Chapter 245 (1/2)

Chapter 245: Chapter 245

“Um, what’s the matter with you? I doubt it, but I don’t believe you are going to retract what you have proposed. Unless you intend to make a mockery of me and the imperial family, you can’t retract, right?”

“… ”

“Your Majesty, may I present my opinion?”

“Yes, go ahead, Duke Jena.”

Asking to speak on behalf of Earl Hamel who was at a loss about what to do, Duke Jena said, “We are deeply moved by your willingness to donate the imperial wealth, but how can we sit still when you are donating the imperial wealth? So, I think we can adjust the national budget to make up for the deficits. ”

“Where can you cut the budget? The current budget plan has been drawn after the prime minister and other high-ranking officials worked on it.”

“Isn’t it possible that even a small increase in the tax rates can make up for the deficits?”

“You must know that raising tax rates is not possible. Get to the point, Duke Jena!”

Unlike the emperor who asked with a relaxed expression, Duke Jena said with a gloomy expression after pausing for a moment, “…As your loyal vassals, we’re going to dole out our own wealth to make up for the deficits.”

“Really? I didn’t know that your loyalty to me was so deep. Are you all of the same mind?”

“How can I say that it is my own wish? Everyone here will be of the same mind, I think. ”

“Hmm. Well, that sounds good. Let me accept your proposal then.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“However, as the ruler of the empire, I can’t immediately retract what I said. So, let me make up for half the budget deficits. Instead, I will cut down the number of the titles to be awarded to the nobles. As for the titles, let me create lifetime-only titles instead of hereditary titles. If you disagree, express your opinion now.”

Moaning was heard here and there among the noble faction members. I looked at the young man on the platform in surprise.

‘Oh, this is the plan he originally had in mind.’

If the emperor bestows lifetime-only noble titles, he doesn’t need to give them any estate. He can earn their loyalty by giving them noble titles, gain the people’s support by freezing tax rates and reduce the burden of the imperial family by having the nobles donate their wealth.

Did he try to gain all these benefits by expanding the knights divisions?

When Duke Lars declared the passage of the agenda, Duke Jenna, who was staring at Earl Hamel fiercely, said, “By the way, what are you going to do with the National Founding Day festival? With only one month to go before the festival, you have not selected who is going to organize the event?”

“That’s right, Your Majesty. Even if we plan and prepare for it from now on, it seems like time is running out. Moreover, aren’t the delegations from many countries attending this festival?”

“I made the request to you the other day, so please make the conclusion today.

Isn’t it a big shame to the empire if our preparations are not up to the standards?”

‘The National Founding Day festival?’

I tilted my head. I thought it was Duke Lars who would be responsible for organizing the festival. Is he not this time?

The emperor, who had been staring at the nobles including Duke Jena, said, “As for the festival, I already told you I would think about it because I still had some time.”

“If you don’t mind, how about this method?”

“What is it?”