Chapter 8

When I got home and checked, it had risen to second place in the daily rankings! Thank you so much!

The other day, when my brother Geisel came to my mansion as an afterthought while hunting, he had a rather tense expression.

"Brother... Why do you have so many vassals...?"

"It all started because I defended Naglad Fortress. People from the surrounding lands who were confident in their martial prowess came to me, asking to be employed. As this repeated, the number grew."

"Is it not difficult to support so many vassals...?"

"Indeed, it is. However, with the increase in population, we can now use the land that was previously fallow for farming, which will significantly increase the harvest. This allows us to distribute the land to the vassals who have increased in number."

"I see... But you are still my vassal, the lord of this domain... Don't overstep your bounds..."

"Sure, say whatever you want. I have no intention of following such rules."

"However, during the recent fortress defense, there were several precarious moments. If I had the current military strength, I could have defeated the enemy more easily. To protect the Neivle territory, this military strength is necessary. Please understand."

"Ugh... I see... That makes sense... Alright, continue to serve diligently..."

"Yes, helping my brother is the path that our father in heaven would also be pleased with."

Compared to the past, I have more leeway, and my words flow more smoothly. I will continue to push my brother to the limit.

However, if I keep this up, my suspicious brother will surely take some action.

I knew this, so I had someone investigate what my brother thinks of me.

I received a report immediately.

A spy posing as a merchant in Neivle Castle reported back.

"The viscount is visibly afraid of Sir Alslod. He is particularly worried because he has no children yet. He fears that if he were killed now, he would lose his position as viscount."

"I see. I knew he felt this way, but he can't even hide such feelings."

It has only been about nine months since I returned from the fortress. In other words, it hasn't even been a year since I officially became an adult and joined the ranks of adults. I didn't expect the situation to change so much.

I have read many history books. It is common for military men who have gained fame to establish independent dynasties. People gather around those with charisma. Conversely, my brother, who is weak in war, is inherently less likely to gain people's trust.

"I will send a charm from a famous temple for safe childbirth to my brother's wife. Continue to gather information."

The merchant bowed and left.

Since I haven't made any suspicious moves, he can't just take away my land. He will probably try to kill me soon.

I know Geisel's character well. He can't just wait for me to rise to power.

But that will be the best opportunity.

Until then, I will do everything I can to improve my reputation.

I took the initiative to maintain the family tomb. The Neivle family, named after the land they own.

There is no law that prevents me from cleaning the family tomb. However, from the outside, it will look as if I am the successor to the Neivle family. Of course, I am doing this in the position of assisting the busy head of the family.

Just then, a voice in my head spoke again.

—It's a good idea to promote commerce now. There are no poor conquerors. Start with something small.

Money is always useful, but how should I go about it?

—Make the stall fees for merchants free. The market along the road will surely grow larger.

It was common for merchants to pay taxes to set up stalls. In places like Neivle Castle, they didn't have to pay the commercial guild, but they still had to pay taxes.

Won't the lord lose money?

—Change the system to have them pay a portion of their profits.

But won't they just run away without paying?

—If they make a profit, merchants will pay willingly. They don't want to ruin a good deal by being stingy with taxes. A few who don't make much profit won't cause much harm. It's better to collect taxes from those who have money.

I decided to trust Oda Nobunaga's advice.

I issued a proclamation in my territory: "All stall fees for selling goods in the market or shops are free. Merchants and farmers can freely set up stalls to sell what they want. However, they must pay 10% of their profits."

The effects were immediate.

When I inspected the market along the road, it was clearly larger than before.

As more people came, others started selling alcohol and boxed lunches, and the market grew rapidly.

Just as I had been in my profession for about a year, I went on a patrol with Laviara.

"Laviara, I've never seen such a lively market!"

Laviara was genuinely surprised by the bustling scene.

"It's still smaller compared to Neivle Castle, but it might be the largest temporary market in Neivle."

"Elves from my mother's side are selling herbs, and there are many more beastmen merchants than before. This is almost a city rather than just a market along the road!"

"More merchants from Neivle Castle are also starting to set up stalls here. Since there's no cost to set up a stall, even if they fail, there's no economic loss."

"It's a real success."

So far, the sales are being reported properly. If they are caught not paying, they will lose their business rights, so the more profit they make, the more diligently they pay. In fact, the market has become a place where people are willing to pay to set up stalls.

"But... this will provoke the viscount..."

Laviara whispered.

"Yes, definitely."

Geisel will make his move soon.

I will aim for two updates tomorrow! I will face off against my brother, the lord.