I'm not a negligent ruler, I'm painfully thorough
The trio fell silent, exchanging concerned glances.
"Isabelle isn't terribly popular right now." Phoenix mused aloud as he idly stroked the top of Snowball's head, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
"Although she's a wonderful empress, of course," the hand not petting Snowball reached up and stroked her head reassuringly once.
"There's no point pretending that the people loved her mother or grandmother, and with the difficulties the people have suffered, it's not as if they've had much time to differentiate from them."
Lyov hummed softly and nodded. "Yes, I suppose..."
"With that in mind, a tax act like this one...one that would practically enslave a populace, draining all wealth and income from a family until there's nothing left except destitution and ruin...is the worst possible thing you can do as a ruler. If you wish to oppress the commoners, and become despised..."