Finalizing Telegraph Order

Once Octavia's cost estimate came out, it gave everyone a fright. After all, 9,000 gold was enough to cover half a year's military pay for the territory's current army, though that was also largely because the army's numbers had been cut in half after the reduction.

Even so, Powell was still somewhat unwilling to give up. Having served as the head of a trade caravan in his early years and as the territory's chief civil official for a long time, he placed great importance on timely communication.

While everyone was discussing it heatedly, he found Weber nearby. "How much flexible funding does your Finance Department still have? Can you scrape together a bit more?"

Weber looked troubled. "Not much. Earlier, at the Marquis's request, we temporarily set aside a sum for river dredging and rehabilitation. Even if you ask me, I can't produce it."

Powell stared at Weber's face, but Weber neither blushed nor skipped a beat. His expression remained unchanged.

Powell sighed. "How about this? Find a way to give me next year's flexible budget in advance. Add it to what we have now and scrape together 20,000 gold for me!"

Weber hurriedly shook his head. "Next year's budget belongs to next year. How could I possibly give it to you in advance?"

Powell snorted. "Next year's budget is still next year's budget. I only want that money. Besides, isn't all of it already in your treasury?"

Because immigration and the development of the territory had required a great deal of money in recent years, especially deposits when purchasing supplies from certain merchant associations, Victor had given the Finance Department treasury a sum in advance to facilitate cash flow.

Thinking Powell intended to make use of that money, Weber was instantly alarmed. "Using that money would violate the Marquis's