As Lumie entered the center of the banquet hall, people naturally gathered around him.
Klaus remained seated, chin resting in his hand, without descending.
I spoke to Count Mekringger in a voice soft enough not to be heard.
“Your Highness, is there anything on your mind? You don’t seem in good spirits.”
Klaus’s eyes turned towards me. He also replied in a very low voice.
“It’s nothing. Just a bit bored, that’s all.”
I raised my head and looked at Lumie standing on the floor. He was enthusiastically explaining the purpose of today’s banquet to the attendees.
“Poor people need a meal, right? But the more fundamental issue is that they lack ‘money’ itself.”
People focused on Lumie’s words. He narrated with great enthusiasm.
“So, I want to carry out relief work for the poor in a different way from what some nobles have been doing. It might turn out to be an enormous experiment.”
Lumie’s current appearance was like a CEO unveiling a new product.
“I will directly give money to the poor. Not lending, but literally placing money in their hands. Without any conditions.”
In the concepts of this world, it was truly a radical act.
For a moment, there was a silence in the audience, but soon thunderous applause erupted.
I looked at Klaus and smiled slightly.
“Is this still boring for you?”
“Hmph.”
Klaus let out a small chuckle.
Honestly, I held back a laugh. Lumie was indeed attempting something extraordinary, beyond what Evangelin or Count Poirebach could have imagined.
He was not just distributing a meal as Evangelin did; it involved much more funding.
However, more crucial than that was the fact that, despite not being nobility, Lumie was gaining money without working, without any conditions.
Even in the modern capitalist society I came from, the concept of ‘free support’ had fierce debates between supporters and opponents.
Moreover, in this world of Ro-Pan, where nobles did not labor because of their inherent blood, except for this blessed lineage that represented a tiny portion of the imperial citizens, receiving money without any return and conditions was considered a sinful and taboo act.
Labor was sacred.
In an era where one had to toil the land and sweat to obtain food, the concept was an absolute norm.
Lumie, having lived as a modern person, could conceive relief work that shattered this notion.
“It’s revolutionary.”
I hastily summarized the economic theory I had read a bit.
Lumie’s bright voice echoed throughout the banquet hall.
“The relief fund will be divided into three payments, providing a total of 1000 Krum per household. It corresponds to the yearly living expenses of commoners.”
“Wow…!”
People looked at each other and nodded.
Confidence overflowed in Lumie’s expression.
“Of course, I haven’t overlooked the method of giving 1000 Krum all at once. However, there’s a concern that the impoverished, not knowing how to properly use such a large sum, might waste it on gambling or drinking.”
“You speak wisely, Lady Elfriede!”
“Lady, you’re truly considerate!”
Some who seemed to be Lumie’s followers passionately echoed his words.
Lumie slowly circled the floor, continuing to speak.
“The reason I seek your help today is not merely due to a shortage of relief funds. Think about it. Would the highest-ranking family in the empire, the Mekringer, ever stretch out their hands to you because they lack money?”
The people burst into laughter at his words.
“Hahaha, impossible!”
“Well, it must be for another purpose!”
Lumie replied to them, covering his lips slightly with his hand, mimicking their laughter.
“I want to offer you all the opportunity to participate in this amazing experiment. Let’s see together how the chronic problem of poverty is resolved by providing money free of charge. The funds you contribute will be put to good use in this ‘Gift of 1000 Krum’ project.”
Applause erupted once again. Lumie waited for the applause to settle before continuing.
“Of course, even if the raised funds fall short of the budget, it doesn’t matter. I can supplement it from my personal funds. But it would be even better if it exceeds. With additional funds, we can distribute other necessities besides the 1000 Krum.”
A lady-in-waiting of the Duke presented a beautifully adorned golden envelope to Lumie. He raised the envelope high.
“I will engrave the names of all the families who participate in fundraising on this envelope. The impoverished will be deeply moved seeing the names of our noble families who generously give. I’m sure you all understand the significance of this, right?”
The nobles attending the banquet exchanged meaningful glances.
Meanwhile, I felt my scalp tingling.
“What’s this…?”
When I first heard Lumie’s words, I could somewhat empathize with the intention behind it.
Discussions about unconditional support or basic income existed even in modern welfare systems. Some argued that giving cash directly to beneficiaries was more cost-effective than applying specific benefits conditionally.
So, I thought Lumie was trying to apply such welfare concepts to this world.
Male lead is a clingy little husband
One-line summary: The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
Introduction:
One day, Lu Yuner’s soul transmigrates into a female-dominant world. She enters the Imperial Academy and takes up the position of a doctoral instructor, teaching classes and grading schoolwork.
One day, she encounters the young prince Su Qingwan secretly skipping class from the male academy.
As a result, Su Qingwan is punished.
From then on, Su Qingwan sees Lu Yuner as a “thorn in his side”.
But before long, this “thorn” becomes the person he cherishes most, and he goes to great lengths to win Lu Yuner’s affection.
Mini scene 1:
One day, the sun is high in the sky but Su Qingwan still hasn’t gotten up for class.
Servant Xiaoyuan: “Young prince, it’s time for class. You’ll be late otherwise.”
Su Qingwan says arrogantly: “I’m not going. I am the esteemed prince, my status is so noble, why should I suffer this hardship? Besides, isn’t learning all this just to please women? Hmph, they’re not worthy!”
Mini scene 2:
After Su Qingwan falls for someone, he completely changes. He no longer skips class and diligently learns how to be a good husband and father. But he discovers that Sister Yuner is always surrounded by admirers.
Drunk and overcome with jealousy one day, he clings to Lu Yuner, crying beautifully like a pear blossom in the rain.
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan likes Sister Yuner.”
Lu Yuner: “Young prince, you’re drunk.”
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan isn’t drunk. Qingwan likes Sister Yuner, likes you so much, likes you to bits…” Before he can finish, Lu Yuner’s eyes flash with emotion and she leans in closer.
[Reading Guide]
1. The female lead is gentle, gracious, humble and polite but not weak. The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
2. 1v1, a bit torturous in the beginning but definitely sweet later on.
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