Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 210

After I finish my explanation, Deacon Michelino voices his concerns. “Kenji, the church doesn’t collect taxes. It’s all charity.”

“Yes, you’re right. That was an exaggeration. My apologies.”

Deacon Michelino nods in understanding, then adds with a bitter smile, “Even so, conversing with you seems like it would be an exciting experience, but it might also lead to dangerous situations.”

“Dangerous, you say?”

Until now, we haven’t discussed anything dangerous, so I am taken aback by his statement.

Deacon Michelino lowers his voice and replies, “I don’t know what kind of education you received, Kenji, but… First of all, the idea of commoners being interested in how nobles use their taxes would be seen as dangerous by the nobility. However, the idea itself has existed for a long time, but it was considered a pipe dream, so not many people are willing to listen.

It proposes a complete system: declaring how the taxes will be used, collecting them from those who agree, and making public how the funds will be allocated. While there are examples of nobles soliciting donations for the construction of the royal capital’s walls and the cathedral, as far as I know, this is the first attempt to extend such practices to commoners.

You’re also going to disclose the details of how the money will be used, right? I imagine you’ll use the same format you apply when planning support for rural areas, making it understandable for commoners as long as they can read words and numbers. Wouldn’t that spark a desire among commoners to understand how the church operates and the inner workings of the kingdom?”

I understand what Deacon Michelino is trying to say.

However, Sara doesn’t seem convinced and raises her hand to interrupt the conversation.

“Why shouldn’t we want to know? If we’re going to be taxed, we want to know how it’s being used, and if it’s being misused, we would want to complain about it, right?”

Deacon Michelino nods slowly in response. “That’s true. I believe that’s the correct way of thinking. There is a belief that those who are noble among the nobility should be aware of their great responsibilities. The church has similar teachings: serve the people as you serve God.”

“Well, then, why not put that into practice?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Sara,” I stop her. I sense that continuing this discussion could lead us into dangerous territory.

“You’re right. Let’s leave it at that. My concerns might just be an overinterpretation. People often tell me, ‘Deacon Michelino, you worry too much.'”

“Yes. After all, it’s more productive to focus on practical matters. Let’s shift our discussion to those.”

At Deacon Michelino’s signal, I decided to end the debate and shift to more practical topics.

He probably doesn’t truly believe we are in immediate danger.

The idea that tax collectors should strive for transparency, publicly disclose how tax money is spent, and welcome criticism from taxpayers is indeed valid. However, the world isn’t structured to accept correctness unconditionally.

This serves as a warning: it is likely his way of advising that those who handle correct opinions must be cautious not to be blinded by their own righteousness and must carefully manage its sharpness with caution.