Mediterranean Hegemon of Ancient Greece Chapter 1069: A Tax Increase? (2)

"Actually, for today's kingdom citizens, paying a little extra tax won't have much impact on their lives," Antaoris quickly added. How could he let Cyprolus steal all the spotlight? "I specifically asked Bulcos and Financial Officer Akibides about this. Take Thurii as an example. Ordinary citizens here own at least twenty mu of land. The grain they harvest every year not only satisfies their own needs, but they can also earn around 300 to 700 drachmas by selling the surplus, depending on the harvest and grain prices. But that isn't even the bulk of their income. Since Thurii is the center of the kingdom, it attracts a massive influx of foreigners, creating a booming demand for housing. Many citizens earn one or two talents a year simply by collecting rent."

"If you think the citizens of Thurii are an exception, let's look at the small town of Siculi in Sicily. The population there is less than 4,000, and the citizens' main income comes from farming. According to Ministry of Finance statistics, the annual grain harvest of each household converts to at least 600 drachmas. And that doesn't even include their livestock—cattle, sheep, horses, poultry, and pigs. Furthermore, don't forget that during the agricultural off-season, they frequently take on part-time work in workshops to earn extra money."

"So, what do these wealthy citizens do with all this money? Aside from daily living expenses and military training, they buy sports equipment and participate in various athletic programs. They spend money to watch competitions, and many even purchase Tino's Blessing. They drink plenty of wine, frequently dine at restaurants, and occasionally soak in the hot spring baths. Business at the brothels is booming, and many citizens even go out of their way to buy female slaves as concubines..."

"And how much tax do these citizens pay to the kingdom every year?" Antaoris spread his hands with a disdainful smile. "On average, probably less than 10 drachmas! Perhaps some people oppose a tax increase. If the commoners were genuinely impoverished, forcing a new tax on them would breed resentment and perhaps even spark riots. But right now, the state is poor while the people are rich! His Majesty and we officials work tirelessly to keep the kingdom running, pinching every penny from the national treasury. We even have to rely on public donations to construct some public buildings... If this continues and the kingdom can no longer sustain itself due to a depleted treasury, what good will that do the citizens?!"

"Over the past twenty years, within the favorable environment our kingdom has fought to create and maintain, many citizens have transformed from destitute refugees into wealthy, dignified Daionian Citizens. It is time for them to give back to the country! Even if we increase taxes by five percent, it only means the citizens will pay less than 50 extra drachmas. That is still just a small sum for them, but it would be an immense help to the kingdom. Don't you all agree?"

"Well said!" Davos praised him once more. Sweeping his profound gaze over the ministers, he declared, "Gentlemen, are there any remaining objections regarding the implementation of an additional tax to form a new border army?"

"Your Majesty, I have no objections." Seeing Davos clearly express his support and noting the swayed expressions of the others, Lysias didn't dare block the proposal any longer. He bowed in response.

"I agree to the tax increase!" Hermon, Sedorum, and the other ministers voiced their approval one after another.

"Good!" Davos slapped his armrest. "Since we have reached a consensus, Antaoris and Cyprolus will take the lead, with Alexis and Akibides assisting them, to draft a detailed tax increase bill. How much tax will be collected? How will it be collected? Where will it be spent? All of this must be outlined clearly to address the Senators' questions.

Davos delivered these final words with murderous intent, sending a chill through the ministers' hearts. They couldn't help but silently warn themselves to stay vigilant.

Retracting his piercing gaze, Davos softened his tone. "Alexis, I've thought about it carefully. For now, the number of foreign freemen recruited as soldiers shouldn't exceed two legions. After all, we must consider the feelings of the citizens. We shouldn't make them think we plan to replace them entirely with mercenaries, depriving them of the chance to serve and earn merit."

Reminded by Davos, Alexis suddenly realized what he had overlooked. He immediately replied with heartfelt conviction, "I understand, Your Majesty."

In truth, Davos had more concerns than just that. Familiar with the history of his past life, he was even more worried that these recruited freemen, who were not yet loyal to the kingdom, might gradually become private armies. That would threaten the safety of the royal family and the kingdom, so he had to remain constantly on guard.

Davos continued, "Antaoris, Cyprolus, when you are calculating how much to increase the tax, don't base it solely on the two legions I just mentioned. Set it appropriately higher to leave enough breathing room for the future. Try to get it right in one go. Otherwise, if finances get tight again later and we have to repeatedly raise taxes, not only will the Senate have a hard time, but the citizens will also grow restless."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the two replied in unison, exchanging a glance.

Rising from his wooden chair, Davos straightened his back and surveyed the crowd. His voice rang out with resounding force. "Gentlemen, I stand by my words. The kingdom is developing, and our environment is changing. Old traditions and laws won't necessarily apply to new situations, and they might even become obstacles. Therefore, as the elite of the kingdom who manage every aspect of this state, you must maintain flexible minds and sharp eyes. Only by promptly identifying problems and eradicating flaws can we ensure that our kingdom prospers for a long time. Please keep this in mind!"

Davos's earnest and meaningful words sent everyone into deep thought.

"What time is it now?" Feeling a little hungry, Davos asked Secretary Henipolis, who was standing by the steps.

Henipolis glanced at the water clock in the corner of the hall. "It is past noon."

"Have the kitchens bring up the prepared lunch. We can't keep discussing matters on empty stomachs."

"Yes."

A short while later, the guards set up small dining tables in front of the ministers. Servants immediately followed, carrying large, exquisite clay bowls. The bowls were filled with steaming, rich broth floating with uniformly diced chunks of beef. Resting at the bottom of the soup was a portion of thin, evenly shaved noodles, sprinkled with countless specks of fine spices and herbs. The various aromas mingled together, wafting through the air and making everyone's mouths water.

This was a new delicacy introduced by the Christoya Restaurant in recent years. Fermented flour was mixed with water and repeatedly kneaded into a tough, chewy dough. Then, it was shaved with a knife into thin noodles, boiled in rolling water, and finally poured into a pre-cooked beef broth and seasoned. Because it was easy to make, smooth, and incredibly flavorful—and because diners could freely add side ingredients like vegetables according to their preferences—it was immensely popular among the citizens of the kingdom.

However, the Royal Palace's kitchens were helmed by master chefs hired from the Christoya Restaurant. Not only were their culinary skills extraordinary, but the raw ingredients they selected were naturally the finest available:

They used the highest quality wheat flour from Siculi. The city of Siculi was located at the foot of Mount Etna. Its land area was small, so early on, some Siculi citizens had reclaimed sections of flat land on the mountainside. Trekking up and down the mountain every day to work the fields was exhausting, but thanks to the accumulation of volcanic ash, the soil was exceptionally fertile. The wheat grown there produced plump grains, and the flour milled from it tasted fantastic. Given its scarce yield, it was highly expensive. Therefore, even after the Siculi joined Daionia and received new allotted lands, a small handful of people were still willing to endure the hardship of farming on the mountainside. The wheat they harvested was almost entirely bought out by the Christoya Restaurant to supply the royal family.

The beef came from yearling cattle raised in Grumentum, within the territory of Lucania. These were publicly recognized by the citizens of the Kingdom of Daunia as the finest beef cattle in Lucania. Just south of Grumentum lay a large lake—Lake Patusino. Its waters were incredibly clear, and its shores were lush with green grass. The calves of Grumentum grew up drinking that lake water and grazing on that shoreline grass, resulting in exceptionally rich and tender meat...

After a long morning of meetings, everyone was already somewhat hungry. Lured by the aroma of the shaved noodles, their appetites instantly flared. Not only did they devour the noodles and drain the broth, but some even asked for a second bowl.

At least three times a month, the Royal Palace assembled the ministers of various departments for crucial administrative meetings, which often lasted an entire day. Lunch was always provided by the palace, and the ministers had long grown accustomed to it, so they naturally felt quite at ease while eating.

After everyone finished their meal and rested for a moment, Minister of Construction Heracleides spoke up. "Your Majesty, a slight problem has occurred regarding the construction of the Aenona-Rome highway."

"What problem?"

"The Sidicini in the northern mountains of Campania are obstructing our construction. Not only have they failed to provide labor and food as agreed, but the road-building materials we transported there frequently go missing... This has drastically delayed our construction progress."

"I remember that when the road construction agreement was signed three years ago, the Sidicini participated. Not only did they agree, but they also signed it," Lysias interjected.

"Perhaps this mountain tribe felt that running a highway straight through their territory would draw too many travelers from the north and south, which would threaten their security, so they went back on their word." Ansitanos spoke with a serious expression. "Your Majesty, please allow me to dispatch diplomatic officials to the Sidicini to protest this and demand that they honor the agreement so we can finish the road as soon as possible."

"Historically, the Sidicini have been wedged into the narrow mountain ridges between two major powers, the Volsci and the Campanian League. They are conservative, xenophobic, and extremely slippery. I'm afraid verbal condemnation won't yield much result," Davos mused for a moment before saying. "Alexis, have the Ministry of Military Affairs notify the Twelfth Legion—since their recruits are drawn from the Campanian plains and their camp is in Abella—to assemble and conduct military exercises on the edge of the northern mountains of Capua. Make a grand show of force."

"Yes."