The world she saw had never been fair.
Right after coming of age, she faced the harsh reality of not receiving the rewards her efforts deserved—a cruel world where no one helped those who had fallen to the bottom.
Yet, even in such bleak circumstances, she held onto the story her parents had told her, keeping it close to her heart.
No matter how cold this world became, people should never lose their warmth. They should offer help to those in need and reach out to those who suffered. If, in such a cold world, each person embraced that warmth, then perhaps it could become a slightly more benevolent place.
***
“Mmm!” Stretching as if exhausted, she finished the paperwork she had been completing.
Now, having gradually shed her girlish demeanor, she had a slightly more mature look. Yuria Sweets took the budget list for the Beden Merchant Company for that month and brought it to her.
“Here, Ms. Isolda. I request your approval.”
“Good job,” Isolda replied, slowly accepting the documents and beginning to examine them with a discerning gaze.
Taking her time, she reviewed the paperwork carefully. “It’s a relief. Every time I looked at this before, I was honestly a bit anxious. But now, it feels like we’ve reached a stable place.”“Yes, we don’t need to borrow from the Uranus branch anymore. I used to feel uneasy about it myself. No matter how supportive your wife has been, it did seem like too much money was coming from her…”
With a sense of relief, Isolda nodded, and Yuria agreed. Then, as Isolda went over the funds’ details once again, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
“Well, it can still be seen as a matter between husband and wife, so there’s no need to worry excessively.”
“True. Since this will eventually yield profits, it’s an investment in its own way, isn’t it?”
The funds circulating in the market, along with those newly appropriated, also included a substantial amount for future loans. Some time ago, these loan amounts had left the budget history in deficit. However, since recent Eastern trade efforts had boosted the finances, the situation had begun to improve.
“Even so, sometimes it feels like we’re pouring water into a bottomless pit. What on earth are these lords spending so much money on, and how will they manage the aftermath?”
“Running a country takes more resources than we might think. From constructing roads and training soldiers to troop movements, it’s all about money. Especially in turbulent times like these, maintaining an army is unavoidable.”
The military was essential for defense and attacks, symbolizing the state’s power and authority. Many monarchs desired larger, stronger armies, particularly now, with the continent embroiled in religious conflict. But this army was also a “money-eating hippo,” which, when it came to national administration, brought enormous expenses.
Army maintenance required substantial funds for food, weapons, and warhorses. Even siege warfare necessitated an array of costly siege weapons. However, while consuming so much money, the military contributed nothing productive; it only destroyed and plundered. In the case of defensive wars, nothing tangible was gained after the battles ended.
Moreover, the manpower mobilized for the army consisted of young and able-bodied people, removing the country’s primary productive workforce and causing a significant national loss. Yet, monarchs across the continent continued to maintain large armies, often using them not against foreign enemies but to oppress their own people and lords.
“Yes, but… it’s heartbreaking. If the entire continent keeps stirring like this, I’m sure many will suffer.”
“I agree. Although this issue was bound to erupt eventually, I hope the damage to innocent people is minimal.”
As they discussed with such bitterness, Yuria and Isolda’s thoughts inevitably returned to the core issue causing the current turmoil—religious disputes.
This was the most significant issue shaking the entire continent and the root of the unrest. After holding the continent together for over a thousand years, the church forces had gradually decayed, sparking rebellion across the land. High-ranking priests, dissatisfied with the current state, ignited this conflict, which eventually escalated into the chaos they now faced.
‘If the clergy had taken direct action, things must have become unbearable. Even I found those indulgences excessive…’
From a merchant’s perspective, it was absurd to sell scraps of paper inscribed with a few words at high prices. And for ordinary believers, the concept of buying entry to heaven was incomprehensible. Some priests even claimed, “If you purchase this, you’ll be forgiven for any sin, even the unthinkable.” This practice had only fueled resentment for years.
Even in Isolda’s eyes, who was not particularly devout, this scandal seemed inevitable.
Monarchs derived their authority from the church’s support. Therefore, denying the church was akin to undermining their own legitimacy. Ironically, the Kalmar Alliance in the north, which had long kept a distance from the church, quickly adapted and supported this rebellion.
Meanwhile, the countries surrounding Schwyz were on the brink of open conflict. Voices calling for church reform clashed with those who opposed it, while others advocated for a complete break. National opinion fractured, and both papal and royal authority began to crumble.
In Schwyz, however, the Beden Merchant Company had managed to mediate among the local lords, preventing major issues. But in other nations, commoners and nobility had divided, leading to organized militias and violent clashes. Desperation filled the air.
“However, as the funds we lent have yet to be consolidated by reform advocates, the situation remains somewhat contained. But it’s clear things will worsen.”
“Once a dam bursts, there’s no holding back.”
They returned to their work, feeling a mix of dread at the approaching storm and anticipation for the advantages it might bring.
At that moment, as Isolda examined the contents of a document, her expression hardened.
“…This…”
“What’s wrong?”
“…I need to report this immediately. I’ll explain on the way.”
“Ah, yes, Ms. Isolda.”
Realizing something significant had happened, Yuria followed Isolda out of the room.
Patreon Tiers Just Got More Affordable: From now on, FSM Level 2 will become the CN WN Bundle. The price will remain the same which is $10. Also, the price for the KR WN Bundle will also be decreased to $10 to match this bundle.
With this I have gotten rid of the level system. The reason I am doing this, is because I plan to add more chapters to the $5 Patron tiers. Currently the readers get 2 advance chapters when they become a $5 Patron, but I want to increase the chapters they get to at least 5 chapters and more. FSM, DCFD, IDT, PETTV ($5) Tiers already has 5 chapters, and I will be adding more chapters to the other individual tiers during the next few days. So the current updated tier system will work like this:
The Individual Tiers ($5) will give you access to 5 chapters or more.
The Bundle Tiers ($10) will give you access to all the chapters of CN or KR webnovels.
The Supreme Patron ($30) will give you access to all the webnovel chapters on Goblinslate.