Chapter 22: Financial Crisis

Chapter 22: Financial Crisis

TL: Etude

Count, this is the expenditure and tax revenue report for this quarter. Ford, the steward overseeing the territorys governance, handed over a scroll of parchment.

Paul quickly unrolled it and glanced over it, asking, Is there a problem? He had little interest in financial reports.

Well indeed, there is a problem, and the situation is not optimistic, Ford said, his brows slightly furrowed. He glanced at Philip, the butler responsible for managing the lords treasury.

Philip spoke up, My lord, if this continues, our financial situation will become unsustainable.

Is it the pirates activities affecting the tax revenue?

Yes. After the old count passed away, in addition to the pirates landing, some lawless elements took advantage to create chaos. Road and river bandits have isolated some towns, and several of our tax collectors have been humiliated and driven away.

Especially Port Fran. Although its always been extorted by pirates, it remains our largest source of tax revenue. Now the Shark Gang has taken over and refuses to leave. Ford felt helpless thinking about this.

Is this why we are running a deficit?

Philip explained, The recent expansion and training of the army have cost us a lot. Previously, feeding the soldiers was enough, and they would return home after battles. Now, we also have to pay them salaries, make uniforms

Plus, purchasing and producing new weapons, recruiting craftsmen In the last meeting, we also decided to build ships

Paul, feeling overwhelmed, unrolled the scroll again and examined it carefully.

Indeed, some measures had to be taken.

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After the last military meeting, Lakeheart Town planned to lie low for a month, complete the training of two full infantry battalions, and then wipe out the pirates in the territory. However, Cecil, the newly appointed intelligence chief, quickly made a significant contribution by uncovering crucial information: the Shark Gang, having absorbed the remnants of Quiks forces who had fled, sent 500 men to intimidate Paul, emboldened by the idea of killing a count.

Cough This is just a prototype, but once perfected, this invention has great potential.

This was Pauls attempt at paper-making based on his understanding. He boiled a mix of tree bark, wood, and bamboo, then pounded it into pulp with a mortar, and finally spread it out to dry under the sun, resulting in a well, crispy paperboard.

Does this have any practical use?

To replace the current parchment.

Parchment, made from animal skin, was the primary writing material in this world. Its production was complex and labor-intensive, involving liming, hair removal, degreasing, stretching, repeated scraping, pumicing, and drying. This lengthy process meant limited production and high costs, making it unaffordable for commoners and leading to widespread illiteracy.

But this thing Ford broke the piece in his hand, leaving him speechless.

Cough cough Seeing everyones skepticism towards his invention, the Count cleared his throat and said earnestly, Given time, Im confident I can make it softer and thinner. Every great invention faces doubt at its inception, but no amount of skepticism can stop the wheels of history.

Consider the current parchment. Its so expensive that even some minor nobles hesitate to buy it, let alone commoners. Take the church, for example. I asked Pastor Anderson, and even disregarding failures and accidents, copying a single scripture requires the skins of over 300 sheep. My goodness, a book requiring 300 sheep, not to mention the laborious copying process.

And this paper in your hands? Its raw materials are just insignificant things like tree bark and bamboo. Once the process is perfected, we can produce a large quantity in just a few days. If we can make it softer, thinner, and less brittle, it would be a revolutionary, world-changing product.

Inspired by Pauls passionate speech, everyone began to see the potential.

If it can be improved as you say, it could indeed be a profitable venture, Ford, troubled by financial issues, was the first to acknowledge the possibility.

Exactly! Paul clapped his hands enthusiastically, Although the initial products might not be as durable as parchment, the abundant raw materials and simple production process mean we can market it as a budget-friendly option, ensuring a ready market.

And theres another brilliant use for it, the Count said with a mysterious smile.

Oh? What might that be, my lord?

To free your behinds.