Chapter 22: Four Pieces of Good News

"That's an excellent question!"

Sean nodded approvingly at Windsor. "Next, I bring the second piece of good news: I will hire one of Yorn's Four Great Mercenary Companies to permanently station in Riverside. These companies boast Bronze-rank and higher warriors—far stronger than our old militia. They'll safeguard us."

Cheers erupted anew.

"Truly? Praise the Light!"

"I heard their captains are Silver-rank powerhouse!"

"With them, Gnolls won't dare return!"

"Not done yet!" Sean raised his hands. "The third piece of good news—and the most significant: All taxes for Riverside's original residents are waived for one year. No coin from your harvests or trades. Next year's taxes will also be halved!"

Silence fell. The crowd gaped.

A full year tax-free?

Farmers typically surrendered 10% of crops plus milling/slaughter taxes—nearly a third of their yield. After the Gnoll attack, many feared increased taxes, not abolition. Sean's promise felt surreal.

"An entire year… tax-free?" a farmer stammered.

"Too generous!" another gasped.

"Is this real?"

Sean pressed: "As your lord, my word stands. No grain, no coin—nothing. Now, the fourth piece of good news!"

The crowd held its breath.

"For the next three months until harvest," Sean declared, "I'll provide free food to all original residents. No one starves."

Refugees collapsed to their knees, weeping in gratitude. Cries echoed across the field—tears of relief, not despair.

Henry paled. First mercenaries, then tax cuts, now free food? This will bankrupt us! He leaned in: "Your Highness, this is fiscally reckless! Even halving taxes is unprecedented. And free food—"

Sean cut him off. "We're not just feeding mouths. These policies will rebuild our population. Do you want a thriving town or a ghost village?"

"But ten thousand gold won't last—"

"Money isn't saved—it's earned." Sean smiled. "We'll find revenue beyond taxes. Luxury like your 'Arras tapestries' are irrelevant."

Henry sighed. Perhaps he has secret funds? Reluctantly, he returned to his ledgers.