“Even though the taxes have been drastically reduced, the market isn’t exactly bustling.”

The Vermont territory, being a major city, certainly had a large market. However, upon closer inspection, it seemed sparse, with few customers and shops compared to its size. Even with the pressure of taxes lifted, there should be some economic breathing room—so why was it like this?

The answer was “fear.”

While taxes had decreased for now, there was a looming fear of when they might be raised again. This fear stifled consumption, causing people to hoard their money.

“It wouldn’t be surprising if Vermont went completely bankrupt in this situation.”

Considering that all the key figures of the Vermont family had been eliminated in the game, it felt too quick for them to be on the brink of collapse. Now, it appeared that the state of the territory was such that it wouldn’t be unusual for it to fall apart at any moment. The people of Vermont didn’t live here because they loved it; they simply couldn’t leave.

Most likely, once they had saved enough money to purchase citizenship in another territory, they would flee without hesitation. No matter how stable the family's finances became, it was pointless in the face of such dire conditions in the territory. It was necessary to intervene.

“Sylvia. Once we return to the mansion, we’ll conduct a census again. Prepare a list of households and their members within the territory.”

“Yes, I will do so. But why are we conducting a census now, when it’s supposed to be done every ten years...?”

“We need to implement a policy to stimulate consumption. For instance... Yes. We’ll provide a subsidy amounting to 20 percent of the money spent within the Vermont territory. The maximum limit will be 2 million Lark. We’ll need to readjust the specific figures based on the results of the census. All expenses will be covered by the funds seized from Leon and his group.”

“Ah...! Certainly, this will greatly help in restoring public sentiment.”

“...”

Public sentiment? That can be disregarded. The immediate priority is to revive the dying market. That is essential for the survival of the Vermont territory.

I couldn't care less about my popularity. In the most peaceful era, it is said that people do not even know the name of their ruler. I have no expectations for praise; I merely hope that my notoriety fades away as quickly as possible.

“This is a large-scale policy, releasing a staggering 10 billion Lark all at once. There might be side effects. I’ll need to think it through carefully.”

Of course, good intentions don’t always lead to good outcomes. The expectations of the person devising a policy often go astray in unimaginable ways. For instance, as soon as the subsidy payments begin, merchants might dramatically raise their prices...

Considering all those factors, I have to start as cautiously as possible.

“If the domestic economy doesn’t support us, there will be no future. To attract talented dark magic practitioners, we first need to change the cold atmosphere of Vermont.”

“Ah, yes...”

[The Evil God, ‘Carly,’ seems to finally understand and is impressed!]

I also made sure to provide a tailored explanation for Carly. Well, it’s not entirely empty praise. I don’t expect Vermont to transform into a livable territory overnight, but this is just the first step. It’s the first step toward my comfortable, threat-free, peaceful life.

“I just hope Irene doesn’t interfere...”

Of course, this is all assuming there’s no external pressure. Last time, Irene had subtly applied some pressure and then left. Would she remain silent even when such a large policy is being rolled out...?

“I really don’t want to see that woman’s face again.”

Ugh. Just recalling those fierce eyes sends chills down my spine. Still, the real power of the family is currently in Aslan's hands. Rather than regretting later for being overly cautious, wouldn’t it be better to act recklessly and regret it afterward? At least I should make an effort.

“I think we’ve purchased almost everything we need.”

“Lord Soga...”

“Should we go check out Charlotte’s sword?”

“Wow! Really!?”

“Lord Soga... What more are you planning to buy here...?”

I set out with the highly energized Charlotte to find the forge. In the game, there was a description of a legendary swordsmith in the Vermont territory.

It was said that the kingdom was wary, the empire was courting, and the republic was anxious about this remarkable talent.

While that forge didn’t appear in the first chapter I played, I suppose there’s an episode where a famous sword is crafted for the protagonist, tying up that loose end.

“This is getting difficult...!”

“You can do it. Believe in yourself, Sylvia.”

I ignored Sylvia’s whiny voice from behind, burdened with heavy loads in both hands and on her back. She didn’t look that strained, anyway. I thought she could still handle more weight.

“Lead me to the nearest forge, Sylvia.”

“Ha. There’s only one forge in the Vermont territory. I will guide you there.”

Upon arriving, it was indeed a forge of jaw-dropping size. There were six blazing furnaces. Next to them stood a massive three-story shop, filled with elaborate display cases inside.

“It must be like heaven for the blacksmiths.”

“Not necessarily. Mass production means creating standard goods that cater to the tastes of the majority. For someone of my level, a place like this wouldn’t even be worth a glance.”

“There’s a saying that a craftsman doesn’t discriminate against tools, right?”

“I don’t know which country’s proverb that is, but it’s utter nonsense. A craftsman absolutely does discriminate! A lot!”

“...”

I decided that it was just Sylvia being overly sensitive.

“Hello, sir. How can I assist you?”

“I’m looking for a sword for this girl.”

“Is it for training?”

“No! It’s a real sword! A big and beautiful sword like the one this knight has at his waist!”

“Understood, young customer. Please wait a moment.”

The clerk brought a ladder and fetched a sword from the display on the second floor. It seemed quite heavy, and despite his well-built muscles, his arms were trembling.

It was indeed a large sword.

“Be careful. This is a two-handed sword, and it’s very heavy even for an adult to wield. Of course, it would be difficult to use right now, but it could be an investment for the future...”

“T-Two-handed sword! Just like Sylvia’s two-handed sword!”

“...?”

“Super cool!”

In an instant, Charlotte lifted the thick two-handed sword with one hand. Her slender arms showed no sign of struggle, and her expression looked relaxed. The clerk’s face turned pale in astonishment.

“Sylvia, I distinctly remember hearing that Charlotte has no talent.”

“Yes. She has no talent.”

“Isn’t that strength a form of talent?”

“Yes. I lifted a carriage with one hand at that age.”

“...”

Was talent defined by one’s own standards? I never imagined she would claim she had no talent despite having such monstrous strength. Was everyone beneath her merely a commoner...?

It was foolish of me to take Sylvia’s assessment at face value.

‘Could it be that she isn’t suited to be a magic knight?’

Could it be that Charlotte was actually suited to be a martial artist? Or perhaps a great sword warrior? Regardless, with that kind of strength, she would surely fall within the top 1 percent. At this point, the need to find a suitable sword for her talent as a magic knight seemed irrelevant.

“Hey! What’s that sword? I want to try that one too!”

Watching Charlotte, who was brimming with excitement, made me momentarily forget those thoughts. I had already mentioned that I would buy her a sword, so I couldn’t just take it back, could I? I had to buy her something that she liked.

I was definitely thinking along those lines when...

“This one looks amazing...!”

“This one is cool too!”

“What do I do, mister! I like them all so much that I can’t decide!”

“...”

This is troublesome. What am I supposed to do if she likes everything? Is she subtly pressuring me to buy them all?

But she looked too innocent to say that. This was a genuine face filled with indecision over what she truly liked...

What was clear was that there wasn’t a sword here that perfectly matched Charlotte’s potential. It was said that when a magic knight finds their perfect match, they would know right away. Otherwise, it’s also possible that Charlotte simply wasn’t suited to be a magic knight.

“Choose whatever you like. I’ll only buy you one sword.”

“Ahhh! What should I do! What should I choose!”

With a sigh, I rummaged through my pockets to pull out some gold coins. I had already bought the real sword that Charlotte was singing about, so maybe it was time to head back.

Just as I turned my back on Charlotte, still lost in thought, I noticed Yulia standing there, staring blankly at the wall.

“Why are you zoning out?”

“...”

“Yulia.”

“Hyah!?”

As soon as I touched her cheek, Yulia jumped up as if she had sprung from a catapult. It looked like she leaped about 1.5 meters with just a standing jump...?

“Do you have the talent to sleep standing up?”

“I wasn’t sleeping! ...I was just...”

“Then what were you doing?”

“I was focusing on the voices coming from over there. They sounded a bit quiet...”

“What voices?”

“Can’t you hear it even now? An old man outside keeps shouting. Can you not hear it?”

“I can’t hear anything. What’s he saying?”

“I couldn’t hear either.”

“Me neither...”

Looking to the side, both Sylvia and Charlotte wore bewildered expressions. It seemed that I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t hear it; everyone collectively couldn’t hear it. Most likely, Yulia was the only one who could hear the spirit’s voice. Since she hadn’t awakened yet, it was impossible for her to understand what it meant...

“Huh? Can’t you all hear it? I can hear it clearly. It’s so frustrating! I’m cursing the king who cut off my arm and killed me! I’m screaming for him to return all my swords! How can you not hear this?”

“...”

In an instant, Sylvia and Charlotte’s mouths dropped open, their faces going pale.

So, Yulia... Can she also hear the voices of ghosts, not just spirits?