The empress, sitting majestically at the head of the table, looked at the aristocratic nobles donning a stiff face. Her unusually thick makeup made her look more like a doll.
She was beautiful, powerful, a face rarely found. Though not many remembered her as the girl who once smiled as bright as a spring flower.
Why are you all deathly silent? Her voice was cold.
A while ago, an uncomfortable air hung in the conference room when she proposed a lowered taxation amongst their citizens.
The oldest participants, Marquis Kelon, opened his mouth. Your Majesty, taxes have not risen significantly compared to previous years past. And with all the budget put in place the following year, a sudden tax cut would erroneously hurt our budget.
Indeed. But I cant allow my subjects to suffer in poverty for three consecutive years. Dont you think so, marquis? the empress replied coolly.
Marquis Kelon clenched his fist. Your Majesty, while I find it mirthfully pleasant that you care formypeople, you do not need to worry too much. Each territory has its own remedy.
The latter spoke exaggeratedly, voice tinged with soft sharpness. He hinted that the empress not meddle euphemistically at his affair in a roundabout, childish manner.
A sneer slipped out from the mouth of some aristocrats.
The empress did not budge.
Relief to the subjects is what we need to think about after the precedents of tax breaks.
Having spent her entire life enjoying the pleasant privilege of wealth within the corridors of the palace, she did not know the experiences of the common people, but, still, a small analytical calculation could show that their lives, at this moment, was in dire need of help.
The three-year crop failure and famine had brought the households of the common people to impoverishment and some extreme poverty. Many would die before the winter season ends should the discussion lead to failure. Puppet or not, shell use her power as empress regent to make sure her subjects are fed.
Your Majesty, the reduction of taxes will only reduce the tax revenues flowing into the royal family. How do you intend to fill the national treasury? Do you have a plan? asked Duke Silas, an official prominent figure despite his young age.
The empress confronted him without avoiding his keen gaze. I will send an audit to each estate to collect illegal taxation. As you may already know, there are aristocrats who enjoy excessive luxury and pleasure, yet never care to pay a penny in taxes for their expediency. Theyll be fined for illegal use of taxes. Its more than enough to fill our national coffers. I should note that luxury items will end up taxed. It is not a necessity but awant. We cannot afford luxury in times when our subjects need our help.
Your Majesty, Duke Silas did not care to hide his ired countenance and continued, do you think there exists a nobleman who would accept such proposal?Think carefully.
Theres no reason not to accept the proposal. Is it not our duty as nobility and of the ruling class to give when the country is in times of trouble, our duty to serve the people?
Heavy silence fell.
The empress recalcitrant words were like cold water poured down onto them. A tense tension of energy poured between the empress and the aristocrats.
Aranrhod Linister was a usually calm empress regent, but at times, she was stubborn and often stuck to her views. She was unaware of it.
Duke Silas kicked his tongue inwardly and looked at the empress with a determined face
He himself was too weak to sit on the throne. Duke Silas always made enemies playing devils advocate though he could hardly protect himself. He was fond of the empress, fond of her kindred spirit, something he found the other aristocrats lacking. But, he, too, did not want to involve cutting his flesh to give to the masses.
The duke glanced back and looked at the Grand Duke. He was the empress loyal supporter and wielded more power than anyone in the room combined. Because of him, the empress was able to speak her thoughts out freely without obstruction. Duke Silas wondered how the proceedings of the meeting would turn out.
Everything was in the Grand Dukes hands.
All the great events that occurred as of late came from his very own hands. He would be hit the hardest should the audit take place. Duke Silas turned to the empress again. Her face hidden under heavy makeup was bound to turn pale.
A few other aristocrats who noticed the Grand Duke had yet to side with the empress began to protest their thoughts loudly. The empress remained silent all throughout as the atmosphere of the conference room grew more and more heated.
The less-than-expected Duke Silas came up with a compromise. Your Majesty, realistically speaking, it is difficult to lower taxes, but as your will is stubborn, we can consider freezing it to last years level. Your Majesty, please make concessions.
But. The empress hesitated, not readily able to give a proper answer.
As her silence grew longer, the aristocrats sneering eyes grew harsher.
The Grand Duke had yet to give his opinion, so until then, they grew bolder.
The empress clasped the hem of her clothing. She predicted vehement reactions from them. Never did she naively believe that all her intentions would be carried out. But she thought she could persevere she did not realize that both her mind and body were too tired. She was tired. She wanted to get away, to escape.
Do we have to compromise when our people are suffering?
She should not have expected much from them. It might be better to make a compromise as the duke said than nothing at all.
The empress straightened her back and looked squarely at the aristocrats. Dozens of pairs of eyes looked at her wolfishly as if ready to pounce on her at any moment.
She clenched on her clothing tighter.
She knew she had been defeated. Their eyes spoke of victory. A deep sense of helplessness struck her in the chest.
Do I have to sit on the high throne as I watch my subjects suffer helplessly?
It was when the empress was about to hopelessly accept the dukes proposal that the Grand Duke, who watched the proceedings from the sidelines, opened his mouth. Your Majesty, I, Grand Duke Roark accept the audits and reduction of taxes.