NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: Financial Crisis
TL: Etude
“Count, this is the expenditure and tax revenue report for this quarter.” Ford, the steward overseeing the territory’s governance, handed over a scroll of parchment.
Paul quickly unrolled it and glanced over it, asking, “Is there a problem?” He had little interest in financial reports.
“Well… indeed, there is a ‘problem,’ and the situation is not optimistic,” Ford said, his brows slightly furrowed. He glanced at Philip, the butler responsible for managing the lord’s treasury.
Philip spoke up, “My lord, if this continues, our financial situation will become unsustainable.”
“Is it the pirates’ activities affecting the tax revenue?”
“Yes. After the old count passed away, in addition to the pirates landing, some lawless elements took advantage to create chaos. Road and river bandits have isolated some towns, and several of our tax collectors have been humiliated and driven away.”
“Especially Port Fran. Although it’s always been extorted by pirates, it remains our largest source of tax revenue. Now the Shark Gang has taken over and refuses to leave.” Ford felt helpless thinking about this.
“Is this why we are running a deficit?”
Philip explained, “The recent expansion and training of the army have cost us a lot. Previously, feeding the soldiers was enough, and they would return home after battles. Now, we also have to pay them salaries, make uniforms…”
“Plus, purchasing and producing new weapons, recruiting craftsmen… In the last meeting, we also decided to build ships…”
Paul, feeling overwhelmed, unrolled the scroll again and examined it carefully.
Indeed, some measures had to be taken.
…
After the last military meeting, Lakeheart Town planned to “lie low” for a month, complete the training of two full infantry battalions, and then wipe out the pirates in the territory. However, Cecil, the newly appointed intelligence chief, quickly made a significant contribution by uncovering crucial information: the Shark Gang, having absorbed the remnants of Quik’s forces who had fled, sent 500 men to intimidate Paul, emboldened by the idea of killing a count.
The army’s morale was high after a victory, and with the help of Cecil’s intelligence, Sir Schroeder, leading the troops and some brave fishermen, intercepted the pirates en route.
Schroeder lured small groups of pirates ashore, gradually distancing them from their ships, then swiftly moved the main force between the pirates and the riverbank, cutting off their retreat.
After a fierce battle, with the advantage of discipline and firepower, and the soldiers transformed by their previous victory, Lakeheart Town’s army won a resounding victory.
The pirates lost over four hundred men to death, injuries, and capture. The Shark Gang, now subdued, resorted to a defensive strategy, hiding in Port Fran.
Lakeheart Town’s army pursued them to Port Fran but found the city’s walls had been raised and its defenses significantly bolstered. Not daring to attack rashly, they stationed nearby to prevent the pirates from raiding again.
“Even now, they haven’t retreated to the sea?” Paul was surprised. It seemed the pirates intended to occupy Port Fran long-term.
Well, they would eventually be meat on his chopping block.
He instructed his officers to use the newly formed two infantry companies as the main force, with the internal guard as support, to eradicate the road and river bandits across the land. While the new recruits might struggle against pirates, they were more than capable of handling these newly formed gangs of thugs and ruffians.
As the campaign to combat banditry progressed, Lakeheart Town gradually regained control over the entire territory, except for Port Fran. However, many villages had been plundered by pirates and bandits. Facing the tearful representatives of the people, the Count couldn’t bring himself to impose further taxes on these destitute villagers and ordered the exemption of some villages from taxes for two quarters.
With the gradual restoration of transportation in various regions, some tax revenue started to flow in, temporarily alleviating the immediate financial crisis and allowing the high-ranking officials of Lakeheart Town to breathe a sigh of relief.
However, this was only a temporary solution. To truly resolve the financial crisis, it was essential to immediately embark on projects that could generate revenue.
…
That afternoon, Paul summoned Ford and his team.
“Gentlemen, what do you think of this thing I’ve made?”
Each person was given a piece of ‘paper.’
Holding the rigid material, Ford asked doubtfully, “Is this ‘paper’?”
“Cough… This is just a prototype, but once perfected, this invention has great potential.”
This was Paul’s attempt at paper-making based on his understanding. He boiled a mix of tree bark, wood, and bamboo, then pounded it into pulp with a mortar, and finally spread it out to dry under the sun, resulting in a… well, crispy paperboard.
“Does this have any practical use?”
“To replace the current parchment.”
Parchment, made from animal skin, was the primary writing material in this world. Its production was complex and labor-intensive, involving liming, hair removal, degreasing, stretching, repeated scraping, pumicing, and drying. This lengthy process meant limited production and high costs, making it unaffordable for commoners and leading to widespread illiteracy.
“But this thing…” Ford broke the piece in his hand, leaving him speechless.
“Cough cough…” Seeing everyone’s skepticism towards his invention, the Count cleared his throat and said earnestly, “Given time, I’m confident I can make it softer and thinner. Every great invention faces doubt at its inception, but no amount of skepticism can stop the wheels of history.”
“Consider the current parchment. It’s so expensive that even some minor nobles hesitate to buy it, let alone commoners. Take the church, for example. I asked Pastor Anderson, and even disregarding failures and accidents, copying a single scripture requires the skins of over 300 sheep. My goodness, a book requiring 300 sheep, not to mention the laborious copying process.”
“And this ‘paper’ in your hands? Its raw materials are just insignificant things like tree bark and bamboo. Once the process is perfected, we can produce a large quantity in just a few days. If we can make it softer, thinner, and less brittle, it would be a revolutionary, world-changing product.”
Inspired by Paul’s passionate speech, everyone began to see the potential.
“If it can be improved as you say, it could indeed be a profitable venture,” Ford, troubled by financial issues, was the first to acknowledge the possibility.
“Exactly!” Paul clapped his hands enthusiastically, “Although the initial products might not be as durable as parchment, the abundant raw materials and simple production process mean we can market it as a ‘budget-friendly’ option, ensuring a ready market.”
“And there’s another brilliant use for it,” the Count said with a mysterious smile.
“Oh? What might that be, my lord?”
“To free your behinds.”