After completing my training at the Viscount's house, the first thing I did was—implement a tax increase.
"I've decided to follow the example of Baron Exner. The Baron is amazing. He's the type who squeezes every last bit out of people. His son, Kurt, also inherited the spirit of trying to extract as much as possible, being a man of intellect."
That's why I'm increasing the tax.
What? The people will suffer?
—So what? I won't suffer.
"The time has come! As a wicked lord, it's time for a major tax increase!"
After hearing my opinion, Tensho thought for a moment but then nodded.
"It's about time. I don't think there will be any problems."
"Right! I can already hear the people's cries of suffering."
Occasionally, some fools start calling me a benevolent ruler, completely misunderstanding the situation.
Is it because of the praise from the TV station I set up for information manipulation?
The media is really convenient.
"Fools. Even if they feel betrayed by me, they still call me a benevolent ruler."
"Sir, what about the details of the tax increase?"
"Leave it to you. Squeeze every last bit out of them!"
"As you wish."
—The next day, I announced that the tax increase would take effect from the following year.
The entire domain was in an uproar.
Hilarious!
â—‡
In a civilian's house within the Banfield family's domain.
The white, single-story house with a garden was well-maintained.
The owner was a middle-aged man with a mustache and a slightly paunchy belly.
As he was about to go to work, a relative rushed over to him in a panic.
"Hey, have you heard?"
"What's wrong? I'm going to work now."
"Listen, look at this!"
The information terminal displayed the announcement of the tax increase.
It was also mentioned that Liam's name was used, and the content was almost mandatory.
If anyone resisted, the military would come and arrest them immediately.
The man, after confirming the content, was trembling.
"Is it true?"
"No doubt. It's an official announcement from the government. A major tax increase!"
The two of them were actually quite pleased.
"This isn't the time to work. What about the recruitment?"
"The third wave is the closest. They're recruiting people for the development plan there, but it's mainly for scholars. I want to join the fourth wave. Are you coming with me?"
"Of course! If we do well, we can become independent there and won't have to worry about work."
Why were they so happy? And what were they talking about?
This is something Liam had forgotten, but the Banfield family had started colonizing a new planet.
With the development of their home planet settled, they had started expanding to other planets.
Colonizing a new planet is difficult.
Many lords send people and then leave them to fend for themselves after the initial investment.
The reason for the major tax increase was—serious development of the new planet.
In other words, they thought Liam was seriously investing in the new planet.
From their perspective—
"How much is the tax increase?"
"It's not small, but it's better than in the past."
For the people who knew the Banfield family from the old days, it wasn't an unbearable amount.
It was actually quite low until now.
While there would be complaints, for those considering moving, it was good news.
"It seems the rumor that Lord Liam would return and start serious development is true."
"Let's make a name for ourselves there."
The men decided to celebrate with a toast after work.
â—‡
After the announcement of the major tax increase.
I was watching the news with a smirk, finding the content incredibly amusing.
The commentator on TV was desperately defending my announcement.
"This major tax increase is for the purpose of investing in the new planet—"
A talent representing housewives gave her opinion.
"But, it's a problem if we're told to pay more taxes for that. Taxes should be used properly."
"No, that's why investing in the new planet is the right use of funds."
"Isn't that a problem for those who want to move?"
What a delightful show.
A major tax increase is something that would never be accepted.
In a democratic system from my previous life, the cabinet would have been dissolved immediately.
Long live the aristocratic rule.
The discussion about my policies continued.
Even the topic of lending warships had the talent complaining.
"Seriously, I don't understand why we're buying warships to lend to other planets. It's our tax money."
This talent, representing housewives, often voices such complaints.
The flow of the show is that the commentator and host persuade her—essentially a set routine.
"This character who provokes the audience is amazing."
By voicing complaints about me, the TV station claims to be fair.
—It's all a farce.
This talent is probably acting, fully aware of everything.
The commentator, perhaps influenced by her, is giving a powerful performance.
"Hey, cut it out! We've been talking about the cost issue! It's cheaper to lend ships from our domain than to send the military!"
"But, that's a problem for other planets—"
"Are you even listening? The issue of pirates has nothing to do with our territory! If pirates establish a base elsewhere, it will affect us too!"
I'm impressed by the powerful acting.
This commentator might actually be an actor. It's possible.
The title of "expert" is probably provided by the TV station.
Thinking about the viewers who are deceived by such titles makes me laugh.
As I was enjoying the TV on a large monitor, Tensho approached, preparing tea.
"Sir, you seem to be enjoying it."
"Yeah, it's funny. So many people believe this show and call me a benevolent ruler."
The information manipulation is perfect.
"Protecting the safety of the domain is true, and the investment in the new planet is also a fact."
"Is it?"
Well, I just wanted to implement a major tax increase and hadn't decided what to do with the money.
It was just a way to annoy people.
I just wanted to squeeze the people.
If I wanted, I have an alchemy box, so there's no problem.
I just wanted to see the people suffer.
I took the cup and drank the tea elegantly.
"Drinking tea while watching the people suffer is the best."
"I'm glad you're enjoying it, Sir."
The show was discussing recent trends.
"Next, let's talk about the latest hairstyles among young people."
"Young people's ideas are surprising. I never thought such a hairstyle would become popular."
The show's participants were laughing.
I wondered what kind of hairstyle it was—
"This is the popular 'tornado style.'"
A model entered the venue.
I spat out my tea.
The hairstyle was curled—nicely, it looked like soft ice cream, and not so nicely, it looked like—
Tensho started cleaning up the tea I had spat out.
"Ah, Tensho!"
"What is it, Sir?"
"Is this hairstyle really popular? Are there a lot of people with this hairstyle in our domain? It can't be true, right? Tell me it's not true!"
Tensho avoided my gaze and pointed at the monitor.
"—It's not allowed in the mansion, so it's fine."
"Outside the mansion, it's everywhere! How can such a hairstyle exist!"
Damn! It ruined my mood.
Is this the people's revenge for the tax increase?
"I don't want our domain to be known for such an embarrassing hairstyle."
"I understand your concern."
I decided with even stronger resolve than when I implemented the tax increase,
"Regulate it immediately. I won't allow such a thing!"
"If you say it's not allowed, they might want to do it even more. But, I'll contact the government."
After that, the regulation was quickly implemented.
However, while there were no protests over the tax increase, there were protests over the hairstyle ban.
—This domain is finished.
â—‡
The head maid was reporting to the prime minister.
"I see. He increased the tax to seriously develop the new planet."
"There's nothing unnatural about it. He's not living extravagantly because of the tax increase. If anything, he's more frugal."
"—Being too frugal is also a problem."
"He doesn't have the resources. But, he knows how to manage money."
The head maid was reporting on Liam's tax increase and other matters.
It was a spy activity against Liam.
However, this would end up protecting Liam.
The head maid was made to believe that the large-scale investment in the new planet was funded by the tax increase.
"I was worried about his lavish spending, but it seems he's frugal. It's a bit disappointing, but as expected."
"You're saying it would be better if he had a big secret?"
"Of course not. I'm just happy to see a normal noble being born. It gives hope to the empire, especially with the situation of the Petrack family."
The Petrack family, due to the dire situation, had relatives refusing to inherit.
If things continued, Peter, who couldn't get elixirs for treatment, would be the last head of the family.
The remaining huge debt, due to the marriage, was likely to be passed to the Reisel baron family.
"Also, we've received an informal inquiry from the Exner baron family about sending their daughter for training in the future."
"Hmm, the Banfield family might be suitable. Are they prepared to accept her?"
"Given ten years, we can manage."
"Your presence is reassuring. Help the Banfield family."
"Yes, I will. In fact, we will start accepting the children of minor lords next year."
"I hope you can accept children from families of barons and above. There are many issues with the training of the children."
The communication ended.
â—‡
The following year.
The Banfield family, for the first time, accepted the children of other families.
However, they were from minor lords—families below the baron level.
From nearby—though quite a distance away—young children from relatively close domains gathered.
Unlike me, in minor lord families, only the heir can study abroad in the empire.
The reality is that they don't have the money, so they usually rely on foster parents.
However, since the Banfield family had been unreliable, the nearby minor lords were in a bind.
Most of the gathered children in the large room were older than me.
I entered the room with Bryan and Tensho, and the head maid greeted me.
"Lord Liam, these are the children we will be taking care of from today. Please introduce yourselves."
When I entered, everyone greeted me, but one of them was chewing gum.
He was grinning at Tensho.
"What, a doll?"
I frowned, and the head maid slapped the young man.
A dry, good sound echoed in the room.
"Watch your mouth."
But, he didn't stop.
"You're just a kid. You wasted your time being nervous."
—Sometimes, there are fools who don't understand their position because they grew up sheltered.
I pushed the head maid aside and approached the young man, then punched him.
He flew across the room and hit the wall, coughing.
"You—"
"I don't need rebellious people. Bryan, send this one back."
"Please wait, Lord Liam. It's the first day."
"So what? It's his fault for making me uncomfortable. And it's his family's fault for neglecting his education. He's not worth associating with."
I'm kind to myself but strict with others.
The room fell silent, and the young man looked confused.
"Tensho, arrange for him to be sent back."
Tensho nodded.
"I'll take care of it immediately."
â—‡
A few days later.
The head of a minor lord family, after hearing the situation, came to apologize to me.
He said he would disinherit the problem child and asked for continued good relations.
Of course, I happily accepted!
I love people who fawn over me!
"Having power is the best. Even as a noble in the empire, I'm like a king in my domain. It feels great."
Bryan looked slightly exasperated but praised me.
"The head maid was impressed. She said you have a good sense of timing. However, I wish you had handled it more calmly. It's sad to lose a family that has just revived as foster children."
"The first impression is crucial."
By the way, in my previous life, I also had trouble with young people like that.
Anyone who acts disrespectfully towards me gets â—‹â—‹!
"After that incident, the other children became much more disciplined."
"That's good."
As I was impressed, Bryan asked me.
"By the way, were there any girls you noticed during the introductions?"
"Girls? —Come to think of it, I didn't really pay attention."
Bryan looked disappointed.
"Is that so? They were candidates for concubines. It's a bit disappointing."