Published at 20th of February 2020 6:49 am

Chapter 4 – Citizenship

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

MTL: uniquegasuki

Editor/ Proofreader: (not proofread)

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The next morning, Haruto awoken in a good mood. As usual, he goes to washing his face at the water well, there he was greeted by Hannah.

「Good morning, Asuma-san. I heard from my husband, yesterday, about that amazing dirt and grime remover.」 (Hannah)

「Are you talking about soap, this thing.」 (Haruto)

Haruto shows her the soap that he is using to wash his face.

「Yes, that. Will you not give me some? Of course not for free, I will pay you for it and I’m also willing to offer you a discount at the inn.」 (Haruto)

「Sorry, but I don’t have much left. I’ll sell you some the next time I make a batch, okay.」 (Haruto)

Upon hearing Haruto clear cut answer, Hannah showed a slightly disappointed expression. Anyhow, it was as he thought; soap does have merit.

「I see, then next time, right.」 (Hannah)

Hannah said what she needed to and then left. Haruto dried his face with his towel.

◆◆◆

「Umm, do you happen to have any more of that soap thing?」 (Marceau)

As Haruto eats a skewer, Marceau asked about the same thing Hannah did.

「Now that I have used soap, I can’t bring myself to go back to using lye.」 (Marceau)

Haruto gave Marceau the same response he gave Hannah. Although Marceau looked disappointed, when he heard that Haruto will be selling more later, Marceau seemed relieved.

「Excuse me, do you mind telling me where the public office it located?」 (Haruto)

「Public office? It is in the central plaza. You will immediately be able to tell which place it is by looking at the signboards. Why, do you need to know…… ah! Are you perhaps going to apply for a license to open a street stall? If so, I would be glad to help. Please, feel free to ask me anything.」 (Marceau)

Marceau seemed hyped up. Thinking this was a saving grace, Haruto took the chance to ask Marceau several questions.

「Is it really necessary for me to receive permission before opening a street stall?」 (Haruto)

「Yes, you must first receive permission from town-hall. However, there is a sales tax; it is 1% for citizens and 5% for foreigners.」 (Marceau)

As expected, there is a sales tax.

「Then, is it better to get my citizenship?」 (Haruto)

「Umm, citizens have a 10% income tax. But, if you plan to settle in this country it is better to become a citizen early so you don’t have to pay the foreigner tax.」 (Marceau)

Now that Haruto thought about it, he recalled a talk about a tax for staying more than 3 months. Because there is no certainty of him finding a way home, it is best for Haruto to get his citizenship before any possible trouble can occur.

「Well, you are a wandering traveler so you probably aren’t going to stay in this country for long. But, do please consider becoming a citizen here. This county’s taxes are low and the food here is delicious. Also, immigrants are very welcome here. Besides, it would make Maria happy.」 (Marceau)

Marceau laughs loudly. While feeling happy, Haruto thought that this family is good people.

「Haha, thank you very much. I will consider becoming a citizen here. For now, I will go to the public office.」 (Haruto)

Haruto pays for his meal.

「Hey, thank you for your patronage and take care.」 (Marceau)

◆◆◆

As he traveled to the central plaza, Haruto thought about getting his citizenship. He knew of no method to return home. The world is fairly big so if he were to receive his citizenship, Haruto could possible travel the lands in search of a way home. However, Haruto doesn’t have a strong desire to go home. If there were a way for him to make a living here, it might not be such a bad things for his bones to eventually be laid to rest in this country.

(Well, for the time being, I should go and have a talk with the public office. Perhaps, there might be a duty to serve in their military.)

As he thought about it, Haruto arrived in the central plaza. He saw a large fountain and children running around. Haruto looked around and noticed plenty of large buildings. One by one, he checks the signboards.

(Courthouse, citizen’s assembly, the slave trading firm looks quite grand…… ah, over there is the public office.)

Having found the public office, he enters. Inside it holds the same serious atmosphere that a government office would have. While feeling nervous, Haruto starts a conversation with the male attendant that looked the youngest.

「Excuse me, I am here for permission to open a street stall.」 (Haruto)

「Ah, okay then. Please hand me your entry permit.」 (male attendant)

As he was told, Haruto took out his entry permit.

「Haruto・Asuma, correct? Okay, confirmed. Will this be your first street stall?」 (male attendant)

「Yes, that’s right.」 (Haruto)

Upon Haruto’s reply, the man gave him a sneering smile.

「I see, then I will give you an explanation. A street stall is allowed to operate from sunrise to sunset. Without exceptions, a license has to be requested before a street stall can be opened. And, without exceptions, to operate after sunset a license has to be received from town hall. Now as for sales tax…… Asuma-sama, you are a foreigner, therefore, you will have to pay a 5% sales tax. In the case that you falsify information, you will serve 5 years in prison or be fined 3 million Doraria. If you happen to operate without the necessary permit, you will be fined 50,000 Doraria.」 (male attendant)

The explanation about penalties ends. Haruto etched it into his mind so that he would not forget as the fines were not low at all.

「Do you want your permit issued today?」 (male attendant)

For the time being, Haruto is not yet prepared. It would be pointless to have it issued today.

「No, I am fine for today. I would like to ask about another matter?」 (Haruto)

「Okay. First shall I explain about social positions. In this country there is a 1st-class citizen・2nd-class citizen・3rd-class citizen・foreigner’s are in the 4th category. Should I stop here?」

Haruto has heard of the term citizen and foreigner but he doesn’t know about 1st-class and 2nd-class citizens. The duties and obligations that these social positions have, Haruto doesn’t know.

「I would like to hear more…… can you start from the beginning?」 (Haruto)

The man shows an unpleasant expression and doesn’t response.

「Yes, okay. First off, the term 1st-class citizen refers to the average citizens of Clarice. They pay a 10% income tax and are obligated to serve in the military. Although the draft has not been in use for ages. However, there is a draft exemption tax; in times of emergencies, Clarice will use the money from this tax to hire mercenaries. As such there is nothing to worry about. The exemption tax is about 50,000 Doraria per year.」 (male attendant)

Upon hearing this, Haruto felt relieved. He didn’t want to die on a battlefield in another world.

「Next, as for 2nd-class citizens. They are people who have not paid their residence tax and income tax for the past 2 years. They have been deprived of their entry permit and citizen card. In certain cases, those who have committed minor crimes will be dropped to a 3rd class citizen. If they were to commit a serious crime they could receive the death penalty.」 (male attendant)

In other words, they are people without a family and are unemployed. Haruto assumes that Lora is probably a 2nd-class citizen.

「Next are 3rd-class citizens. To sum it up, they are slaves. As I previously mention, a 2nd class citizen that has committed a crime or a 1st-class/ 2nd-class citizen with an unpaid debt will be dropped to this class. They will then become a slave and sold on auction at the slave market. The market price for a healthy adult male is about 2 million Doraria. Although slaves are not fundamental treated humanely, it is prohibited to use injustice violence against them and minimum necessities & wages must be paid to them. Again, the slave owner must pay 5% of the slave’s purchase price as a slave tax every year. However, if a slave goes against their owner they will receive the death penalty. By the way, a slave can buy his/ her freedom, or an owner with good intentions can release the slave.」 (male attendant)

The slave system is nothing like modern-day slavery, but more comparable to the ancient Roman and Greek slave system. Haruto was slightly relieved to hear it.

「Lastly, foreigners. This is Asuma-sama’s current social position. If you were to stay for more than 3 months you will be obligated to pay 100,000 Doraria in tax. And, as for taxes…… the sales tax and the slave tax will be higher. If you were to commit a crime, the punishment for foreigners has a tendency to be fairly heavy.」 (male attendant)

This it the first Haruto has heard about affairs pertaining to criminal offensives. Upon hearing the information, Haruto felt relieved. As he thought, it would be less restraining if he became a citizen.

Haruto considered getting his citizenship. There are too many demerits for being a foreigner in this country. It is it probably better for him to get his citizenship early.

「How do I get my citizenship?」 (Haruto)

Hearing Haruto say this, the male attendant showed a delightful smile.

「Do you wish to immigrate to our country? We will offer you a warm welcome. Ah, you are required to be able to write this country’s characters. If you are able, I can fetch the official documents right away. However, you will not be able to give up your citizenship for 10 years. In case you do abandon your citizen prior to the 10 year grace period, you will be fined 10 million Doraria.」 (male attendant)

The citizenship is not unconditional and the terms are not particularly strict. Haruto decided to acquire his citizenship.

「Then, I would like to become a citizen.」 (Haruto)

「Yes, thank you very much. Now then, fill out this document, please.」 (male attendant)

The document asked for one’s name, age, place of residence, occupation, and other such questions.

While filling out the document, Haruto was glad that he had learned the written characters at the library.

Haruto hands over the document he completed and then the male attendant passed Haruto a metal plate.

「This is your citizenship card. You citizenship card can be reissued during the time taxes are collected; however, I ask that you please don’t lose it.」 (male attendant)

Haruto tucks away his citizen card in his pocket. He has now officially become a citizen of Clarice.

After expressing his gratitude, he exited the building. 4 days ago, never in this wildest dream did Haruto expect that he would be transported to another world and then became a resident there.

For now, Haruto needs the necessary funds for opening his business. Perhaps the 300,000 Doraria he has now is sufficient but Haruto wanted as least 500,000 Doraria just to be sure.

(Okay, should I go sell the 1 yen coins?)

A 1-yen coin…… to be accurate, Haruto is referring to aluminum. Nowadays, the cost of aluminum is very low as it is mass produced for use with electricity. Although, in earlier times, it was regarded as valuable and trading it was considered high-end business transactions. It just happens that Haruto has 20 or so these 1 yen coins as he isn’t the type of person who was bothered with carrying small change. It would normally be troubling to have spare change in one’s pocket but in the case of being in other another world, these 1 yen coins are treasures.

First off, he needs to verify the market price at the library. Haruto flips through a picture book with information pertaining to rare metals and found the page about aluminum. It says 1g is worth 100,000 Doraria. Personally, Haruto thought the value was too high; although, the amount he would end up receiving is going to be more than enough. He closed the book and then placed it back on the shelf before exiting the library.

Haruto’s goal now is to find a place to sell the 1 yen coins. As this is a big city, there is bound to be a shop that will purchase these coins. If possible, Haruto wanted it to be a well-established shop.

He went to the central plaza and searched for a store that specializes in precious metals. After searching for a little while, he discovered a showy signboard. There were wealthy looking people coming and going from the shop here. Haruto thought “this it the place”, as he went inside.

「Welcome, okyaku-sama. What do you need?」 (store clerk)

Haruto saw the store clerk directing a broad sneering grin towards him. The currently Haruto looks poor and thus he appears out of place.

「I would like to have some precious metals appraised.」 (Haruto)

「I see, is it a ring or perhaps a necklace?」 (store clerk)

Haruto shakes his head no and then took out a 1 yen coin.

「In the east, they use light silver coins. I would like to convert these into the gold coins that are used here.」 (Haruto)

For a moment, the store clerk was surprised but then the person’s broad grin returns.

「I see, then I will have a look…… ah, this is aluminum. Is this all?」 (store clerk)

「No, I have about 20 of these.」 (Haruto)

Upon Haruto’s reply, the store clerks eyebrows moved.

「I see…… by the way, is this another country’s currency?」 (store clerk)

For a second, Haruto was troubled but then he recited a name.

「Yes, from the country of Cipangu it seems.」 (Haruto)

Haruto replies to the store clerks question.

「This will be difficult. Can you wait awhile?」 (store clerk)

That is natural as each 1 yen coin is worth at least 100,000 Doraria.

「Yes, that is fine.」 (Haruto)

Upon Haruto’s reply, the store clerk went to the back of the shop. Chances are, he is going to weigh the coins and check up on the country called Cipangu. In the first place, the country called Cipangu doesn’t exist in this world.

A short while later, the store clerk returned from the interior of the store.

「Yes, it is indeed aluminum. How about each one for 90,000 Doraria.」 (store clerk)

That is below the market price. Besides, there are times when hard-currency has additional value. The market price should be a bit higher. The store clerk is probably thinking Haruto is an ignorant foreigner.

「No, that is too low. The market price is at least 100,000 Doraria; although, I think the current value should be a bit more.」 (Haruto)

Upon Haruto’s answer, the store clerk seemed a little troubled. Haruto carefully listens to the store clerks attempt to bargain.

「Then, how about 110,000 Doraria?」(The current market price is about 140,000 Doraria; although it could probably fetch for 150,000 Doraria.)

For a moment, Haruto doubted his ears when he heard the overlapping voice. “Just where is it coming from?”, he thought. As an experiment, Haruto tried raising the price.

「Huh, I think the current market price is about 140,000 Doraria. Wait, that was careless of me. I think I could probably sell it for about 170,000 Doraria, so how about for that much?」 (Haruto)

As Haruto say this, he watched as the store clerk’s expression collapsed. Afterward, Haruto carefully listens to what the store clerk says.

「That is too high. Besides…… it’s only worth about 150,000 Doraria.」 (Why…… if he knew the market price, he should have just said so from the start. Just when I thought I could beat down the price. Whatever. I can still make plenty of profit for 150,000 Doraria.)

As Haruto assumed, he can hear an overlapping voice. Perhaps, that voice was the speaker’s true intentions. Haruto decided to utilize this ability for the time being, showing that he is fairly capable of adapting to this world.

「Then, please confirm the trade, 20 coins for 3 million Doraria.」 (store clerk)

Haruto counts the gold coins that enter the pouch. Certainly, there are 30 gold coins.

「Thank you very much. When I have the chance, I will be sure to purchase a few of your expensive goods.」 (Haruto)

「I will be looking forward to it.」 (Saying that in such a good mood, don’t you dare come back here again……)

The moment Haruto left the store, he instantly felt tired. Although he isn’t sure how to use the funds, the negotiation went in his favor. And thus, he decided to use it the best he could.

With a large amount of money in his custody, Haruto headed for the inn. While half way from the inn, he arrived near the slave market. In front of the slave market, there was a loud commotion. Wondering what was happening, he when over to look and then overheard people speaking.

「Like I was saying, I didn’t steal it. It is the truth!! Please, believe me. Let me go!!」 (Lora)

「Liar! There is no way an orphan like you can have a wallet with money in it. In the first place, why should we trust the words of a bread thief!!」 (???)

Lora has been arrested……

====

Expenses: 400

Income: 3 Million.

Remaining Balance: 3,351,900

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