After finishing the tea lesson, Eveline led me to the library of Viscount Poyerbach.

“Even without that, my father has been looking forward to the day when Lady Musel and I meet. I’m curious about your conversation as well.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be with Eveline for sensitive matters.”

Honestly, having Eveline accompany me wouldn’t be bad, but it was difficult to make decisions on my own without informing Klaus in advance.

Later, Poyerbach might tell Eveline, so there was no need to join them this time.

Eventually, we arrived at a certain door. Eveline lightly knocked.

“Father, Lady Musel is here.”

“Oh, really.”

The voice of Viscount Poyerbach came from behind the door.

I expressed a brief thanks to Eveline before entering.

“Thank you, Eveline.”

“Hoho, enjoy your conversation.”

He smiled as he took a step back.

The door opened.

“Viscount Poyerbach.”

“Oh, come in, Lady Musel.”

Viscount Poyerbach rose from his comfortable chair. I shook hands with him and took a seat in the prepared place.

The viscount’s study was well-organized, like a government official’s space.

The bookshelves covering the walls were filled with books covering various fields without any gaps.

I handed him the documents I brought.

“This is an opinion paper with the same content as what I presented to His Highness the Crown Prince earlier. Please take a look.”

The viscount’s pupils began to move along the lines of text. Since the quantity was not enormous, the viscount soon finished reading the document and looked up.

“Oh, remarkable insight. To see through such phenomena at your age.”

“It’s an exaggeration. I just conveyed the voices of people experiencing absurdity. They have been aware of the issue for a long time.”

“Nevertheless, it is clearly your ability to succinctly grasp the causes and consequences of such phenomena.”

The viscount said with a serious expression.

What I want to say is that we need to impose wealth taxes on the affluent class, including the nobility. Those who fall into that category will undoubtedly resist.”

“I agree. There will be tremendous resistance.”

The viscount also concurred with a grave tone.

“But despite such resistance, it is undoubtedly a necessary task. Even if our family bears more taxes, you know.”

“My thoughts exactly. Ultimately, taxes should be levied on all citizens according to their property. Of course, it’s challenging to implement right away, so let’s start by trying it on the wealthy nobility who own townhouses in the capital.”

I glanced at the viscount’s face for a moment and continued.

“This is not just to increase tax revenue. It’s an attempt to correct the ’tilted justice.’ If we don’t fix rules that favor only the wealthy, this country will collapse from the bottom up.”
At that time, those who reign above will also come to ruin together.

I smirked at the Viscount.

“If the upper class wants to continue enjoying the wealth and privileges they currently have, some concessions are necessary. Otherwise, the whole game could be overturned.”

The Viscount’s eyes flashed sharply.

“A riot, you mean?”

“On a small scale, it might be a riot, but on a larger scale, it could be a revolution that topples the regime. However, before that, due to the continuously tilting balance of wealth, the lives of the people will gradually fall into ruin.”

The Viscount spoke with a serious expression in response to my words.

“Honestly, even here in the capital, the number of impoverished people is increasing. Eva said the same. She mentioned that more poor people are coming for food than before.”

“If someone remains poor despite working hard, wouldn’t that be considered an injustice?”

Working hard continuously while someone else remains wealthy without working meant that the total amount of wealth remained constant. The issue was how fairly it was distributed.

I looked at Viscount Poyerbach meaningfully.

“We need to persuade the nobility about the necessity of wealth tax. The Crown Prince is looking for a loyal subject capable of handling this persuasion task.”

“Hmm…”

The Viscount’s eyes were on me now.

“Why did you decide to talk to me about this?”

“Among the nobles I met in the palace, Viscount, you are the one who best adheres to principles. Also, Eveline is the most thoughtful among the noble ladies I’ve met.”

“Hehehe…”

Adhering to principles meant not compromising easily. It meant being someone who could staunchly uphold values that could not be compromised.

With Viscount Poyerbach, who had an upright character, and Eveline, who was not bound by the framework of nobility, these two were the talents that Klaus must recruit to his side.

“Currently, only the Crown Prince and Viscount Poyerbach have seen this document. It’s such a sensitive matter.”

“You did well. If this content leaks even a little, there will undoubtedly be unfavorable movements.”

The Viscount nodded and then smiled at me.

“It’s reassuring to have someone like you by the Crown Prince’s side. Anyway, now that you’ve told me about this, I should meet the Crown Prince as soon as possible.”