Chapter 8

Having finished reading the documents in two days, I began to tour the various regions of the domain that I had already marked out, including the capital and even the villages at the far corners of the domain.

Of course, it was impossible to see everything, so this time I focused on the southern area where tax revenues had declined and the eastern area where tax revenues were particularly high.

I felt bad for Ryle and Dida, but the journey went smoothly without encountering any bandits for the most part. Occasionally, I sought advice from the villagers to better understand the current situation.

The month I was given was almost over... and the final meeting was with Moneda. In fact, for me, the meeting with him was the first major hurdle.

Our group was led to the reception room of the Merchant Guild. Unlike the lavish and gaudy interiors of the nobility, the Merchant Guild's decor was dignified and substantial. To the discerning eye, it was clear that valuable items were placed there.

"It's been a while, Lady Iris."

The one who entered afterward was a cheerful young man with glasses... but to me, his smile always seemed suspicious.

"It's been a while, Moneda. Oh, don't be so formal. We're here incognito today."

"No, it's a matter of protocol."

"You're right. You've always been like that."

"So, what brings you here?"

He got straight to the point. No nostalgic talk to warm up the atmosphere... Well, Moneda has always been like that, I suppose.

"Moneda, it's been a while. How have you been recently?"

"How am I? I'm doing quite well, thank you."

"Of course. As the Deputy Treasurer of the Merchant Guild, you must be well-informed about my movements, right?"

"Well... yes."

Moneda smiled wryly. Merchants are known for their quick grasp of rumors and information. Not knowing the trends is a problem even before doing business. In other words, they naturally know the movements of the nobility who spend a lot of money.

"As you know, there has been some unrest, and I have returned to the domain. By the way, Moneda, how has the guild been doing recently?"

"It's been going well."

"Really? I thought trade with the capital had decreased significantly?"

His previously relaxed expression froze.

"Oh, that's not good. If you show your hand so easily, your opponent will quickly figure out your intentions."

I tried to laugh it off to lighten the mood, but Moneda's expression remained stiff.

"Moneda, I'm sorry. I was just probing. But it seems trade from our domain to the capital has indeed decreased."

Of course, trade with the politically unstable capital would decrease. However, it's still a very small amount, something you wouldn't notice unless you were constantly checking the ledgers.

By the way, my question to him was just a probe, with no real basis. In the current political climate, which is becoming increasingly unpredictable, one has to be more cautious... that's what I would think if I were a merchant.

"...You got me. For your reference, why did you think so?"

"Looking at the current political situation, it's obvious. However, Moneda, I didn't come here to be mean."

"Then, what brings you here?"

The conversation returned to its starting point. But this time, it felt different. Initially, the conversation was on equal footing, and he held the lead. This time, I had the initiative. He might be more willing to listen to my request.

"Moneda, would you like to handle larger sums of money?"

"Larger sums of money? Are you offering to hire me into the ducal family?"

"Yes, but not to serve the ducal family, but to serve the duchy."

"...What do you mean by that?"

"In the future, the duchy's administration will undergo reforms. Separating the administration from my family is one of them. In other words, I want you to manage and allocate the duchy's budget."

"Why me? The ducal family has plenty of talent."

"Because you know the field better. Moreover, this reform will be a long-term and fundamental one... so the current knowledge is not necessary. Of course, a certain foundation is required, but I believe you, as a young Deputy Treasurer, can handle it. Most importantly, I trust you. Trust is the most important thing when handling money, don't you think?"

"Haha, quite an ambitious plan. If it's true, the future of the duchy looks exciting. ...But, if I may ask, do you have the authority to make such an appointment?"

Ah, he doesn't believe me. He probably thinks my father or someone else came up with the idea and sent me as a messenger, or that I'm trying to poach him for my own credit.

So, here's my final card.

"Of course. I have accepted the position of acting lord of the duchy."

I showed him the letter I received when I was appointed. This was given to me by my father before I came to the duchy.

...Actually, I haven't announced my appointment as acting lord publicly yet. I don't plan to make a big announcement. It's more effective to use it at the right moment. ...Like now.

Moneda looked surprised, clearly not expecting me to be appointed as acting lord.

Moreover, this acting lordship is an extraordinary position. My father, the lord, has transferred all responsibilities to me but retained almost the same level of authority as the lord. This means that even if my father opposes or my brother makes any objections later, I can push through what I want. It's a rather shocking situation, and the letter clearly states this. No wonder he's surprised. ...I wonder what my father is thinking.

It's useful, so I'm grateful for it.