Mob MC 344.1

Test

Chapter 344.1. Special Autonomy

-Masatoshi's POV-

At the Emperor's words, everyone's expressions turned serious. Even the gray-haired girl, reading the atmosphere, had a serious face and straightened her back. She was trying to secretly grab my shortcake. This girl is really bold!

"First, I discussed this with Marchioness Takano... Development across the entire Kanto region requires a tremendous amount of funds, and we need to gather a large number of people..."

Taking a pause, the Emperor looked around. He was skilled at capturing attention. Everyone swallowed hard, and the gray-haired girl gulped down the strawberry from my shortcake.

"We'll stick with real estate tax only, and there will be no other taxes. We'll set this period for 50 years, and Marchioness Takano will be granted the position of 'Queen' for only one generation."

"What!"

"'Queen'?"

The Emperor's proposal surprised Teijou Ouja, my father, and others.

"Making Marchioness Takano a 'Queen'? That's similar to Oda Nobunaga the founder bestowed it upon Tokugawa Ieyasu. However, in ancient times, it had its effects, but doing such a thing now might be too effective."

"Attempting to escape taxes will attract a large number of people to Kanto. Tax revenue will significantly decrease."

Teijou Ouja and my father voiced their opposition. Others also had faces of dissent. However, as someone raised their hand to intervene, the Emperor continued speaking.

"Yes, the nobles, except for Takano Marquisate and County, are prohibited from moving to Kanto. Of course, corporations too. Commoners are allowed, so there should be a certain balance."

It seemed they wouldn't allow tax evasion. Waving his hands gracefully, the Emperor continued speaking.

"At this time, Takano Marquisate and County cannot participate in national politics. They won't be ranked higher than a general in the organization of ministers and the military. How about this?"

"...I see. Marchioness Takano, with all due respect, holds too much power. With this, there might be a balance."

Groaning, Teijou Ouja answered while rubbing his chin. He seemed unsure, but he was beginning to think it was a good idea.

"...If we do not establish nobles' businesses, development won't progress much... However, that would also spread Marchioness Takano's influence across the entire Kanto..."

Father was also hesitating on how to respond. Even I could understand that both the pros and cons were enormous. 

Both are of tremendous magnitude. The advantage is that we can eliminate Takano Marquisate and County, which stands in the way of restoring the Emperor's authority.

The downside would be the construction of a solid Takano Kingdom throughout the entire Kanto. That's why they set 50 years, but was this a win-win situation? It was too complicated, and I had no idea what to expect.

"The laws won't change, so the military, warriors, and police-related matters will still be stationed by the Empire. Even though it's a special autonomy zone, we can't afford to have a large number of private soldiers."

"Your Majesty, I agree. In the current situation, I cannot refuse a request for your abdication due to the power imbalance. Wahaha!"

The Prime Minister laughed heartily in response to the Emperor's raised shoulders. Even though he smiled wryly at the remark, the Emperor nodded without reproach.

"Indeed, everyone is considering a political landscape led by Marchioness Takano. This proposal might be good. Aguni agrees."

"Yes. If we maintain some distance, it might be a shortcut to regain Your Majesty's fallen authority. It will be tough from now on, but at this time, it seems to be a good plan."

Dad agreed by pounding the table and his knee, and Teijou Ouja didn't oppose. Hmm, a 'Queen', huh? The gray-haired girl who's been trying to steal my shortcake since a while ago will be a 'Queen'.

"I think that in 50 years, the descendants of the Royal Family and Marchioness Takano will marry and connect their blood, but that's a story for another time. For now, let's go with this plan. I'll appoint you right after the New Year's."

Following Your Majesty's words, we will work hard to develop the entire Kanto region!"

"I will follow the Emperor's words and push forward with developing the entire Kanto region!"

The gray-haired girl raised her hand, her ice-blue eyes sparkling, and energetically responded, and with that, they made the decision.

And so, Takano Miu became the 'Queen'.

In the subsequent discussions, it was revealed that Spatial Witch was the former Empress, no longer in the harem, and the remains of Nidhogg were lurking. Captain Gotou and his team had captured them.

Further discussions turned to politics, and we decided to leave. However, only I, Sena-san and the gray-haired girl left our seats. Since she became the 'Queen', she wouldn't participate in national politics.

Now, we're in Sena-san's room. Sena-san's room! Yahoo! The gray-haired girl is annoying; maybe I should give her some pocket money to buy snacks. ...Oh, right, my allowance has been frozen!

Elated, I sniff and scan Sena-san's room triumphantly.

Sitting on the sofa, I show off my manliness by suggestively stroking the sofa.

"Spatial Witch is now a wanted criminal, huh, Se-chan. But is it okay when your mother is the main culprit? Shocking, isn't it?"

"...It's strangely not as shocking as you might think. Because I hardly have any memories of my mother. We only occasionally meet at official events."

The gray-haired girl expresses concern for Sena-san. I also realize and think about comforting words. It's not the time to be gaping; I need to be close to her as her fiancé!

"Are you okay, Sena-san? I'm here for you, so please stay strong. This Masatoshi will always be by your side. Forever!"

Quickly sitting next to Sena-san, I hold her hand and offer a refreshing smile to comfort her.

It's a refreshing smile for Masatoshi. He's holding Sena-san's hand, and his smile is carefree and relaxed.

"Thank you, Masatoshi-san. It's very reassuring."

"Se-chan, you have an incredibly strong heart."

Sena-san shows a smile that heals the heart. For some reason, the gray-haired girl, with a half-smile, says something. I wonder what she means.