The citizens of Tevra tilted their heads in confusion as they read the public notice.
"So, they're saying they'll be posting these announcements regularly from now on?"
"...This is bad news for those who can't read."
"It says to bring complaints to the Lord's mansion. Anyone want to go with me?"
"Don't even think about it! Do you know how terrifying our Lord is? Just recently, the shopkeeper's brother was executed for insulting him, and his head was displayed in the town square."
"...That's terrifying. I guess I should learn to read."
The citizens of Tevra will be divided into five classes based on their contribution to the city's development.
Most of you are Fifth-Class Citizens, receiving no benefits beyond the right to reside in Tevra City. Contribute to the city's development and earn the benefits that come with higher Citizen Ranks.
Fourth-Class Citizens will receive priority access to select events in Tevra City, allowing them to enjoy them before Fifth-Class Citizens. This priority access may be extended to other areas in the future.
Third-Class Citizens receive priority access and a 1% discount when using the Korea Merchant Guild.
Second-Class Citizens receive priority access, a 3% discount at the Korea Merchant Guild, and a 10% discount at Tevra Public Facilities.
First-Class Citizens receive priority access, a 5% discount at the Korea Merchant Guild, a 10% discount at Tevra Public Facilities, and a 10% tax reduction.
Moving forward, we will continue to select exemplary citizens each month and reward them with gifts. We urge all citizens to contribute to the development of Tevra City.
The Contribution requirements for each Citizen Rank are as follows:
Fourth-Class Citizen: 1,000 Contribution
Third-Class Citizen: 3,000 Contribution
Second-Class Citizen: 5,000 Contribution
First-Class Citizen: 10,000 Contribution?
"Citizen Rank? This is..."
"It's not like having a low rank makes you a slave, so what's the harm? In fact, the higher your rank, the more benefits you receive. Isn't that a good thing for us?"
"Hmm. I suppose so?"
"Unbelievable! If you become a First-Class Citizen, you get a whopping 10% tax reduction!"
"Does it say how to become a First-Class Citizen? How do you accumulate Contribution?"
"Wait a moment. I'll keep reading."
This month, Tude Pulse donated 3 million Ners to support the Territory's development, earning him the rank of Fourth-Class Citizen. Congratulations! As our first donor, your contribution is specially recognized as a meritorious deed.
Pelg became a Fourth-Class Citizen by reporting citizens obstructing the Territory's progress. Congratulations!
Katarina, the proprietor of Wind's Rest, has made numerous sacrifices for the Territory's advancement. We will never forget her contributions. Katarina has been promoted to Second-Class Citizen. Congratulations!
Bekan Drok, the owner of the Korea Merchant Guild, has flawlessly executed the Lord's commissions to advance the city's development and consistently pays his taxes in full. In recognition of his exemplary service, we have named him Citizen of the Month. Furthermore, Bekan has become our first First-Class Citizen. Congratulations!
As a reward for being an exemplary citizen, we present you with a letter from the Lord, along with the finest wine and beef. Furthermore, we will grant you an additional 10% tax reduction next month.
"To become a Fourth-Class Citizen... do I have to donate 3 million Ners to the Lord?"
"Look closely. It says here that he's being recognized for his special contribution as the first donor. I doubt 3 million Ners would even come close."
3 million Ners was the equivalent of two months' wages for a commoner. It was a substantial sum, making them hesitant to donate it rashly. Moreover, there was no guarantee that donating would actually secure Fourth-Class Citizen status.
"Pelg, that bastard! Wasn't it his accusation that led to the execution of the shopkeeper's brother? How dare that vile wretch become a Fourth-Class Citizen...!"
"An accusation... you say?"
While some seethed with anger, others pondered deeply.
Just because we live in the same city doesn't mean we're all friendly neighbors. If a single report can raise your Citizen Rank, wouldn't that be a worthwhile gain?
"Wind's Rest... sigh. That place is truly something else."
"Katarina? Isn't she the prostitute from that brothel? A Second-Class Citizen?"
"You've clearly never been to Wind's Rest."
"I've heard of it. But it's still just a brothel, right? I have a wife. There's no reason for me to go there."
"Tsk, tsk. Never having experienced Wind's Rest... I pity you. Katarina becoming a Second-Class Citizen is only natural. That place is truly... sigh. Just thinking about it makes my heart race."
"...You're that fond of Wind's Rest? Aren't there just dirty prostitutes there anyway?"
"Once you go there, you'll never say that again. It costs 200,000 Ner per hour, but... I've never regretted it. The courtesans there are several times more beautiful than your wife."
"If you put it that way... I should visit Wind's Rest today."
Wind's Rest had transformed into a brothel that rivaled even the most luxurious establishments in the capital. Men who had experienced Wind's Rest never complained, except about the price.
"Bekan, the owner of the Korea Merchant Guild, has become a First-Class Citizen. Hmm. I can accept that for him."
"The Korea Merchant Guild has brought new vitality to the city. The tobacco they sell is the reason I live."
"I heard the Korea Merchant Guild has a close relationship with the Lord... Most of the wondrous items they sell were developed by the Lord himself, they say."
As you all know, the Black Tiger Merchant Guild has long engaged in bribery and smuggling. Enraged by these crimes, the Lord shattered the black tiger's fangs and clipped its claws. The black tiger shed its dark hide and departed for the afterlife.
But there's no need to mourn. The Black Tiger Merchant Guild has been reborn as the Korea Merchant Guild.
In collaboration with the Korea Merchant Guild, we're hosting an opening celebration event. For the next week, customers who purchase items from the Korea Merchant Guild will receive a 10% discount coupon, allowing them to save up to 100,000 Ner.
We're also releasing a limited-edition opening celebration package containing essential daily necessities. This package is available for just 99,800 Ner.
This isn't the end!
Purchase the limited-edition opening commemorative package for a golden opportunity to earn 5 Contribution points! However, Contribution points are only awarded upon the first purchase, regardless of how many packages you buy.
Here's a list of the package contents:
Toilet paper Shampoo Soap Sanitary pads Canned tuna Canned ham 3 packs of ramen 2 pots 2 packs of cigarettes 3 pairs of socks...
"Wow, over ten items? At this price, it's practically a steal!"
"Since Contribution points are so hard to come by... we should grab this while we can."
"Hmm. Is this really worth 100,000 Ner? I need to think about it."
It is with a heavy heart that I must deliver this unfortunate news.
To further the development of our Territory, we have been compelled to raise taxes. However, rest assured that every Ners collected will be reinvested into the Territory's progress. Please do not be discouraged.
Our beautiful city of Tevra will continue to flourish through your collective efforts!
The new public agency, the Tax Bureau, begins operations today.
All tax-related matters should now be directed to the Tax Bureau. Our civil servants will provide friendly consultations. Tax payments must also be made here, and you must obtain a tax payment certificate.
The tax rate, previously 50%, has been increased to 60%.
"This measure is unavoidable for the city's continued development."
*There are 611 tax delinquents. We have identified all of you. You have two weeks the Self-Reporting Period to pay all outstanding taxes.
-If you are caught fleeing the city, it won't end with the confiscation of your assets. Your family's heads may be displayed in the public square as a warning. Be warned.
-If you persist in refusing to pay your taxes, fearsome guards will come to your home.
"FBI, OPEN UP!"
*The marriage tax has been increased from 1 million Ners to 3 million Ners.
-The marriage tax must be paid when filing the Marriage Registration Form at the Tax Bureau.
-Both spouses must be present. A husband cannot file the Marriage Registration Form alone without his wife.
- Failure to register your marriage may result in a fine of over 30 million Ners.
"Marriage is no joke~"
With the marriage tax increasing, you'll need to consider marriage even more carefully.
*The death tax will increase from 800,000 Ners to 1 million Ners.
"You can only go to a good place if you pay your taxes properly."
"...Sigh. The taxes are going up again, just as I expected."
"We knew the taxes would rise when the new Lord took office. There's nothing we can do about it."
"What power do we have to resist the Lord? But raising the marriage tax to 3 million Ners... that's just too much."
"Does anyone know what the FBI is?"
Feeling down about the tax increase? Don't despair! I've brought good news.
The public bathhouse will officially open next month. All citizens of Tevra are welcome to use it. Let's all strive to maintain cleanliness.
One of the planned events is the Tevra Beauty Pageant, which is currently being organized.
Total prize money: 100 million Ners!
Winner's Contribution: 2,000!
Who is the most beautiful woman in Tevra?!
Only female participants are eligible. The judging will be based on votes from the Lord and the public.
In addition to the prize money, there will be incredible prizes, so we encourage everyone to participate.
This concludes Announcement 1.0. Stay tuned for the next announcement.?
The citizens gathered in front of the bulletin board began to murmur excitedly.
"100 million?! Does it really say the prize money is 100 million Ners?!"
"The total prize money is 100 million Ners. They'll probably give the winner at least 50 million Ners. Plus, the winner gets a Contribution score of 2,000, which means they can immediately become a Fourth-Class Citizen."
"This is going to be exciting. For my wife, winning a beauty pageant would be nothing."
"Hmph... Didn't I tell you before? You're wearing rose-tinted glasses. I guarantee you, you'll be the only man voting for your wife."
"Heh heh... I should send my daughter. As the most beautiful woman in Tevra, winning would be no problem for her."
The citizens were eagerly anticipating the beauty pageant. This was due to the unexpectedly large prize money and the fact that it would provide a new source of excitement for their otherwise dull lives.
"Heh heh. How are the reactions of the dogs and pigs?" I asked Yuria, sipping my black tea.
Dogs and pigs.
That's what I call my Territory Residents.
If this were the modern world, they might have immediately risen up, demanding my impeachment. But in this world, democracy doesn't exist. Even if the Territory Residents rebelled against me, I have Yuria.
She's a top-tier Aura Expert and a high-level Shadow Mage.
With her by my side, any rebellion would be crushed in an instant.
"The reactions are quite positive. They're eagerly anticipating the Beauty Pageant with its substantial prize money."
"Of course. Tevra has always been a quiet city with no festivals or competitions. They're bound to be excited."
The commoners of the medieval era were mostly dimwitted. They received no proper education, and at least 80% of them were illiterate. There were no elementary schools, let alone kindergartens.
Less than 10% of the commoners possessed any real intelligence.
And I had no intention of building educational facilities like schools for these fools.
"The pigs and dogs are easier to control when they're stupid, don't you agree, Yuria?"
"Your words are wise, Master. They have no value beyond their labor. They should rejoice in being ruled by you. All they need is bread and circuses."
As expected of Yuria. She understands things.
Bread and circuses.
The policy of ancient Rome. The commoners are easier to control when they're stupid.
"Heh heh. I'm really looking forward to the Beauty Pageant."
The Beauty Pageant will be held at a suitable time in the future. Its purpose is to easily discover the beauties throughout Tevra City and, if they are interested, court them openly.
That suitable time will be when I have complete control over Tevra and can hold the event without interference.
And my ultimate goal is to share my bed only with the beautiful women in this city who willingly desire me in return.
"I look forward to that day."
[Game Over.]
[Calculating experience points...]
[Pessus's Affinity Level is 3.]
[Rizel's Affinity Level is 2.]
[Katarina's Affinity Level is 2.]
[Elnora's Affinity Level is 4.]
[Fatima's Affinity Level is 3.]
[Nepia's Affinity Level is 1.]
[Aisha's Affinity Level is 1.]