Once the evidence of their crimes was presented, their possessions were seized, and their noble titles were rightfully claimed. Since these titles were inherently tied to the lands they governed, the confiscation of their territories resulted in the automatic forfeiture of their ranks.
Viscount Owden, one of the dispossessed nobles, personally owned 9,255m² of land. In addition to this, he exercised control over 514.5km² of governed territory, which provided him with substantial economic influence. Similarly, Viscount James possessed 8,903m² of private land while overseeing a further 730.8km², making his reach both financially and administratively significant. The largest landholder among them, Earl Teriona, personally owned 10,564m² and held authority over an expansive 3,982km², solidifying his position as one of the most powerful nobles prior to his downfall.
Collectively, these acquisitions amounted to 28,722m of direct ownership and 5,227.3km2 of taxable land. As the rightful inheritor of these noble titles, you now assume control over this vast expanse, along with the taxation rights that accompany it. This transfer of power not only grants financial benefits but also strengthens territorial dominance, ensuring economic stability and administrative consolidation.
An additional advantage of this transition lies in the geographical positioning of the acquired lands. Since all territories are connected, their merger into a singular domain is greatly simplified. This seamless integration allows for efficient governance, reduced logistical hurdles, and a unified approach to infrastructure development.
With the acquisition of 5,227.3km2 of land, you have now ascended to the rank of Earl, officially transforming the former vice counties and Earldom into the Alpine Earldom.
Beyond its sheer expanse, the Alpine Earldom also boasts a considerable population of 173,787 residents, each contributing to the prosperity of the land. If the 50% income tax rate remains unchanged, the total annual tax revenue generated from this territory would amount to an impressive 121,651.4 NSD, ensuring a steady flow of financial resources under your control.
Upon hearing this assessment, an overwhelming shock took hold of me. According to the financial records, the previous tax structure consisted of only a 2% land tax and a 5% income tax, a stark contrast to the current arrangement. Seeing my bewilderment, Lily quickly provided an explanation, stating, "While Caledon City, the capital, maintained a modest 2% land tax and 5% income tax, noble estates outside the capital often imposed significantly higher taxation rates. Since there were no restrictions on local tax policies, the only regulated portion was that 5% of all income tax had to be paid directly to the royal family."
This revelation painted a clearer picture of the nobles' autonomy and the disparities in tax enforcement across the realm. It became evident that wealth accumulation among the nobility stemmed not only from land ownership but also from their ability to set exorbitant tax rates without oversight.
Now grasping the situation, I turned to Lily and asked, "How far is the new Alpine Earldom from the capital?"
She responded with a measured tone, "The newly acquired lands lie 142.6 kilometers northwest of Caledon City, the capital of Paeve. Geographically, the territory is positioned between Caledon and Frudlas, forming a strategic corridor that extends downward toward the main roadway currently under construction. Additionally, it directly aligns with the planned routes for the NS3 and NS4 highways, effectively integrating the region into Paeve's growing infrastructure."
Her explanation illuminated the Earldom's advantageous location, revealing its potential as both a defensive asset and an economic hub. Not only would the proximity to major roads facilitate trade and mobility, but the natural positioning between established regions ensured seamless governance over the newly acquired land.
The territory itself was vast and diverse, presenting both opportunities and challenges for governance. Towering mountain ranges carved through sections of the land, while extensive flatlands stretched across its core, providing fertile ground for agriculture and settlement. Dense forests teemed with wildlife and untapped resources, offering potential for both conservation and economic development. A sizable body of water further enriched the landscape, creating possibilities for trade, irrigation, and fishing industries. Additionally, the soil varied widely, ranging from fine and nutrient-rich to coarse and rocky, necessitating careful planning to maximize agricultural output and infrastructure stability.
Despite the complexities of ruling such a multifaceted domain, I refused to be discouraged. The weight of my newfound noble status only strengthened my resolve—I was determined to enhance the territory and uplift the people who called it home. The first step in achieving this was simple yet vital: I needed to personally survey the land, assess its strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly, understand what the people required from me as their new leader. Government reforms were likely necessary, but effective change could not be implemented without firsthand knowledge of the region's existing structure.
Before setting out, however, I had another critical task ahead of me—ensuring the Apollo Companies were prepared to handle the expansion and structural adjustments required for this transition. Governance alone would not be enough; economic and logistical support were crucial in laying the foundation for sustainable growth. I spent the next two hours meticulously reviewing documents, analyzing financial records, and assessing strategic plans to confirm the organization's readiness for the sweeping changes to come.
After careful consideration, I concluded that the Apollo Companies were fully capable of managing themselves. I had already provided detailed notes and strategic product ideas to support their expansion, ensuring that each division had a clear path forward.
One of my primary initiatives involved the Apollo Finance Group, where I proposed the establishment of banks in all major cities. This would serve as the foundation for a robust financial network, increasing accessibility and economic stability across the region. The plan was structured in phases—once the treasury reached 10 to 15 million NSD, I intended to introduce a check system, a revolutionary step toward modernizing financial transactions.
The check system, as I outlined in my notes, would function as a separate paper document that customers could purchase for secure money transfers. Each check would require the sender's name, the recipient's name, the specified amount, and the sender's signature as authorization. Once written, the sender could simply hand the check to the recipient, who would then have the option to cash or deposit the funds at any of the Apollo Bank.
By implementing these financial reforms, the Apollo Finance Group would not only enhance convenience for its customers but also strengthen overall trust in banking institutions. The structured growth of these systems would lay the groundwork for a more stable, interconnected economy—one that could support the demands of an expanding territory and its people.
Each division of the Apollo Companies had strategic growth plans outlined, ensuring their expansion would be both profitable and sustainable. Among them, the Apollo Cosmetics Company stood out as a particularly promising venture. The decision to introduce make-up products to the public was bound to be an instant success, given the high demand for luxury cosmetics and personal care items. With the right marketing and distribution channels, this initiative had the potential to become a new gold mine in wealth for the Apollo Companies, further cementing their dominance in the industry.
With these preparations in place, I turned my attention to the next crucial step—traveling to the Alpine Earldom to personally oversee its governance and development. Without hesitation, I asked Lily to arrange a carriage for the fastest route to the newly acquired lands, ensuring my essentials and a trusted staff accompanied me to assist with the transition.
Her response was almost instantaneous, delivered with a level of efficiency that suggested she had anticipated my request well in advance. Without missing a beat, she jotted down the exact time and location for the carriage's arrival at my residence, ensuring that everything was meticulously planned for my departure. It was as if she had foreseen this moment and had already put measures in place to streamline the journey.
With everything now set in motion, I prepared myself for what lay ahead—stepping into this new role, shaping the future of the Alpine Earldom, and turning ambition into reality.