Chapter 145
Chapter 145
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 145
Chapter Title: Reborn as the Plum Blossom Sword Master in a Count Family
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The citizens of Tebra who saw the notice tilted their heads in confusion.
"So, they're saying they'll post notices like this regularly from now on?"
"...I can't read, so I'm in big trouble."
"If you have complaints, go to the mansion, it says. Anyone want to head to the lord's mansion with me?"
"Don't talk nonsense that'll get us in trouble. Don't you know how scary our lord is? The general store owner's brother got his head hung in the square after badmouthing the lord not long ago."
"...Scary stuff. Guess I need to learn to read."
"Citizen ranks, huh..."
"It's not like low ranks make you a slave, so who cares? Higher ranks get benefits, which is good for us, right?"
"Hmm. Yeah, maybe."
"No way. 1st-class citizens get a whopping 10% tax cut."
"Does it say how to become 1st-class? How do you earn contribution?"
"Hold on. Let me keep reading."
"To become 4th-class... donate 3 million ner to the lord?"
"Look closely. It says special merit for the first donation. I doubt 3 million ner is enough."
3 million ner was two months' wages. A huge sum for commoners, not to be donated lightly. And no guarantee it would grant 4th-class.
"That bastard Felg! He must be the one who reported the general store owner's brother and got him executed! That scum becomes 4th-class...!"
"Reporting, huh."
Some raged, others pondered deeply.
Not everyone in the city were close neighbors. Reporting once to raise rank seemed profitable.
"Wind Shelter... Whew, that place is something else."
"Katarina... Isn't she the madam of that brothel? And she's 2nd-class?"
"You must not have been to Wind Shelter."
"Heard of it. But it's still a brothel. I've got a wife. No reason to go."
"Tsk tsk. Never been to Wind Shelter? I pity you. It's natural for Katarina to be 2nd-class. That place is... whew. Just thinking makes my heart race."
"...That good? Aren't there just dirty whores?"
"Go once and you'll never say that. 200,000 ner an hour... but no regrets. The girls are several times prettier than your wife."
"If you say that much... guess I'll check out Wind Shelter today."
Wind Shelter had transformed into a high-class brothel rivaling those in the capital. Men who visited once never complained—except about the price.
"Koria's Becan became 1st-class. Hmm. I can accept that man."
"Thanks to Koria Merchant Company, things are lively lately. Their cigarettes are my reason for living."
"Heard Koria has a close relationship with the lord... Most of their novel goods were developed by the lord."
"Gasp. Over 10 items. Buying seems profitable."
"Limited ways to earn contribution... Better buy while you can."
"Hmm. Worth 100,000 ner? I need to think."
"...Whew. Taxes are rising, as expected."
"New lord means tax hikes. Unavoidable."
"What power do we have to defy the lord? Marriage tax at 3M ner... that's too much."
"Anyone know what FBI is?"
The citizens gathered before the board buzzed excitedly.
"100 million? It really says 100 million ner prize?!"
"Total 100 million. Winner gets maybe 50 million. Plus 2,000 contribution—straight to 4th-class."
"This is exciting. My wife could win beauty contest easy."
"Heh... Told you, you're blind with love. Bet no one but you votes for her."
"Heh heh... Gotta send my daughter. As Tebra's top beauty, winning's no issue."
Citizens anticipated the beauty contest. Huge prizes and fresh stimulation for their boring lives.
???
"Heh heh. How are the pigs reacting?"
I asked Yuria while sipping black tea.
Pigs.
My subjects.
In the modern world, they'd cry impeachment. But no democracy here. Even if they rebelled, I had Yuria.
Peak Aura Expert and advanced shadow mage.
She could crush any revolt instantly.
"Reactions are good. They're excited for the beauty contest with big prizes."
"Of course. Tebra was quiet—no festivals or events ever. They'll be thrilled."
Medieval commoners are mostly idiots. No proper education; over 80% illiterate. No kindergartens, let alone schools.
Smart ones? Less than 10%.
And I had zero plans to build schools for them.
"Pigs are easier to handle when dumb. Right, Yuria?"
"Wise words, master. They have no value beyond labor. They should rejoice in your rule. Bread and circuses suffice."
Yuria gets it.
Bread and circuses.
Ancient Rome's policy. Dumb masses are easy to rule.
"Kekeke. Really looking forward to the beauty contest."
Beauty contest at the right time later. Purpose: Scout and bed all Tebra beauties easily.
That time: When I fully control Tebra.
Ultimate goal: Bed every beauty in the city. Husbands? Irrelevant. First dibs matter. Simple: right of first night.
"That day can't come soon enough."