Before I arrived at Vostok, I thought the territory itself had no potential, like George frozen in a cold snap.
However, if you look at the clothes the lord is wearing or the accessories he is carrying, they are splendid and nice, just like the great nobles of the capital.
This was someone who didn't invest even though he had money. Instead of paying taxes, he was just trying to get subsidies. He reeked of corrupt management.
The lord answered in a voice that seemed a little dampened by my spirit.
“...I have led the territory well in my own way so far. Even if you are the Princess, I cannot tolerate you stirring up the land I have worked on my entire life.”
I was so shocked that I laughed out loud. You’ve been leading the territory well all this time? I almost swore at that shamelessness.
“Do you think I don’t know about your dirty numbers, no, your plans?”
“...”
“If you look at the tax returns you’ve submitted so far, the only income you generate is in the winter when the hunting grounds are open, and even that falls short of the minimum standards of other estates.”
“...”
“But for all that, the clothes and jewelry you’re wearing are too nice.”
“This is...”
“I don’t care if it’s a family heirloom or anything. But I’m going to call the royal tax inspectors as soon as possible. They’re so good that they’ll take everything you ate, even the food you ate ten years ago.”
Only then did I see his stubborn face turn pale. From here on out, it was a tight tug-of-war.
In the end, it was the lord who broke first. He said with a short sigh.
“...Do you really have to go that far?”
Although his tone was still rude, his intonation had softened considerably.
I took out some papers I had been organizing and pushed them in front of him.
“If you don’t like the tax inspector, then cooperating obediently is also an option.”
“What on earth are you trying to do?”
“I plan to develop commercial crops. I will select plants that are well-adapted to the climate, and through support programs, I will enable the local people to directly engage in agriculture and commerce.”
“...”
“If everything goes according to plan, the quality of life for the people of the territory will greatly improve.”
I added, handing over a document outlining the expected profits for the estate when a suitable commercial crop was developed. He looked over the document with a displeased expression.
Of course, if commercial crops are produced, the income of the estate will increase, and if the income of the estate rises to a certain level, tax inspectors will come regularly from the imperial family...
I guess they decided that it would be better to just open a hunting ground secretly, like they are doing now, and take bribes.
“...Isn’t there any other way?”
He put down the papers and put his hand on his head as if he were tired. It seemed as if he was racking his brain trying to figure out how to convince me.
“No matter what, don’t you know that even if you are the Princess, you cannot do something like this without my permission?”
“You spoke well.”
I raised my eyebrows.
“You don’t know how much effort I’ve put into meeting you. You should have seen with your own eyes how many loyal servants you have.”
I counted on my fingers one by one with a pretended expression of regret.
“The butlers, servants, and maids who obstructed my plans... If I persecute them even a little bit, it will remain as a stain on my entire reign. Not only will my morality and identity be questioned, but my support base will collapse.”
“...”
For a mere Princess to mention the length of her reign was beyond arrogance, bordering on bravado. But who knows? At least the Lord of Vostok would not think of this as mere bravado.
If I were the Emperor, I would not be providing support like this, even though I know the truth about this territory.
It would be best for him if he took my hand right now. I also desperately needed his cooperation.
But I'm the type of person who can't stand getting hit without paying it back.
I spoke in a soft voice, as if I were about to taste a particularly sweet candy.
“But you are different from them. You are from the same privileged class as me.”
“...”
“Get on your knees.”
It's been a week since the garden was turned into a field.
Of the seeds that had been planted, those suited to the climate sprouted, and the stronger and less strong seedlings began to separate.
I patrolled the field twice a day to check for any new seeds that had emerged.
Among them, we have selected a few crops that are good for immediate commercialization. These are crops or flowers that are in demand but in short supply.
When we started, there were over two hundred species of plants, but by the end, only five remained. This was because the gardeners were extremely picky, saying that this was difficult for this reason and that it was not possible for that reason.
The Lord of Vostok was no longer my enemy.
I also went to the wolf hunting grounds with his obedient guidance. I thought it was about the size of a mountain behind the village, but it was quite large. I was even shocked to see a very nice, modern lodging building built in front of it.
It was obvious that he had invited me to the old and run-down Castle instead of a new building. Maybe he wanted me to pack up and go back to work?
When I glared at the lord, he growled and avoided my gaze.
As I toured the hunting grounds and the lodge, I could see how this estate was run. In short, it was a scene of massive tax evasion.
It was understandable that the butler and the lord were trying hard to keep them from leaving the mansion.
If you look around the territory, you cannot help but go to the hunting ground, and anyone who has been to the hunting ground will feel a sense of disparity between the poor territory and the luxurious accommodation facilities.
It was a truly sloppy operation, but it was worth noting because it went undetected for ten years.
This was a failure on the part of the Emperor, the incompetence of the Imperial Revenue Commissioners who took the report at face value, and a symbol of the corruption of the Vostok government that had ruled for the past fifteen years.
"Your Highness."
As I went up to the room with my coat over my head, the maid who was tidying up the bedding bowed her head.
“Sir Jacqueline?”
“They said it would be coming up soon.”
I took off my coat, handed it to the maid, and sat down at the desk.
Today was finally the day to put into practice the plan I had been preparing so diligently. Starting at lunchtime, I decided to open up part of the castle and receive applications from the residents who wanted to join my plan.
Feeling anxious for no reason, I started to clean up my desk, which I had been putting off. Then, I absentmindedly read a passage from an open book.
“The driving force of a nation’s development comes from the middle class with strong capital...”
“Who else said that?”
Jacqueline came in pushing the trolley, grumbling tiredly. I shrugged and answered.
“Michael Bell’s Introduction to Economics. Sir, you’re from Branford. Isn’t this a required liberal arts course?”
“...How can you remember all that tedious information in detail?”
I nodded several times, indicating that I strongly agreed with his opinion.
Yes, this is a normal reaction. I wish I could have done that. I wish I dared to say that in front of my teachers in the palace.
I ran my hazy hands over the spine of a thick book that was a whopping 600 pages long. Those were the days when I was really tired of copying...
Anyway, according to this book that my teachers had memorized by heart, the country would develop only when the common people's pockets are secured.
What this meant was that to develop this poor estate, it was necessary to provide a foundation for ordinary citizens to raise money.
“If you think about it, the competition period is only one month, so it’s a bit tight.”
“That’s right. A foundation isn’t something that can be built overnight.”
Even though it was a word that just blurted out in the flow of my thoughts, Jacqueline caught on and caught the pulse. I leaned my chin in and blurted out my thoughts without stopping them from flowing.
“Honestly, we’re ten years behind in development, and even if we suddenly pour money in, there’s no way the territory will return to normal overnight...”
“Yes.”
“So, in the end, the theme of this competition is to plan well.”
“I guess so.”
“Then what will be the criteria for determining victory or defeat? According to the examiners’ preferences? How can it be so ambiguous?”
“Whatever, please eat first.”
Jacqueline snickered as if he found my muttering amusing. Before I knew it, cold dishes were lined up on the table.
I sullenly picked up my fork and poked at the veal that had become hard and cold. I couldn't remember the last time I had a warm, freshly made meal.
“Have you eaten, Sir?”
Jacqueline, sitting across from me with his chin resting on his hand, raised one eyebrow and answered.
“I already ate it. I personally checked and brought it to you to make sure there were no poisons detected in the food.”
“...”
“Even if you don’t feel like eating, you have to eat everything. You have to take all the medicine, too.”
My lips pursed as I thought of the bitter medicine. My appetite also seemed to have dropped, so I thought it would be better to change the subject.
“How is the progress?”
“It’s going well. Oh, and the red onion that I was worried about until the end.”
“Did you make it to the finals?”
“That’s what they said. I think they made the final decision last night on two varieties of improved potatoes, red onions, grapes, and blueberries. The gardeners are very enthusiastic.”
I nodded, chewing on the meat that had cooled down. They were all reasonably marketable candidates.
Grapes grown in cold climates and exposed to snow are good for making sweet wine, and blueberries are good for making jam. Onions and potatoes have always been solid food crops.
“Have you purchased all the land that can be converted to farmland?”
“I heard that, but I think it would be more accurate to ask the finance minister about that matter. I happened to run into him on my way here.”
“You said you ran into each other?”
“Your Highness must eat, so I asked him to wait at the door for a moment, Treasurer!”
Jacqueline called the treasurer in a loud voice. It seemed as if he had really been waiting outside, because he entered the room quickly. It was unbelievable. This was an urgent matter...
But if I said anything to Jacqueline, he would say that royal mealtimes are inviolable territory. He used to get upset when I even looked at documents while eating, saying that it was unbecoming of a royal.
Instead of preaching to Jacqueline about the value of hard work, I decided to save time, because good is good.
“So, Treasurer, did you hear the question?”
“Yes. I know it’s presumptuous of you to ask, but the door is open...”
The treasurer glanced at Jacqueline, adjusted his glasses, quickly reviewed the papers under his arm, and answered.
However, if you look at the clothes the lord is wearing or the accessories he is carrying, they are splendid and nice, just like the great nobles of the capital.
This was someone who didn't invest even though he had money. Instead of paying taxes, he was just trying to get subsidies. He reeked of corrupt management.
The lord answered in a voice that seemed a little dampened by my spirit.
“...I have led the territory well in my own way so far. Even if you are the Princess, I cannot tolerate you stirring up the land I have worked on my entire life.”
I was so shocked that I laughed out loud. You’ve been leading the territory well all this time? I almost swore at that shamelessness.
“Do you think I don’t know about your dirty numbers, no, your plans?”
“...”
“If you look at the tax returns you’ve submitted so far, the only income you generate is in the winter when the hunting grounds are open, and even that falls short of the minimum standards of other estates.”
“...”
“But for all that, the clothes and jewelry you’re wearing are too nice.”
“This is...”
“I don’t care if it’s a family heirloom or anything. But I’m going to call the royal tax inspectors as soon as possible. They’re so good that they’ll take everything you ate, even the food you ate ten years ago.”
Only then did I see his stubborn face turn pale. From here on out, it was a tight tug-of-war.
In the end, it was the lord who broke first. He said with a short sigh.
“...Do you really have to go that far?”
Although his tone was still rude, his intonation had softened considerably.
I took out some papers I had been organizing and pushed them in front of him.
“If you don’t like the tax inspector, then cooperating obediently is also an option.”
“What on earth are you trying to do?”
“I plan to develop commercial crops. I will select plants that are well-adapted to the climate, and through support programs, I will enable the local people to directly engage in agriculture and commerce.”
“...”
“If everything goes according to plan, the quality of life for the people of the territory will greatly improve.”
I added, handing over a document outlining the expected profits for the estate when a suitable commercial crop was developed. He looked over the document with a displeased expression.
Of course, if commercial crops are produced, the income of the estate will increase, and if the income of the estate rises to a certain level, tax inspectors will come regularly from the imperial family...
I guess they decided that it would be better to just open a hunting ground secretly, like they are doing now, and take bribes.
“...Isn’t there any other way?”
He put down the papers and put his hand on his head as if he were tired. It seemed as if he was racking his brain trying to figure out how to convince me.
“No matter what, don’t you know that even if you are the Princess, you cannot do something like this without my permission?”
“You spoke well.”
I raised my eyebrows.
“You don’t know how much effort I’ve put into meeting you. You should have seen with your own eyes how many loyal servants you have.”
I counted on my fingers one by one with a pretended expression of regret.
“The butlers, servants, and maids who obstructed my plans... If I persecute them even a little bit, it will remain as a stain on my entire reign. Not only will my morality and identity be questioned, but my support base will collapse.”
“...”
For a mere Princess to mention the length of her reign was beyond arrogance, bordering on bravado. But who knows? At least the Lord of Vostok would not think of this as mere bravado.
If I were the Emperor, I would not be providing support like this, even though I know the truth about this territory.
It would be best for him if he took my hand right now. I also desperately needed his cooperation.
But I'm the type of person who can't stand getting hit without paying it back.
I spoke in a soft voice, as if I were about to taste a particularly sweet candy.
“But you are different from them. You are from the same privileged class as me.”
“...”
“Get on your knees.”
***
It's been a week since the garden was turned into a field.
Of the seeds that had been planted, those suited to the climate sprouted, and the stronger and less strong seedlings began to separate.
I patrolled the field twice a day to check for any new seeds that had emerged.
Among them, we have selected a few crops that are good for immediate commercialization. These are crops or flowers that are in demand but in short supply.
When we started, there were over two hundred species of plants, but by the end, only five remained. This was because the gardeners were extremely picky, saying that this was difficult for this reason and that it was not possible for that reason.
The Lord of Vostok was no longer my enemy.
I also went to the wolf hunting grounds with his obedient guidance. I thought it was about the size of a mountain behind the village, but it was quite large. I was even shocked to see a very nice, modern lodging building built in front of it.
It was obvious that he had invited me to the old and run-down Castle instead of a new building. Maybe he wanted me to pack up and go back to work?
When I glared at the lord, he growled and avoided my gaze.
As I toured the hunting grounds and the lodge, I could see how this estate was run. In short, it was a scene of massive tax evasion.
It was understandable that the butler and the lord were trying hard to keep them from leaving the mansion.
If you look around the territory, you cannot help but go to the hunting ground, and anyone who has been to the hunting ground will feel a sense of disparity between the poor territory and the luxurious accommodation facilities.
It was a truly sloppy operation, but it was worth noting because it went undetected for ten years.
This was a failure on the part of the Emperor, the incompetence of the Imperial Revenue Commissioners who took the report at face value, and a symbol of the corruption of the Vostok government that had ruled for the past fifteen years.
"Your Highness."
As I went up to the room with my coat over my head, the maid who was tidying up the bedding bowed her head.
“Sir Jacqueline?”
“They said it would be coming up soon.”
I took off my coat, handed it to the maid, and sat down at the desk.
Today was finally the day to put into practice the plan I had been preparing so diligently. Starting at lunchtime, I decided to open up part of the castle and receive applications from the residents who wanted to join my plan.
Feeling anxious for no reason, I started to clean up my desk, which I had been putting off. Then, I absentmindedly read a passage from an open book.
“The driving force of a nation’s development comes from the middle class with strong capital...”
“Who else said that?”
Jacqueline came in pushing the trolley, grumbling tiredly. I shrugged and answered.
“Michael Bell’s Introduction to Economics. Sir, you’re from Branford. Isn’t this a required liberal arts course?”
“...How can you remember all that tedious information in detail?”
I nodded several times, indicating that I strongly agreed with his opinion.
Yes, this is a normal reaction. I wish I could have done that. I wish I dared to say that in front of my teachers in the palace.
I ran my hazy hands over the spine of a thick book that was a whopping 600 pages long. Those were the days when I was really tired of copying...
Anyway, according to this book that my teachers had memorized by heart, the country would develop only when the common people's pockets are secured.
What this meant was that to develop this poor estate, it was necessary to provide a foundation for ordinary citizens to raise money.
“If you think about it, the competition period is only one month, so it’s a bit tight.”
“That’s right. A foundation isn’t something that can be built overnight.”
Even though it was a word that just blurted out in the flow of my thoughts, Jacqueline caught on and caught the pulse. I leaned my chin in and blurted out my thoughts without stopping them from flowing.
“Honestly, we’re ten years behind in development, and even if we suddenly pour money in, there’s no way the territory will return to normal overnight...”
“Yes.”
“So, in the end, the theme of this competition is to plan well.”
“I guess so.”
“Then what will be the criteria for determining victory or defeat? According to the examiners’ preferences? How can it be so ambiguous?”
“Whatever, please eat first.”
Jacqueline snickered as if he found my muttering amusing. Before I knew it, cold dishes were lined up on the table.
I sullenly picked up my fork and poked at the veal that had become hard and cold. I couldn't remember the last time I had a warm, freshly made meal.
“Have you eaten, Sir?”
Jacqueline, sitting across from me with his chin resting on his hand, raised one eyebrow and answered.
“I already ate it. I personally checked and brought it to you to make sure there were no poisons detected in the food.”
“...”
“Even if you don’t feel like eating, you have to eat everything. You have to take all the medicine, too.”
My lips pursed as I thought of the bitter medicine. My appetite also seemed to have dropped, so I thought it would be better to change the subject.
“How is the progress?”
“It’s going well. Oh, and the red onion that I was worried about until the end.”
“Did you make it to the finals?”
“That’s what they said. I think they made the final decision last night on two varieties of improved potatoes, red onions, grapes, and blueberries. The gardeners are very enthusiastic.”
I nodded, chewing on the meat that had cooled down. They were all reasonably marketable candidates.
Grapes grown in cold climates and exposed to snow are good for making sweet wine, and blueberries are good for making jam. Onions and potatoes have always been solid food crops.
“Have you purchased all the land that can be converted to farmland?”
“I heard that, but I think it would be more accurate to ask the finance minister about that matter. I happened to run into him on my way here.”
“You said you ran into each other?”
“Your Highness must eat, so I asked him to wait at the door for a moment, Treasurer!”
Jacqueline called the treasurer in a loud voice. It seemed as if he had really been waiting outside, because he entered the room quickly. It was unbelievable. This was an urgent matter...
But if I said anything to Jacqueline, he would say that royal mealtimes are inviolable territory. He used to get upset when I even looked at documents while eating, saying that it was unbecoming of a royal.
Instead of preaching to Jacqueline about the value of hard work, I decided to save time, because good is good.
“So, Treasurer, did you hear the question?”
“Yes. I know it’s presumptuous of you to ask, but the door is open...”
The treasurer glanced at Jacqueline, adjusted his glasses, quickly reviewed the papers under his arm, and answered.
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