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History of the Greatest Territory Design - Episode 133

133fury. There is nothing free in this world (1)

“command. Based on the above-mentioned achievements, Frontera territory is promoted to county status..”

Silence blew at the end of the solemn declaration..

No one dared to open their mouth.

The royal envoy who read the edict.

And his attendants.

Javiel kneeling next to me.

it was the same for everyone.

Then after a while.

The Baron, no, Count Frontera, now elevated to Count, began to sob..

“……Sigh, Sigh, Sigh!”

I quickly covered my mouth..

Still I couldn't stop crying.

Even if you try to suppress it, the emotion that blooms.

His shoulders trembled like a balloon doll fluttering in the whirlwind of emotions..

‘oh my god. oh my god. Oh my god this is happening……!’

I couldn't believe it even after hearing it with my own ears..

But there was no way not to believe it.

royal envoy standing in front.

The edict scroll he carried.

A declaration followed by a solemn voice.

It's all real, real, real.

‘Such a blessing to our family…….’

Count Frontera bowed his head even more deeply, suppressing sobs..

Meanwhile, the royal envoy's edict announcement continued..

“Directive No. 2. Due to this promotion, confusion in hierarchy may occur between the County of Frontera and the County of Cremo, the existing central territory of the Cremona region. Therefore, it is ordered that the County of Frontera be made independent from the administrative organization of the Cremona region in the form of a special direct city..”

‘Oh my.’

The corners of Lloyd's lips lifted slightly as he listened to the presentation..

‘It is independent as a special city under direct control. This is a measure to prevent the genealogy of rank among nobles from being distorted..’

When I thought about it, it was a natural measure..

Originally, the Frontera fiefdom was part of the subordinate administrative organization of the County of Cremona..

However, if it is promoted to county status,?

It is like gaining the same status as the Count of Cremo at once..

It becomes an uncomfortable situation where two earl families coexist in one region..

In other words, the hierarchy between the Counts of Cremo and the Counts of Frontera is distorted..

‘So, it would be better to divide the administrative districts and make them independent. As expected, the king’s sister.’

Not only is he good at using a sword, but his political skills are also at a high level..

While I was thinking that, the royal envoy began to recite various benefits that came with being promoted to county status..

“Directive No. 3. As a result, the County of Frontera has been established as the center of reconstruction in the eastern region, and is therefore exempt from paying any taxes to the royal family for the next 20 years..”

‘Oh, oh?’

My eyes opened brightly..

The benefits didn't end there.

“Directive No. 4. The royal family announces that it will specially allocate and provide support for the budget and materials for the reconstruction of the County of Frontera over the next 10 years..”

‘Hehehe?’

The corners of my mouth caught in my ears..

There were other sweet benefits.

“Directive No. 5. We announce that the Viscounty of Lacona, adjacent to the County of Frontera, has been granted as a subordinate territory of the Special City of Frontera..”

‘Viscount Lacona… … Hahahaha!’

At this point, Lloyd stopped shaking his shoulders..

I almost burst out laughing..

Since then, various benefits have been announced..

The right to receive investment money at the lowest interest rate from the royal central bank, the right to attend meetings of the nobles, the right to enter into a marriage contract with the royal family, the right to recruit troops from lower-ranking fiefdoms, and the appointment and dismissal of lower-ranking fiefdom lords. Even personnel rights to.

Various small benefits were mentioned one after another like Vienna sausages..

They were all powerful powers and benefits..

It couldn't even be compared to the time when it was just a baronial territory..

“Above all, I would like to convey my wishes and congratulations to Count Frontera. Announced by King Alicia Termina Magentano in the royal capital of Magenta in January 618 of the Common Calendar..”

widely!

The scroll was wound.

The royal envoy smiled politely..

“Reduction, Count Frontera..”

“Ah, thank you… … No, thank you.”

Baron Frontera, no, the Count, was still in a dazed mood..

When receiving congratulatory greetings from the royal envoy.

Even when the servants and maids around you cheered..

Even as tumultuous news spread through each village in the territory,.

It continued like this until we entered the mansion and faced a dinner that was no different from usual..

I was just dazed..

Feet are floating.

My mind is racing.

I felt like I was floating on a cloud.

In short, it didn't feel real..

‘I… … The count?’

He lifted the spoon in a dazed mood..

Scoop the button mushroom soup, then pour it back onto the plate, then scoop it up again..

‘I've never even dared to imagine it.’

For the rest of my life, I just thought something like this would never happen..

Aren't you the one who was suffering from enormous debt until just last year?.

“But that's why everyone needs to be more conscious from now on..”

“…….”

“Hey, are you listening to me??”

“uh?”

A voice heard beyond my dazed ears.

The count suddenly came to his senses at the sound of that voice..

I raised my head and looked at Lloyd across the table..

A smile appeared on Lloyd's lips..

“You may feel a little lost, dazed, and dazed. Honestly, so do I.”

“Uh, um, that's right..”

“yes. So, you need to be more alert from now on. Me and everyone.”

“I need to come to my senses?”

Lloyd's voice sounds calm in the world.

Thanks to this, Count Frontera was able to calm down a bit..

Lloyd continued..

“This is because the intention behind this move to promote the county is very clear..”

“It's intention. Could it be that His Majesty the King?”

“yes.”

Lloyd grinned..

“Due to the monster domino effect, numerous territories in the eastern mountain range were destroyed. In that situation, elevating our territory, where refugees are flocking, to county status would mean making this the center of reconstruction..”

“It's the center of reconstruction.”

“Thanks to you, I'll be busy.”

“I guess so.”

Count Frontera shook his head..

It was definitely true after listening to my son..

“You have been given a greater responsibility along with a much higher status. furthermore…….”

“Now, my life of petty pleasure, satisfied with my status as a country aristocrat, is over. Has the board gotten bigger?.”

The smile on Lloyd's lips turned into a slightly bitter smile..

It was good that the Frontera family was promoted to a count family..

Numerous benefits and powerful powers were also given..

But there are more responsibilities as well..

In other words, we have moved away from the simple life of enjoying only what we could afford as a country noble..

‘Of course, that doesn't mean you'll get caught up in a treason..’

At least it will certainly be so while King Alicia remains on the throne..

It was thanks to the effect of the praise he had, ‘The One Who Carried Magentano’.

‘The praise rating is Kingdom Yasa. The effect is that there is no suspicion of treason or treason. In a word, it's awesome. Moreover, the area in which the effect is effective is the entire kingdom territory, and the period coincides with the reign of King Alicia..’

If you think about it, it was a huge effect..

Of all the compliments I had, I honestly thought it was the sweetest option..

‘Because the worst thing about living as a noble would be being involved in an unfair treason plot..’

Even if you look back at a lot of history, it is the same.

It was like that even when I watched common historical dramas..

No matter how powerful the nobles or privileged class are,?

A single blow to the hair would cause the hair to fly away..

There were even cases where people were treated with poisonous drinking even if the treason was nothing more than an unfair accusation or suspicion..

‘It won't be any different in this neighborhood..’

But not being suspected of treason like that was a great option..

This is especially true in a situation like now where the status of a prominent count has risen..

“So this is what I am saying. The family's prestige has risen and its authority has grown, so from now on it is time to utilize that authority appropriately..”

“Use your authority. Was there a special plan in mind??”

“yes.”

“Okay, what is the solution?.”

Count Frontera asked.

Lloyd gathered his thoughts..

Just in time, my status rose..

Great powers were given.

So, in times like these, it would be desirable to wield the sweet taste of power appropriately..

“Viscount Lacona of the South..”

“Viscount Lacona?”

“yes.”

Viscount Lacona, who harassed this area in the past..

Then, the Viscount faced the withdrawal of water tax..

I will engrave the true taste of power on the top of that Viscount's head..

Lloyd smiled happily as he promised that..

“First, why don't you call Viscount Lacona tomorrow morning?.”

♣

The next morning dawned.

Viscount Lacona literally came running with his mustache twirling..

He had already received a visit from the royal envoy last night..

He also obeyed the king's edicts..

Everyone was notified of the fact that the Frontera fiefdom had been promoted to county status and that their fiefdom had become a fiefdom under the Count Frontera family..

Viscount Lacona, a wealthy local lord.

For him, the news was like a bolt from the blue..

‘what… … . Baron Frontera, that scruffy man became a count? He even said he would become my superior?’

I wanted to dismiss it as nonsense..

It was so absurd that I didn't even want to believe it..

But I had no choice but to believe.

An edict is an absolute royal command..

Takes effect immediately upon proclamation.

Viscount Lacona, who knew this well, could not sleep even a wink all night..

‘What happens to me now?.’

It was a blanket that usually felt soft and light..

But after I had so many worries, I couldn't help but feel that uncomfortable..

It was heavy, unnecessarily hot, and unpleasantly coiled..

Even pillows and pajamas have become uncomfortable..

‘ha. Why on earth did I do something like that?…….’

My sighs kept flowing out..

He was someone who had an unusually high number of criticisms regarding the Frontera territory..

Every time I sigh, my past evil deeds unfold in my mind like a panorama..

It is basic to look down on Baron Frontera from time to time..

There was a time when I was insulted at a banquet hall..

Also, how has it been lately?.

It encouraged conflict over the Mahrez clearing area..

In the end, didn't they even carry out threats by polluting the river that flows into the Frontera territory?.

‘What should I do from now on?.’

The more I thought about it, the darker my eyes became..

I stayed up all night thinking about it.

Really, what should I do from now on?.

Should I prepare a gift and run to fawn over it?.

Or should I apologize again for my past mistakes and score points?.

It was a night spent in worry and tossing and turning..

But as soon as morning dawned, someone came from the Frontera territory..

The Count is calling..

‘omg.’

My heart sank..

I thought it came so quickly.

I got dressed frantically and ran like the wind..

And he bowed his head before Arcos Frontera, who had become a count..

“Hmm. It's been a while, Viscount Lacona..”

“Ship, the Count… … See you.”

“But what makes you uncomfortable??”

“yes… … yes?”

“You're sweating a lot..”

“Oh, no. My clothes were a little hot... … By the way, I sincerely congratulate you on being promoted to count..”

“ha ha ha. Thank you. Actually, I wanted to congratulate you, so I called you to see my face..”

“Is that so?.“

“Phew, no way. It's a joke.”

“Oh, I see! Ah, ahahaha.”

I got down on one knee and paid my respects..

He responded to the count's dull joke with a forced commercial smile..

In the meantime, little by little, I started to feel it..

In the past, Frontera was a small child who didn't even want to be treated as a nobleman..

That person is now my superior..

That feeling became even clearer when I was summoned separately to his office and met face to face with Lloyd, the son of Count Frontera..

“It's been a while, Viscount.?”

“…….”

“Have you become a little gaunt while we haven't seen each other? Your complexion has become dull, and dark circles have appeared. Have you been lacking sleep these days? Should I sing this a lullaby?.”

“…….”

“Oh my. There was a long, useless greeting. Well then, let’s move on to the main topic. Come here.”

“Go, thank you.”

He sat down in the seat Lloyd recommended..

I couldn't even lean against the backrest, so I clenched and opened my hands under the table and wiggled..

Lloyd grinned in this direction..

“Are you nervous??”

“no.”

“Please sit comfortably. I won't eat it.”

“…….”

“Yes, just like that. Even your sitting position should be comfortable..”

Lloyd smiled brighter..

So Viscount Lacona became even more anxious..

Even your sitting posture should be comfortable..

Does that mean that from now on, you're going to bring up a lot of things that will make us uncomfortable?.

I suddenly had that feeling..

And three seconds later, his premonition became reality..

“First of all, to put it bluntly, I think the water tax should be increased..”

“……yes?”

“Oh my. Don't be too surprised. Actually, the reason is simple. Isn’t winter coming now??”

“Yeah, that's right.”

“When the weather gets cold in winter, the water flowing in the water pipe will freeze.?”

“yes.”

“Then the pipe will burst.?”

“yes, yes…….”

“What if a pipe bursts? There will be no supply of clear water to dye your Laconata fabric.?”

“Right... … I guess.”

“So, we plan to pay a lot of attention to prevent water pipes from freezing due to the cold. You have to manage it. But how to manage it? Of course it costs money, right??”

“…….”

“This is all the hard work and effort put in for you. Think about it. Who will suffer if I do not manage the water pipes? Whose tear ducts would shed bloody tears? Should I just pretend not to know though? No. What is our relationship like? Isn’t your misfortune my misfortune??”

“Is that so?…….”

“It's obvious. So, what I am saying is that an increase in water tax due to an increase in management costs is inevitable..”

“How much is the water tax?…….”

“To put it simply, I think three times the current amount would be appropriate..”

“…….”

You crazy day robber!

The Viscount almost shouted without realizing it..

That guy named Lloyd is the devil himself..

He displayed superhuman patience in his anger..

He asked back, clenching his fists and barely crawling under the table..

“count… … You mean three times??”

“You don't think there are many.?”

“…….”

“Yes? You're relieved because you're finally paying the right water tax instead of just paying twice as much.?”

“…….”

“Viscount, I think we have a close relationship where we understand each other's positions very well..”

Lloyd smiled happily..

Blinking red in real time.

Seeing Viscount Lacona's face, which was almost in tears, could not have been this refreshing..

ridiculous behavior?

unreasonable abuse of power?

I didn't think of that at all.

Viscount Lacona had a history of harassing this area in the past.?

It wasn't.

‘Because this is just a very realistic measure..’

Sudden increase in water tax.

In fact, this is not just a measure for anger or emotional pleasure..

Rather, it is an action that analyzes the situation calmly and dispassionately..

It was because of the reality faced by the County of Frontera now..

‘Tax exemption for the royal family. There is a large subsidy there. But still, it costs endless amounts of money. I still need it. We have to risk our lives to secure financial resources..’

In the meantime, the Viscounty of Lacona became a fiefdom under his command..

Even the Viscounty of Lacona was not handling the refugees..

In other words, thanks to this side, safety was guaranteed from the monster domino effect, but the refugees were not taken care of, and it was a situation where they only sucked..

‘I just can't watch that anymore.’

Sipsi General.

mutual aid.

The burden of refugees being borne by this side.

It was necessary to carry this along with the Viscounty of Lacona, a territory under his command..

Isn’t that a very realistic measure?.

Moreover, from what he found out, the Viscounty territory was relatively well-funded..

So, the water tax that was raised about three times?

Even though it was difficult, it was enough to bear the burden..

“So that's it. At this time, we would like to further increase the size of our county engineering corps. Select the troops in the Viscount's territory as much as possible..”

You can't be the only one sucking honey.

If I can't suck, you can't suck either..

No, if I hit and run, you have to hit too..

You have to hit a lot more than me to feel comfortable..

As such, Lloyd's orders, based on the thoroughly water demonic motto, were followed by rapid fire..