Chapter 228

Chapter 228. Situation in each country (5)

“One thing, we cannot afford this amount.”

I have no choice but to beg for mercy.

I have no money.

No town would be able to afford such a ridiculous amount.

“Yes, I guess.”

Even officials acknowledged it.

He frowned.

As you can see, the town's financial situation was dire.

None of the houses are well-maintained.

Even the nutritional status of the villagers is poor.

It was so miserable that even a plague would perish within a month.

“It's like tsk.”

But it's not a sympathetic look.

Anyway, why am I in such an unpleasant place?

It was just such contemptuous eyes.

“After many young people could not return from the battlefield, this year due to drought, they could not farm properly. We simply cannot afford this amount.”

“I know when I see it.”

For an instant, the village headman's eyes were filled with anticipation.

It probably won't pay much attention.

If at least they were given a reprieve...

Then at least somehow... The villagers...

But his hopes were dashed because of the words that came out of the official's mouth.

“So according to the laws of the Empire, you must pay for not paying your taxes.”

Chills ran down my spine.

The official looked at the residents while receiving the list from the accompanying soldiers.

“Hmm... only 120 people? It would be difficult to use a toothbrush. Well, if it's a child, I'll use it somehow.”

“Me?”

What the hell is that person talking about?

Suddenly, I felt like I was out of breath.

The village chief had to suffer from exploitation by many high-ranking people in his life.

In some cases, it's not once or twice that I thought it was really bad.

But it's the first time I've felt as frustrated as this time.

Something is going wrong.

“lily? What are you saying...?”

“The law changed this year. Those who fail to pay taxes will have to pay for it as slaves under the revised law.”

His words were undoubtedly conveyed to all the villagers.

Everyone is shocked as if they forgot to breathe.

Are you a slave...?

Only then did they understand the identity of the gaze he had been looking at them from just before.

to enslave.

It was to measure the value and number.

“Because it was judged to be beyond the ability to pay. From now on, all the inhabitants of this village, including you, will be enslaved... Take it out!”

“yes.”

Only then did the soldiers who had been waiting silently rush towards the residents.

The village became an abyss in an instant.

They know very well how miserable life is as a slave.

As less than tools, they are treated better as livestock, and no one even mourns them wherever they die.

Of course, no one was eager to get caught.

However, as if they had already anticipated that they would try to escape, soldiers blocked them from all sides and mercilessly trampled them with iron boots and tied them up.

“Don't kill me. number is reduced Isn't the lord already having a headache because he couldn't meet the required number!”

The official frowned and annoyed at the death of the slave as the soldiers trampled on him mercilessly.

“A slave! You are too! We have lived in this village for generations and have lived faithfully as citizens of the empire.

But how could you do such a merciless treatment!”

The village chief cried out and protested, but he did not listen.

Rather, he frowned, as if in displeasure.

“What use is that? If you can't pay, you'll be a slave.”

“Ah, were you angry there?”

“hmm? Isn't it?”

“Let's assume that's right too.”

There is some truth in Ian's words.

It is true that the treatment of the slaves was much more humane in the Kingdom of Ernesia.

Even a slave can make a contribution.

Or, there is a possibility of becoming a commoner when there is an important event for the country.

For example, those who fought bravely, including Commander Hermund, who led the former slave army, were granted citizenship of the city for their merits in the previous war.

It's a slave, but it's not like there's no way up.

But the slaves of the Empire are hopeless.

Once done, it's over.

Under the laws of the empire, there was no remedy no matter what.

The handling there is also not good.

It's literally less than livestock.....

Ian doesn't want to let me hear it.

“Anyway, the empire's slave market is in chaos right now. They said they were at a loss as to what to do with new slaves coming in.”

“But then what are you going to do with that slave? Once you bring it to the market, who should you sell it to?”

I took off my pretense and asked.

“That's right. Shouldn't it be sold?”

Ian said with his eyes shining.

“Actually... this is a bit of an absurd rumor.”

“say. Don't worry, there won't be any after.”

“Oh, I'm not worried about that.”

Ian smiled brightly and carefully brought the rumor out of his mouth.

There are rumors that those slaves are being taken away from the Holy Land.”

I clenched my fists.

It's finally coming together.

It's not that I distrust Pena, but I'm not clumsy enough to listen to what she says meekly.

The more you care about information, the better it is to double-check it several times.

And it was correct.

There is no smoke without fire.

It's almost certain that traders sensitive to the slave trade smelled this much.

That the empire was trying to trade its own citizens, and a large number of them, as slaves to the holy nation.

“Payment? How much? Do you have any idea how much money was supposed to come and go?”

“I don’t know that either. Perhaps it was a business led by the imperial family, but it seemed like they kept their mouths shut. Well, if you make fun of your mouth wrong, your throat will run away, so what can you do?”

He pretended to slit his throat in a funny gesture.

Right. The heavier the mouth, the bigger the amount.

As expected, it meant that the amount would be enough to make the foolish emperor's eyes go round. “I see....

Hmmm,

a large-scale slave trade... .

Ian asked curiously.

There is quite a bit of greed in his voice.

He seemed to be expecting a lot if he could take advantage of this information as an opportunity.

“Well... it's not like that. I'll give you some advice for now, but you'd better stay away from it. Don't be frivolous.”

“...I'll keep that in mind.”

Ian's eyes shone fiercely.

I will never listen to anything more than I warned you.

“And... even before Arel-nim said it, I didn't see it very well.”

“hmm? Even if there is a lot of money coming and going?”

“Even so, that deal makes no sense. Oh my god, how stupid to make and move slaves with me. Traditionally, slaves must be properly managed and paid for. Wouldn't that be the shame of a slave trader?”

Only the trade of bright and healthy slaves is right.

Ian insisted.

“Yeah, you did well.”

Ian's iron rules as a slave trader didn't really interest me, so I skipped it.

Well, with this, I'm sure

Just as Pena was worried, the empire is going smoothly.

It really didn't work out for her.