Chapter 58: Duchy Of Crawford [1]

Upon arriving at the Deliat Dominion, my orders were simple: "Do as you wish."

That was all.

The locals would know the situation here much better than I do. For now, I just wanted to sit back and watch how things unfolded.

Originally, the first priority upon arrival was to take control of the Government-General. But there was no need for that at all.

All that was done was a few low-level officials, including Hojein.

"If you don't give me money, I won't stick with you."

It's already been six months since my salary was delayed.

This happened because the Government-General was penniless. Wage arrears is one of the words I hate the most.

The solution was simple: I just had to stay still.

"Even if the governor doesn't use force, there will be money to give to the officials."

Besides, isn't it remarkable that Hojein is still hanging on even though his salary is delayed?

I had been planning to employ the bureaucrats who have served me so far.

Thankfully, they were all pretty useful people. Even the person in front of me had considerable ability and motivation.

**Person Information**

Name: Hojein Allegan Stay connected with m|vl|e|mp|y|r

Status: Count (vassal state)

Position: Consul

Relationship: No acquaintance

Status: Zeal for saving a country in dire straits, sincerity towards the people, shallow loyalty towards the empire, and suspicion towards the new governor.

Overall Ability: A

---

Although Hojein offered his country to the empire, he was a good man.

Since there was no other way, they did it this way. What would have happened if they had just resisted without knowing they were no match for us?

"We will completely wipe them out and send new immigrants."

This was the method by which the Iron-Blooded Emperor Eren subjugated the surrounding countries.

Since they raised the white flag here, they're at least holding on to their breath.

In a way, Hojein may be a traitor, but that doesn't really matter to me.

Weren't there Japanese people who surrendered to Joseon during the Imjin War?

I think it would be okay to understand it in that way. Besides, I was a member of the imperial family anyway, so as long as Hojein was useful, that was fine.

"What's important is not the evidence of Skyler's crime but rather, what I'm worried about is how he's going to live in the future."

A sigh escaped my lips.

I was taken straight to the official residence, and the condition of the building was dire. Searᴄh the nôᴠel Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

It seemed that the existing governors were demanding that all standards be met by the empire.

No matter what, a person who is no different from the king of a country had a mud house.

Compared to the buildings of the empire, it was almost like a barn. The only advantage is that the site is spacious.

"Ha, haha. I am so sorry for being so shabby, Your Excellency the Governor."

When one person held multiple positions, it was imperial etiquette to address him by the highest title.

In some ways, it was a remark that could be seen as subtly belittling. But it didn't seem intentional because Hojein was restless the whole time. If that was acting, it would not be an exaggeration to say he was the god of lies.

"Surely this isn't the most luxurious mansion."

"I'm sorry, but you guessed exactly."

I had already learned a lot about how the people of Deliat lived.

Their life was far worse than that of an imperial serf. It was the result of defeat and harsh exploitation.

But I never dreamed that even the Governor's Residence would be in this state.

"I guess this won't work. This will require major reforms."

It seemed like I had to move separately from Hojein. We can't keep living in a house like this that's falling apart, right?

"Should I take a quick look around?"

I walked around the official residence and looked around here and there.

Deliat's problems were not limited to one or two.

As Hojein said, the water situation was the most urgent. Because there was no water to drink, the people were starving to death.

Besides, if things continued like this, it would be impossible to farm even when spring came.

All that was needed was to install a water supply and build an irrigation system.

"The problem is I don't have the money for that."

The most fundamental reason why Deliat ended up like this was because the country became so desperately poor.

Even if you have an innovative policy, you need money to implement it.

"The Emperor gave me some money, but it won't be enough to change the entire country."

The shock I received from the Empire was actually nothing.

Still, there was at least a roof there to block out the wind and rain. On the other hand, this place looked like a bunch of hay tied together and placed on top of each other. I would say it feels quite similar to a thatched-roof house.

"Is there no way to get money?"

If there was such a thing, the previous governors would have sucked it up long ago.

The Deliat Autonomy was literally on the verge of collapse.

Why would you choose such a place no matter what?

It was the moment when I started to hate my strong, crazy cousin.

But then suddenly a shocking idea occurred to me. "

Aren't the Duchy of Crawford and the Western Confederation nearby?"

I felt like I had to do something shameless.

***

"Ah, why am I like this these days?"

Princess Justia was overcome with an inexplicable elation. Her hands were trembling and she felt anxious all the time. It was after she was kidnapped while sightseeing in the desert of the Kingdom of Deliat.

"Are you okay, Your Majesty? Shall I bring out some tea and snacks?"

"That's okay."

The maid asked with a worried face, but Justia only answered coldly. No matter what she did, she couldn't relieve this feeling of frustration.

Warm tea that calms the mind, delicious food that makes you feel happy.

None of the activities, including exciting horseback riding and archery, were effective. So, the stereotypical suggestions from the maid were just annoying.

"Your Majesty."

"What is it?"

When the maid called again, this time a sharp reply came out. However, she couldn't keep scowling because an unexpected guest had arrived.

"The Lord Soltri's order is that Lord Izukaya has arrived."

"Oh, tell him to come in."

Soon a man with long blond hair appeared. A fluttering white cloak over a ceremonial suit of armor. The overall atmosphere was very splendid.

But he didn't look very nice. His plain face and short stature made up for everything.

Still, considering that he was the successor to the Marquis family, he wasn't an unattractive man.