NOVEL NEXT 25: Study Session
During the winter, Burton and I studied about money.
“Let’s take this opportunity to study,” Burton suggested.
Since the Radcliffe family started its business with me as the center, it seems important to remember this.
Regarding currency, it’s something you eventually need to know about.
In stories, noble folks don’t carry cash; they might use IOUs or checks. Well, I’m making potatoes, so that noble lifestyle is completely foreign to me.
Alright!
Let’s learn about money properly!
With that in mind, Burton solemnly laid out coins on the table in front of me.
In this world, the currency is the same everywhere, and the standard unit is the Sera.
Listening to Burton’s explanations and comparing it to my past life’s sense, I think the values of the coins are roughly like this:
– Small copper coin: ¥100
– Large copper coin: ¥1,000
– Silver coin: ¥10,000
– Gold coin: ¥100,000
– Platinum coin: ¥1,000,000
“In the streets, transactions often involve the number of coins, such as how many small copper coins. Sera aren’t used much,” Burton explained.
Wow, platinum coins are quite fancy, huh?
They sparkle. I examined one with great interest.
The large copper coin is about the size of a ¥500 coin, while the others are about the size of ¥100 coins. They’re adjusted based on the rarity and metal content.
They’re magically processed at the mint so they can’t be easily counterfeited; any fakes are quickly discovered.
Currency is indeed tightly controlled.
“In most street shops, they have magical tools to verify counterfeit coins, so don’t forget to check when dealing with silver coins or higher,” Burton added.
Oh, wow, they have such convenient magical tools?
By the way, at street stalls, they use copper coins for shopping.
For example, three potatoes might cost one small copper coin. In towns far from farming villages, it might cost three small copper coins for the same thing.
“For large transactions involving significant sums of money, we conduct exchanges through the Merchant Guild. There’s a branch in Camille Village, so when you grow a bit older, we’ll go together. You can open a personal account with the guild. With a guild card, you can deposit or withdraw money at guilds worldwide,” Burton explained with a smile as he neatly put away the coins.
When I get bigger, he’ll help me set up an account too.
Furthermore, Burton continued his lessons.
“In Luke Village, an average family can comfortably live on three silver coins a month. Prices vary by city, but in the capital, commoners earn about one or two gold coins per month.”
Even in a rural village like ours, with about two hundred people, a monetary economy can function.
“In small mountain villages, bartering is still common,” he mentioned.
Oh, really? Did you just read my mind?
“Taxes are left to the discretion of each lord. Depending on the location, some lords impose a head tax, such as one silver coin per adult and child, or collect five to six tenths of agricultural and livestock products. In such territories, poor farmers can’t survive,” he said. Now I understand why our house is so poor.
As for how tax rates are determined, income tax seems fair.
By the way, Burton-san.
Do you think an ordinary six-year-old can understand the content now?
“Young master is a smart child, so I believe he can understand this much,” Burton said with a cool face.
Oh no, he’s figured out everything about me!
For your reference, the luxury fruits I sold in the summer fetched about three to five silver coins each!
That’s like selling for ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 in Japanese yen?
“Several silver coins were presented to noble families as gifts,” Burton confidently asserted!
Wow! Applause, applause!
“Nevertheless, it’s all thanks to Master Haku that we have this. The master has instructed us to do our best to meet Master Haku’s requests, so please don’t hesitate to make any requests within reason. We’ll do our best to accommodate them,” Burton said.
Alright!
Then, I won’t miss this opportunity!
“Yes!”
I raised my right hand with a bang.
“What can I assist you with?”
“I would like to hire someone to help in the fields outside! If possible, I’d prefer to ask the older children at the orphanage!”
“Orphanage?”
Burton’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Yes! There’s an orphanage in the village, and I heard they leave at fifteen. After that, some can’t find work and end up leaving the village,” I explained.
Some end up in dire straits without finding decent jobs.
My assistants have already researched this.
“If there are children interested in agriculture, I’d like to teach them and eventually entrust them with my fields!”
And expand the fields too!
I no longer have any intention of pretending to be a child in front of Burton.
Assertiveness is important too!
“Hmm, very well. Let me approach the orphanage about this. Leave it to me, Master Haku,” Burton said with a graceful bow, then swiftly left the room.
Impulse is important, you know.
Just say it.
I was relaxing, glad that studying was over, when Burton returned with several books.
“I thought it might be too early, but judging by today’s events, it seems it’s about time to start studying history. These are beginner’s textbooks, so please prepare yourself,” he said.
Huh?
“Will it be too difficult for me to read?”
I asked, feigning concern with a deliberately puzzled look.
“If it’s Master Haku, you’ll soon find it inadequate. Burton expects great things from you,” he said respectfully before truly leaving the room this time.
Is this a sneaky snake?
Once again, another unnecessary study was added!
Give back the free time of a toddler!