Chapter 20

A month passed. Locke reported the treasury results that excited Trive. Locke had changed the taxation and payment system from yearly to monthly. Villagers who often struggled to make ends meet were now making increasing wages and we're happy with this change.

For the treasury, the benefit was that the profits could be realized in much smaller intervals. The first month had already shown how the economic growth had brought in a huge windfall. However since expenses had increased dramatically as well and the Barony barely made a profit.

Yet, it was a welcome change to Trive. He had been explained to by Locke how the treasury had been in a declining loss. It was the first month where some profits were made.

August continued to use any opportunity to step on Locke. However, Locke didn't seem to care. He dutifully performed his job, increasing Trive's confidence in him.

Meanwhile, Herish Village was finally coming to fruition. One half of the village had been built. An urban brick built village. The tax free zone was finally opened up to businesses and residences alike.

It was then realized that there would be no taxes, but no one could purchase the house or land. It could only be rented from the Treasury on a monthly basis. Even though traders and merchants were clever, not many had extrapolated the possibilities of this kind of rental market economy. A property market of the kind that would develop in Herish didn't yet exist in this world.

With the heavy demand for trade,merchants, businesses and workers all flocked to Herish Village. The first untaxed village in the Sun Kingdom. The opening had been presided over by none other than a Grand Knight and the Baron in running.

The inaugural entry was a huge success. Once again, alottment of rentals was a complicated process. It requires the services of an industry that didn't yet exist, the realtor. Ofcourse, the now ubiquitous Dream Trading Company rushed in to fill the roll. It would charge both the Treasury and the traders a cut for resolving a deal for rental.

The event had brought in huge windfall for both the Treasury of the Baron as well as the DTC. Trive, who was seeing such windfall profits for the first time was happily grinning ear to ear. Even August was stunned. He wasn't particularly interested in such matters, but even the Viscount rarely made such windfall. It was at this moment that he began to see Locke in a different light.

He had long observed that Trive did little to no governing at all. All he did was accompany August all day and try to flatter him. Initially August had thought the genius was all Trive. But now he realized that Trive had just gotten lucky with a bastard brother who seemed to be an administrative genius. The best part about Locke was his complete lack of ambition and dedication to the job without any fuss.

"I must have such a genius administrator for my Viscounty." August thought to himself.

The news about the successful establishment of Herish Village reverberated among the nobility. Soon discussions were being held about the viability of such an idea and whether it was just a temporary novelty. The news even reached the ears of the Count.

The influx of trade only increased demand for quicker construction of Herish Village. It really couldn't be called a village now. The village was a red brick planned area. Many Baron's under the Viscount also announced their intentions to visit. One was to observe the activities of this new idea and the other was to get closer to August Bilary. Viscount Bilary had advised him to continue to stay and observe.

At this time, a letter arrived from the Capital. As the administrator, Locke was the one to receive it. It originated from the Sun Kingdom's Mage Academy. A letter from Cassi. Her term had ended and after discussing with father, she had decided to return to pay a visit so the issue of succession could be decided.

Ghost, who was enthusiastically reading a book turned to see Locke smile. Whenever she saw this smile she got shivers and she promptly ignored him.

"Things will finally get interesting." Locke thought.

Later that night, Locke walked over to a corner of the mansion. The area was quiet and few servants only occassionally entered to take care of the resident. Locke was a regular visitor,though he rarely moved unless it was in his interests.

"Jain, how are you doing today?" Locke asked.

Jain had been unresponsive for more than a month. It was as if everyone had forgotten him. But Locke would not abandon a pawn if it was so easily obtainable. He visited him everyday and acted with care around Jain.

"I just received a letter from Cassi. She said she was returning from the Magic Academy." Locke continued.

Locke's words caused a tremor in Jain. "I already wrote to her asking her for help regarding your condition. Don't worry, if things go well, you might become healthy again." Locke said.

He observed no reaction, but saw a tear come out of Jain's eyes.

"Don't cry brother. Be happy. You might be able to wield the sword again." Locke said with a gentle smile as he carefully wiped away the tear. "Take care, I'll be back tomorrow."

He then left the room and requested an audience with Trive. August also happened to be there.

"Master Trive, a letter has arrived from Lady Cassi. Her term at the University has ended and she is returning for the explicit purpose of 'deciding the terms of inheritence'." Locke said.

"What?" Trive yelled in shock as he stood up. Over this month, he had taken for granted that his inheritance had been solidified. But now, that wench was returning to interfere?

"When did she say she would return?" Trive asked while August quietly observed.

"She never mentioned it. However, based on the date of the letter, I'd say she would return in a week." Locke replied.