Reincarnated into a Game As the Hero’s Friend - Chapter 217.1

I left Grand Duke Seyfart’s room and went to Marquis Nolpoth’s office to make a delayed report of my arrival.

The report itself was accepted, but he was worried that I was pushing myself too hard, half lecturing me. I apologized, but I couldn’t think of any other way under the circumstances.

Anyway, after finishing my report, I returned to my office and quickly grabbed a light meal. This was in preparation for the afternoon. There was no time for a leisurely lunch. While nibbling on the bread, I gave instructions to Neurath and the others.

“Neurath, call Max and see if he can get me a list of Zeavert’s service members and casualties. I want a list by the end of the day.” (Welner)

“Understood.” (Neurath)

The families of those who died or got injured fighting for our House needed to be properly compensated. Even if it cost a lot of money, it was not something we should or could try to cut costs on.

The amount of money that would be paid out would depend on various factions. For example, the degree of injury, reason behind death etc.

A knight who died in battle because he was forced to save his allies could not be treated in the same way as a knight who died because he did not listen to instructions and charged forward on his own. This differed from modern warfare, where a uniform amount of money would be systematically paid to those who died in battle.

Of course, rewards could not be neglected either. This time, since it was not a battle against humans, there was no need to think about the difference between the enemy being a famous knight and a soldier, but I understand that it was hard not to be appreciated for the work you had done.

That was the reason why I had to pay them properly, and of course, they would be happier if they were recognized for their work immediately after it had been done. If we didn’t deal with it in a hurry, it might even become a source of dissatisfaction. I would leave the preparations for that to Max, but I would need to give him instructions.

“Schunzel, please interview the mercenaries and make arrangements.” (Welner)

“Ha.” (Schunzel)

In case you were wondering, there was a remuneration listed in the initial contract, but it was the employer’s obligation to pay additional remuneration if employees worked above and beyond the contract. Moreover, there was also the question of reputation as an aristocrat involved. If you get a reputation as a stingy aristocrat, it would affect you later on.

We also needed to check if they would prefer to be paid in cash or in the form of practical goods such as weapons and armor.

“Lily, you can return to the Zeavert Mansion early today. Neurath, tell Max to escort her.” (Welner)

“Understood.” (Lily)

“Yes, sir.” (Neurath)

In fact, there wasn’t much for Lily to do today. The victory ceremony would start this afternoon anyway. It was too much of a hassle.

***

“First place in the Order of Merit, Count Zeavert.” (King)

“Ha!” (Welner)

At the sound of His Majesty the King’s voice, my father, the head of the Count’s corps, bowed his head. His Majesty showered words of praise on father. Well, compliments cost nothing.

“…Therefore, to reward the Count for his service on this occasion, we grant Count Zeavert an exemption from external import duties.” (King)

A slight buzz occurs. This was a fairly large, though not direct, reward. Trade with other countries conducted from the territory was permitted, but it was usually subject to a considerable tax. Not having to pay those taxes in the future would be a big deal in terms of the territory’s finances.

However, it was the national side that decided which goods could be exported or imported. If the export or import of a particular item could lead to severe impact on the kingdom’s domestic market, noble’s territory could be prohibited to exporting or importing that particular item. Of course, there would be no problem with domestic distribution.

Considering this, it would be easy for the Royal family to ensure nobles didn’t earn too much from foreign trade.

“In addition, Zeavert House will be granted additional lands, which will be announced at a later date. The Chamberlain shall record this in the name of the royal family.” (King)

“Yes!” (Welner)

By “in the name of the royal family,” he meant that this promise would be kept, even if the generation changed. If the King’s name was used, it could be undone if the King suddenly died, but if the royal family’s name was used, it would be the same as a contract with the state. It would be like a written pledge that never changes.