Chapter 72

The next day, I thought for a while.

I secured the flow. But that is not enough. Even if I correct the ambiguous collections, there will be omissions. Even more so if the number of people increases.

I gathered the people.

“…I will touch the taxes one step further.”

The officials tensed slightly.

“I will make it a form where it can be collected with certainty.”

I said quietly.

“Those who enter the hot water, those who stay at the inns. Separate and record all of them.”

One of them fearfully opened his mouth.

“…Will you collect a fee every time they enter the hot water?”

“No. I will consolidate it.”

I tap the ledger with my finger.

“Once per stay, record their name and the number of days. In other words, issue a ‘permit’.”

For an instant, no one could understand the meaning.

“It is proof of stay. Those who do not have it cannot enter the hot water or the inns.”

A stir spreads.

“…If you do that, won’t the guests dislike it?”

“It’s the reverse.”

I declared flatly.

“If they understand that coming and going is controlled, they will feel relieved. A place where anyone can enter is dangerous.”

I add to my words.

“Especially those who hold money.”

Silence. Eventually, several people dropped their gazes. They must have understood.

“Change the color of the permits day by day. Make it so that forgeries are immediately recognizable.”

I continued.

“Leave all the records. Who, when, and how long they stayed. …Do not let them escape.”

They were short words.

But that was sufficient.

“…If people gather, there will invariably be those who mix in.”

The officials raise their faces.

“Not only the sick. Those who gamble, those who sell their bodies, those who peddle fake medicine.”

No one denies it. In fact, it is already becoming like that.

“If left alone, the place will become unruly. If it becomes unruly, decent guests will stop coming.”

In other words, money will also stop coming.

“I will station soldiers.”

The air changed.

“The gates, the bathhouses, around the inns. Have them patrol. Those who act violently, throw them outside. Those who repeat it, do not let them in.”

One of the officials opens his mouth.

“…What shall we do about prostitutes and the like?”

I thought slightly.

“We will not eliminate them.”

Surprised faces look up.

“But, we will determine their location. Do not let them near the bathhouses. Do not place them where they will enter the eyes of nobles.”

I declare shortly.

“Place them outside the order.”

The official narrowed his eyes.

“It is the same for medicine peddlers. Shut out those who speak of arbitrary efficacies. Limit it to only those who have obtained the permission of a medical officer.”

Eventually, someone let out a small breath.

…He is not merely shutting them out. He is separating the guests to be protected from those who should be excluded.

So that is what it is—they realized.

Finally, I said.

“This is a place of healing. Arrange it so that it looks that way.”

I slowly swept my gaze around.

After a momentary silence, the village head opened his mouth.

“…Understood.”

I quietly nodded.

Village Head’s Perspective

The village head watched the Third Prince with his mouth closed.

—It is the first time I have heard such words.

It has been a long time since I was entrusted with this village. During that time, several officials visited this land.

But every one of them said “I leave it to you.” Or, “It is fine to continue as before.”

It was easy. There were few disputes, and no need to change anything. Even if there were those who meddled in minor details, that was at most talk within the manor.

His Highness, when he came previously, was indeed different as well. I heard the rumors. Commands to change the straw, lay planks on the floor, and wash the body before entering the hot water.

To speak honestly, I thought it was troublesome.

But, after that, the hot water certainly changed. The cloudiness decreased, and the smell became lighter. Those complaining of illness also decreased somewhat.

I also heard other things. That he saved the collapsed travelers and doctor. I thought that it was probably not a mere coincidence.

That is exactly why I understand it all the more. This time cannot be compared.

Rules are increasing, binding people, and grasping the flow of money.

There will invariably be conflict. Complaints will arise, and there will likely be those who search for loopholes.

I slowly let out a breath.

…Can we really do it?

In this village, with this number of people, with this method.

The Prince before my eyes stands with a completely unchanging face. Without raising his voice, he merely declared it flatly.

But those words are commands that leave no room to escape.

I slowly bowed my head.

“…Understood.”

My voice was slightly hoarse.

Whether that was anxiety or a sigh, even I did not know.