97. Tax Reform (1)

Larael stopped her hands, raised her head, and spoke while looking directly into Edward’s eyes.

Edward’s languid eyes gained focus at Larael’s words. He was proud of her for speaking up like this.

“Go ahead and tell me what you think.”

At Edward’s words, Larael took a deep breath and began speaking calmly.

“The taxes collected by lords differ by region, and they collect far too much. Some lords even add ridiculous items to collect additional taxes. Several of these should be abolished, and the proportion of taxes collected by lords should be standardized. Furthermore, during national disasters, lords should be strictly prohibited by law from collecting taxes, and those who violate this should be severely punished.”

As Larael said, the current tax collection system gave lords considerable discretion. That’s why quite a few lords collected taxes as they pleased, despite the Emperor’s recommendations.

“What about the opposition from the lords?”

Edward asked gently with the corners of his eyes curving into a smile. He looked like a father proudly watching his daughter’s playhouse. Larael was serious, but Edward found her earnestness unbearably adorable.

“Of course, I know this sounds simplistic and like an idealistic policy. But I think it’s necessary to push forward with this opportunity presented by the farmers’ uprising.”

“You’re saying my resolution is needed?”

Larael knew that many emperors had tried to reform taxes, but all had failed due to opposition from the nobility. Especially an emperor like Edward, whose power base was weak, could face significant resistance. But conversely, because his power base was weak, he had nothing to lose. Therefore, he could push more strongly.

Edward gave a bitter smile. When he was the Crown Prince, he had aspired to be an emperor who would reform the government. With youthful thoughts, he believed he could achieve everything he envisioned. But once he became Emperor, he faced the walls of reality, became frustrated, and settled into complacency. He disliked headaches.

Listening to Larael’s words, he felt the revival of that feeling from back then—when he believed he could do anything. His heart pounded like a ship floating on calm waters suddenly facing fierce waves ahead. The sense of achievement after conquering those rough waves would be indescribable. The blood that had been flowing sluggishly through his veins now surged throughout his body, carrying the same emotions he had felt when he first became Emperor.

Edward gazed at Larael’s sparkling red eyes. As he quietly looked at those eyes directed at him, he felt that he could do anything if only Larael would continue to look at him with such trusting eyes.

“Larael, I don’t think you suddenly came up with this idea. Have you been interested in this area for some time?”

Edward asked while playing with Larael’s silver hair.

“I want to be of help to Your Majesty…”

At those words, Edward’s cheekbones rose to the heavens.

Larael did not smile back at his expression. She was seriously contemplating the fact that what she had tried to prevent had ultimately happened. Farmers had revolted, the Layton Merchant Guild was involved in this matter, and there were still many secrets she couldn’t tell Edward.

“I will thoroughly review what you’ve suggested.”

“Thank you.”

Larael replied briefly, still with a stern expression.

She truly wanted to be helpful to Edward. Larael bit her lip nervously.

“Larael, just by being by my side, you give me great strength. Don’t be so anxious.”

Edward whispered, tickling her ear as if he had read her inner thoughts.

He lightly kissed her forehead and rose from the sofa.

Larael stood up as well, saw Edward off, and returned. She came back to the empty bedroom and lay down on the bed. Her eyes stung from crying all night. Larael gently closed her eyes. She heard her maids entering the bedroom.

Larael recalled the conversation she had with Edward yesterday.

‘Edward will forgive everything about me after all. Because he’s such a kind person…’

That’s what Larael wanted to believe.

She simply couldn’t leave Edward. He was someone who would forgive everything about her and embrace her warmly. Larael felt a small hope gradually brightening within her heart.

***

Kali rushed to the imperial palace upon receiving Larael’s message.

When Handelson saw her, his face brightened as he greeted her. Kali deeply bowed her head at his enthusiastic greeting. Her earlobes turned red.

Knock, knock.

With the sound of knocking, Kali entered Larael’s bedroom.

“I pay my respects to Her Highness the Empress Consort.”

Kali greeted and looked at Larael. She froze momentarily as her gaze rested on Larael’s face, which had lost the customary smile she usually displayed. With Larael’s back to the sun, shadows fell across her face, making her red eyes appear to be a deep blood color.

“Sit down.”

Larael said briefly. Kali swallowed hard and sat across from her.

“As I mentioned before, once the production of the Krauf disease treatment is successfully completed and the matter is resolved, I intend to fully support you in establishing your own guild. This is not empty talk, so whenever you have time, start planning for your guild.”

“Pardon?”

Kali’s hands began to tremble slightly. Larael had mentioned this in passing before. It had occupied Kali’s mind ever since. Kali couldn’t look directly into Larael’s eyes and lowered her head deeply.

“Your Highness, about that…”

“I’m not asking for an immediate answer. I didn’t call you today for that reason. It seems there’s been an unfortunate incident in the import and distribution process of relief food handled by the Layton Merchant Guild. The truth will soon be uncovered, but since it involves the Layton Merchant Guild, I thought you should know.”

Larael spoke quietly, looking at Kali with her red eyes. Surprisingly, Kali remained calm upon hearing Larael’s words. It was as if she were talking about something completely unrelated to her.

Larael recalled Kali saying she didn’t want revenge. Larael had admired her words. But Kali hadn’t refused Larael’s proposal. She wondered if Kali saw revenge and establishing a guild as separate matters. But Larael didn’t ask any further about it.

“Has Joy left for the Magic Tower?”

“Yes.”

A smile finally appeared on Larael’s face. Feeling relieved at seeing Larael’s usual smiling expression, Kali continued.

“I’ve also hired mercenaries for Hobbs’s protection and sent them to the guild.”

“I see. Until winter comes, put aside other matters and go there to help Hobbs focus on producing the treatment.”

“Pardon? Your Highness, then…”

“Although you have severed ties with the Layton family, if the investigation results are unfavorable, you might also face difficulties. And even me, who employed you… So for now, be cautious.”

“Yes…”

Kali nodded with an obviously bewildered expression at Larael’s words. It made sense to be cautious since the Layton Merchant Guild’s name was being mentioned. After all, she still carried the surname ‘Layton.’ But apart from that, she felt a little hurt by Larael.

“Kali, I know you’re hurt.”

Larael said, noticing the fleeting disappointment that crossed Kali’s face.

“But… I’m not from a powerful family, so my position here is always precarious. Of course, I have Edward, but… I’m in a position where I could be sacrificed at any time, so please understand.”

Larael spoke with a bitter tone. Kali quickly waved her hands at Larael’s words. She felt regretful for unconsciously showing her disappointment on her face, even though she understood Larael’s situation.

“No, Your Highness. I understand well.”

Hearing those words from Larael, who had always seemed perfect, Kali’s heart, which had been tossing like a ship in a storm, calmed down as she realized that Larael was human just like her.

“Is there anything else you’d like to say?”

Larael asked, tilting her head to the side. She seemed to be waiting for Kali’s answer, staring at her lips.

“No, Your Highness.”