The fief was developing better and better. They should be able to collect at least some taxes every year by now, right?
His subjects only knew to call for him to return and enjoy his prosperity. Did they never consider whether he had travel expenses? At the very least, they could transfer some of the annual tax revenue to him. They knew their Viscount was having a hard time outside, so why did they never think to send him some gold coins and let him live a little more comfortably? Surely they didn't think their Viscount was someone who regarded money as dirt and possessed lofty morals, did they? Lance silently complained about his subjects in his heart. Their lives were growing more prosperous by the day, so how had they never thought to send some money to their Viscount?
Given his subjects' loyalty to him, there was only one reason they had not sent him money.
They were still poor. The fief's expenses were enormous. Developing the fief required money, and paying the knights, Trainee Knights, and soldiers required money too.
Repairing the villagers' homes, roads, and improving the town's environment all required money. Besides, the subjects of the fief had even renovated the Viscount's Mansion for him.
The tax revenue had probably been spent almost entirely. Whether they could save any money after their daily expenses was another matter.
There was also the matter of helping Grand Duke McDonald fight wars. If there were any deaths or injuries, compensation could not be spared.
Thinking about it this way, Lance was even less inclined to return anytime soon.
The fresh and lovely maid had turned into Piggy Girl.
The annual tax revenue could not be kept. If he returned, he might even have to find ways to create wealth