The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 299: Volume 4: Chaotic World - 20: Nicosia (1)_2

Chapter 299: Volume 4: Chaotic World Chapter 20: Nicosia (1)_2

The annual budget for soldiers’ pensions always significantly overspent, forcing the Finance Minister to shamelessly borrow from the Great Lords, Big Merchants, and even Usury Merchants by the end of the year. This had become a routine for the finance department of the Kingdom of Nicosia, and the negative effects of borrowing were becoming increasingly apparent. Both Lords and Traders were eager to lend to the kingdom, enticed by various preferential terms. At this time of the year, most merchants gathered at the Versailles Hunting Manor were hoping to join the ranks of lenders to the kingdom, seeking to enjoy the various preferential rights after making a loan.

This year’s fiscal shortfall was even larger. Although the kingdom forcibly collected some war taxes from a few Great Lords, this was but a drop in the bucket. The frenzied attacks of the beastmen inflicted immense damage on the kingdom. Because of insufficient border guard forces, the kingdom had no choice but to spend a huge sum of money to form the Second Kingdom Central Direct Infantry Corps—the Iron Cross Infantry Division. This was a significant expenditure that could not be avoided. However, this led to an ever-widening deficit in the finances, bringing the kingdom to the brink of collapse.

At this time of year, Parker always felt exhausted. To cope with various expenses, he had to manage the budget meticulously. The Army complained about his procrastinating and cutting pensions and wages, officials accused him of reducing benefits to line his own pockets, and the Lords hated him for constantly suggesting to His Majesty the King increases in various taxes. This left him in a state of constant tension, and being not yet fifty, his head had already gone bald, forcing him to use a wig as cover.

"Parker, I remember there was a transfer to your Ministry of Finance a few days ago, wasn’t there?" interjected the Minister of Internal Affairs. Although he was not very clear about financial matters, he knew that the finances of the kingdom were indeed in dire straits. To relieve His Majesty the King of his worries, he had no choice but to find ways to lighten the financial burden of the kingdom, with refugee funds naturally becoming one of his concerns.

"Which transfer are you referring to? The 800,000 gold shields? Hmph, Lord Tez, you are placing too much importance on that amount. What can 800,000 gold shields do? This year alone, the soldiers’ pensions will require four million gold shields, and the repair of the Palace will cost at least two million gold shields. The destroyed fortresses and castles in the North also need to be rebuilt, and that will also require a budget of at least two million gold shields. With all these expenses, what can a paltry 800,000 gold shields cover?" The Finance Minister glanced at his colleague with disdain and drawled.

"So where exactly is the problem?" an impatient tall, thin military officer in a lavish military uniform demanded, "We can’t just have the soldier’s bereaved and wounded staring at us with hopeful eyes. The year’s end is almost upon us. If this news got out, it could shake the morale of our forces. Whether our soldiers will courageously fight the beastmen invasions next year depends on whether we can fulfill our promises to them!"

Seeing that His Majesty the King’s gaze had also fallen on his face, the corpulent man gave a wry smile, "Your Majesty, as you are well aware, the problem is simple. The taxes from several Great Lords have not been collected. The two from the North are somewhat better, but those from the South have not even paid half what they owe, and their vassal Lords are following suit. According to information gathered privately, they have strictly forbidden their Lords from implementing the ’Utrecht Decree,’ giving them an excuse to delay."

The other two were startled and turned their gazes towards the elder. A flush of anger flashed across the elder’s face, his penetrating eyes sparkling with intensity that truly set him apart in such moments.

"Parker, do you have evidence for what you’ve claimed?" The flash of divine light was fleeting, and the elder soon returned to his usual unhurried demeanor.

"Unfortunately, Your Majesty, it is unlikely that conclusive evidence for such a matter could ever be obtained. Those lesser Lords are still under the control of the Great Lords; it is quite impossible to get anything out of them. Our tax officers face nearly identical excuses when they go down there: either the territory’s harvest was poor, the Great Lords have levied additional war taxes for the kingdom, or they plainly declare that all taxes have been paid to the Great Lord, who has pledged to make the unified payment on their behalf," the Finance Minister shrugged helplessly.

After mulling over for a while, the elder gave a slight nod and said, "In that case, Parker, first take two million gold shields from my Royal Treasury; you will need to figure out the remaining amount yourself. The soldiers’ pensions must be paid on time and in full, or I shall hold you accountable. As for the celebration expenses, they are postponed. For the funds needed to repair the northern border fortresses and strongholds, let those two from the North contribute some. Tell them that the kingdom cannot bear all the costs right now, and if they do not contribute, should the beastmen launch a major invasion next year, the kingdom won’t be the only one to suffer. They need to consider the bigger picture. The rest of the shortfall is still your problem, and this matter cannot be delayed—make sure it is completed during the winter downtime."

The Finance Minister was astonished. Using funds from the Royal Treasury to pay soldiers’ pensions was an unprecedented move. The Royal Treasury funds were the Royal Family’s private money, and control over them was not solely in the hands of His Majesty the King; it was typically Her Majesty the Queen who was the main decision-maker regarding these funds.