved that Serge understood and was willing to tell people himself.