Miss Witch, It's Time to Clean the Entries

Chapter 44: Chapter 42: Only Magic Can Defeat Magic

A luxurious carriage drawn by eight horses, flying a green flag bearing the sigil of the Green Shade Territory, traveled slowly from the inner city toward the outer city.

Lian sat in the carriage, listening to the reports from his three ministers.

To give the three ministers enough space, Anna, Annie, and Sophie rode fine steeds, following along with the guards escorting the carriage.

"Anna, you seem to be in a good mood."

Anna and Annie were sharing a horse. Anna sat in the front, and Annie sat behind her.

"Yes, Annie, I’m in a very good mood."

Anna admitted freely.

"Is it because Lord Lian is about to have a fiancée?"

"No, it’s because Lord Lian told us that he is about to have a fiancée."

"What’s there to be happy about?"

"It proves that we hold an important place in Lord Lian’s heart. He respects us."

Annie couldn’t quite understand Anna. She tilted her head and gazed at the carriage window.

Through the window, Lian was briefing the three ministers on the important tasks for the day.

The way he gestured as he gave orders reminded her so much of Old Moria.

"Anna, will Lord Lian marry thirty-three wives in the future?"

"Probably not."

Anna said, a bit uncertainly. Her good mood suddenly took a slight dip—of about a hundred million points.

She could accept Lian having one wife—that would make things more interesting for her. But she didn’t want him to have thirty-three wives, because that would leave Lian utterly exhausted. And if he was exhausted, where would her fun be?

Of course, even if there were no fun to be had by his side, she would still remain steadfastly with Lian.

Because she had already sworn an oath to be absolutely loyal to Lian.

This Heart of Loyalty would not be swayed by other emotions.

Inside the carriage, Minister of Internal Affairs Karel Dennis said with a proud look on his face,

"Lord Lian, your decision was wise. The people of the Green Shade Territory haven’t panicked over this Red Itch Plague. On the contrary, they’re filled with pride. Because the Green Shade Territory is the only place that can cure the Red Itch Plague."

"Yes, I believe the population of the Green Shade Territory will see another growth spurt, because word that you can cure the Red Itch Plague will soon travel with the merchant caravans to other territories."

Minister of Foreign Affairs Alex Pool added, "And the refugees outside the High Wall are very eager to become our people."

"Mm."

Lian nodded slightly. "We can start rolling out the Green Cards. Issue a uniquely numbered Green Card to every registered resident of the Green Shade Territory. Anyone who possesses a Green Card can reside permanently in the territory."

"Do the original residents need to pay?"

Omari Hani asked.

Lian raised an eyebrow. "What do you think?"

"They should."

Omari Hani said excitedly, "Our Treasure Vault needs to be filled, and this is a fantastic opportunity! We should capitalize on everyone’s newfound pride in the Green Shade Territory to increase our revenue!"

"Not so aggressive. How much money do you think the commoners have?"

Lian said with a smile,

"We’ll create three tiers of Identity Cards. The Green Card is for the common folk; residents within the territory need only pay 100 Copper Coins to obtain one.

"The Silver Card is for the middle class. They need to pay 100 Silver Coins to get it.

"As for the Golden Card, that’s for the nobles. They’ll need to pay 100 Gold Coins.

"Outsiders who want to become residents of the Green Shade Territory and obtain an Identity Card of the corresponding tier will need to pay more than one hundred times the fee."

Omari Hani’s eyes lit up. He felt the Green Shade Territory was on the brink of financial freedom. All it needed was an endless supply of Golden Cards—and, of course, to repay its massive debt to the Empire Bank.

"Do the Identity Cards need to come with specified privileges and benefits?"

"No. The manors and fiefs the nobles possess are privileges enough. The Identity Card is merely a symbol of honor. Now, go and get it done."

"It’s a good idea, but I fear the people won’t be willing to pay. Their families have lived here for generations, and they’ve never had to pay a Green Card Fee."

The gentle-featured Karel Dennis poured cold water on Minister of Finance Omari Hani’s enthusiasm.

"Yes, this is no different from a sudden tax increase."

Alex Pool said,

"The sick from the Blue Moon Territory were willing to pay because they wanted to live. It was less a residency fee and more a payment for your cure. But the vast majority of our own people are healthy. After being blessed by the Holy Water, they don’t have to worry about being Infected with the Plague. They won’t be willing to pay extra just for an Identity Card."

"Mm, we have to make them believe in the value of this Identity Card, make them feel the money is well spent."

Lian rubbed his chin.

"In that case, after I’ve cured this batch of refugees, I’ll find a time to give a public speech."

The Minister of Finance had experienced Lian’s eloquence firsthand. He had not only convinced the Empire Bank to agree to an installment plan but had also managed to poach one of their bankers for the Green Shade Territory.

So, if Lord Lian himself were to propose the Golden and Silver Cards to the nobles and the middle class, they just might actually be willing to pay.

"If Lord Lian takes the lead on this, I don’t think it will be a problem."

Omari Hani said with a laugh.

Karel Dennis, however, had a different opinion. "The nobles aren’t fools. Who would pay for something they already possess? With or without that card, they are still nobles of the Green Shade Territory. Are you going to strip a noble of his title just because he doesn’t have a card?"

"Yes, convincing them will certainly be difficult, but I enjoy a challenge."

’This would be the perfect opportunity to test out my [Master of Deceit] trait.’