Chapters Chapter 145. Money, damned money. (1/2)
In the new region, Kang Chul-In had to spend every day without rest.
There were just too many things to do.
Building their fortress, making new farmlands, finding water sources nearby, building roads, etc.
”I don’t want to see a single person slacking off, so make sure that you all work hard! Everyone that is caught slacking off will be punished.”
While Kang Chul-In gave these strict orders,
”Those that have a high and efficient work rate will be given incentives and work bonuses for their work.”
He also gave rewards to those who worked hard, as to increase the work efficiency of the workers.
“Milord.”
But to this, Timothy seemed like he was going to cry.
“P-Please can you reduce the rewards? As each day goes by, the economy of the territory is getting poorer and poorer. Even though we reduced the pay of the officials and cut the spending rate…”
Timothy’s words made sense.
After their move, the money of the Laputa territory was being spent at an extremely quick rate.
This was because they weren’t getting a stable source of income other than from Lee Chae-rin’s mines.
And as the one that took care of the economy of Laputa, Timothy had an extreme headache going on.
“You can use my personal money to spend on this. Wouldn’t that work?”
Looking at a map in his office, Kang Chul-In answered as if it wasn’t a big deal.
“Milord.”
But listening to this, Timothy’s face darkened even more.
“I think Milord is misunderstanding something here.”
“....?”
Shaking his head, Timothy handed a report to Kang Chul-In.
“Please, take a look at this.”
“What is it.”
“This is the record of Milord’s spending. Please take a look after…”
Like Timothy said, Kang Chul-In looked at the report.
And…
“It’s a minus…”
Kang Chul-In’s face stiffened.
“That’s right… it’s been over 2 months since Milord’s personal money has also hit rock bottom.”
And with a desperate expression, Timothy begged Kang Chul-In to reconsider his decision.
“Milord, I really think that we have to take back the rewards… Even though the citizens are living a plentiful life due to Milord’s generosity, it’s hard for the officials.”
“How bad is it for you to say that?”
“Commander James goes around with holes in his socks.”
“...”
“For Sir Podolski, he’s had to go hunt some boar meat himself since he lacked the funds to eat a feast with his friends. As for Secretary Lucia, she’s going around without makeup, since she lacks the money to buy new products.”
“...”
“And that’s not even it… Commander Michael of the White Lion…”
“Enough!”
Feeling that he wouldn’t want to continue listening, Kang Chul-In interrupted.
The trade between Earth and Pangaea through the Galaxy Corporation, the money from Lee Chae-rin’s mines, and money earned from their conquest activities--- the money that Kang Chul-In had earned last year was a truly astonishing sum.
But now, where had all that money gone?
Kang Chul-In felt lost and sad, as he himself hadn’t spent all that money. He only used some of it buy cars, as that was his only hobby.
Money and gold were like floating clouds to Kang Chul-In, as they kept on escaping his grasp no matter how much he earned.
“Timothy.”
Finally, Kang Chul-In opened his mouth again.
“Yes, Milord?”
“How much money do we need? Tell me the exact sum of money we require.”
“If we want to continue this… I think that at the very least, we would need 23,000 gold.”
At such an enormous sum, Kang Chul-In’s expression hardened.
“Milord, that’s why we need to reduce the rewards and slow down the construction…”
“No, no.”
But Kang Chul-In shook his head stubbornly.
“We don’t have time, Timothy. Continue as we are.”
Kang Chul-In had felt that as of late, Baruk Al Yusuf wasn’t up to any good. They couldn’t delay any longer on the construction.
“M-Milord, then at least reduce the incentives and the rewards…”
“Timothy.”
Kang Chul-In spoke quietly.
“Even though I am the Lord of the people, would the citizens look up to me if I asked them to work for me without getting paid? That’s not a Lord; that’s a slave trader.”
“B-But…”
“The promise of a Lord is heavy.”