The journey to the new Alpine territory took a total of 1.5 days, and we arrived in the afternoon on the 16th of Apollo. As we entered the city of Alryne—the capital of the Viscounty of James—I made my way to the castle. At its gates, guards stood watch, their presence commanding. Upon presenting the viscounty deed, I was granted easy entry into the building. Without delay, I proceeded to the study, where I began reviewing the governing documents.
For five hours, I meticulously analyzed the records, uncovering the following details: The total population of the viscounty's province was 21,762 spread across 730.8km², resulting in a population density of 29.77 people per km². The average yearly household income was 508 NSD, yet due to a staggering 50% tax rate, citizens were left with only 254 NSD in usable wages. With the minimum yearly cost of food and shelter amounting to 229.6 NSD—or 13.35 NSD per month—residents were left with merely 24.4 NSD for additional expenses such as clothing, luxuries, and personal improvements.
This situation, in my opinion, was utterly outrageous. Unless one belonged to the upper class, survival was barely feasible, leaving no room for comfort or advancement. Recognizing that similar economic conditions plagued the other territories, I resolved to initiate reform. The first step was to address the financial burden on the people. I called upon the butler who had accompanied me, instructing him to retrieve high-quality paper produced by Apollo Materials. Within five minutes, he returned with a pristine sheet measuring 203.2 mm by 406.4 mm. With determination, I began to write the following:
The People's Act of 1442
An Act to Reform Taxation and Establish Public Welfare Initiatives.
In the new ownership of the territories of formal nobles Henry Owden, Cartier James, Leon Teriona by the newly appointed Earl Owen Alpine he has came to address growing needs of the citizens and the necessity of fostering economic stability, the governing body or Earl Alpine hereby enacts The Citizens Act of 1442, which seeks to provide financial relief through taxation reforms while initiating large-scale welfare projects to improve the quality of life for all inhabitants.
Effective immediately upon ratification, the general taxation rate imposed upon the citizens shall be reduced from fifty percent (50%) to ten percent (10%). This reduction aims to alleviate financial burdens, encourage economic activity, and stimulate trade and prosperity throughout the realm.
To ensure fiscal responsibility, the treasury shall be funded by the existing company owned by Earl Alpine, Apollo this will be done taxing all goods by a total of 20% of all sales completed by Apollo in the new Earldom of Alpine
In furtherance of communal well-being, a national providence initiative shall be undertaken to construct and maintain essential welfare buildings and infrastructure projects that benefit the people. These initiatives shall include the development of public parks to foster recreation and communal engagement, the construction of hospitals to ensure access to healthcare, and the expansion of roadways to enhance transportation, commerce, and connectivity between regions. Additionally, new government buildings shall be erected to support administrative functions, while housing projects shall be developed to address residential needs and provide secure living conditions for all citizens.
To ensure the successful implementation of this Act, a government reform will take place. The first major change involves land redivision, establishing distinct administrative units: for every 100 km², a district ill be established; and for every 10,000 km², a county will be designated. Within these divisions, officials will be appointed, starting at the district level. A key reform in governance will allow people to run for office positions every eight years, with the first election scheduled to take place at the end of this year.
Continuing the Earldom of Alpine now changes it adopted currency to the New Sun Dollar (NSD) with the ability to exchange gold Ran and Thal for NSD by the new Bank of Apollo Branch opening tomorrow Apollo 16th, additional the Reserve Bank of Apollo (RBA) reserves all rights to print and mint valid currency under the Earl of Apine directive.
Furthermore, to safeguard the longevity of these measures, investments shall be made in labor programs to train workers for infrastructural development, creating jobs and reinforcing the stability of the economy. Support systems for local artisans and businesses shall also be integrated into the framework to encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen domestic industries.
This Act, having been duly reviewed and approved by the governing leader Earl Alpine, shall take effect immediately upon its formal proclamation. All government officials and relevant authorities are hereby instructed to enforce its provisions and work collectively toward the fulfillment of its objectives.
Failure to do so will result in property's being confiscated and chance of jailing.
After finalizing the document, I added my signature at the bottom, followed by the newly designed Alpine family seal—a triangle symbolizing the unity of the people, businesses, and government, rendered in bold red ink. Finally, the Apollo seal was placed, its golden sun representing the mutual agreement of all parties.