Chapter 6: Tax Farmers
The heavy oak door of Edward's study creaked open, allowing Baron Lucien d'Argent to step inside. The Baron, a man of stout build with a stern expression, carried a stack of ledgers in his hands, his brow furrowed with concern. Edward, seated behind a massive wooden desk cluttered with maps and reports, looked up as the Baron entered.
"Baron Lucien," Edward greeted, gesturing for him to take a seat. "I trust you've brought the financial reports?"
"Yes, Your Grace," Lucien replied, settling into the chair opposite Edward. He placed the ledgers on the desk with a thud, the weight of the dukedom's finances seemingly manifests in the thick volumes. "I must admit, I'm concerned. The coffers are dwindling rapidly, and while your strategy of ransoming captured nobles has provided some relief, it is not sustainable in the long term."
Edward leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the window where he could see the distant training grounds. His men were diligently honing their skills, the fruits of months of training and discipline. "The exemption of taxes for the common folk was necessary," Edward said, his tone resolute. "They are suffering enough already during this civil war. It's our duty to protect them."
Baron Lucien sighed, rubbing his temples. "I understand your intentions, Your Grace, but without the usual tax income, and with the expenses of maintaining an army, we're rapidly approaching a financial crisis. The method of capturing and ransoming nobles has served us well, but how much longer can we rely on it? Soon, no one in the South will be foolish enough to raid our lands."
Edward nodded thoughtfully, his fingers drumming on the desk. "You're right. The South has grown wary of our defenses. We've made a name for ourselves, but that won't keep the coffers full."
The Baron leaned forward, lowering his voice slightly. "Your Grace, are you aware of how we currently collect taxes in the territory? There's been considerable pressure on us, especially with your recent tax exemptions."
Edward's expression tightened as he realized where this conversation was heading. "The estate is still outsourcing tax collection to the Tax Farmers, isn't it?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Baron Lucien nodded, a hint of discomfort in his eyes. "Yes, Your Grace. The Tax Farmers collect the taxes on behalf of the estate and send them to us periodically. It's a system that has worked… moderately well, but with the recent tax exemptions, the pressure is mounting."
Edward's hand shot up to his forehead, and he hit himself lightly, a gesture of frustration. "Of course… how could I have overlooked this?" His mind began to drift back, to the memories of his past life, the bitter lessons that still haunted him.
In that previous life, he had tried to be fair, keeping the tax low, believing it would ease the burden on his people. Yet, it had been the Tax Farmers—often landless nobility with connections, holding small official posts—who had drained his people dry. These men, with no land to manage and no loyalty to the dukedom, had piled on war taxes, levies, and every conceivable charge, sucking the common folk dry. The sight of his people, impoverished and desperate, still lingered in his mind, a stark reminder of his past failures. The eventual revolt had been inevitable, and the flames of that rebellion had consumed not just his house, but the entire kingdom. This time, he swore, things would be different.
"I had forgotten how insidious this system was," Edward muttered, his eyes hardening with resolve. "Baron, we must put an end to it. We need to centralize the administration of the territory."
Baron Lucien blinked, surprised by the sudden intensity in Edward's voice. "Centralize, Your Grace? Do you mean to change how we govern the villages?"
"Yes," Edward replied firmly. "Every village should be run by mayors selected by the dukedom—men we can trust. And the tax collection should only be handled by officials appointed by us, chosen from among the common folk for their integrity. We cannot allow these Tax Farmers to bleed our people dry any longer."
The Baron's brow furrowed in thought. "Your Grace, I must express some concerns. Most of our current staff are literate nobility without land. These Tax Farmers, despite their flaws, have ties and influence. Our house is relatively new, and we don't have many vassals to rely on. If we start centralizing, the established houses, which have already awarded land to their vassals, might resist fiercely. The backlash could be severe."
Edward's gaze narrowed. "So, you suggest we keep letting these vultures drain the lifeblood of our people? You don't understand, Baron. If we let this go unchecked. There can be a Revolt, rebellion—it all starts with the common folk being pushed too far. We must prevent that."
"I understand your concerns, Your Grace," Lucien replied, his tone measured. "But such a drastic overhaul needs to be handled with care. If we move too quickly, we risk destabilizing the very foundation of our governance. If you are set on this course, then I urge you to implement these changes gradually and systematically, with a well-thought-out plan."
Edward considered the Baron's words, the tension in the room palpable. Lucien was right in some respects; the old system couldn't be dismantled overnight without causing chaos. But he couldn't allow it to continue either, not after what he had witnessed in his past life.
"Very well," Edward said after a long pause. "We'll proceed gradually. But we will start by removing all the Tax Farmers. That's non-negotiable."
The Baron hesitated, then nodded slowly. "You'll face resistance, Your Grace, especially from the nobility currently involved in tax collection. They won't give up their positions easily."
Edward's eyes flashed with a steely determination. "I'm not training this army for show, Baron. Anyone who has a problem with this new order will face the consequences. If they refuse to comply, they'll be dealt with swiftly and decisively."
Lucien's expression grew more serious, understanding the gravity of Edward's words. "Understood, Your Grace. I'll begin drawing up plans to start the centralization process and the removal of the Tax Farmers. But we must tread carefully."
Edward nodded, his mind already racing with the challenges ahead. "Make it happen, Baron. Our future depends on it."
As Lucien left the room, Edward turned back to the window, gazing out at the land he had sworn to protect. The shadows of his past life still loomed large, but this time, he would not let history repeat itself. With an iron fist, he would bring order to his lands and secure the future of House Grafton. This time, he would not falter.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Maugus0
Maugus0 Hey everyone! I'm curious to hear your thoughts—are you more interested in the intense battles and strategic fights, or do you enjoy the deeper dives into the administration and politics of the dukedom? I’m trying to strike a balance between the two, but I’d love to know which aspects you’re most excited to read about. Your feedback helps shape the story, so let me know in the comments! Thanks for your support!
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