Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken novel Chapter 5
On that day, an earthquake rippled across the world.
The calamity class monster Storm Dragon Veldora has disappeared.
The one sealed for 300 years, the living calamity.
His disappearance signifies his return somewhere in this world.
And yet, twenty days after the disappearance, the Western Saints Church declared his presence to have completely vanished.
.
.
Count Nidole Maigam remained indignant.
That's bullshit!!!
He cursed while remembering the Cardinal's words.
Cardinal Nicholas Shpertas.
Even the mention of his name evoked the Count's anger.
The threat known as the Storm Dragon Veldora has disappeared. Therefore, the provisions and monetary support from the Saints Church shall be immediately halted.
And having unilaterally so exclaimed, the cardinal ended the dicussion.
And more than ignoring anything they had to say, he even made them wait for three hours.
Though it is true that the emergency funds have been given to combat emergency...
But the lands bordering the Great Jura Forest " the Count's property " is the primary defense line of the entire Pharmas Kingdom.
That is, although Storm Dragon Veldora had been sealed, he was, nonetheless, a potent threat.
And even for monsters that was no exception.
No, actually, he was especially a threat for the monsters.
The fact that this threat has disappeared can only be attributed to monsters' movements.
Although Pharmas should be improving their defenses, they are cutting them instead.
This was the cause of Count Nidole Maigam's indignation.
And though the Western Saint's Church had valid reasons, none of them mattered to Nidole.
How should he protect his lands now?
He has the money for mercenaries.
Not the right time to be hiring adventurers.
As a last resort, he could appeal to the king... but just remembering the king's face induces despair.
It would be difficult to explain how the support funds received until now were used.
Without a threat, it is natural for defense spending to be cut.
And if this were handled poorly, he'd have to raise taxes.
Just the thought of caused Nidole to gramce.
On the way back to his domain in a carriage, his thoughts were filled with devising countermeasures.
Focusing only on monsters, Nidole could not have thought of anyone else to make use of.
.
Yet Nidole was not the only one troubled by the situation.
Pharmus Kingdom is a country of moderate strength. And thus, they have abstained from expanding the fontier.
And thus, there is little posing danger to them.
As Nidole expected, many cabinet ministers are planning to reduce defense spending.
However, other countries surronding the Jura forest may not do the same.
To not regret it later, each must come up with some countermeasures.
The kings and ministers of those are now hastily hosting emergency council to devise strategy.
One such troubled individual is the Baron Belouard, minister of the tiny country call Brumund.
There could only be one reason for me to call you. You have heard about the Storm Dragon Veldora, I take it?
With an overwhelming attitude, the Baron directed his question to the man who had entered the room.
Of short stature yet of serious appearance, the man never failed to maintain eye contact.
Of course, Milord.
Was the simple reply.
His voice was deep and corase.
Ay. As expected of a guild master! ... is that what I should say?
Baron Belouard snorted and continued as if spitting out every word.
So, what is the guild planning on doing?
Nothing in particular. No plans I am aware of.
What? I didn't really get that... are you saying there are no countermeasures at all?
Yes, we see no need for any.
The guild master responded apathetically.
With an appearance that asked: Why would Baron Belouard be mad?
And although the Baron saw that attitude, he continued while ignoring it.
In the first place, whether his efforts would be answered...
What is necessary depends on the person, I imagine. The disappearance of the Storm Dragon is surely a plot by the monsters! Would we not need countermeasures against that?!
That's a funny thing you have said. Countermeasures are planned by a country. We are a Free Guild, not a group of volunteers, you know?
It was so.
Their freedom lay in the fact that they were outside of the country's system.
Compared to the normal laborer, their lifestyle was not guaranteed.
However, basic social status was; moreover, they were granted appropriate land. Thus, they at least had the duty of paying taxes.
To explain, let's consider the example of a cook,
The cook who belongs to the country pays the social status tax along with a one appropriate for his income. For this, the country protects his life and property.
On the other hand, the guild cook pays significantly less in taxes. For the fee that he pays to the guild, he receives the guild protection of his persona.
However, protecting his property becomes his problem.
Also, a country cook can one day open a store in the castle, and have his children inherit it.
A guild one has no such privilege, and thus sets his store in the caste vicinity.
Moreover, should he even establish a successful store, his children cannot inherit it.
It from this fact, that citizens have acquired a deep-rooted prejudice and hatred for the Free Guilders.
Nor is this system unique only to Brumund. In fact, basically every country around follows the same rules.
On the other hand, the Free Guild has surpassed every regime in existence, and they possess the greatest organizational power...
Whether by coincidence or intention, they operate right under the country's nose while maintaining an underground society appearance.
Protecting the citizens' property is the basic duty of a country, isn't it? Similarly, we have to protect our associates. Don't we both have it tough...
Hearing these impudent words, Baron Belouard could no longer conceal his anger.
Since the morning, nothing has been going his way.
Enough of this pointless chatter!!! From the Free Guild, how many soldiers can you send? How many adventurers excel at combat? How many can be used to protect this city?
The Guild Master could only sigh.
Make no mistake, we are not a volunteer group. If mobilized together with the country's forces, I could perhaps gather 10% of our associates, if you require any more, there has to be proper remunerations.
There are ten million people living in Brumund.
Of the, seven thousand are guild members"their families not included in the count.
In the case of a joint exercise, the Free guild can provide 10% of its members (about 700 people in this case) who would serve the country.
As a side note, the guild members of this country cannot apply for membership in another country's guild. Thus, although they are free, there is clear allegiance.
Additionally, it will take time to make the joint mobilization official, and in the meantime the tax has to be agreed upon to be set at 20%.|
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