"You are correct, Sub-Minister," Julian said, his voice dropping into a tone that sounded terrifyingly similar to Elara's chilling baseline. "The crown's gold is paramount. Which is why you will implement a structured debt-forgiveness program for the Southern farmers."
Lorn's jaw dropped. "Forgiveness? For rebels?!"
"They are not rebels. They are imperial citizens whose previous Lord was formatted for treason," Julian corrected sharply, leaning back in his chair. "If the crown absorbs their localized debt, the farmers will possess the surplus capital to double their workforce. You apply a standard twenty percent tax on a 'doubled' yield. The treasury recoups the war costs in two fiscal cycles, and the Southern working class becomes fiercely, unshakeably loyal to the Empress Regent because she fed them instead of starving them."
Julian tilted his head slightly, his ice-blue eyes piercing the trembling minister.
