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Translator: Kazumi
Editor: Kabur & Silavin
One of the characteristics of the Eastern Continent, where the Flores Kingdom was located, was that of noble families and noble children.
The concept of nobility varied from one kingdom to another, but the general principle remained the same.
The king directly granted titles to the nobles, but since there were quite a few nobles with titles, it was difficult for the king to manage all of them.
Therefore, the nobles who were weak or had low titles were controlled by the stronger nobles.
Basically, the newly granted nobles become the subordinates of one of the greater nobles.
A greater noble family with multiple dependents would be more powerful than other families.
Of course, there was a danger that the greater nobility would become too powerful, but that would depend on the King’s leadership.
Neither the greater nor the lesser noble could choose their partner, but the King would decide.
In most cases, a minor noble from the vicinity of the land of the greater noble would become the subordinate of the greater noble.
In the early days of the country, the King would place a trusted noble on the frontier, where the power of the central government was not strong enough to control the nobles in the surrounding area.
However, as the years went by and the generations passed, the balance of power between the King and the frontier would become unbalanced, which of course was not always a good thing.
In this respect, the Flores Kingdom had made good use of this system and had ruled well, at least until now.
The question that Kousuke asked Achilles was important here.
“I’ve been taxed in neighboring territories, as well.”
“Me too.”
The adventurers who had been watching the exchange between Kousuke and the others became interested and interrupted the conversation.
They were probably not happy about the incomprehensible tax.
Or perhaps they meant that since they had paid the tax themselves, Kousuke should pay it as well.
Of course, Kousuke would never accept such a request.
Because.
“I see. That means, if I’m not mistaken, shouldn’t a greater noble be involved?”
“…What do you mean?”
“Since you are trying to get involved with taxes, I would assume you would know this…”
Kousuke said before beginning to speak.
“Adventurers are given preferential treatment in terms of taxes compared to ordinary citizens to ensure that they can be used as a fighting force when the time comes.”
“Isn’t that obvious…?”
Kousuke continued to speak, and Achilles looked at him quizzically, wondering what he was going to say now.
“And that, at least here in the Flores Kingdom, that should be guaranteed by the country, and by the King.”
“…”
“That’s not surprising because unlike other countries, if you put a heavy tax on the adventurers, they might drift away if you are not good at it.”
In fact, there were countries in the past that, because of taxes on adventurers, were unable to secure enough adventurers to control the flood of monsters that were pouring into their countries and were destroyed.
As a result, countries have avoided imposing taxes on adventurers as much as possible.
In addition, there were countries that did not impose taxes in the past, but eventually, the country with the greatest national power had the advantage, so the taxation of adventurers to a certain extent was standardized.
For this reason, at least on the eastern continent, the taxation of adventurers should be the same.
…In terms of establishing taxes.
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Perhaps sensing something disturbing in Kousuke’s story, Achilles interrupted him.
“I understand that you are somewhat knowledgeable, but what is your point?”
Achilles looked at Kousuke as if he knew what he was talking about.
“The activity tax you just mentioned, is it a tax set by the government?”
This was the reason Kousuke was so insistent.
Kousuke’s words caused a stir among the adventurers who were listening around him.
It seemed that they had begun to realize that something was wrong.
The reason Kousuke was so sure of what he was saying was because he had the evidence to back it up.
After all, he has a former princess, Floria, whom he could contact at any time.
In addition, when he returned to the inn, he also spoke with Alec, the former prince.
At least, Kousuke was one step ahead of them in this matter.
Without knowing this, Achilles turned to Kousuke with a dumbfounded look on his face and retorted.
“I told you earlier, didn’t I? I told you earlier that this tax was decided within the territory. As for the other territories that you and the others mentioned earlier, it would be the same.”
The adventurers already in the dining hall watched with bated breath as the situation unfolded.
They wanted to support Kousuke, but they could understand Achilles’ point of view, since he was there as a representative of the lord.
Kousuke, while looking at Achilles, said to the adventurers.
“So that means the lords are defying the king. I’ve heard that nobles like that can be guilty of treason, but it is hard work.”
Achilles must have been surprised by this line.
He looked flustered.
“But, that’s ridiculous…! Why does that make Amidio-sama disobey the king?”
“As I mentioned earlier. It is the King who decides on the taxation of adventurers. The lord should not be able to levy taxes on adventurers without permission.”
Kousuke, by the way, told this story with conviction.
After all, he had heard this information from Alec, the former prince of this country.
However, he did ask Alec, not because Kousuke expected this to happen, but rather because he was told in advance what kind of tax would be imposed on those who enter the country.
The adventurers must have completely understood Kousuke’s point.
Although they were still skeptical, they still felt that Kousuke had made his point.
The men who had brought Achilles to the party seemed flustered by the unexpected turn of events.
They must have felt that they had thought they had caught a kitten, but in fact they had messed with a big tiger.
Achilles, who was facing Kousuke, had completely lost his expression.
He was neither angry nor impatient.
If anything, it was a look of determination.
“I understand. So, you are going to defy Amidio-sama?”
“I don’t understand why you are assuming that we are going against Amidio-sama. What I’m saying is that I have a valid point.”
Kousuke, meeting Achilles’ gaze, replied with a cool expression.
Achilles also seemed to be exchanging information in a nonchalant manner.
“I see. I understand. Then, I will tell Amidio-sama about that argument of yours.”
Saying this, Achilles left the dining room with the men he had brought with him.
Kousuke also understands exactly what Achilles meant behind the scenes.
In short, he was saying that he could use his lord’s power to do whatever he wanted with him.
It was enough for an adventurer with a little knowledge to be treated as such.
That would be enough for a normal person.
There were adventurers who understood what Achilles was saying.
After being a regular member of an escort group, the adventurers were able to understand their special way of speaking.
“Hey, are you okay? They’re going to retaliate, aren’t they?”
The adventurer’s words must have made those who did not understand him finally understand.
There were gasps of breath here and there.
“Well, I’m sure we’ll be fine. Above all, aren’t you excited to see what they will do after this?”
Kousuke said with a smirk.
Seeing Kousuke and the surrounding women, the worried adventurer also broke into a smile.
“Hahaha. This is totally your way. I’ll bet on your side.”
It was a declaration that if push came to shove, they would stand by Kousuke’s side.
It was only an adventurer who was not bound by the land that could say such a thing, even though he might not be able to stay in this land anymore in some cases.
The adventurers who had been watching the situation were also looking happy, as if they had been dragged along by this adventurer.
The fact that they would not have to pay extra money if Kousuke’s argument was accepted was a practical advantage, but as the word “adventurer” implied, the nature of the adventurers probably had a great deal to do with the situation.
At least on the surface, the adventurers in the restaurant were now on Kousuke’s side.
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