Chapter 67.4

Short Story 2

Mia Gains a Bosom Buddy Through a Mutual Misunderstanding Part 2

Goodness... These people are not really thinking...

Ludwig was rubbing his temples because of a headache since coming back to his office in the Golden Moon Ministry.

If they know they are going to get caught, why commit fraud? They might as well as just not do it in the first place... If only all nobles are as wise as Her Highness, my job would be a lot more easier.

He sighed while shaking his head.

Well, I guess it will only be a dream.

“Hey! Are those new wrinkles or you are just happy to see me?”

Ludwig was startled and looked up to see a man standing before his door. The man had a thick blond hair with a trimmed beard. His intelligent brown eyes match his charming smile. Ludwig smiled upon seeing this man.

“Oh! Balthazar. It has been a long time. When did you come back to the capital?”

“I just arrived this afternoon. I heard you were looking for me, so I came here directly.”

This man was Balthazar Brandt who was an old friend of Ludwig and works at Scarlet Moon Ministry. He was born into a comfortable life as the third son of a count. Even with his luxurious upbringing, his talent continued to bloom. He wanted to test his limits and so he went to the capital to study under the most prestigious scholar. It was there that he met Ludwig. After passing the Scarlet Moon Ministry exam, he started making a name for himself as a young and capable official.

“Of course, feel free to punish them if you catch them doing something shady. Don’t go easy on them on account of me. All these tax evasions can bring the empire to its knees that is why we should always be watchful of forces that plan to corrupt the moral fiber of the Empire.”

Balthazar was a patriot and a rationalist. It would not be surprising if he would not spare even his own family if he caught them with wrongdoing. It is this absolutism that Ludwig liked about him most.

“You are absolutely right, but there is something more concerning than tax fraud. It is the discrimination within the Empire that is firmly rooted.”

“Discrimination huh?”

While talking, the server arrived with their drinks. Balthazar took a small drink and faced Ludwig to challenge him on his claim.

“I admit that there is discrimination toward some minor tribes in remote regions, but is it really a big problem to be concerned with? The way things are right now, they seem fine...”

“Are you just playing dumb? I actually proposed this to Baron Radnor if he is willing to open his land to cultivation. His barony may not be that big, but it is flat and has rivers. It is perfect for growing crops. I even offered him subsidies. Want to guess his reply?”

Ludwig sighed...

“... it was like talking to a wall.”

Balthazar folded his arms and nodded.

“Yeah, that is not surprising. I don’t think there would be a lot of nobles who are willing to turn their lands into farms.”

The farmers and agriculture in general are all looked down by the nobles. Because of this, the empire is hardly self-sufficient, and they have to spend a lot of money just for the import of food. It is this issue that keeps Ludwig up at night.

“Unless we can find a solution to this problem, I am afraid that there is no future for the Empire.”