The following morning, Izuku summoned two of his most trusted retainers: Kenzo, the meticulous and sharp-minded Finance Minister, and Hiroshi, the stoic and fiercely loyal butler who had overseen the Daimyo's personal wealth since his grandfather's era. Both men entered the chamber with a respectful bow, their expressions reflecting the weight of the recent unrest and the looming external threats.
"Kenzo-dono, Hiroshi-dono," Izuku began, his voice serious, "I have called you here to discuss the economic situation of Iceland and a potential solution to the burdens our people currently bear."
Kenzo, a man with eyes that seemed to calculate every transaction, stepped forward slightly. "Daimyo-sama, as you know, the recent tax hikes, while necessary for bolstering our defenses, have caused significant hardship amongst the Kaze-no-Shinobi and other settlements. We are diligently working on managing the collected funds and ensuring their efficient allocation."
Hiroshi, a man of few words but unwavering dedication, stood silently beside Kenzo, his presence a testament to the long lineage of trust between his family and the Daimyo's.
Izuku nodded. "I am aware of your efforts. However, I have… come into possession of a significant sum of wealth, a private reserve that can be utilized to alleviate the current strain." He paused, letting his words sink in. "I speak of ten million gold coins."
The reaction was immediate and profound. Kenzo's usually composed face paled visibly, his calculating eyes widening in disbelief. Hiroshi, whose stoic mask rarely wavered, actually gasped, his hand instinctively moving towards his side as if steadying himself.
"Ten… ten million gold coins, Daimyo-sama?" Kenzo stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Where… how…?"
Hiroshi, equally stunned, managed to find his voice. "Daimyo-sama, with all due respect, are you certain? The entire wealth managed by the Finance Ministry currently stands at approximately twenty-eight million gold coins. And the personal wealth of your esteemed family, which I have diligently overseen for decades, amounts to seventeen million. Ten million… it is an extraordinary sum."
Izuku observed their shock, understanding its magnitude. Their combined efforts over years had amassed a considerable fortune, yet the amount he spoke of was a significant fraction of their total holdings.
"I understand your surprise," Izuku said calmly. "The source of these funds is… unconventional, something I will explain in due time when I have a clearer understanding myself. For now, what matters is that these ten million gold coins are available for the benefit of Iceland."
Kenzo, ever the pragmatist, quickly recovered from his initial shock. "Daimyo-sama, if this is indeed true, it presents an unprecedented opportunity. We could significantly reduce, or even temporarily eliminate, the recent tax hikes. This would quell the discontent amongst the Kaze-no-Shinobi and demonstrate your benevolence and strength."
Hiroshi nodded in agreement. "Furthermore, Daimyo-sama, these funds could be strategically invested to strengthen our infrastructure, support local industries, and improve the overall well-being of our people. It would send a powerful message of stability and prosperity, both internally and to our neighboring nations."
"Precisely," Izuku affirmed. "My intention is to use these funds judiciously and strategically. Kenzo-dono, I want you to prepare a detailed report outlining the current financial situation, the impact of the tax hikes, and a proposal for a temporary reduction or suspension utilizing a portion of these ten million gold coins. Focus on how this will specifically address the concerns of the Kaze-no-Shinobi and stabilize the internal situation."
He then turned to Hiroshi. "Hiroshi-dono, I will need your counsel on the most secure and discreet methods of managing and deploying these funds. We must ensure their safety and prevent any knowledge of this reserve from falling into the wrong hands, both within Iceland and beyond."
Both Kenzo and Hiroshi bowed deeply, their initial shock replaced by a sense of renewed purpose and a glimmer of hope.
"As you command, Daimyo-sama," Kenzo said, his mind already racing with calculations. "I will have the report prepared with utmost haste."
"We will safeguard this wealth with our lives, Daimyo-sama," Hiroshi added, his voice firm with unwavering loyalty.
Izuku watched them, a sense of relief washing over him. The burden of the economic crisis had just lessened considerably. With the loyalty and expertise of Kenzo and Hiroshi, this unexpected windfall could indeed be the key to navigating the internal strife and preparing for the external threats that loomed large on Iceland's borders. The system, it seemed, continued to offer solutions as quickly as it presented challenges.
Kenzo, ever the inquisitive mind, and Hiroshi, driven by his deep-seated responsibility for the Daimyo's well-being, couldn't let the matter of the ten million gold coins rest. As they discussed the logistics of the Daimyo's directives, the unspoken question hung heavy in the air.
Finally, Kenzo, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, respectfully broached the subject. "Daimyo-sama," he began cautiously, "forgive my persistence, but the sheer scale of this newfound wealth… it is unprecedented. If it is not impolitic to ask, could you shed some light on its origin? Such knowledge, even in broad strokes, might aid us in its management and security."
Hiroshi nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Daimyo-sama. My concern stems from ensuring the legitimacy and safety of these funds. Understanding their source would allow us to implement the most appropriate safeguards against any potential claims or threats."
Izuku had anticipated this question. He had spent the brief time since their last meeting formulating a plausible explanation, one that leveraged the mystique and occasional unpredictability often associated with powerful figures and ancient lineages. He leaned back slightly, adopting a thoughtful expression.
"Your concern is understandable and appreciated," Izuku said, his voice measured. "The truth is, this wealth has been… lying dormant for generations, a hidden reserve passed down through a secret lineage within my family. It was entrusted to a select few, with the understanding that it would only be revealed and utilized in a time of great need – a time such as this."
He continued, weaving a carefully constructed narrative. "My recent ascension and the challenges we now face triggered the revelation of this hidden store. The exact details of its accumulation are shrouded in the mists of time, involving… let's just say, successful ventures and prudent investments made by my ancestors in areas long since forgotten by the common knowledge. The key is that its existence was deliberately kept secret to protect it from those who might seek to exploit it prematurely."
To add a layer of credibility, Izuku included a touch of the esoteric. "There were… specific conditions tied to its release, conditions that have only recently been met. It is a testament to the foresight of my predecessors that such a reserve was established for a moment like this."
He looked at both men, his gaze steady. "While the full history remains a closely guarded secret, I assure you that these funds are legitimate and rightfully belong to the service of Iceland. Your trust in this matter is paramount."
Kenzo and Hiroshi exchanged glances. While the explanation was somewhat vague and leaned into the realm of family secrets, it held a certain logic within the context of noble houses and their hidden histories. It also subtly implied that further probing might be disrespectful to the Daimyo's lineage.
Kenzo, ever practical, focused on the implications. "Regardless of its precise origin, Daimyo-sama, its availability is a blessing. We will treat it with the utmost care and discretion."
Hiroshi nodded solemnly. "Your word is our bond, Daimyo-sama. We will ensure its security and deploy it according to your wise counsel."
Satisfied that his carefully crafted lie had been accepted, Izuku moved on to his next priority. "Beyond alleviating the immediate economic concerns, I have a vision for the future of Iceland's military strength. We must cultivate a new generation of warriors, skilled in both the traditional arts of the samurai and the more specialized techniques of the shinobi."
He gestured towards the plans laid out on a separate table. "I propose the establishment of a dedicated military school. This institution will provide rigorous training in swordsmanship, strategy, ninjutsu, and the newly revealed Breathing Styles. It will be a place where raw talent can be forged into unwavering strength and loyalty."
Kenzo immediately saw the long-term benefits. "A military academy, Daimyo-sama? This is a farsighted initiative that could secure Iceland's defenses for generations to come."
"The initial investment for establishing such a school, acquiring land, constructing facilities, and recruiting qualified instructors will be significant," Izuku stated. "Therefore, I am allocating 1.5 million gold coins specifically for the establishment and initial operation of this military academy."
Both Kenzo and Hiroshi were impressed by the scale of this commitment. 1.5 million gold coins was a substantial sum, highlighting the Daimyo's dedication to long-term military strength.
Izuku continued, "Furthermore, to bolster our immediate military capabilities, I am allocating an additional 2 million gold coins. These funds will be used to procure better equipment for our existing samurai and ninja forces, enhance our border defenses, and potentially recruit and train additional personnel in the Breathing Styles under Haruki-dono's guidance."
The allocation of a total of 3.5 million gold coins for military advancement underscored the Daimyo's resolve to protect Iceland from both internal and external threats.
"Daimyo-sama," Kenzo said, his voice filled with renewed confidence, "with these resources and your strategic vision, Iceland's future looks brighter than it has in a long time. We will work tirelessly to implement your plans."
"Indeed, Daimyo-sama," Hiroshi added. "The establishment of this military school and the strengthening of our forces will serve as a powerful deterrent to our enemies and a source of pride for our people."
Izuku nodded, a sense of purpose settling within him. The system's unexpected gift had provided him with the means to address Iceland's immediate problems and invest in its long-term security. The path ahead would still be fraught with challenges, but now, they had the resources and the burgeoning power of the Breathing Styles on their side.