Chapter 270 - 268: Radiance Tax

Chapter 270: Chapter 268: Radiance Tax

After Duane left, the atmosphere in the great hall remained tense.

After the King dismissed Randy, Lloyd, and the guards, only he and the three men from the Holy Radiance Court remained in the great hall.

"Your Majesty, for a mere Baron to dare defy your will like this shows that the implementation of the branch courts has become a matter of utmost urgency!"

Currently, the pace of establishing the branch courts was not going as hoped. Besides desolate noble territories like those of Haydon and Holmes, only Duane’s Black Forest Island had one deployed.

But they knew nothing about the operational status of the branch court on Black Forest Island.

Saint Hall Grand Commander Mitchell proposed, "I suggest we have Lucius lead the Black Armor Knight Order to garrison the Black Forest Island branch court. First, we’ll extinguish Duane’s arrogance and intimidate the other nobles!"

When Black Forest Island was mentioned, Orisien’s interest was piqued.

"I hear Black Forest Island produces Hot Spring Mountain Tea, and Duane also founded the Time Closet with the Kennedy Clan. These two ventures are bound to generate very handsome returns. Your Majesty, although you have exempted Black Forest Island from taxes for twenty years, this does not conflict with the upcoming ’Radiance Tax’."

The so-called Radiance Tax was a new type of levy. By paying the Radiance Tax, people could receive the "Great Blessing Technique," the protection of the Holy Radiance Court, and various resources provided by the King in return.

Eric was using this measure to increase the Royal Family’s tax revenue and strengthen his authority.

"Your task right now is to establish branch courts on as many noble territories as possible. Since Black Forest Island already has a branch court, collecting the Radiance Tax is just a matter of time."

Eric rejected the proposal, adding, "The Black Armor Knight Order should be used for more critical matters."

In truth, he had another motive for doing so.

In the initial phase of getting the nobility to cooperate with the Radiance Tax, the Kingdom would inevitably have to provide some benefits and support.

For example, offering compliant nobles additional territory, trade privileges, and promising to use the collected Radiance Tax to improve basic infrastructure—things to make the nobility feel it was a profitable venture.

But given Duane’s attitude today, coupled with his close relationship with Count Kais and his personal growth potential, Eric was no longer willing to offer him any benefits.

"Clement, how have your talks with the lords been going during the Founding Celebration?" the King asked.

The Bishop replied, "You have thirty landed lords. So far, seven have agreed, and five are still considering. Although most of them are weaker nobles, it is still a good start for us."

This was a tactic to win over one group of nobles and divide the opposition.

Eric nodded and instructed, "You must actively engage the more powerful lords."

He valued the attitude of the High Lords most of all.

Count Kais was ambiguous, Marquis Sean was in clear opposition, and as for Duke Kelvin...

Although they hadn’t reached an agreement yet, Queen Maya was the duke’s daughter, and Sigmund was his grandson. As long as he promised enough benefits, it shouldn’t be a problem.

...

Natalia walked into her father’s study. "Father, you were looking for me?"

She was in a very good mood today.

"Yes. Have a seat."

Count Kais was at his desk writing a letter, though to whom, she did not know.

After a long moment, he set down his pen, folded the letter, and sealed it in an envelope.

"His Majesty summoned me today. He wants me to approve a marriage between you and Orisien."

The words struck like a thunderclap, completely shattering Natalia’s cheerful mood.

Her face went pale, and she said in disbelief, "How could...?"

"Don’t panic. I’ve already refused."

Count Kais looked at his daughter seriously and explained, "This Orisien fellow likely lost to Duane and couldn’t accept it, so he thought he could use you to strike at Duane. Such a mindset is utterly childish and laughable!"

Natalia’s feelings were complicated. She was grateful to her father but also worried about his choice.

"Father, will His Majesty target us?"

Count Kais said matter-of-factly, "He will certainly target us, but it has little to do with my refusal. You don’t need to worry about these things. The key is to focus on your training and improve yourself."

Although his daughter was only a Level 3 Mage now, her age was a significant factor.

If she were twenty-four like Orisien, she could probably become a Level 6 Mage.

"Oh, right!"

Natalia suddenly remembered. "Father, Duane was summoned by His Majesty!"

Count Kais frowned, a thoughtful expression on his face.

After a moment, he spoke slowly, "He probably didn’t get my consent, so he decided to start with Duane instead."

Natalia immediately grew tense.

Although people had been calling him Count Duane these past two days, he wasn’t a real Count, not like the Kennedy Clan.

If he were to be suppressed by the King, the pressure would surely be immense.

She asked worriedly, "Will His Majesty make things difficult for him?"

"Probably. Our king is not a benevolent man!"

Count Kais smiled, then his gaze turned solemn as he looked at his daughter.

"This is a good opportunity to see what Duane’s attitude is. If he yields, then I’ll just have to admit I was wrong about him."

He paused. "And don’t blame me if I cut off all contact between you two then."

"I..."

Natalia wanted to say something, but in the end, she just nodded and fell silent.

"My Lord, Young Master Lloyd has returned and wishes to see you," Housekeeper Moer came to report.

"Have him come in at once!"

Natalia looked toward the door. As a Clerk, Lloyd might know what happened with Duane in the Royal Palace.

Lloyd entered shortly after.

"Have you brought news of Duane?" the Count asked.

Lloyd sat down. "Yes, Father. His Majesty summoned Duane and wanted him to withdraw voluntarily. Guess what Duane chose to do?"

Count Kais hesitated for a moment, then smiled in satisfaction. "For you to ask like that, Duane must have refused?"

Natalia’s eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Really!"

Lloyd’s tone was one of disbelief. "You have no idea. Duane’s attitude was so resolute."

He then recounted everything that had happened with Duane in the Royal Palace.

As Natalia listened to the details, she felt her heart melt.

She wished she could appear before Duane at that very moment and, just as described in *The Love Story of the Knight and the Countess*, throw herself into his arms.

Count Kais, however, said, "Duane is still too young, too immature."

Despite his critical words, he was practically beaming with joy.

Lloyd, on the other hand, said worriedly, "After Duane left, His Majesty dismissed me as well. I wonder if he’s discussing how to deal with him with the others?"

Natalia also grew worried and looked anxiously at her father.

"Perhaps, but there shouldn’t be any major moves."

Count Kais mused, "Duane has a lot of momentum right now, and many young people see him as an idol. His Majesty can’t possibly use this incident to suppress him."

Hearing this, Natalia’s tense heart relaxed.

Lloyd then asked with keen interest, "Father, do you really think so highly of Duane? Do you intend to marry Natalia to him?"

Count Kais nodded slowly. "Duane is a good fit for our family. Besides, he and Natalia have a good relationship."

Lloyd couldn’t help but laugh. "I guess my little sister has good taste after all!"

Natalia grew a little shy. "Second Brother, stop teasing me."

"Invite Duane over tomorrow. We need to have a proper talk."

Count Kais said, "It’s getting late. You should both go get some rest. I still have matters to attend to."

In order to resist the King’s push for the Holy Radiance Court, he needed to strengthen his ties with Marquis Sean and the other nobles.