Standing behind him were Hawkins and the newly surrendered Misty.
After recovering, Misty originally wanted to resist, but Sage's words dispelled her thoughts.
"The Kingdom won't be worse than the nobility under my rule; they just need to pay taxes to me. You're a commoner yourself, aren't you? Why not follow me and see for yourself? If you still have thoughts, I won't stop you."
However, from the outstretched hand of Sage, there was sheer contempt for the nobility and an astonishing boldness.
She might not trust Sage, but she trusted Sipher; they were acquaintances. Though a bit frivolous, his insight into people was accurate. Since he surrendered, Misty thought... she could take a look.
Because she herself was not fond of the nobility either, agreeing with Tihana's reasons stemmed not only from their acquaintance but also because she believed Tihana would treat this country well after ascending the throne.
She was a standard commoner advocate.
Just a bit of worry now, and the worry—was spoken out by that blond man.
Too ruthless in killing.
The Radio Snail transmitted intelligence daily; everyone knew Seven Warlords of the Sea Moriah, famous as he was. Now he's clearing out the nobility in Timadon, where there aren't many noble territories, mostly military families, so the reaction isn't big.
But the main island of Gares is the stronghold of territorial nobles; each town and village is ruled by a noble, and the news via Radio Snail was shocking.
Exaggeratedly speaking, every step Lily took was blood-stained.
Not only did she feel it was inappropriate, but Hawkins was also worried; if no one acknowledged it, would Sage's rule be in vain?
Then he spoke that statement.
Sage was aware of Lily's actions; he had said nobles who surrendered could be spared, but Lily insisted, and Sage wouldn't say anything.
He didn't care about such matters.
"Old Ho, do you know why Kaido hasn't gained control in Wano Country? Clearly supporting a puppet yet still cursed by people." Sage asked looking back.
Hawkins shook his head.
He didn't quite understand Sage's talk of great scholars or debating scriptures but could roughly grasp the meaning.
As for Kaido...
Who knows?
He just knows Kaido is one of the Four Emperors.
"Because of fear."
Sage bared his white teeth, "Wano Country's geographical conditions are most suited for governance, just kill all those with ruling power and provide normal treatment to commoners."
"Clearly possessing the greatest power on the sea, yet insists on supporting a puppet who ruins Wano Country; the leaders survive, but the masses are resentful, so he's destined to never gain control."
"No matter how strong, he reveres royal authority and bloodlines, relucting to seize the highest position lightly. But I'm different..."
Sage looked ahead at Augustine's ruins, "I never fear."
Kaido should be fearless; what Sage can do, Kaido actually can do too.
But for some reason, he didn't do it; Sage didn't know what he was up to but surely there was an element of fear.
Fear not of strength, not of rebellion, but of something deeply rooted in his heart.
Sage wouldn't fear, just like he didn't fear anything from the day he was born.
"I came here for two words. Rule, rule, and damn rule!"
Sage shouted, "Killing nobles means everything is in a state of reconstruction here. Those capable can forge ahead, whatever they achieve is their skill; the treatments they deserve won't be less. The only thing to do..."
He spread his hands wide and called out boldly to the rebuilding people, "Comply with my rule, pledge allegiance to me, then you can get everything, wealth, status—I will personally grant you! Hahaha, hohoho!"
The Supreme King's aura surged into a black-red torrent, spreading unabashedly ahead, covering the entire city's sky. People raised their heads; some with fear, and some... with different thoughts in their eyes.
Reconstruction has lasted half a month; Sage kept his word, giving money for work, enough to support a family, even more than before he came...
Because taxes were lessened.
Landlords of course collect rent, and when placed on people, it's taxation.
But unlike before, when they had to pay numerous taxes, besides the basic poll tax and land tax—they paid woodland tax to buy firewood, as forests belonged to nobles, not them.
Raising poultry incurred livestock tax, even if penniless, they had to pay some eggs and poultry.
Commoners couldn't make bread, and buying bread required paying market tax; those who wanted to do it themselves not only needed their own grain but had to pay a mill tax, a bakery tax, and then a market tax.
Under noble rule, commoners wishing to move elsewhere had to pay moving taxes.
Marriages incurred marriage taxes, inheriting property after death required inheritance tax, transporting goods incurred transport taxes—even the house's windows imposed window tax, lest you seal them, but sealing materials also imposed material tax.
Augustine Castle was a traffic hub, commercialized, with high commoners' living standards; despite this, their survival was barely.
Those glamorous folks always belonged to what you could see; the unseen... was the ocean-like foundation.
A bunch of poor folks!
Sage had no interest in the poor, so he waived it all with a big gesture!
He enacted a decree in the city—just acknowledge the land is his, and pay taxes based on income.
Salaries below 50,000 Belly only paid 5%, not exceeding 100,000 Belly paid 7%, not exceeding 200,000 Belly paid 10%, not exceeding 300,000 Belly paid 20%, beyond that, he wanted half.
Yearly earnings above 3 million Belly meant they were surely wealthy.
As for industry, now the city was in reconstruction, lacking any industry, but some matters must be stated—Sage allowed everyone to do business here, but the premise was the industry had to admit it belonged to him.
He might not participate in management, but when he required it, industries needed to serve him at the earliest opportunity.
Such things, to commoners, were as usual.
They always served the nobility, lacking any discontent, instead ecstatic with excitement due to Sage's tax relief.
Without heavy taxes, even if homes were destroyed, they earned more than before.
As for this pirate now... some people didn't care anymore.
Master Sa treats them well!