Rabatt Island is one of the best places for ordinary serfs to live in the Albanian continent.
Other serfs are required to either give 30% of their harvested grain (with an additional 20% for the managers’ collection fees) or work unpaid labor for three days a week as ordered by the lord.
In contrast, in this area, there are no mandatory unpaid labor requirements, and taxes are only 15%.
Maybe that’s why? The residents of Rabatt Island had a sheen of oil on their faces.
“Sir, this place is governed by the knights who have devoted everything to God, so it seems the administration is very fair. The villagers wear various kinds of clothing, but they all have a healthy shine on their faces.”
No, the rulers of Rabatt Island are, in some sense, the worst of the worst.
They believe that “all crimes” are permissible against infidels.
And since humans have an instinct to do anything for profit as long as it’s not illegal or criminal, they act accordingly.
‘Even the infamous Fugger family, known for usury, is astounded by their cruelty.’
However, I didn’t want to burden cute Chloe with the harsh realities.
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“Chloe, the reason the Deus knights collect very little tax here isn’t just because they’re virtuous.”
“Is that so, Kris?”
Kris looked at me, winked lightly, and continued.
“Rabatt Island is on the front lines of the fight against infidels. While it may seem peaceful now, the Sultan of the Medina Sultanate often leads thousands of troops to invade.”
“To take this little island?”
“I mentioned on the boat earlier. The Deus knights are still waging war against the infidels. To be precise, they’re still engaged in piracy.”
These knights are considered the most experienced pirates on the continent, attacking only infidels.
The knights rely on raiding the trade routes of nearby sultanates, like those in Tunick, to cover their various expenses.
It’s evident that maintaining hundreds or even thousands of knights comes with hefty costs.
They pillage trade ships at sea and penetrate deep into the coast to raid infidel villages and engage in slave trade.
I recall a slave trader once came to me, trying to sell me an infidel girl slave.
‘Was it priced at 800 gold coins?’
This is how they earn enough money to keep the knights running.
So, to the infidels, the Deus knights are probably 20 times more detestable than any pig from the north.
“Living in such a dangerous place is frightening, but if taxes were high, would the people even want to live here?”
“Serfs lack the freedom to choose where to live, but I too would be scared and wouldn’t want to live in such a place.”
“Exactly. That’s why the Deus knights only collect extremely low taxes from the residents living here. They have to choose a prosperous life over the fear of being killed by infidels at any moment.”
Chloe nodded at this explanation.
“Being anxious about when the enemy might invade is scarier than starving...”
Kris affectionately patted Chloe’s head, treating her like a younger sister.
“Moreover, even though the maintenance costs of the knights are entirely covered by plundering infidels, the knights also need to eat and drink, right? Someone must provide those things.”
“When you explained why military supply was important, you said the same thing.”
Though I had never participated in a war, I had heard from military supply merchants that a mercenary band of over 300 people typically has over 300 suppliers accompanying them.
The Deus knights must have taken some sort of vow, like the ‘Oath of Purity,’ but anyone who could uphold it strictly would have entered a secluded monastery.
Given that, how would they satisfy their carnal desires? It’s pointless to even mention it.
‘It’s no wonder there are claims that adult videos contribute to a decrease in sexual crimes.’
“You’re lucky, baronet; you have such a cute and clever maid.”
Maybe due to losing her entire family, Kris refers to Chloe, whom she’s closest to, as a sister, just without the blood relation.
In reality, Chloe is two years older.
Chloe is exactly 20 years old.
Then, as if she wanted me to hear, she looked my way and said,
“Chloe would be happy to serve such a kind baronet as her master.”
...... Lately, it feels like Kris is trying to get a little closer to me for some reason.
“Let’s wrap up the small talk there and hurry to the headquarters of the Deus knights.”
“Yes.”
Ah, though I’ve never been there directly, I know that within their headquarters...
‘They’re brutally abusing infidels, who are, in essence, just like us.’
Especially, I can't even bear to think about what infidel women go through...
“No, I’m sorry, but Chloe and Kris, you must be tired from the long voyage, so please rest at the lodging.”
While people living on our continent are relatively accustomed to cruelty, there’s no need to expose Chloe and Kris to such sights.
At the island, things had been fine, but upon reaching the knights’ headquarters, I was met with less than favorable treatment.
Perhaps because it’s a small island close to the Toscana Empire?
A knight acting as a lowly sentry deliberately dragged out the inspection.
“May I ask what brings the young lord of the Medici family here?”
In any country, nobles, especially those from families above baron rank, aren’t typically subjected to inspections.
Unless they’re hauling a suspicious convoy of wagons or something like that.
‘It’s customary to show respect to nobles.’
Yet here I am, with a mere knight (essentially a private soldier) treating me this way.
“I’ve come to meet the commander of the knights. And I’m not just a member of the Medici family; I am Fabio de Medici, head of the Medici baronet family.”
There are instances where employees of a parent company might exert undue influence over a mid-sized subcontractor’s president during negotiations.
However, once that situation is over, the social hierarchy of the two is quite evident.
There’s a difference between an ordinary citizen who’s doing well and someone from the top 0.1% of society.
Thus, what I’m saying is a warning that I’m not just some employee of the Medici baronet family; I’m a baronet myself, so treat me accordingly.
Maybe to clear up any misunderstandings, the sentry knight’s tone softened.
“However, you must tell us the reason for your visit so that we can pass along your request for an audience.”
I raised my right hand.
The knight’s gaze was drawn to the silver ring on my hand.
“I’ve come as the representative of His Grace the Duke of Visconti in Toscana. Is this enough of an answer?”
This knight order is technically an independent state.
However, they receive almost all of their food, weapons, and other necessities from the Toscana Empire.
The knights here come from various nationalities, but they primarily use the Tuscan language as their common tongue.
‘Go ahead and reject the representative of the duke; it will only make things difficult for you.’
“Holy! I apologize!”
Those who worship only Deus seem to salute with a phrase of holiness; truly, they’re steeped in fanaticism.
With my status as a representative, I should be able to meet the commander soon...
But to show them how close I want to be with them, there should be ‘gifts’ exchanged.
The Bible says that gifts (bribes) create friendships and help one escape difficulties.
Since Deus also said that offering gifts is the will of the gods, I should follow suit, right?
“You’ve worked hard serving in a place like this. Seeing the crest on the pommel of your sword, you must be a second or third son of a noble family. I am as well.”
With that, I handed the knight 10 gold coins.
Though it’s too much money to give to a mere sentry, when he receives such a sum, a portion of it will be passed on to this knight’s superior.
Then the superior will testify to the higher-ups that Baron Medici’s baronet is eager to befriend us.
‘Taking care of these small details is part of diplomacy and business.’
“Thank you! I’ll buy a drink and some snacks to relieve my troubles with this! Sir Bennett, please inform the commander that the representative of Duke Visconti has arrived!”
Upon hearing that, the knight called Bennett ran off as fast as his feet could carry him.
‘Indeed, money is the best. It can even summon spirits!’
With that amount, you could buy dozens of barrels of alcohol.
Since he’s learned his place, it seems he’s instinctively hiding the fact that he received such a large sum.
“But is the treatment of the Medici baron family a bit lacking?”
At that remark, the sentry cautiously replied.
“Since we’re dealing with a family that trades with infidels, our commander doesn’t need to openly oppose them, but it’s hard for him to hold them in high regard.”
Well, the profits from spice trading also end up benefiting the infidels.
“Of course, Baron, you are the exception. Who would think poorly of someone who understands the struggles of lowly knights like us and shows such consideration and faith?”
Are these guys really a fanatic pirate group?
Why are they acting so humane?
Just then, the knight named Bennett rushed over, the sound of his iron armor clanging as he hurried.
“The commander has granted you an audience!”
Without delay, I moved my steps toward where the commander was.
The commander greeted me with an expression that held a hint of hostility.
“What is the reason for your visit here, Sir?”
Not even addressing me as a baronet shows how much they despise the Medici baron family.
In contrast, others usually treat those affiliated with the ‘Medici baron family’ almost like they would a viscount.
These folks seem to prioritize their religious beliefs over those social ties, don’t they?
‘Calling me a sir instead is their subtle way of showing their distaste for the Medici baron family.’
“Do you not need funding to continue the crusade? We’re here to assist.”
It seems that as long as you’re not an enemy of their family, money can absolve almost any grievance.
You’ll find yourself in that same situation too.