Roman entered the dining hall where Duke Jacob and Selena were already waiting. He quietly took his seat, the weight of silence heavy in the air.
After a moment, the Duke clasped his hands.
"We pray to Goddess Aria for this meal, for health, and for prosperity in Clover Kingdom."
Once the prayer was done, Duke Jacob began eating, followed by Selena. Roman reached for his spoon when Selena's voice cut in:
"How was your day, Roman? Did you enjoy yourself?"
Roman smirked. "Look who's asking. Father, she sent her knight to spy on me. Didn't Grey tell you everything?"
Selena's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing. Instead, the Duke raised his voice.
"Roman, tell me—what do you think of our dukedom's condition?"
Roman paused. "As Captain Grey said… for the people, it's like living in hell. But I also heard gratitude. They spoke well of you, Father—how you eased their burdens by cutting taxes."
Duke Jacob leaned back, studying him. "Then, let us test that wisdom of yours. I've called our economist tonight. He will show you our ledgers. If you can suggest improvements, I'll consider them."
Roman instantly realized it. He wants to test me.
The doors opened, and a middle-aged man stepped in, bowing.
"My lord Jacob. Young master Roman."
"Welcome, Ralph," Jacob said. "Show him."
Ralph adjusted his glasses and unrolled the first set of documents.
"Here is the kingdom's taxation policy."
Roman scanned the pages. His jaw clenched.
"Thirty-five percent on farmers' harvests? Twenty percent levy for using magic towers? Healers charging three times the fair rate, unchecked? And nobles' stipends increase every year while commoners starve?" His voice grew sharp. "This is robbery! The royal family bleeds the people dry while feeding its dogs with gold!"
"Calm yourself, young master," Ralph said softly. "That is why our Duke pushed for a different policy. Now—this is Presia Dukedom's ledger."
Roman leaned closer. Unlike the kingdom's greed, Jacob's policy was clear—reduced taxes for farmers, exemption for small merchants, and support for villages.
But Ralph explained the downside:
"Though merciful, this leaves the ducal treasury strained. Worse—mines and dungeons are under shared contracts with merchant companies tied to the royal family. They exploit loopholes, skimming profits, and resisting His Grace's reforms."
Roman tapped the table. "So it eases the people's burden but weakens our foundation. Good intentions, but unsustainable."
Selena's eyes sharpened. "This policy was crafted with the wisdom of our finest economist, with loyalty and care for the people. And you—after one evening outside—claim to see flaws?"
Roman met her gaze steadily. "I'm not saying it's wrong. But if this continues, our treasury will collapse. The Duke cannot protect the people if the house itself grows weak."
Duke Jacob folded his hands, amused. "Then, Roman, what would you propose?"
Roman went silent for a moment. In my world, I built policies for the people but ignored the nobles. It cost me everything. This time, I need balance—both commoner and noble, both mercy and stability.
He asked for pen and paper. Slowly, he began drafting.
Farmers: Tax reduced to 15% during normal harvest, dropping to 5% in famine years. In exchange, the Duchy would hold a grain reserve, so food shortages never spiral into chaos.
Merchants: A fixed 10% tariff on imported goods, but exemptions for vital supplies like grain, medicine, and cloth. This curbs profiteering while encouraging honest trade.
Healers & Magic Towers: Standardized service fees set by the Duchy. No healer could overcharge, and magic towers would pay a portion of their profits to the treasury instead of squeezing citizens.
Nobility: All noble houses under Presia would be required to contribute 10% of their annual surplus wealth into the ducal treasury. In return, they would gain priority rights to dungeon resources, ensuring their loyalty without letting greed spiral.
Merchant Companies: Any company tied to the royal family would have limited access to Presia's mines and dungeons. Contracts would be restructured to favor the Duchy first.
Roman set down his quill and slid the pages forward.
Ralph's eyes widened as he read.
"A… balance! Farmers protected, nobles still rewarded, and the treasury strengthened. This would stabilize both people and estate." He looked at Roman in shock. "Young master, this… this is genius!"
He handed the papers to Jacob, who studied them quietly before giving a rare smile.
"Impressive. Ralph, prepare a new taxation policy based on this draft."
"Yes, my lord." Ralph bowed deeply and withdrew.
Jacob rose from his seat. "Well done, Roman. Tomorrow, the priest arrives for the soul identification ritual. Be prepared."
Selena's lips tightened, but she said nothing.
Roman only gave a small nod. Inside, however, the system stirred.
> [System: Do not worry, Warherald.]