Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 79: [78] The Economics of Growth

-Third-Person Perspective-

With the tax collection process completed, the bureaucratic office near Arkan’s mansion became busier than ever. Administrative officials gathered in the conference hall, carrying stacks of documents containing detailed tax calculations from every village.

In the spacious room, a long oak table was covered with reports and financial records. Large candles placed in the corners provided ample light, allowing every document to be examined thoroughly.

Arkan sat at the head of the table, his arms crossed, listening attentively as his subordinates presented their findings. Beside him, Lucian, his chief secretary, held a compiled tax report in his hands.

Around the table, several administrative officials and village representatives waited for their turn to speak. The room carried a sense of tension, not from fear, but from the awareness that today’s decisions would directly impact the future of Lawrence Territory.

Lucian opened the meeting by reading the main report.

"With the newly implemented tax system, the total wheat collected across all villages amounts to 1,600 sacks. This aligns with our pre-harvest census estimates."

He paused, flipping a page before continuing.

"Of this amount, 1,200 sacks have been allocated to the central food reserves, while 400 sacks have been distributed to village grain storages, as per the new policy."

Arkan nodded slowly. "What about the people’s reaction? Any complaints or concerns?"

Another official, Alfred, a man with short hair and a trimmed beard, raised his hand before speaking.

"Overall, the response has been positive. Most village chiefs support the policy, especially due to the emergency food reserves, which provide them with a sense of security. However..."

He hesitated, glancing at the documents in his hands.

"Some villages still feel that the tax burden is heavy. They hope for some form of assistance or subsidies, particularly for agricultural tools that could improve their harvests."

Arkan tapped his fingers against the wooden table, lost in thought.

"So, in other words, they don’t oppose the taxes but expect something in return," he murmured to himself.

He looked up at Alfred and the others.

"Alright, I intend to increase taxes by 5%, but in return, I’ll provide them with better farming equipment."

A brief silence filled the room before one of the senior officials, Gerrard, a middle-aged man with a serious demeanor, voiced his concern.

"Lord Arkan, are you certain that raising taxes so soon won’t cause unrest among the people?"

Leaning back in his chair, Arkan’s eyes gleamed with confidence.

"If I raised taxes without offering anything in return, yes, that would be a problem. But if farmers receive tools that boost their productivity, they’ll see greater long-term benefits."

He picked up a blank sheet of paper, quickly sketching a simple diagram before showing it to everyone at the table.

"Most of our farmers still rely on hand plows and sickles, correct? These tools are inefficient. If we introduce modern plows, they’ll be able to cultivate more land in less time."

Gerrard pondered for a moment before nodding slowly.

"I see... So, rather than a tax burden, this increase is actually an investment for them."

"Exactly," Arkan confirmed. "We can’t keep relying on outdated methods. If we want this territory to grow, we need to help our people become more productive."

Lucian let out a sigh before raising his hand.

"But, Lord Arkan, what about the cost of acquiring these agricultural tools? We’d need a large budget to either purchase or manufacture them."

Alfred nodded in agreement.

"Not to mention, there aren’t any local blacksmiths capable of mass-producing farming tools. We’d have to import them or establish our own agricultural industry.**"

Arkan smirked.

"I’ve already thought about that. Gunnar, the blacksmith we recently recruited, can start producing basic farming tools. Additionally, we can invite skilled craftsmen from outside to train local workers."

He tapped his fingers against the table.

"As for funding? We’ll allocate a portion of our trade revenue. Additionally, I plan to strengthen trade relations with merchants like Bastian to attract external investments."

Lucian summarized the key points.

"So the plan is to:

✔ Increase taxes but compensate with modern farming tools.

✔ Begin local production under Gunnar’s workshop while recruiting skilled craftsmen.

✔ Secure external investment through trade expansion."

Arkan nodded.

"Precisely. It’s not an instant solution, but within a few years, this territory will no longer rely on outside aid."

After further discussions on budget allocation and implementation, the meeting concluded with the following decisions:

✅ Taxes will be raised by 5%, but subsidized farming equipment will be provided in return.

✅ Tool production will begin in Gunnar’s workshop, with plans to recruit external craftsmen.

✅ Lawrence Territory will strengthen trade relations to attract more investment. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

As the meeting ended, the officials sighed in relief, feeling more confident about the future. Though challenges remained, Arkan’s long-term vision reassured them that Lawrence Territory was heading towards sustainability and prosperity.

Expanding the Economy – Mining & Maritime Potential

As the officials gathered their notes, preparing to leave, Arkan remained seated, his eyes lingering on the rough sketch of the farming tools.

But agriculture wasn’t the only sector that needed attention.

He tapped the wooden table, drawing everyone’s attention back.

"Enough about farming," he declared. "We have mines and coastal access in this territory. What’s the latest report on those?"

The officials exchanged glances before Lucian unrolled another set of reports, his voice carrying a cautious tone.

"Lord Arkan, the mines in our territory hold great potential. There’s a coal mine in the north and an iron mine in the south. However..."

He paused.

"Both have been abandoned for years due to poor management and safety concerns."

Lucian paused briefly, allowing Arkan to process the information.

"Take the coal mine, for example," he continued. "It was abandoned due to frequent accidents—poor ventilation systems and unstable structures led to multiple collapses. Meanwhile, the iron mine never flourished because of a lack of skilled workers and no proper transport system to distribute its resources to other regions."

Arkan tapped his fingers rhythmically against the table, lost in thought.

— Coal and iron... Two of the most essential commodities in modern times. I can’t let them go to waste. —

"I see," he muttered, his eyes gleaming with sharp analysis.

Lucian hesitated slightly before adding, "There’s also the issue of labor. Since our territory is still developing, few people are willing to work in the mines. Additionally, the mines have a terrible reputation, making the local population hesitant to return."

Arkan tapped the table again before lifting his gaze, his expression filled with determination.

"Then we’ll revive these mines... but the right way."

The officials sat up straighter, awaiting his orders.

"First, we need workers. I’ll ask Bastian to recruit refugees or displaced miners from other territories. People who’ve lost their homes due to war will be looking for new opportunities, and we can offer them a fresh start here."

Alfred, seated across from him, nodded. "That’s possible. But how will we convince them that the mines are safe?"

Arkan smirked. "We’ll build a safer work environment. I’ll personally oversee the redesign of the ventilation system, and we’ll introduce modern safety standards. On top of that, we’ll construct worker barracks, ensuring they have a decent place to live."

Lucian folded his arms in thought before nodding. "So, we’re not just reopening the mines, but also creating a more humane working environment."

"Exactly," Arkan affirmed. "I don’t want these mines to become mass graves like those in other territories."

The officials immediately began taking notes, realizing that their lord was far from an ordinary noble.

After addressing the mines, Arkan shifted the discussion.

"We also have access to the sea," he noted. "What’s the situation there?"

One of the officials stood up and flipped through his documents.

"Currently, only a handful of fishermen operate in our coastal region. Most lack proper equipment, relying solely on traditional methods like small nets and fishing rods."

Arkan rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

— If we improve our fishing industry and develop maritime trade, our economy will grow significantly. —

Then, he spoke.

"I want to establish a small shipyard."

A brief silence filled the room before Gerrard hesitantly asked, "A shipyard, my lord?"

"Yes," Arkan confirmed. "**If we can build our own boats and small ships, we can support our local fishermen and open maritime trade routes. It’ll be cheaper and faster to connect this territory with other cities by sea rather than land."

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "But constructing a shipyard requires skilled shipwrights and materials like wood and iron. We don’t yet have the workforce or resources for that."

Arkan grinned. "That’s why we’ll start small. I’ll search for shipbuilding experts from other territories. If we can recruit one or two, they can train our local workers. Additionally, our revived iron mine will supply materials for smaller vessels."

The officials slowly began to see Arkan’s vision.

"So," Alfred said in amazement, "we’re not just improving fishing—we’re expanding into self-sustained trade?"

Arkan nodded. "Exactly. In five years, I want this territory to have its own small fleet. We won’t just rely on land routes—we will control the sea."

Hearing those words, a surge of enthusiasm spread through the room.

The Lawrence Territory was changing.

What was once a neglected land was now transforming into a new economic powerhouse.