Chapter 297
(Kyle Calendar Year 514: Age 21)
The Beginning of a New Path
Translator : PolterGlast
The day after the New Year's banquet, in a room of the guest
house in Teigoon, a room covered with a giant crimson carpet bestowed by
King Fearalt, a meeting gathering the key figures was held.
Participating in response to Takuhir's summons were
Frontier Duchess Flora, who participated in the New Year's banquet as
the representative of Frontier Duke Hastburg, those
belonging to the Westlights Demon Territory Dukedom: Marquis Gorman,
Marquis Solis, Viscount Kreitz, Viscount Bold, Viscount Weiss,
Viscount Bauner (Alexis), in addition to those directly
subordinate to Takuhir holding status of Baronet or higher, and Count Cornell
who came to belong to the Kyle Kingdom side, as well as one person
specially invited this time.
"First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to
everyone gathered here today for taking the trouble to come all this way, and
for giving me your time while each of you is busy with domestic affairs and
reconstruction. The agenda for today is two points: I would like to use this
place to discuss and inform you again about the policies in the Empire's new
territory and the distribution of the spoils of war."
Yes, regarding the Ishtar defense battle, we were
only able to achieve a complete victory thanks to the assistance of the Frontier
Knights led by my brother, the Margrave Hastburg Army cavalry, and
the selected cavalry of Viscounts Herald, Kreitz, and Bold.
Therefore, considering that point, the distribution of
spoils of war and such must also be conducted.
"Then Miseri, please report on the ransom
related to the return of prisoners and the proposed distribution of the spoils
of war."
"Yes, first I will report from the overall numbers. The
total number of Imperial Army prisoners is 11,700; among them, the prisoners
subject to return are 500 Iron Cavalry and 5,200 infantry. In addition to that,
including individual ransoms for nobles like Duke Harry, the total
return expenses are equivalent to 500,000 Kingdom gold coins."
Yes, the First Prince's camp had many high-ranking nobles
starting with Dukes, and their ransom alone amounted to 190,000 coins.
"Next, regarding the spoils of war. The total number of
captured warhorses sufficient for military use is about 8,000, weapons
immediately convertible for use are for 15,000 people, and armor for 12,000
people."
These strictly refer to items that do not require repair or
are usable with slight repair. Regarding warhorses too, those deeply wounded
and highly likely usable only as draft horses or for transport are not
included.
"We have
allocated these taking into consideration military exploits, number of
participating troops, days of service, etc. First, we will announce our
proposal here, but please speak up if you have opinions or objections."
◆ Total Ransom Amount (500,000 coins)
- Demon
Territory Duke Solis:
260,000 coins
- Frontier
Duke Hastburg: 80,000 coins
- Marquis
Gorman: 50,000 coins
- Marquis
Solis: 50,000 coins
- Count
Cornell: 40,000 coins
- Falmus Allied Army: 20,000 coins
◆ Total Number of Warhorses (8,000
head)
- Demon
Territory Duke Solis:
5,300 head
- Frontier
Duke Hastburg: 800 head
- Marquis
Gorman: 600 head
- Marquis
Solis: 600 head
- Count
Cornell: 500 head
- Falmus Allied Army: 200 head
◆ Total Number of Weapons (for 15,000
people)
- Demon
Territory Duke Solis:
Equivalent to 7,700
- Frontier
Duke Hastburg: Equivalent to 2,800
- Marquis
Gorman: Equivalent to 1,500
- Marquis
Solis: Equivalent to 1,500
- Count
Cornell: Equivalent to 1,200
- Falmus Allied Army: Equivalent to 600
◆ Total Number of Armor (for 12,000
people)
- Demon
Territory Duke Solis:
Equivalent to 6,300
- Frontier
Duke Hastburg: Equivalent to 2,200
- Marquis
Gorman: Equivalent to 1,200
- Marquis
Solis: Equivalent to 1,200
- Count
Cornell: Equivalent to 1,000
- Falmus Allied Army: Equivalent to 600
"If there are any opinions or objections to the
distribution Miseri just stated, please speak without hesitation.
Because we also believe there is room for reconsideration. How is it?"
"Um... I think we are receiving a little too much. Lord
Darek merely participated in the final phase..."
"Indeed. As Flora-sama said, we merely fought in the arena
prepared by the Archduke."
"That is right. As Lord Gorman says, the
military exploits this time, both strategically and tactically, belong to the Archduke,
I suppose."
"Frontier Duchess, and both Marquises, thank you. Does
everyone else have the same opinion?"
At my question, all the lined-up generals nodded silently.
"While accepting your grateful feelings, I intend to
proceed with the distribution as stated earlier. As a personal thought, I want
the generals to also accumulate power from now on. That is what I think. For
reasons I will state later, in the near future, as a Dukedom, a military force
of 20,000 will be the absolute minimum necessary. Therefore, I want you to
think of this distribution as solidifying that ground. Now, Viscount Weiss,
please."
The Commander began to explain while pointing at a large map
pasted up.
"Yes, I will state the reasons. There are broadly three
concerns regarding the new territory. First: it is
difficult to defend and easy to attack, so to speak, a death trap. Second: all major cities and strategic key points are in Empire territory. Third: an
enclave of Empire territory, the existence of this land."
"Certainly, the new territory spreads greatly
horizontally left and right from the border, and conversely is short
vertically. Besides being a disadvantageous topography for us, this enclave is
a dagger thrust at our throats."
"As His Excellency Gorman pointed out, in this
way, the new territory has shallow depth toward the Imperial Capital side,
taking a form exposing its flank greatly. With this, it is possible to attack
the old border from Gold
faster than moving left or right. In times of trouble, we would be easily
divided and defeated individually."
Right, this is the most headache-inducing issue. We, who
boasted invincibility holed up in an impregnable fortress, are now lured out,
so to speak, to a place easy for the enemy army to attack.
"Therefore, as a defense policy, in times of emergency
we will execute a strategic retreat to near the old border and lay down
defensive lines. Also, we will newly construct defense bases for that
purpose."
"That is, in itself, a frustrating matter."
"The words of Viscount Kreitz, to whom we
entrust the new territory, are reasonable. Therefore, the Archduke's thought is
to make buying time the first objective, and to expand these defense bases over
time, like the defensive wall of Aegis. Incidentally, we are considering
placing Viscount Kreitz in this position to keep the enemy enclave in
check."
Yes, the only one who can concentrate on managing his own
territory in the new territory is Viscount Kreitz, who inherits the
Count Falmus territory. The Commander and Alexis each have roles
within the Dukedom. I need both Marquises Solis and Gorman to
place weight on the old territory side for now too.
"For the above reasons, regarding the new territory, in
the current situation, we will only tentatively decide the rough placement.
Currently, we are sending people to various places to investigate the actual
conditions of the regions. Please wait a little longer regarding the domains other
than Viscount Kreitz's."
"Understood. Then our commencement of development,
including settlement into the new territory... seems to be a while ahead?
However, considering the Empire, we probably cannot leave it neglected for a
while."
My father's point is also correct.
"Therefore, everyone, returning to the story of the
distributed funds from earlier, there is a person I want to introduce to the
generals here. I introduce the newly inaugurated Minister of Internal Affairs
of the Westlights Demon Territory Dukedom. Baron Raymond Estia!"
A single man, who had separated from the seats where the
generals were lined up and had been sitting in a chair quietly placed by the
wall, stood up.
"I believe there are many seeing me for the first time,
so let me introduce myself again. I am Raymond Estia, who until recently
served the duty of Steward in the Marquis Solis house. This time, by the
patronage of His Majesty the Archduke, I have received the appointment of
Minister of Internal Affairs, bearing the development and internal affairs of
the new territory. I look forward to working with you."
Yes, for managing the new territory, my trump card is Raymond.
Originally, I was thinking of assigning Miseri to this post. But even
just the territories on the Kyle Kingdom side—the former Viscount Cornell
territory, former Viscount Kyrias territory, and most of the former Margrave
Hastburg territory—will be added to my territory. Honestly, her hands
should be full with just that.
Moreover, she will eventually become pregnant and raise
children too. During pregnancy or child-rearing, this demanding job is
absolutely impossible.
And another reason: once we take the appearance of a
country, a situation where the major posts of the state are monopolized by the
King's wives becomes an undesirable precedent. Because the wives of the next
generation's King are not guaranteed to be as excellent as them. If allowed to
participate in state politics solely on the position of a wife, politics will
collapse.
Thinking so, I had devised a plan shortly before the awards
ceremony. I had Knight Raymond Estia apply for merits through Count Solis
(my father at the time) and issued recommendations from the Demon Territory
Count and Viscount Solis (my brother at the time).
Well, my father was a bit reluctant to let him go...
『Raymond's caliber is precisely the talent
of a royal advisor. Takuhir,
thank you for promoting
him. Internal affairs have stabilized
here over these four years, and there are civil officials he raised. I want to
make his dream come true.』 With
this single blow from my mother, my father fell silent.
"What I proposed to His Majesty the Archduke is largely
two things. First, to everyone, I would like you to pour the funds obtained in
the awards ceremony this time and today's meeting into the development of areas
other than the new territory. To the extent that the new territory can be cut
off anytime."
"But... if we do that, we won't have the resources to
develop the new territories later, you know?"
"Yes, as Marquis Solis says, that will likely
happen. No, that is fine. When everyone begins development of the new territory
in earnest, the shortfall in funds will be lent in the form of a loan. I would
like to newly establish a public corporation for this loan."
"In that case, if we receive a loan, wouldn't we also
need to pay interest?"
"As you say. But everyone can also be in the position
of receiving interest. This public corporation will be established mainly using
a part of the reward money His Majesty the Archduke obtained this time, but
anyone who is a resident of the Demon Territory Dukedom, starting with
everyone here, can invest. And receive interest annually according to the
investment amount and yield."
Yes, this is the new financial system Raymond and I
put our heads together to think of. Although deposits cannot be made, an
organization like an investment and loan bank, an investment company backed by
the Demon Territory Dukedom, will be launched.
I myself, in the initial stage of Teigoon development,
had plans but no funds, and continued walking a tightrope while agonizing over
financing. But if such an organization existed... I had thought so before. Fortunately, I received financial assistance from the Margrave
Hastburg at the time and King Kyle, so I could push forward with
development, but this is strictly a product of coincidence.
"In the campaign this time, the funds obtained by His
Majesty the Archduke total 2,062,000 coins converted to Kingdom gold coins.
Excluding the war expenses this time, temporary rewards for those who served,
support funds for immigrants, etc. from this, it is about 1.6 million coins. Of
this, 1 million coins will be the establishment fund for this public
corporation."
"Hmm... this yield or whatever, what is the estimation for how much it will be?"
"Yes, this also fluctuates depending on how much funds
are invested and how interest is set for each project, but on average, we
expect about five percent per year. For an investment of 50,000 gold coins, we
assume 25,000 coins over 10 years. What is most important is that development
investment equivalent to 1 million gold coins is predetermined by the treaty
with the Empire."
"Hahaha, does that mean by investing in this public
corporation in advance, the interest we must pay in the future will be
sufficiently offset by the yield! It is an interesting story. I would like to
urgently invest the 50,000 gold coins from the ransom
distributed earlier."
"Um... I am currently in a position belonging to the Kyle
Kingdom strategically, but... can I participate?"
"The Count Cornell house changed affiliation,
but is a house that fought together under the banner of Margrave Hastburg
alike. I have obtained His Majesty the Archduke's informal consent that there
is no problem making an exception."
"Um... I think Lord Darek will probably say he
wants to participate too..."
Surely he will. My brother has a weakness for new and rare
things. 'Why didn't you tell me about it.' He would definitely come saying that
with sparkling eyes.
"Yes, we have assumed that too. That is the same for
Viscount Herald who came under the banner of Frontier Duke Hastburg,
so I would appreciate it if you could convey that to both Viscounts, and to
Viscount Herald as well."
"But, is there profit for the Archduke in this? It's
strange for us to say, but I get the feeling it's somewhat excessively
generous."
"Haha, Count Cornell's point is very reasonable.
I will speak honestly. With this mechanism alone, there is no practical profit
for me. Honestly speaking, the first year is 'come and go', right to left or
minus. It will probably be so for several years. But there is profit. If the
nobles and people belonging to the Demon Territory Dukedom become
wealthy, it returns greatly as profit for the country. To be frank, I'm
cunning. In exchange, I intend to have everyone work hard to enrich their
territories."
"Wahahaha, indeed. We who have had arrangements made
this far must work to meet expectations. To be a pillar supporting the Demon
Territory Dukedom and the Archduke. Everyone is fine with that,
right?"
"Yes!"
At Marquis Gorman's question, loud voices announcing
agreement echoed from everyone in the meeting room.
The concept of an investment bank born on this day would
later have numerous territory residents participate in the Westlights Demon
Territory Dukedom, especially in the former Demon Territory Count's
domain.
Because they too had obtained more than sufficient rewards
for military exploits. They all turned their temporary rewards to investments,
and not only to secure further profits, but taking pride in contributing to the
new country, they began to participate en masse.
Thus, for the development of the new territory that was once
Empire land, ultimately as much as 1.5 million coins of funds came
to be prepared. And if this fund rotates, many people will receive benefits.
With this, I obtained the dragons and tigers to oppose Sieghart:
Miseri to solidify the foundation in internal affairs, and Raymond
to solidify the new territory. Not for wars where people kill each other, but
to win the battle in the field called economy occurring from now on, I secured
a strategist, abundant funds, and the cooperation of each lord.
◆
Income and Expenditure
Awards
ceremony: 1,640,000 gold coins
Fearalt
Dukedom Expedition Reward: 160,000 gold coins
Prisoner
Return Distribution (Empire): 260,000 gold coins
Prisoner
Return Distribution (Imperial Kingdom): 50,000 gold coins
Frontier
Knights Establishment Fund: 100,000 gold coins
Expedition
Reward (Third Army, other distribution): ▲ 48,000 gold coins
Post-War
Reward (Temporary Bonus): ▲ 380,000 gold coins
Other War
Expenses, etc.: ▲ 82,000 gold coins
Consolation
Money for War Dead (Kingdom Burden): 0 gold coins
1,700,000 gold coins
◆
Post-War Reward (Temporary Bonus)
Western
Expeditionary Force: 38 gold coins * 2,000 people
Serving
Soldiers (including armed vigilantes): 30 gold coins * 3,800 people
Immigrant
Support (Empire / Imperial Kingdom): 15 gold coins * 10,000 people
Demon
Territory Count Residents / per household: 5 gold coins * 8,000 households
380,000 gold coins
◆
Nation-Building Funds
Total
Budget: 1,600,000 gold coins
Of which
Independent Budget: 600,000 gold coins
Of which
Investment Bank Deposit Amount: 1,000,000 gold coins
Frontier
Knights Establishment Fund: 100,000 gold coins
Additional
Public Offering Investment: 500,000 gold coins
2,200,000 gold coins
+α Secret Funds (Clan of Darkness Distribution): 320,000 gold coins
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