The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Chapter 1477 425: Pieces Moving onto the Chessboard (4)

Andes nodded respectfully and continued to answer.

"Replacing the war tax with war bonds can appropriately ease people's suffering from the war and can provide some compensation to those who contribute more... even involving the traditional nobles."

"Of course, this might be somewhat unconventional for the traditional Royal Family, so your concerns are understandable. If you find this suggestion too presumptuous, then continue using the old ways, let your army drain the citizens of the Duchy, and let us see where they hide their money."

This proposal was not a notion he came up with on the spot, but it was an inspiration he got long ago from the Colin Group's stock.

Since a company can trade in the market in the form of certificates, why can't debts?

Moreover, it's a bond issued in the name of the Royal Family; there's no more reliable guarantee than that.

Yang Andes is a person who excels at strategic thinking and soon discovered the business opportunity within!

Especially the Campbell Royal Family, unlike the reckless Ryan Royal Court, the benevolent Campbell family would even discuss taxation with its citizens rather than rushing into their homes like robbers to find every copper coin.

This is one of the reasons why the Campbell Duchy can create unbelievable miracles despite its small size!

Combined with these conditions, issuing war bonds in Thunder City has a reliable realistic foundation, and the returns can be fully anticipated. Even without using the forestry resources and minerals of the Twilight Province as collateral, Thunder City's tax revenue is sufficient for the Royal Family to repay the money.

A long time ago, he discussed with Duke Edward the method of issuing debts to raise national funds, and that open-minded Duke was supportive.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have brought this proposal to the Parliament at this particular point in time.

Erin was silent for a moment, looking at Andes and said.

"... Such a matter cannot be decided by me alone, I must consult my brother."

She believes that Father entrusted her with the sword to protect the citizens of Campbell.

Different from the Six Act that protects the citizens' rights, taxation is the King's authority, and whether to replace the war tax with war bonds, only her brother can decide.

She doesn't want any sentimental people to misunderstand that she has undue ambitions for the throne.

Looking at the sensible Princess Campbell, Andes smiled gently and nodded gladly.

"Of course, dear Princess, it's most appropriate for you to consult."

Unlike those conservative nobles who cherish the past or those nouveau riches who want to sever ties with the past, he sincerely hopes the siblings can get along harmoniously.

For the Andes Family, which has already gained everything, nothing is more important than the stability of the Duchy.

...

On the other side, on the road to Twilight City, Mr. Colin's carriage was shaking.

This bumpy road was really awful.

If it were normal times, the Demon King who has a taste for life quality might have used a bit of magic for a better travel experience, but recently he really didn't have the mood for that.

Erin Campbell's sudden arrival had completely derailed his plans.

He has to think carefully about how to continue this story without risking bigger losses.

"Mr. Colin, have you encountered some troubles recently?" Sitting opposite Luo Yan, holding the Holy Word Book in her hands, Carian subtly sensed something, and said with concern.

"A bit... but it's not a big problem."

Looking at the Demon King feigning calmness, Taufu lying on Sarah's lap almost couldn't hold back her laughter.

Last night, when the Demon King was chatting with Sarah, she had woken up and heard many interesting things.

Although she didn't know who Erin was, she could guess the course of events even with her tail.

She is curious about nothing now, just wants to see a certain Demon King get into trouble!

Hurry up!

Unlike Taufu, who enjoys the chaos, the kind Sister looked worried.

"Well... if you don't mind, you can confide in me."

Before Luo Yan could answer, the corner of Sarah's mouth subtly curved into a disdainful smile.

Does a mere human deserve to be the confidante of Lord Demon King?

So weak...

With this thought, Sarah suddenly fell silent, her gloomy gaze moved away from Carian and landed on the towering mountains outside the carriage window.

Carian's cheeks reddened with embarrassment as she felt her words may have been presumptuous, and she awkwardly added another sentence.

"Please, don't laugh at me... I just think, rather than bottling up worries inside, expressing them might feel better."

She had no presumptuous intentions.

She genuinely wanted to do something for this kind man, just like he had selflessly helped her before.

Though she had no money, no extraordinary skills, she could still listen to a believer's troubles.

And this was the only thing she could think of to be helpful, being a Sister.

Luo Yan had no intention of mocking her naivety, as no one loves his believers more than he does.

After all, every believer is a feather in his wing.

"Thank you, I appreciate your kindness, but indeed, you can't really help me with this, it's just that my time management went a bit awry..."

Halfway through speaking, Luo Yan suddenly stopped, his gaze fell on Carian, and after a brief thought, he changed his tone, "... hmm, maybe not necessarily?"

Things might not be as complicated as they seem.

So far, those refugees following the caravan only know Carian's name, praising her kindness and generosity, and have no idea who Colin is.

So, considering that, I might as well treat her as a piece active in the foreground, while I remain backstage, doesn't it?

With this thought, Luo Yan's mind cleared up, a relaxed smile returned to his face.

Initially finding it interesting, he had casually lent a hand to this "Sister" lady, unaware that his unintentional act had instead become a crucial move.

Sarah looked at the Demon King with shock, her expression seemingly asking why it wasn't her.

And sitting opposite, Carian's astounded face gradually transformed into delight.

"Really?! Someone like me... can really be helpful to you?"

"Please don't underestimate yourself, Miss Carian, you possess qualities that others do not, which was evident to me long ago. And now, it's the time for you to use them."

Luo Yan casually said, then cast his gaze out the carriage window.

Almost simultaneously, Sarah's gaze sharpened fiercely, a dagger hidden at her waist slightly gleaming with cold light.

Feeling the sudden and intense murderous aura, Carian froze in place, dumbfounded and unsure of what's happening.

"Miss Sarah?"

"Someone's approaching..." Sarah said in a hoarse voice, "and quite a few of them."

Luo Yan lightly nodded.

"I know."

This piece of easy prey has been on display in the wild long enough; it's time for the vultures to gather.

As his words fell, a loud gunshot echoed from afar.

Bang!

Upon hearing the gunshot, the convoy broke into chaos, carriages and wagons bunching together.

The mercenaries were the first to jump off the vehicles, clashing with the fleeing refugees, the scene incredibly chaotic.

"Under attack! Damn! It's the bandits with the green turbans!" The mercenary leader shouted, trying to organize a defense, though despairing at the number on the opposite side.

Looking at the bewildered Carian, Luo Yan smiled slightly, gave her a reassuring gesture.

"Do you trust me?"

Facing that composed smile, Carian felt her panic vanish.

She seemed to be back in that icy field, seeing the light of salvation in the dark.

"I trust you!"

In her calm eyes, there's only sincerity, and even a touch of fervent light.

Looking at that pure and flawless face, Luo Yan nodded approvingly, as if admiring a piece of art.

"Good."

"Just do as I tell you later."