Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 78: [77] The Countdown to Independence

-Third-Person Perspective-

The clear autumn sky stretched endlessly over golden wheat fields, where the scent of freshly harvested soil blended with the bustling voices of farmers tying up their season’s hard-earned crops.

Today marked the first tax collection under Arkan’s rule in Lawrence Territory.

A wooden carriage filled with census documents and recording tools rolled through the countryside, accompanied by administrative officials and armed guards. Some of them still looked uneasy, as this new system had never been implemented before.

Unlike the previous taxation methods, which relied on forced collection and vague estimations by village heads, Arkan introduced a census-based taxation system—using pre-printed forms that recorded land ownership, total harvest, and estimated village needs.

The change was unexpected.

For many, structured administration was unheard of in rural territories. Usually, taxation was arbitrary, benefiting only the ruling nobles and corrupt officials, while the people were left powerless.

But this time, things were different.

The First Collection

As the carriage stopped at the first village, Aldrin—the village chief—stood waiting near the granary, accompanied by several villagers.

"Welcome, Lord Arkan," he greeted, bowing slightly, though there was hesitation in his eyes. "We’ve prepared the harvest for taxation."

Arkan dismounted his horse, followed by his officials, who immediately began reviewing census data.

One of the administrative officers, a young man named Lucian, unrolled a parchment scroll and began reading.

"Village Aldrin—total cultivated farmland this year is approximately 140 hectares, yielding 800 sacks of wheat. Based on the agreed taxation formula, 20% will be collected as tax, with an additional allocation for the village’s emergency grain reserves."

Chief Aldrin’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Wait... emergency grain reserves? You mean there’s a portion of tax that isn’t taken by the lord?"

Lucian nodded, explaining as per Arkan’s prior instructions.

"Correct. Under Lord Arkan’s new policy, 5% of the tax will be set aside in a village granary to be used in case of crop failure or natural disasters. This reserve will be managed by the village chief and monitored by local administrators."

The villagers murmured among themselves, disbelief and astonishment evident in their voices.

Until now, they had lived in constant fear—if their crops failed or the weather turned against them, there was nothing they could do but starve.

But now, they were being given hope.

A Change in Agriculture

As officials recorded the taxes and organized the collected wheat, Aldrin cautiously approached Arkan, curiosity flickering in his aged eyes.

"Lord Arkan, if I may ask..." He glanced at the fields behind them. "I’ve heard rumors from other villages that you’re introducing a new farming system called... crop rotation?"

Arkan’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

"That’s correct. The system is simple, but it has a huge impact on soil fertility. Until now, farmers have been planting only wheat or barley every year, correct?"

Aldrin nodded. "Yes, but... isn’t that how it’s always been? Wheat is our staple food."

"That’s true, but the soil also needs to recover. If you continuously plant the same crop, the soil’s nutrients are depleted, and over time, yields will decline."

Aldrin furrowed his brow in thought. "Then... what do you suggest, my lord?"

"A three-year rotation cycle," Arkan explained with confidence. "Year one, you plant wheat as usual. Year two, you grow legumes or beans to restore nitrogen levels in the soil. Year three, you cultivate vegetables or fodder crops before returning to wheat. This method prevents soil exhaustion and ensures consistent harvests year after year."

Aldrin’s eyes widened as if hearing something revolutionary.

"That... makes sense. But... will the farmers accept such a change?"

Arkan placed a reassuring hand on the old man’s shoulder.

"I understand that change isn’t easy. But if you start with a small portion of your land and see the benefits, I’m confident the farmers will follow. I’ll also send officials to assist in recording and monitoring the crop rotation progress."

Aldrin’s lips slowly curved into a smile.

"I see. Thank you, Lord Arkan. I will discuss this with the farmers."

A New Era for the People

The tax collection process went smoother than expected.

Officials did more than record numbers—they explained the new system and how taxes would be reinvested into the villages.

For the first time, the people witnessed transparency in governance.

✔ The census-based system prevented corruption by local officials.

✔ The emergency grain reserves provided security in times of hardship.

✔ The introduction of crop rotation offered a long-term solution to agricultural decline.

News spread quickly to neighboring villages, and though it would take time for the entire Lawrence Territory to adopt these methods, the first step had been taken.

For Arkan, this wasn’t just about collecting taxes.

It was about building trust.

Because he knew—

A strong territory isn’t just built on military power, but on people who believe in their leader.

###

The clear autumn sky stretched endlessly over golden wheat fields, where the scent of freshly harvested soil blended with the bustling voices of farmers tying up their season’s hard-earned crops.

Today marked the first tax collection under Arkan’s rule in Lawrence Territory.

A wooden carriage filled with census documents and recording tools rolled through the countryside, accompanied by administrative officials and armed guards. Some of them still looked uneasy, as this new system had never been implemented before.

Unlike the previous taxation methods, which relied on forced collection and vague estimations by village heads, Arkan introduced a census-based taxation system—using pre-printed forms that recorded land ownership, total harvest, and estimated village needs.

The change was unexpected.

For many, structured administration was unheard of in rural territories. Usually, taxation was arbitrary, benefiting only the ruling nobles and corrupt officials, while the people were left powerless.

But this time, things were different.

The First Collection

As the carriage stopped at the first village, Aldrin—the village chief—stood waiting near the granary, accompanied by several villagers.

"Welcome, Lord Arkan," he greeted, bowing slightly, though there was hesitation in his eyes. "We’ve prepared the harvest for taxation."

Arkan dismounted his horse, followed by his officials, who immediately began reviewing census data.

One of the administrative officers, a young man named Lucian, unrolled a parchment scroll and began reading.

"Village Aldrin—total cultivated farmland this year is approximately 140 hectares, yielding 800 sacks of wheat. Based on the agreed taxation formula, 20% will be collected as tax, with an additional allocation for the village’s emergency grain reserves." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Chief Aldrin’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Wait... emergency grain reserves? You mean there’s a portion of tax that isn’t taken by the lord?"

Lucian nodded, explaining as per Arkan’s prior instructions.

"Correct. Under Lord Arkan’s new policy, 5% of the tax will be set aside in a village granary to be used in case of crop failure or natural disasters. This reserve will be managed by the village chief and monitored by local administrators."

The villagers murmured among themselves, disbelief and astonishment evident in their voices.

Until now, they had lived in constant fear—if their crops failed or the weather turned against them, there was nothing they could do but starve.

But now, they were being given hope.

As officials recorded the taxes and organized the collected wheat, Aldrin cautiously approached Arkan, curiosity flickering in his aged eyes.

"Lord Arkan, if I may ask..." He glanced at the fields behind them. "I’ve heard rumors from other villages that you’re introducing a new farming system called... crop rotation?"

Arkan’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

"That’s correct. The system is simple, but it has a huge impact on soil fertility. Until now, farmers have been planting only wheat or barley every year, correct?"

Aldrin nodded. "Yes, but... isn’t that how it’s always been? Wheat is our staple food."

"That’s true, but the soil also needs to recover. If you continuously plant the same crop, the soil’s nutrients are depleted, and over time, yields will decline."

Aldrin furrowed his brow in thought. "Then... what do you suggest, my lord?"

"A three-year rotation cycle," Arkan explained with confidence. "Year one, you plant wheat as usual. Year two, you grow legumes or beans to restore nitrogen levels in the soil. Year three, you cultivate vegetables or fodder crops before returning to wheat. This method prevents soil exhaustion and ensures consistent harvests year after year."

Aldrin’s eyes widened as if hearing something revolutionary.

"That... makes sense. But... will the farmers accept such a change?"

Arkan placed a reassuring hand on the old man’s shoulder.

"I understand that change isn’t easy. But if you start with a small portion of your land and see the benefits, I’m confident the farmers will follow. I’ll also send officials to assist in recording and monitoring the crop rotation progress."

Aldrin’s lips slowly curved into a smile.

"I see. Thank you, Lord Arkan. I will discuss this with the farmers."

A New Era for the People

The tax collection process went smoother than expected.

Officials did more than record numbers—they explained the new system and how taxes would be reinvested into the villages.

For the first time, the people witnessed transparency in governance.

✔ The census-based system prevented corruption by local officials.

✔ The emergency grain reserves provided security in times of hardship.

✔ The introduction of crop rotation offered a long-term solution to agricultural decline.

News spread quickly to neighboring villages, and though it would take time for the entire Lawrence Territory to adopt these methods, the first step had been taken.

For Arkan, this wasn’t just about collecting taxes.

It was about building trust.

Because he knew—

A strong territory isn’t just built on military power, but on people who believe in their leader.