episode_0188

After passing through several territories, the quick-witted lords released food and went to provide relief.

I realized it.

Rather than spending money and food like we use water, it is less damaging if they spend it on their own first.

‘It should have been like that a long time ago.’

The schedule is longer than I thought.

After enjoying a pleasant trip, we headed home and arrived at the Heris territory just like the first time.

And that moment.

“Her Majesty the Emperor and the Empress, welcome!”

A loud voice was heard welcoming us.

“…Count Harris..?”

I couldn’t help but be surprised.

“Yes, I am Patrick Harris in name and reality, Your Majesty!”

He saluted with a movement that was unbelievably restrained from his previous actions.

“Uh… okay.”

I did say that Nazar would teach me a bit because my abilities as a lord were low.

How…does it feel like a soldier?

Does it look like you’ve grown taller because you’ve lost weight?

“Hmm…”

I looked at him curiously again.

“Is there anything uncomfortable?”

“No…”

Somehow, I feel like I’ve become much faster…

for now…

‘I guess it’s a good thing, right?’

When he sees the Countess smiling brightly next to him.

* * *

“Really. There are so many different things.”

Marian, who was looking at the documents, sighed.

I wish everything had ended well.

As time passed, the feudal lords who tried to evade taxes to avoid paying back their money were brought to trial.

Of course, I had no intention of forcing him to make money that he didn’t have, so I told him to repay as much as he could afford.

There was a possibility that the lords would squeeze the people if they demanded debt.

I’ve already given you a few chances.

Is there any reason to look at things that we don’t even know about because we are blinded by the immediate benefits?

“It’s unfair, Your Majesty!”

“This is a conspiracy!”

The lords claimed their innocence as if they were evil.

The court was in complete chaos.

This is because not one but the lords of the great estate were dragged in like sausages one after another.

“Oh, like that!!”

Citizens who participated in the trial were angry.

There is so much clear evidence!

More than anything.

‘dare. You’re trying to steal our Majesty’s property!!’

Marian’s popularity soared.

A hero who defeated the devil.

The tax rate has been lowered to an incomparable level compared to before, and the standard of living is rapidly developing accordingly.

As soon as she became emperor, an academy specialized in technology and office work was established, different from existing academies.

Naturally, the admission was mainly for commoners, but it was such an excellent facility that nobles who wanted to hold public office occasionally also enrolled.

It was truly a ray of brilliance for those who wanted to enter the academy but were unable to due to high tuition.

Newspapers reported her achievements every day, and to the citizens who saw and heard about her, she was like a religion.

‘Saint…!’

Even though no one asked her to do it, everyone stopped and even prayed when she passed by.

How can you raise your voice and even rebel against her?

“What dare you say to Your Majesty!”

“That’s right, when have you ever seen Her Majesty say something wrong?”

“If you committed a crime, you should be punished!”

The people glared at the nobles with wide eyes. As it was a public trial, the spirit of the packed crowd was enormous.

‘W-what.’

The nobles who were brought to trial were embarrassed.

This was because they, who lived in their own territory to the envy of a king, were momentarily daunted by that momentum.

‘How dare a commoner!’

The moment they were about to raise their voices.

“Scamming?”

A cold voice took over the courtroom.

Ceria tilted her head and looked at me as if wondering what that meant.

As it was a trial in which a large number of nobles participated, the first empress, Seria, was in charge of the trial, rather than the traditional judge.

She glanced at the nobles once again.

It was an indifferent look.

“Yes! Because the territory was difficult, I tried to postpone it a little!”

“Me too, how dare we take the imperial family’s money!”

The moment the nobles, who thought their opinions were accepted, raised their voices.

“If it is a frame-up, what is the content of this document?”

When Seria threw the document, a large screen appeared in the air for everyone to see.

The screen moves quickly. It was the noblemen who raised taxes illegally, and in extreme cases, there were even people who created double ledgers and stole taxes to be sent to the imperial palace.

They looked into space with bewildered expressions, as if they had no idea how their confidential documents had been leaked.

Marian, who was watching the scene from the head of the table, chuckled.

As the data was obtained by Nazar, the accuracy was perfect.

Perhaps even the corruption they themselves had forgotten about has been revealed.

Things that used to chirp like baby birds asking for food have become completely mute.

‘what.’

The data is so clear that even if you bring in lawyers from a top modern law firm, there is probably no way around it.

In the first place.

This is not modern times.

“Your Majesty, this is unfair!”

Eventually, they started begging for warmth.

okay.

No matter what evidence is presented, the final decision rests with the emperor.

Even criminals who need to be killed immediately. When she forgives, all sins disappear.

“Your Majesty… I have supported you even before you became emperor. Don’t you know, His Majesty is there.”

“So?”

A cold reply came back.

“Your Majesty…!”

“Because of that. Haven’t you ever thought that your necks are on the line right now?”

“…!!”

If you lined up well, you should have stayed until the end.

“Take care of it according to the law.”

“Yes!”

As soon as she finished speaking, the knights came in and captured the criminals.

“Your Majesty! You can’t do this, Your Majesty owns the debt in the first place!…”

Sreung, Cecilia’s sword touched his uvula.

“Viscount North’s charges are added.”

Cecilia interrupted him and spoke coldly.

“For daring to insult His Majesty, the Sun of the Empire, Viscount North is stripped of his title and all his assets are confiscated in accordance with imperial law.”

Viscount North opened his eyes and said, ‘Hmph.’ I took a breath. But, overwhelmed by Cecilia’s momentum, he could no longer appeal.

The remaining lords could not make any more noise and waited for the verdict.

“Then let’s continue with the ruling.”

Ground pound. Seria slammed the hammer down and opened her mouth.

“In accordance with imperial law, the title of Baron Colin is confiscated and a fine of 10 million gold is imposed.”

“Similarly, the title of Viscount Halton is revoked and a fine of 50 million gold is imposed.”

“Count Lwayne is demoted to Baron and fined 20,000 gold.”

“The title of Viscount Patrick was confiscated and 5 years of mine labor…”

The verdict was delivered quickly, and screams echoed throughout the square.

They were each fined 10 times the amount they embezzled, and in severe cases, they were even sentenced to imprisonment.

‘I only watched it once or twice.’

Tsk, Marian clicked her tongue and shook her head.

Continuous tax evasion and illegal taxation are charges that would have probably resulted in 20 to 30 years in prison in modern times.

what. In reality, he was sentenced to about 3 years in prison with 5 years of probation.

Unless they also face aggravated punishment due to continuous tax evasion and illegal taxation, is it light? I was fined.

“The trial ends. The confiscated amount will be used as relief funds for the affected residents.”

Marian said and turned around.

It wasn’t a particularly loud voice.

And yet.

“Thank you for your wise decision, Your Majesty.”

The officials who received the order responded loudly.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

The people all looked at her with eyes full of emotion.

There was no answer, but there were even people kneeling and praying.

‘Really… I’m going to have a hole in my face…’

Marianne, who quickly left the room at a brisk pace, grumbled softly.

Every reaction is too much.

‘Really… it’s like a pseudo-religion…’

I really didn’t do anything special. Anyway, my assets were not lacking.

The imperial family’s money needs to be rolled out to increase, and if you help and manage difficult fiefdoms, the country will develop and taxes will increase in the long run.

Basic economic…

“Marian. What are you going to do now?”

“ㅡI have to work.”

Before I knew it, Cecilia had followed me and was holding my hand.

‘I went to rest, but work increased…’

Marian shook her head and walked away.

‘Because it has to be done anyway…’

Marian sighs and plans for the future.

“Have you had any fun?”

Cecilia asked curiously.

“Huh?”

“Because you were smiling.”

“What… a good idea occurred to me?”

Marian covered her mouth with her hand and laughed.

I don’t have to do it, right?

It might be okay to give it at least once a chance.

*

Afterwards, within a few days, I received a request for an audience with the lords.

I greeted them at the office without even getting up.

“Welcome, I have a lot of work to do so I am responding like this.”

“Is that so…?”

He clearly stuttered.

At the edge of the table, I saw the documents I had roughly laid out.

“Sit somewhere comfortable.”

I gestured roughly as if shooing away a fly.

It was an action that might seem unpleasant at first glance, but the nobles were not in the mood to care about such things.

Most of the documents for greetings and relief were empty, but something caught his eye.

‘How can this be? ‘How do I get this data?’

Their eyes never left one document.

It was a document detailing their tax evasion.