บท 167: The Exposure of Toby Urquhart's Deception

"Do you pay such high taxes just to fund tribute to the Empire?" Abel asked.

"Of course. How else would we fund the military force necessary to subdue a place like Yeats?"

At first glance, the answer seemed logical. The Empire did try to subjugate all surrounding countries.

But these people only knew half of the truth, not the whole picture.

"You are wrong. The military power of the Empire is the same before and after the annexation of the Yates Territory."

"What does that mean?"

"There is no reason to collect more taxes. Besides, the Marquess of Yates was exempted from taxes for five years as a first-class contributor's fief."

"… … ?"

The crowd just stood there, blinking. In fact, it couldn't be helped. This was information they had never heard before, and the content was quite groundbreaking.

So, Abel emphasized the point again.

"When was the Yates Territory incorporated?"

"It's been over eight years."