Imai Jiro slowly replied: "Miss Kamisato Ayaka, I have a relative who is a fisherman. A few days ago, he drifted to Yashiori Island and then learned the news from there.
Yashiori Island has now become a concession of the West Factory, no longer under the rule of the Inazuma Shogunate, and is managed only by the West Factory.
More importantly, the West Factory has promised the people an exemption from agricultural tax."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of surprise flashed in Kamisato Ayaka's eyes.
She hadn't expected that the West Factory's policy towards residents would be so generous.
After a moment of thought, she untied a delicate and elegant coin purse from her waist, took out 100,000 Mora from it, and handed it to Imai Jiro, saying, "Although this money is not much, I hope it can provide some help when you are starting to settle down on Yashiori Island."
Imai Jiro quickly waved his hands in refusal, "Miss Kamisato Ayaka, I truly cannot accept this money. The West Factory is currently heavily investing in building a new city, and the job opportunities offered have very generous wages.
It is said that one can earn a thousand Mora for a single day's work, and they also provide a hearty meal at noon.
I plan to settle down directly near the construction site; this way it's both convenient and saves on expenses."
Kamisato Ayaka was even more shocked upon hearing this. A daily wage of one thousand Mora is practically an unimaginably high salary for most commoners in Inazuma.
Despite this, she still insisted on pressing the 100,000 Mora into Imai Jiro's hand.
After Imai Jiro left, Kamisato Ayaka sat alone under the eaves, falling into deep thought.
Her gaze followed the branches and leaves of the Camellia tree in the courtyard as they swayed in the wind, but her heart was turbulent.
After a long while, a steady and rhythmic set of footsteps broke the silence.
She looked up and saw her elder brother, Kamisato Ayato, walking towards her.
"Ayaka, what's wrong? You look quite troubled." Kamisato Ayato asked gently, his voice revealing deep concern.
Kamisato Ayaka sighed softly, her voice a little low: "Brother, you must already know about the situation on Yashiori Island, right?"
Kamisato Ayato nodded, his expression becoming serious: "Yes, I am already aware of some details. The Shuumatsuban has just sent back the intelligence they gathered. It is said that the West Factory is heavily building a port city named Fudé Port on Yashiori Island's coast, near Fujitou Fort."
Kamisato Ayaka stated solemnly: "Besides that, there is also an extremely important matter: the West Factory on Yashiori Island has already abolished agricultural tax."
Kamisato Ayato's expression changed slightly. He profoundly understood the significant implications of this measure.
If nothing unexpected happens, an unprecedented tide of population migration is about to begin.
The Shogunate has long implemented the 'Eighteen Tax System', meaning that out of ten units of grain harvested by farmers, eight units must be submitted to the Shogunate. This has burdened the farmers heavily, making their lives difficult.
"Ayaka, for the people of Inazuma, this is undoubtedly good news. We should do our utmost to provide them with support and assistance." Kamisato Ayato expressed his stance.
Kamisato Ayaka expressed her heartfelt agreement with her brother's view.
Their Yashiro Commission family has always been not the Shogun Raiden's pawns, but rather the guardians of Inazuma's people.
If they weren't constrained by their family's precepts, they would have long since stepped forward and raised the banner of resistance for the people.
...
News of the West Factory building Fudé Port on Yashiori Island also reached Ritou.
This development deeply unsettled Kanjou Commission Commissioner Hiiragi Shinsuke, and therefore he urgently contacted his behind-the-scenes patron.
A few days later, a tall, mature woman stepped into the hall of the Kanjou Commission Headquarters.
She was wearing a gorgeous red and white dress, like a blooming red and white rose, both vibrant and cold.
The design of the dress skillfully showcased her figure. The full softness of her chest was subtly revealed, carrying an indescribable sexiness.
Her golden hair was like flowing sunlight, casually scattered over her shoulders, shimmering with a captivating luster.
Half of her face, which seemed broken, was covered by a black crown-shaped mask, accentuating her mysterious and elegant aura.
"Hiiragi Shinsuke, what exactly is so important that you had me come here myself? I don't have time to deal with your trivial matters." Her tone revealed obvious impatience.
Hiiragi Shinsuke responded with a slightly fawning and humble tone: "Lady Rosalyne, something truly significant has indeed happened..."
Afterwards, he recounted in detail the series of events that had recently occurred.
After listening to Hiiragi Shinsuke's narration, Rosalyne's face suddenly turned as gloomy as water. "That fellow Yide!"
"My Lady, even you find this to be a difficult problem?" Hiiragi Shinsuke asked tentatively.
Rosalyne glanced at him contemptuously. "Do you know why he was sentenced to life imprisonment back then?"
After a brief recollection, Hiiragi Shinsuke replied: "It seems it was because he killed several Fontaine officials and nobles."
A cruel smile curled up on Rosalyne's lips. "He didn't just kill a few people; rather, he slaughtered the entire Marechaussee Phantom and nobles in a single night—a total of five hundred and ten lives."
Hiiragi Shinsuke gasped in astonishment, his body trembling involuntarily.
This is simply more brutal than a demon from hell!
Rosalyne looked at his cowering appearance, and the contempt in her heart grew even stronger.
Nobles all over the world are like this—greedy, foolish, and weak.
"However," she changed the subject, "you don't need to panic too much. Naturally, there will be a madman to deal with him."
"Who is it?" Hiiragi Shinsuke asked eagerly.
"Scaramouche," Rosalyne coldly spat out a name, "Fatui Harbinger, Sixth of the Eleven."