Chapter 769: Alex’s Castin Scheme I
CH769 Alex’s Castin Scheme I
***
"I apologise on behalf of the magistrate’s administration for the delay in salaries. As you know, the domain is still recovering from the effects of the Great Beast Tide that struck only half a decade ago. Our finances are stretched thin trying to cover a variety of administrative expenses.
"Revenue leakages and the reduction of income sources—including your town’s continued failure to pay taxes—have contributed significantly to the delay in salary payments," Alex said with a small smile.
In other words, he was telling them that the reason the guards had not been paid was because the town itself was not paying its taxes.
The expressions of the Castin representatives immediately darkened.
Alex, however, continued as though he had noticed nothing.
"However, there is no need for concern. With my appointment, the Empire has seen fit to inject several tens of thousands of berserk stones into the domain to accelerate its development.
"A mere seventy-two stones are hardly worth mentioning.
"As soon as you provide the work logs proving that the garrison members performed their duties during those two years, the salaries will be paid.
"After all, this is Imperial money. We would only be inviting an audit from the Empire if I authorised payment for services that were never rendered, would we not?
"And we certainly would not want the Imperial Treasury and Audit Departments scrutinising our affairs. I hear they are every bit as ruthless as the Imperial Army—perhaps even more so."
The expressions of the family heads and garrison squad leaders darkened further.
Yet Alex continued, seemingly incapable of reading the atmosphere.
"Regarding the unemployment issue you mentioned earlier, do you happen to know the exact numbers involved?
"I would appreciate it if you could conduct a census of the town and submit the figures to us. Once we have accurate data, we will be able to formulate programmes and initiatives to assist those affected."
"For example, the land issue concerning your garrison families has been brought to my attention.
"Well, I find myself in a rather difficult position. The land currently available around the town has been rejected by you due to what you describe as ’reasonable’ concerns. Unfortunately, most of the cultivable land still available within the domain lies near the entrance to the Frontier March.
"As such, I intend to establish a new town there and invite the family members of garrison personnel who have yet to receive farmland to relocate there.
"In addition, the new town will require its own garrison force. Those who choose to serve there will be offered a similar arrangement to the one currently enjoyed by the Castin garrison—with only a slight difference.
"Oh, and anyone who already possesses farmland here may also choose to exchange their current plots for farmland in the new town if they wish."
Alex paused before continuing.
"To be honest, I am impressed by how you have developed Castin Town. It is well on its way to becoming a jewel of the domain."
His words surprised everyone present.
"Because of that, I am considering introducing a new leadership system inspired by those used in some of the more developed settlements across the continent.
"Rather than having the magistrate’s administration directly manage the town, a new position known as Mayor will be created.
"The Mayor, elected by a simple majority of the town’s residents, will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the settlement, while the magistrate’s office will merely provide oversight to ensure that Imperial laws are upheld.
"However, for such a system to function properly, we first require a census. We need to know who lives in the town and who is eligible to vote before any valid election can be conducted.
"For that, I will need your assistance."
The family heads immediately began turning the proposal over in their minds.
They quickly realised that this represented an opportunity to climb even higher and move one step closer to the ambitions each secretly harboured.
The four men exchanged cautious looks with one another before turning back towards Alex.
"Leave it to us," they promised.
"Good. I will expect the town register, as well as a register of those willing to relocate to the new town, by next week," Alex said.
"That is my ultimatum. I need to be certain that the people who may one day govern this town in my stead are capable of handling the responsibility."
The four family heads’ expressions turned solemn.
"We will get it done," they promised through gritted teeth.
"Good." Alex nodded.
"As for the matter of merchant permits, that will have to wait. We first need to resolve our trade situation with the Frontier Stronghold before any permits can be issued. Bureaucratic bottlenecks and limited personnel are unavoidable realities.
"That said, even if permits could be issued today, they would not operate under the tax structure to which you have become accustomed.
"This is an entirely different category of taxation.
"If anyone wishes to obtain a merchant permit, fifty percent tax is the lowest rate I am willing to approve."
"Sir Count, this—" The Winkler family head began to protest.
Alex cut him off.
"Nothing you say will change that. It is the standard practice throughout the Empire, and since this domain technically belongs to the Empire, there is very little room for negotiation.
"If you doubt my words, you are free to investigate the matter yourselves."
"Of course not. How could we possibly doubt Sir Count?" the family heads hurriedly echoed.
"In that case, I shall await your reports."
Alex rose from his seat.
Then, as though suddenly remembering something, he asked,
"What about the head of the Dunn family? Why is he not present today?"
Squad Leader Dunn immediately rose to his feet.
"A squad of the town’s strongest hunters recently entered the forest to eliminate several beasts that had begun wandering dangerously close to the town. However, the hunters have since gone missing.
"Because those hunters belong to our Dunn family, the family head personally led a search party to find them.
"He had no idea Sir Count would grace us with his presence today. Otherwise, he likely would have remained behind."
"No." Alex shook his head.
"It is a failing of my administration if people disappear while risking their lives for the safety of the domain.
"When the family head returns, extend my gratitude to him."
"As you command, Sir Count." Squad Leader Dunn saluted.
Alex headed towards the stairs, with his wives and Milton following behind him.
As he ascended, he cast a subtle glance over his shoulder towards the family heads.
A cold light flashed through his eyes.
"Udara, you have green light," Alex ordered through the comms network.
***