Chapter 598: Jascha Alatt Report
2 months after holding back on the march for Orlais, Cass brought in a report to Ivanna the Prime Minister, who was reorganizing the army after entering the Korcari Wilds.
“Marchioness, a report from Margrave Jascha Alatt came."
Margrave Jascha Alatt was the kingdom's Minister of Resources.
It was regarding the results of the investigation of the excess production resulting from the unification of the Castall.
"So, if this excess in production is corrected and reassigned for military use, we will be able to support 15,000 soldiers.”
Cass nodded at the Ivanna’s heavy voice.
Unless there was a famine, they should be able to support that many soldiers. This was a trial calculation provided by most of the civil officials of the Ministry of Resources, so it was reliable information.
"Hmm… Now, how do I make use of this? Cass, what do you think?”
“One way would be to simply use the excess production to strengthen our forces. Another would be to distribute them among the nobles. Lastly, we could also use the excess production to secure funds."
This was akin to a slice of pie falling from the heavens.
The assembled Red army was unlike professional armies in that they did not really need money. So long as they had food, supporting the army was a trivial thing. But of course, even then, having to equip 15,000 soldiers with weapons and armors still required a decent number of silver or gold coins.
Furthermore, Redcliffe was still part of the Ferelden Kingdom and must pay them tax.
"We need more gold and silver coins. Please liaise with Lady Charlotte de Vandimion who is living in our castle. Ask them to sell the goods. Please ask Jill Gustav, our Minister of General Affairs to negotiate with Lady Charlotte."
Hezri Kingdom, despite its massive size in land mass, was still very new and its existence was still kept in secrecy. Thus, they were forced to operate a closed and controlled economy. There was very minimal domestic trade. External trade was done via port in Redcliffe, Claire the merchant, and Vandimion family who was ruling the port city state, Venetian in the east coast.
Plebeians and freemen in Hezri Kingdom were not required to pay any tax to nobles or the kingdom.
Instead landowners who were aristocrats had sent their yields to the kingdom. Once various yields were assembled, some of them were traded externally and some of them were redistributed among the aristocrats depending on the number of people in each demesne.
Each demesne was further divided into villages, thus the head of villages received food supplies from their local lords.
Cass listened attentively to Ivanna's instructions and nodded in understanding. She understood the importance of acquiring more gold and silver coins to equip the 15,000 soldiers with weapons and armor. The Red army may not require money for general upkeep, but the procurement of necessary equipment would still demand a significant amount of currency.
"I will liaise with Lady Charlotte de Vandimion and request her assistance in selling the goods to acquire the needed funds," Cass replied promptly. "I'll also inform Jill Gustav, our Minister of General Affairs, to initiate negotiations with Lady Charlotte. By collaborating with the Vandimion family, we can maximize our gold and silver."
Cass believed that a balanced approach was necessary, focusing on both strengthening the military and maintaining the support of the nobles. By doing so, they could leverage the excess production to its fullest potential and lay a solid foundation for the future growth and stability of the Hezri Kingdom.