Volume 1 Chapter 3 [Kingdom SIDE] In short, don't let the guy who still owes money get cocky.
Hero Rangella talked about the lack of people and money problems in Diamante Kingdom.
The king understand that the staff disappeared because they were using their power as Golem Masters.
But, what is the money problem?
"The 'special rules' that were forced on each country after the Demon Lord was defeated are disappearing one after another. One of those special rules was about 'bonds'."
"Huh?"
"Because the Demon Lord was invading the world, many lenders had 'extended repayment periods' and 'interest rate limits'."
"Th, that kind of thing..."
"Did you think you could just cover it up with your power? Then, have you heard any rumors of dissatisfaction from your country's lenders? No, you haven't. Because we prepared almost the full amount of gold coins and bought bonds from the lenders."
"What!?"
Repayment of debts that didn't matter because it was an emergency.
But, the Demon Lord was defeated, and the special rules disappeared.
You have to pay back the money.
And in this world, 'the strong in monster hunting' means 'the wealthy'.
The answer is simple, when you defeat a monster, you get copper, silver, and gold coins depending on how strong the monster is.
When you defeat a monster, it disappears into dust, leaving coins and drop items.
Of course, if the coins keep increasing, prices will go up.
But these coins can be used as energy, and they are used to operate large magic tools that support national policy, and this is adjusted by collecting taxes for that purpose.
The 'biggest reason' why they don't make their own currency but use the drop coins from monsters is because they are so difficult to counterfeit.
They are perfectly round, with many complex cuts, and exactly the same with no errors of even a millimeter.
The world conference recognizes them as impossible to counterfeit, and they can be used worldwide.
And the amount of money the Hero Community collected before defeating the Demon Lord was enormous, and they have been releasing gold coins for the reconstruction of various places.
That gold is used without hesitation in emergencies, even if it means stepping on someone or wetting a pillow with borrowed money.
The usurer got crushed, though.
Anyway, for such reasons, many creditors hold numerous debts, and it's known that the Permanent Council Member is in a state of borrowing from the hero community.
Moreover, the hero community itself can become a big lender.
"Did you know the hero community also has a lending business? If you look at each country, the one with the most debt is the Diamante Kingdom?"
"What..."
"Mainly, there are so many requests from people living in the capital... Oh yes, the head of the Duke Rygisok family here has the biggest debt. They couldn't pay it off even if they sold their mansion in the capital."
"Hic──"
Zayte's voice trailed off.
"Still, it's actually a payment plan, and the interest rate is exceptionally low. Let's take our time to pay it back, shall we?"
"""..."""
Everyone held their breath.
"And the only one with no debt here is the Chaos Stone Dragonstone Kingdom."
"What? Th, that's..."
"The reason is that the 'Dragon Silver Sword Tel Agatha' I used to defeat the Demon Lord was made in the Chaos Stone Dragonstone Kingdom, and by obtaining it, I was able to pay off the debt."
"Y, you made the hero's sword..."
Looking at Valzeil's twisted face, it seems he didn't know the hero's sword was made in Dragonstone.
"For us, only the Dragonstone Kingdom can live without extra worries among the countries attending this world conference."
Having a debt with the hero is a huge disgrace.
In such a situation, the question is, 'What to do with that money'.
Without their own currency and borrowing in monster coins, if they try to scheme, they'll be taxed or drafted and thrown into a dungeon.
They must pull back.
They must yield to the Chaos Stone Dragonstone Kingdom.
Yes, 'special treatment ends' now.
"So, we get the reward of citizenship in the Chaos Stone Dragonstone Kingdom and Jewel City Lapis, right?"
Finally, Rangella looks at Princess Lucia.
It's embarrassing to say, but just being a 14-year-old girl who still seems so young, just being here 'in a place like this', makes her heart race.
If the hero says so, she can only nod.
"Y-Yes, I understand. The Chaos Stone Dragonstone Kingdom recognizes your citizenship and Jewel City Lapis' status."
"Thank you very much. Well, since there are many things for us to adjust, we will take our leave now."
Saying that, Rangella turns on her heel and walks toward the door.
...Finally, she turns back to everyone.
Calm but loud enough to hear...
'If anything happens to Her Highness Princess Lucia, you understand, right?'
Clearly a different tone.
Overwhelming presence.
And the kings who were overwhelmed couldn't say a word──probably because it was the right thing for a living being.
Until Rangella's figure disappeared, or even after she was gone, the tense atmosphere didn't loosen.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)