Chapter 23: Sudden Change

"Money isn't saved—it's earned." Henry repeated Sean's words, lost in thought. There's truth to that.Sean surveyed the refugees. "Ten thousand gold won't last a year, I know. But we'll find ways to profit without exploiting these desperate people. Generosity will lure back those who fled to cities. More residents mean more tax revenue long-term. We must invest now.""Your Highness, it's 'Arras tapestry,'" Henry corrected."Whatever. Luxuries are irrelevant. Population recovery is our priority."Henry sighed, retreating to tally expenses. He talks of profit, but how? Still, he focused on tasks.…John approached, gesturing to the slum children. "What of them, Your Highness?""Right!" Sean strode over.…The children fidgeted, excluded from the tax waivers. Sean announced: "I'll take you to Riverside, but no land—you're not original residents. Instead, jobs: room, board, and 2 gold monthly."Their eyes widened. In the slums, they'd earned <1 gold/month via theft or dangerous labor. This was paradise. Kneeling, they worshipped him as fervently as the Light God."But no theft, brawls, or bullying. Break the law, and you're expelled.""We'll obey!" they chorused.Henry winced at the 2-gold promise but said nothing. Perhaps the Duke secretly funds him?…Sean moved toward Windsor, intending to recruit guards. Suddenly, clanging swords echoed—Matthew fought two men 100 meters away!Matthew's silver douqi overwhelmed his bronze-ranked foes. Even mid-battle, the cat clung to his shoulder. Guards unsheathed swords, transfixed.…Behind Sean, a rustle—then John's shout: "Assassin!"Too late. A dagger glowing with bronze douqi hurtled toward Sean's heart.