Chapter 175 (2/2)

How wonderful! They must have felt tired all over as they had to practice the inspection parade, in addition to their tough training in the sweltering weather. As such, the crown prince’s special recognition of their hard work could not be the most welcome news to them.

After calming down their excitement by raising his right hand, he continued, “Also, during the festival days let me temporarily lower the tax rates for the commercial transactions in the capital to 1.5%.”

“Wow!”

” Long live the crown prince! ”

“Glory to the Empire!”

This time applause broke out among the crowds filling the square. I smiled again this time, but in a different sense than before.

His announcement a moment ago perfectly fit his personality. He wanted to win the people’s hearts by lowering the taxes, and maintain the national revenues by promoting consumption. From the perspective of the empire, it was a good policy because it didn’t reduce the revenues. From the point of view of the people, they welcomed the lower taxes. So, his actions cut both ways. Of course, he could not turn to this way often because of the very low tax rates in the empire all the time.

After looking at the cheering crowds, he turned around.

He continued to hold my hand while he went down the platform and stopped in front of the black horse.

“Please get on first.”

“Your Majesty.”

“Hurry up. They are watching us.”

“… Yes, Your Majesty.”

As I grabbed his hand and climbed onto the horse, numerous people focused their attention to me. While trying to look calm, I swallowed a sigh.

That’s why I tried to climb myself. I didn’t want their attention.

He already got on the horse and came next to my side.

As the riders took the lead, the 1st Knights Division first started to march out of the square.

After they went out, the Royal Guards drove the horses while escorting him and me. A large applause once again broke out among the crowds when the knight disappeared from the square.

When their cheers went down some time later, he looked back at me and asked with a small voice, “Are you really okay?”

“Yes, I’m, Your Majesty.”

“Your face is very pale. Besides, you almost lost balance a while ago. ”

“Sorry, Your Majesty. I worried you as I was careless at the moment.”

“I am not saying this to blame you, as you know,” he said with a sign as if he was frustrated, with his navy blue eyes staring at me, “Didn’t you overwork yourself to prepare for the festival banquet? The royal doctor clearly said you should take a good rest, right?”

“I’m fine, Your Majesty. I didn’t overdo it.”

“You’re always saying you’re okay when I ask you.”

“… I’m sorry. ”

“Wow!”

Surprised by the crowds’ shouting, I turned my head. As if his decision to lower the taxes already spread to the general public, people who lined up on the left and right shouted in praise of the imperial family, regardless of age or gender.

When he waved to them with a smile, they cheered more loudly. I was short of breath because of the sweltering sun. Besides, big shouts here and there a louder shout broke out. I was getting short of breath in the hot air. I suddenly had a headache because of their thundering applause.

‘I shouldn’t frown. I’ll be there at the Imperial Palace pretty soon. ‘

I pressed my chest with my hand holding the reins and drove the horse.

When I almost fell off the horse, feeling dizzy after arriving at the palace, he said with a firm voice, holding me tightly, “I’m afraid I can’t let you go like this. You had better not attend today’s banquet. ”

Is it okay if I don’t attend the banquet on the first day? Given that I should prepare for the banquet on the second day, I would like to take a break, but I felt somewhat sorry for my absence on the first day.