Rewards Delivered
Victor's promise was fulfilled on the spot. Soon after receiving Victor's notification, the old butler Downs immediately sent someone to deliver a sum of money, a full 3,000 gold coins, all taken from the lord's Inner Treasury and not going through the territory's Finance Department's public account. Therefore, this money was also a reward for these researchers in Victor's own name.
Octavia naturally received the most prize money. As the core member of the Telegraph Project, she received 120 gold coins. Lysander received 100 gold coins, and even the person who received the least received 40 gold coins, which can be said to have exceeded Victor's previous promise.
Including engineers and researchers, there were fewer than 50 people in total, but the entire 3,000 gold bonus was distributed, which can be described as exceptionally generous.
It was precisely for this reason that Victor did not choose to use the territory's public accounts. After all, the bonuses these researchers received were too high, far exceeding the territory's normal salary standards. If word got out, it might cause heated discussions within the territory, Victor was very worried about the negative impact it would have on these researchers.
It should be noted that even the most senior civil and military officials in the territory only earn a little over 20 gold coins a year.
However, Victor also prepared bonuses for the civil officials and the army in the territory, which doubled their income.
With the Civil War that just ended last year, the military system followed Victor in his campaigns, and they were all well-fed. Even ordinary soldiers could earn up to 5 gold coins in various bonuses and subsidies if they completed the entire battle. If they achieved merit, they could get even more in promotions and bonuses. In addition, with the land granted by Victor, most people lived quite comfortably.
After distributing the full amount of the bonus, Victor told everyone to contact Veronica to donate to the foundation themselves. This was Victor giving the researchers a buffer period, after all, he had to consider that not everyone was so selfless.
Veronica understood Victor's intentions and told everyone to disperse and take a two-day break before returning to work to donate money.
Then Victor and Veronica left the research institute and returned to the lord's manor by carriage.
Veronica leaned against Victor: "Thanks to you, otherwise I was worried that Oni would be ostracized by everyone. Although she has experienced a lot of pain, she has always maintained a pure and kind heart."
She is also very enthusiastic about her studies and work. I think she can achieve even more in the future and make greater contributions to the territory. We must not let other things affect her.
Veronica was indeed very worried about Octavia, her favorite student, second only to Lysander in talent, and involved in almost all the research work. She didn't want Octavia to get hurt in any way!
Victor gently stroked Veronica's long hair and nodded. "Octavia is indeed outstanding, but she will probably be affected to some extent after this incident. Although on the surface your students all support her actions, no more than half of them are truly willing to do so. That's why I gave them a chance to back out."
If the fund doesn't reach 1500 gold later, I'll make up the difference. Just announce to the public that you've already received 1500 gold!
But these measures should only have a partial effect, so I plan to knight Octavia and select two of your students to be knights of honor. This will also serve as a protective shield for her and I believe it will better safeguard her.
After all, you might not be able to work for a long time afterward. With this title, Octavia can legitimately take over management from you. As for the other two honorary knights, just find two students who are close to Octavia!
Veronica: "I understand, I have the right person."
Victor: "There's one more thing. Security at the research institute needs to be raised to a higher level from now on. After all, the telegraph machine is too important!"
I won't move the troops originally stationed in this area. I'll have Orlando send personnel directly to the research institute, and also arrange for people to join the engineers and research teams."
Veronica: "You can arrange it!"