CHAPTER 132: CHAPTER 131: TAX AMNESTY

Since the reign of Henry III, rebelling against the Church has become one of the most unforgivable sins in the Empire, akin to directly inciting a rebellion.

Rebels would not only be executed publicly, but their heads would also be severed and hung on city walls for a week, to warn all future generations. It was precisely from the time of Henry III that the Church’s power within the Empire gradually ascended to its peak, reaching a level comparable to that of the monarchy.

Opinions about Henry III are mixed; he was the king in the Empire’s history who executed the most rebels until the end of Henry VI’s reign, when this record was broken. Following the War of Decline, the current Pope matched the pace of his "predecessor" in just two years.

The turmoil in Dark Furnace City is no exception.

Everything stems from the Chief Priest of Dark Furnace City’s contemporary interpretation of the "Life Scripture." This Chief Priest was personally promoted by the current Pope, and within two years of assuming his position in Dark Furnace City, he boldly executed numerous reforms, including the widespread enforcement of the "Forgiveness Tax."

This genius Chief Priest, having thoroughly read the Holy Scripture, believed that all life in this world is a gift from the Goddess of Life. He felt that people now shared in this glory without being conscious of it. So, he implemented a bill called the "Forgiveness Tax" in Dark Furnace City, the most critical agricultural city in the Empire.

The bill stated that all citizens of Dark Furnace City were required to pay one-fifth of their income as taxes to the Church, seeking absolution from the God of Life. This bill targeted everyone, regardless of whether they believed in the Goddess of Life.

"A few days ago, representatives of Dark Furnace City’s citizens raised objections to the Church, pointing out that winter is approaching, and the ’Forgiveness Tax’ would crush many families, leaving them to starve in the harsh winter."

The Shepherd said bitterly, "But instead of listening to public opinion, the Church dealt harsh penalties to the ten who petitioned, and tomorrow they will publicly guillotine these ten and hang their heads on the city walls."

This is clearly the way of dealing with rebels.

"Some people have fled Dark Furnace City, and others have taken up arms, planning to rise in rebellion at dawn."

Ethan asked, "How did you find out?"

"For those of us living at the bottom, the only advantage is being more informed."

The Shepherd lowered his head, tightly clutching his money pouch, "Thanks to you, sir, otherwise I really don’t know how I would get through this winter."

"Most likely, the Church is also aware of what they are planning."

Ethan wasn’t even surprised by the ’Forgiveness Tax.’ Now that Henry VI was dead and his successor still very young, there was no power left to challenge the Church’s authority. Unlike the Lofic Consortium, the Church was not adept at business. For them, directly taking money from others’ pockets was the simplest way.

The decree issued in Dark Furnace City was akin to a test of obedience. He thought that the Church even hoped the local residents would rebel. They desperately needed to establish authority and declare to the Empire what happens to those who oppose them.

"How about moving to Fireplace Bay?"

Ethan suddenly suggested, "I just happen to need some help at my shop."

"Sir, are you joking?"

The Shepherd could not believe his ears. In principle, living in Fireplace Bay was prohibited, and even in exceptional cases, it wouldn’t involve people like them.

"I’m not joking. You can live in my shop, which has supplies you need for living, and it should be safer than Dark Furnace City."

"Thank you very much!"

The Shepherd’s eyes reddened. In fact, when Heisenberg became famous, he thought Ethan would not return. After all, with his current reputation, he didn’t need a bar attendant to help advertise. While he was happy for his former "partner," he also felt somewhat forlorn.

Even worse, once the "Forgiveness Tax" was implemented, it would hit them hard.

His younger siblings were still small and frail, and if they got sick in the winter, it would be difficult for them to survive the harsh cold.

"You can move in tonight. Usually, in their spare time, they can help at the front counter, and if any customers come, just note down their requests."

Ethan noted that the current service staff at the shop were all assigned by the Lofic Consortium, so he should indeed hire some employees himself.

Having considered the bar attendant as a partner while opening the shop, he would not commit betrayal after gaining prosperity.

"Of course, of course! We will work hard!"

Ethan waved his hand.

As for what would soon happen in Dark Furnace City, he had no good solutions either.

An inadequately prepared rebellion, discovered in advance, was doomed to fail. The current state of the Empire could not possibly be resolved by simply eliminating a Chief Priest.

Without time for business trips, their focus in the coming work should be on strengthening the defenses of Ximu Town. Baron Gledin gladly offered his wealth for purchasing the first batch of electromagnetic crossbows to arm his private guards. He also financed Hagrid to set up a shooting club, aimed at improving the guard’s archery skills, but the club was also open to the public, allowing any Ximu Town residents interested in archery to join.

The Baron mentioned that after Hagrid returned, he rambled on about how swordsmen were practically useless, saying that the future belonged to archers.

Although Baron Gledin’s abilities were quite limited, his greatest asset was being receptive to advice and letting professionals handle professional matters. This was why Ximu Town was relatively more peaceful and prosperous than many towns in the Empire.

Saying goodbye to the Shepherd, Ethan returned to the scroll shop to draw a new batch of Lightning Chain Scrolls for sale the next day. By the time he returned to his apartment yawning, it was already late at night.

As soon as he walked in, he saw Lindong sitting on the kitchen cabinet, conversing with Miss Keroy.

Upon seeing Ethan enter, Lindong waved at him.

"What’s going on?"

Today, Lindong seemed unusually serious, but the kitchen was a complete mess, with feathers scattered everywhere.

This was not a metaphor but an actual situation—glimmering feathers covered the floor, and Miss Keroy’s body looked decidedly thinner. The sight of the boiling magic potion in the cauldron added to Ethan’s strange feeling.

Seeing Miss Keroy’s bare patch on her neck, he felt distressed, "Why are you plucking her feathers?"

"I didn’t pluck them; she pecked them out herself."

Lindong immediately clarified that while she liked pranks, she was not so cruel as to pluck Miss Keroy’s feathers. Furthermore, anyone who had spent enough time with Miss Keroy would be charmed by her gentle nature. No one could bring themselves to commit such an atrocity.

"Is it... molting season?"

"She’s consulting me on some alchemical issues. Miss Keroy seems to think her feathers can be used in making magic potions, but this is an unheard-of formula. I’m not sure what it will produce."

Lindong said, "You usually have many ideas, and since she has formed a soul link with you, you might have some opinions on this."