I Became A Black Merchant In Another World-Chapter 376: Merchants Want to Become Politicians Too (5)

The newly appointed Imperial Parliament Advisors wasted no time in proposing a flurry of laws that catered to their own interests.

As advisors, their role should have been limited to offering guidance when consulted by the Empire.

But since there were no explicit guidelines defining whether they could propose legislation themselves, they seized the opportunity.

Flipping through the stack of documents detailing their proposals and justifications, I let out a dry chuckle.

"Well, well. These seasoned merchants are spouting absolute nonsense without even wetting their lips. Do they think the Imperial Parliament is a stock market?"

"They must, considering how much they invested just to secure their positions as advisors. And let’s not forget, most of them are ancient fossils who could drop dead any day now."

"Desperate to make back their money before they keel over—how admirable. Truly, these merchants are as shrewd as they are shameless."

"To think they’re pulling off a scam against the Empire itself, all while making sure not to get caught... How utterly short-sighted."

In a democracy, politicians could get away with making impossible campaign promises to their voters, knowing that the worst consequence was losing re-election.

But in an absolute monarchy?

“An enraged Emperor will personally crush your skull.”

In this regard, monarchies had a certain advantage over democracies.

At least in an absolute monarchy, when a politician lied, they actually paid the price.

"Lower hygiene inspection standards because poor innkeepers and restaurant owners are struggling? Adjust corporate taxes based on merchant income levels because otherwise, the economy will collapse?"

"These explanations are outright distortions."

Honestly, I had to applaud the audacity.

They personally experienced how proper hygiene standards prevented waterborne diseases... yet now they wanted to lower the standards?

And they were claiming progressive corporate taxation was discriminatory and destructive to the economy?

If you make more money, you pay more taxes—that’s just common sense.

If they didn’t like it, they should find a way to legally maximize deductions like I did.

"Pathetic fools. I appreciate their attempt to leverage their positions for personal gain, but why do they only understand half of the game?"

Sebastian smirked, nodding in agreement.

"It is your duty, my lord, to provide them with proper enlightenment."

"Indeed. A scholar’s duty is to educate the ignorant and guide them from darkness."

"And naturally, a small tuition fee is warranted, is it not?"

"Sebastian, you truly understand me. You’re the only one who does."

Of course, I wouldn’t demand anything extravagant.

I was a generous and kind man.

Far ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) more benevolent than some bald king who marched hundreds of thousands of troops against three hundred warriors just because he was salty.

At the very least, I wouldn’t execute people for resisting my policies—I’d just reeducate them to support my policies.

"In all of the Empire, I’m the only one who truly understands economic policy—aside from these so-called advisors. But look at them. They're just a bunch of scheming weasels."

"So as His Majesty’s loyal subject, it is my duty to restore order."

"Some fools may try to label you a traitor, but I, Sebastian, know that your heart is filled only with loyalty to the Empire."

"They say the path of righteousness is narrow and seldom walked. But with you by my side, Sebastian, I don’t mind the solitude."

Some might accuse me of tailoring every policy to benefit the Rothschild Trading Company.

But that would be missing the bigger picture.

The world judged people not by their intentions but by their results.

And since the prosperity of the Rothschild Trading Company directly translated into the prosperity of the Toscana Empire...

"Wouldn’t it be fair to say that the Company’s success is synonymous with national interest?"

"Reject all proposals to lower hygiene standards and corporate taxes. Instead, push to eliminate tariffs on weapon exports entirely."

"Yes, my lord."

"And while we’re at it, let’s propose abolishing territorial toll taxes too."

Territorial tolls were just another form of internal tariffs.

Imagine having to pay a toll tax not just when entering Seoul or Busan, but also at every province in between.

"Smooth logistics are essential for a thriving nation."

We might not have steam engines yet, but we could at least fix this nonsense.

For the first time since the establishment of the Imperial Parliament Advisory System, all advisors gathered in one place.

Though their positions were technically non-hereditary, they were still granted lifelong baronetcies.

One might expect them to dedicate their twilight years to selfless service for the Empire.

But these were men who, even with ninety-nine bags of rice, would still steal another man's single remaining grain—and sell his starving family into slavery to profit from the debt.

They had only one thought in mind: How can I sabotage my competitors while maximizing my own gains?

"Forget the Empire. My interests come first."

Sebastian, who considered himself not quite Admiral Yi Sun-sin but at least a loyal retainer of Fabio, had similar thoughts.

"All of you are renowned merchants or honorable retirees. Yet, I am merely here as a representative of the Rothschild Trading Company."

Formally speaking, he was correct.

But in reality?

Sebastian was not just an advisor—he was the Chief Steward of the Rothschild Viscountcy.

Unlike these men, who held baronetcies only as long as they served as advisors, Sebastian’s status was permanent.

Moreover, the Rothschild Trading Company was personally endorsed by the Emperor, and Fabio was a wild card who would go to war over a slight insult.

If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net or SilkRoadTL, it has been stolen.

"He even launched an entire war against the Kingdom of Lyon just for raiding his estate..."

If these men knew that Fabio had secretly orchestrated the mass slaughter of Lyon’s troops in the Holy Empire’s civil war just to cripple their kingdom...

They might have suffered heart attacks on the spot.

Luckily for them, they were blissfully unaware.

"I trust I will be treated well." ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

"Of course, Steward Sebastian. We would never dare to slight a representative of Lord Rothschild. Please, take the seat of honor."

Within moments, Sebastian had seized control of the meeting—all while acting humble.

"Ahem. Before we begin, there’s a matter I’d like to address."

"Yes?"

"Advisor Generali, you proposed relaxing hygiene inspections, correct?"

"Yes. The current standards are too strict. Many small inns and restaurants struggle to meet them because of the daily cleaning requirements..."

"...Advisor Generali, I noticed that you own poultry farms and a large-scale meat distribution business."

"And ever since the guild system was abolished, you’ve expanded butchery operations across the Empire, correct?"

"Ah, yes! Thanks to His Majesty’s policies—"

"Your call to lower hygiene standards makes me concerned about the sanitary conditions of your facilities. Perhaps a thorough inspection is in order?"

A bead of cold sweat dripped down Generali’s forehead.

The Rothschild Inspections Bureau was infamous.

Their inspectors wore white gloves—and if they found even a speck of dust, they would impose crippling fines and shut businesses down.

"Damn it... My kitchens prioritize efficiency over cleanliness..."

"I... I realize now that my proposal was ill-advised. I’ll retract it immediately."

"Good."

"And I believe someone here suggested lowering corporate taxes?"

The advisor in question visibly flinched.

"If we lower corporate taxes, imperial and noble budgets will suffer. That means we’ll have to raise taxes on the poor. Do you think His Majesty would be pleased?"

Everyone knew the Emperor’s love for his subjects was genuine.

It wasn’t just propaganda—anyone who rose to the level of advisor could see that much.

Pushing a policy that would burden the commoners?

Technically, there wouldn’t be any legal repercussions.

But the Imperial Audit Bureau could find something—some minor tax violation—and bury them.

They wouldn’t die physically—but they would be socially annihilated.

"I... I see now that I was mistaken. I retract my proposal as well."

Sebastian grinned.

"Excellent. Now then, shall we begin the meeting?"

And so, every proposal discussed that day was either beneficial to Fabio...

Or at the very least, not an obstacle.

A thoroughly democratic and perfectly fair process.