Seeing the two types of dead pests on the table, the four middle-aged men felt quite amazed. Hector Lawrence looked pensive, while Rocco occasionally glanced at Isabella.
Azel said with a relaxed expression "Bring the samples back."
"As per your orders, sir." Isabella bowed politely. she returned with the other three maids after packing up the samples.
Hector who saw the maids leave turned to Azel. The middle-aged man immediately said, "I believe both potions are effective and definitely help agriculture. Merely, has Prince Azazel thought about the production costs?"
"Hehehe... Of course I have. Although it's not very cheap, it can still be handled. If the plan is successful, agricultural production should also increase greatly." Azel smiled mysteriously.
Of course Azel wouldn't say potion ingredients were easy to find and cheap. His business spirit told the young man to take more profits. So he only replied vaguely.
"So that's it..." Hector nodded. "How about mass production? Are you going to hire a potion master?"
"Of course not," Azel said with an indifferent expression. Pouring wine into a glass, the young man looked relaxed. "You don't need to care about the production issues, it has nothing to do with you. What you need to know, after the plan is in place, every month I will send you a certain amount of potions. Of course to be distributed to the farmers .... free of charge."
"Free???" Rocco was shocked. He immediately coaxed, "That's a big loss, Master. How about selling it? It doesn't need to be so expensive. The farmers will definitely agree."
"It seems you guys don't understand yet…" Azel shook his head lightly.
"Can you explain it to us, Master." Armand said politely.
"My father gave this territory to me to personally manage. Because of that, I consider all the land, rivers, trees, even the gravel in this territory to be mine.
I'm the type of person who likes a quiet, affluent, and well-organized place. So I'm going to change things to my liking. By the way... because I haven't chosen two new nobles yet. Two regions without a leader, I will manage it personally." Azel smiled lightly before lifting his glass of wine and slowly taking a sip.
"Have you decided, sir?" asked Hector Lawrence in amazement.
"Of course. You four agreed to be under me, so I'll grant you peerage. Palmer ... I have prepared a replacement. As for Nixon, I have my own arrangements for him and his territory." Azel smiled while looking at Hector, making the middle-aged man surprised.
'Terrifying! Even this Prince has already thought of a plan if we refuse!'
The four people exclaimed inwardly. Their backs were covered in cold sweat. Staring at the Prince who was deemed useless, they began to doubt the information obtained from the Royal Capital. Even though they didn't know how strong Azel was, they felt that the young man's head was filled with ideas that weren't simple.
"Anyway... I'll tell you guys. Even though I am a Prince, I preside over the territory like a Marquis. So I can only appoint 8 nobles.
You four... I will give you the title of Viscount. Plus the people I appoint, there will be 5 new Viscounts. As for the title of Count, let's wait after some time. If I am satisfied with your performance, there is a possibility that you can be promoted.
On the other hand, since I gave you the title, I can also take it back. So please don't try to disobey orders or try to do anything funny. I'll be watching over you."
The four people looked at each other with amazed expressions. They are trying to find loopholes but it is so difficult. It seemed their new master had thought out various plans carefully. When the four people were confused about what to say, Azel's voice came again.
"As for the first order I'm about to give, it's a matter of taxes and subordinates. You can't appoint 5 Barons right away. I know you have the ability and right to do so, but for now, 3 Barons is the limit.
As for the tax issue, I know it's a bit complicated but you guys have to follow it. Mr. Hector, Mr. Armand and Mr. Matteo collect 50% income tax. As for Mr. Rocco, you collect 55%.
From now on, all farm taxes in your area or Barons under you will be set the same, 45% income tax. Of course, you guys sent me the 45% tax too.
If farmers produce 100, they will pay 45 and get 55. We will share the 45, you are 55% and I am 45%. The end result is that you guys got 23.75 and I got 20.25.
Do you understand?"
After contemplating for quite a while, the four people nodded. they know what Azel meant. But Hector hesitantly asked, "Sorry if we were rude. If the areas we manage all have 45% interest. What about the areas that you manage personally, master?"
Seeing the four people looking at him with doubtful expressions, Azel smiled. "The area that I personally manage has a 40% tax."
"Smaller?" Rocco had a surprised look on his face.
Hehehe... We actually don't need to be so greedy about taxes. For me, 40% is enough. The problem was getting the farmers to manage their farms better and take care of the plague problem. My goal is to double the harvest after the pest is cleared.
If initially the farmer earns 100 with 50% tax. Once divided, you and I each get 25.
How about double and 45% tax? Farmers make 200. They get a net profit of 110. You get 47.5 while I get 40.5.
Isn't that a lot more?"
Imagining the amount they got, the four of them swallowed their saliva.
Rocco who thought for a long time suddenly said, "isn't it with the old tax, we earn more after solving the pest problem, sir?"
Seeing Rocco's greedy expression, Azel snorted coldly. He glanced at him with an indifferent gaze. "Are you trying to control me?"
"I-I... I don't dare, Master!" Rocco exclaimed, looking down.
"Don't be so greedy, Mr. Rocco. I will teach you something. As a merchant, you also need sincerity. Now I ask... if we lower taxes, will the farmers be happy?"
"Of course they'll be happy, Sir." Rocco replied in a polite tone.
"If they are happy with the profits they get, they will work harder. It is beneficial for everyone. They profit, we also get nothing to lose. Indeed we only receive 45% and are still divided. But you also have to remember...
The number of farmers is not just one! You just have to multiply your profits. After so much, still not satisfied?"
The four nobles immediately felt shocked. Meanwhile, Rocco said with an embarrassed expression.
"Forgive my stupidity, Master. This time... I really learned a lot."
"I forgive you," Azel said with an indifferent expression.
Looking at his four new subordinates, Azel took a deep breath. He felt quite relieved that things weren't too off the mark from what he had predicted. Taking a sip of wine, the young man secretly thought.
'Time to move on to the next plan.'
****