14 Chapter 14: Hero’s Chronicle, Rica Reform Complete

"…Then, next item the agenda. Shall I move to the "next issue"?"

The atmosphere which had relaxed a little turned tense again. There is no reason to end it here. …Since the people who had gathered here today have a really busy schedule… it will be a wasted opportunity if I do not grasp this chance.

"About the bank, we were talking about earlier; it has been decided that the tax collected from the people of the fief will be invested on road maintenance of the roads in the fief. And also, there one more thing. The establishment of an 'academy.'"

"Academy… Do you say? Such as the one in the Royal City?"

"If it's that kind of disadvantageous academy, there's no need to use the tax money to build it. What I would like to build is an academy that has a primary division which will teach students how to read and write, and an advanced division, which it teaches specialized skills to students… The province's taxes will be used for this because I plan on passing a bill, making primary education compulsory in our province. Just like Blur and Salver. Presently, I want to direct everyone's attention to the advanced division."

"In what way?"

"Frankly speaking, I would like you to invest in it. Although funds will be acceptable, materials and equipment will also be welcomed."

"Wouldn't it be fine to ask the bank you spoke of earlier to finance it?"

"The bank is dependent on the funds of the Hall House and the taxes of the people of the province. If the bank is used to finance something so extensive, it will ruin the balance of income and expenditure, and will result in the collapse of the bank management."

"There is some truth to that. If that's the case, wouldn't it be fine if we wait until the academy has been founded?"

"If possible, I would like to build the academy as soon as possible. Because people are important resources in our province, it will be a shame if we leave them alone and don't polish them."

"…Hmmm. What is the concept of the academy?"

"I will distribute the materials now, please look at them."

Sebastian who came with me distributed the documents to everyone.

"First of all, I would like to establish a Medical and Pharmaceutical department. Afterward, Territory Administration and Accounting department."

"A medical department… you say?"

The conglomerate directors had surprised expressions on their faces. It's only natural. Because the doctors in this world are only employed by royalties and aristocrats, and thus the knowledge of medicine is not widespread.

"Knowledge is also an asset, is it…"

"Yes."

"However, it's because the number of doctors is scarce that's why they are valuable. If they were to increase in numbers, their value would probably drop…"

"What are you saying. Right now, their numbers are far from enough."

"I don't think I need to say this but, there are profits to be made when there is an increase in the number of doctors among the population.

That said, the business will be able to make lucrative profits by making equipment used by doctors and medical ingredients. Also, with research, we can expect new medicines to be developed."

"As for the Territory Administration and Accounting Department, it aims to bring up talented people to make the future of the fief more prosperous. …Especially the Accounting Department, don't you consider that is related to everyone?"

"I can more or less understand how Territory Administration will involve us… But how is the Accounting Department related to us?"

"Please look at the third page of the document."

"This is…"

"This is a short excerpt of Very Sweet's account book."

"This is, an account book!?"

Everyone looked amazed when they viewed the contents. In this world, there is no concept of Double Entry Bookkeeping

"This way, one can immediately see when payments for. There's also another document called a 'balance sheet,' and with this, you can easily discern the assets and liabilities. Also, there is an income statement which immediately shows the profits and expenses. As a result, one can easily see the "quantitative" value of the conglomerate…. When you want to apply for a loan at the bank, you'll need to submit this form. After all, with the tax reform happening shortly, poll tax will be eliminated. With this account book, one can easily read the report of how much profit is made, and you'll have to pay the appropriate tax according to this. Of course, there will still be loopholes in this taxation system. Nevertheless, with the taxation system being based on your assets, you'll be able to save on taxes. When one takes some time to consider it, one will find that it will be a big help for everyone."

"…Do you have any authority to change the taxation system?"

"Of course, my father as given me full Authority. Plus, with how I handled the Blur and Salver province. Why wouldn't he trust me"

"…If one enrolls in that academy you speak of, will they be able to learn the method of your conglomerate's account books?"

When a regular person looks at the account books, they might not be able to understand the value of it… However, as expected of the directors of the business, they noticed the importance of this book.

"Yes, of course."

"I've been beaten… I didn't think you'd bring out such a big bait, or rather, the big bait will probably prove to be successful…"

"Yes. There are also other advantages, you know? For example, when the agricultural department starts researching on cultivation improvements, and if they meet with success, those methods will be handed over to the conglomerates who invested in this. What do you think? Isn't it tempting?"

"Haha, it is tempting."

"Now then, I would like to talk to the directors of the business who wants to invest. I do not want to take up any more time of those who are not interested."

One had left when she finished her proposal, though she had suspected at least half of them to leave. For a moment of silent Glass, finial realized something more than half the people in this room started looking like her Fanclubs members.

"Lady Glass. We are, after all, "First-rate Merchants" and we are proud to take part in anything that will yield profits. Rather than being bound by short-term profit, we are Merchants who are moved by large long-term profits. With large profits, it will only be natural to have some risk. And we'll only make our decisions after considering the risks and returns. In conclusion, we will never let an opportunity to make large profits slip by."

"If you're nothing but an average noble young lady, we'll probably just throw the idea away as though it's naught but a pipe dream. However, you not only created a company with your own hands, you have already reached our standings… No, climbed even higher. And what we value is this ability of yours."

"…I am once again proud to be praised by you. Because it is you first-class merchants, who are supporting this province." Glass gave a smile that stabbed the hearts of everyone in the room.

After another month or two past Rica's new reform in place and another new store called "Azure" that sold fashions (Clothes) were established.

The bank and Academies where also finished And Its spread to both Blur and Salver provinces. And the departments are as follows: Finance, Education, Public Affairs, Public Works, and Judicial Affairs.

The Finance department is concurrently working on the taxation. Each department is to calculate their expenses and submit a report in the form of a balance sheet. From there, the bank will take a look at it and give the approval needed. Again, this is being done to prepare of the taxation reform in the future.

The Education department operates similarly to the Ministry of Education in Japan. The academy personnel will decide on what subjects they want to teach, but the Education Department reserve the rights to choose the contents and how much funds will be spent.

The Public Affairs department from Blur and Salver was added they are in charge of managing the people of the territory. As of now, they are busy running about in preparation to make family registers. The Public Works is currently in charge of the road construction, and eventually, they will also be responsible for building public facilities. In other words, because the road maintenance is underway, it is not an exaggeration to say that they are busy.

As for the Judicial Affairs, just as its name suggests, they are in charge of implementing the laws in the fief. They are currently in charge of enforcing the current rules and will be working on law reforms later on.

By the way, it seems that those Merchant had joined the neutral faction.