HPDBC Chapter 344.1: Special Autonomy
Chapter 344.1: Special Autonomy
Chapter 344.1. Special Autonomy
-Masatoshi’s POV-
At the Emperor’s words, everyone’s expressions turned serious. Even the gray-haired girl, reading the atmosphere, had a serious face and straightened her back. She was trying to secretly grab my shortcake. This girl is really bold!
“First, I discussed this with Marchioness Takano... Development across the entire Kanto region requires a tremendous amount of funds, and we need to gather a large number of people...”
Taking a pause, the Emperor looked around. He was skilled at capturing attention. Everyone swallowed hard, and the gray-haired girl gulped down the strawberry from my shortcake.
“We’ll stick with real estate tax only, and there will be no other taxes. We’ll set this period for 50 years, and Marchioness Takano will be granted the position of ‘Queen’ for only one generation.”
“What!”
“‘Queen’?”
The Emperor’s proposal surprised Teijou Ouja, my father, and others.
“Making Marchioness Takano a ‘Queen’? That’s similar to Oda Nobunaga the founder bestowed it upon Tokugawa Ieyasu. However, in ancient times, it had its effects, but doing such a thing now might be too effective.”
“Attempting to escape taxes will attract a large number of people to Kanto. Tax revenue will significantly decrease.”
Teijou Ouja and my father voiced their opposition. Others also had faces of dissent. However, as someone raised their hand to intervene, the Emperor continued speaking.
“Yes, the nobles, except for Takano Marquisate and County, are prohibited from moving to Kanto. Of course, corporations too. Commoners are allowed, so there should be a certain balance.”
It seemed they wouldn’t allow tax evasion. Waving his hands gracefully, the Emperor continued speaking.
“At this time, Takano Marquisate and County cannot participate in national politics. They won’t be ranked higher than a general in the organization of ministers and the military. How about this?”
And so, Takano Miu became the ‘Queen’.
In the subsequent discussions, it was revealed that Spatial Witch was the former Empress, no longer in the harem, and the remains of Nidhogg were lurking. Captain Gotou and his team had captured them.
Further discussions turned to politics, and we decided to leave. However, only I, Sena-san and the gray-haired girl left our seats. Since she became the ‘Queen’, she wouldn’t participate in national politics.
Now, we’re in Sena-san’s room. Sena-san’s room! Yahoo! The gray-haired girl is annoying; maybe I should give her some pocket money to buy snacks. ...Oh, right, my allowance has been frozen!
Elated, I sniff and scan Sena-san’s room triumphantly.
Sitting on the sofa, I show off my manliness by suggestively stroking the sofa.
“Spatial Witch is now a wanted criminal, huh, Se-chan. But is it okay when your mother is the main culprit? Shocking, isn’t it?”
“...It’s strangely not as shocking as you might think. Because I hardly have any memories of my mother. We only occasionally meet at official events.”
The gray-haired girl expresses concern for Sena-san. I also realize and think about comforting words. It’s not the time to be gaping; I need to be close to her as her fiancé!
“Are you okay, Sena-san? I’m here for you, so please stay strong. This Masatoshi will always be by your side. Forever!”
Quickly sitting next to Sena-san, I hold her hand and offer a refreshing smile to comfort her.
It’s a refreshing smile for Masatoshi. He’s holding Sena-san’s hand, and his smile is carefree and relaxed.
“Thank you, Masatoshi-san. It’s very reassuring.”
“Se-chan, you have an incredibly strong heart.”
Sena-san shows a smile that heals the heart. For some reason, the gray-haired girl, with a half-smile, says something. I wonder what she means.