"Good morning to all the people of my kingdom. I, Ryan Ruth, have assumed the position of your king. It is my firm belief that every single individual deserves both a job and respect in our society...."
Ryan, dressed in minimalist royal attire in white, was giving a speech from an elevated wooden platform. This setup gave the impression that Ryan was elevated above the commoners. Positioned behind him were five knights and his favorite maid.
There were also knights wearing common clothes mixed with the general public to avoid an assassin or stop sudden movements by the people.
"So that is all I have to say today. From this day forth, this region will be called the Elark Kingdom."
A huge flag was raised behind me, white and red with a yellow crown in between. This was a show I had prepared and thought of for the people to create at least a bit of patriotism within them. All the people shouted and started cheering happily. I turned back and swiftly made my exit.
That went amazingly. I didn't know I could do it so amazingly. I managed to convince the people that I was not so bad and that they should trust me. I sound so hypocritical, me talking about respect when I allow slavery.
I walked towards the carriage and then returned home.
With the speech out of the way, one of my tasks is done. I have now shown the commoners that I support them and that we're on the same team, but I also made sure to emphasize the fact that I am a good leader but also ruthless. I don't need love from my subordinates; what I need is respect, and that's all I need.
"Your Highness, the Richard Family, and some other families will be arriving at night to have a chat with you."
The head butler, Sebastian, was now sitting in front of Ryan in the carriage. This was the same carriage that was used by Ryan when he first arrived at the Elark Kingdom. Four knights were guarding the carriage, all riding on horseback. They were riding through the city, which grabbed the attention of the people who looked out of their houses to see their new king.
"Can you give me a summary of who these people are?"
"The Richard Family is the family that owns almost all the mines in your kingdom. They are a family that puts high emphasis on business and growing their influence as an economic powerhouse."
"Then there is the Rihgurd Family. The Mines Family. Both of these families focus on agriculture."
"These are the only ones who will be arriving today. They contribute 60% of all the tax money of the country's treasury."
"I understand. Do let me know when they arrive."
It seems that these families focus more on business than being landlords. I need to know the taxation system here and how it works.
"Take me to the person who collects taxes or at least the person who manages all the money."
"Alright, I'll take you to the Head Of Treasury."
"Change the direction to the Kingdom Treasury."
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
The carriage was now moving towards the direction of where the kingdom treasury was located.
The people here traded using gold, silver, and bronze. I plan on introducing a paper currency here slowly. I don't know how the people will respond to this but I think it will be better to start it off with a bank.
"Do you think it'd be helpful to you if you wouldn't have to carry a huge chunk of gold or silver coins with you and just purchase things with paper?"
"It'd be amazing. It would take up the hassle of having to carry a huge chunk of metals with me."
The people here do not have a centralized system for something like a bank. I think it would be a necessity for me to implement a system for a bank first. But what worries me is counterfeiting. Banks and Loans could help boost the economy of my kingdom. Also if all the money goes through the Banks, I'd be able to track how much money is flowing through the economy.
The only people currently paying me taxes are big families which pay me in gold and silver while the peasants pay 50% of what they produce to me. These are then sold back to either to noble families or to someone else.
"Sebastian, I'd like for you to gather a few merchants who don't just trade within our kingdom but also operate worldwide. I plan to sell the next month's produce to one of these traders since I noticed there has been a huge surplus of these that go to waste."
"Okay, sir but what do I answer to the people who we usually sell these to?"
"Answer? Who do you think has ordered you to do this? I am the king of Elark."
"Yes I understand Your Majesty, but it will probably cause some hatred to form between us or those noble families to which we currently sell these."
"I'll handle all of this don't worry. Your only task is to find 10 to 20 other merchants who operate within other countries and call them here after 7 days, also give them a gist of what they are being called here for so they become greedy. With them arriving here, also call the Noble families who we usually sell these to on the same day. We'll be having a meeting to decide what gets sold to whom."
"I will do as you order Your Majesty. I just need a permit with your seal on it."
"Has the Royal Seal been prepared yet?"
The Royal Seal, it's similar to a stamp that shows that the King has agreed to something.
"No, Sir. It will be arriving today."
"Okay."
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The carriage came to a stop in front of a 2-story house, which served as the headquarters of the Treasury. Ryan stepped out of the carriage and swiftly made his way through the front door, accompanied by the Head Butler and a knight. The door was equipped with a bell that rang whenever someone entered or exited the building. Upon hearing the bell, a person hurried to the door and was surprised to see Ryan.
"Welcome, Your Majesty. We weren't expecting you today," the person said.
"It's no problem. I'd like to speak with the Treasury Head," Ryan replied.
"Of course, please follow me."
Ryan followed the man up the stairs and into what appeared to be an office. The man knocked on the door.
"Come in," a voice from inside said.
Ryan entered and saw a man wearing glasses seated at a desk, diligently writing. There were two chairs positioned in front of the table for visitors. The room was furnished with wooden furniture and had walls made of stone and bricks. The man looked up and realized that the visitor was not one of his staff, but rather the King. He promptly stood up and respectfully greeted Ryan.
"Good morning, Your Majesty. Do you have something to discuss?"
"Today is my first day as King, and a kingdom cannot function without money.
So, I thought it would be sensible for me to talk to you and have an overview of the financial operations here."
"It's an honor to have you here. Please, have a seat."
Ryan took a seat while placing his hand on the top of the other chair. The man closed the door to the room, and the knight remained outside along with another staff member.
"So, what's your name?"
"I am Alistor Acorn from the Acorn family. We focus on studying and research. We are not nobles, but we are not poor either. We are placed between the aristocrats and the workers."
I see. So, the middle class exists here as well. My primary goal is to increase the number of people in the middle class while reducing the number of people in the upper and lower classes. A nation is easier to govern when middle-class citizens are focused on their jobs and content with their lives.
"When you mention the middle class, how do you define it?"
"Well, in this kingdom, there are three categories of people."
"The highest and the richest are the upper class or nobles, who have generational wealth and play a significant role in the nation's economy. They own vast lands, mines, or large businesses, and employ both the middle and lower classes.
The middle class comprises those who are usually educated and have expertise, making it easier for them to be employed by the upper class. Small merchants also fall into this category.
The lower class consists of the very poor, including beggars and peasants who work on agricultural land, receiving 50% of the produce and paying 50% to the Kingdom."
"How and when were these policies established?"
"These policies were implemented 20 years ago when the current Emperor took the throne. They have been successful, so they were adopted throughout the kingdom. You are free to make adjustments, but I would advise against it."
"Why do you say that?"
"These policies are currently effective, and I don't see a need for changes."
"I intend to reduce the number of lower-class citizens and increase the middle class. I'd like you to hear my proposal and estimate how it may benefit the Kingdom."
Alistor was surprised by this. Previous kings had aimed to increase the number of lower-class citizens, so a king advocating for the lower class was unprecedented. He also questioned Ryan's intentions, as helping the lower class become wealthier could create tension between the wealthy noble families and the royalty.
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