Scribe Edwin Morley was on the verge of a complete breakdown.

  He had been a loyal servant of the Imperial Treasury for over a decade. He had handled complex tax reports, resolved accounting errors, and even uncovered fraud rings.

  But nothing—nothing—could have prepared him for Duskwatch.

  His hands trembled as he dipped his quill into the inkwell, composing a letter to his superior.

  To: Lord Treasurer Aldwin Grayford

  Imperial Treasury, Capital City

  Subject: The Catastrophe That Is Duskwatch’s Tax Records

  My Lord,

  I have checked the numbers three times, and they continue to be nonsense.

  Duskwatch has reported zero taxes collected for the last three months. Normally, this would indicate an economic disaster, widespread poverty, or possibly a revolt.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  However, according to trade records and merchant guild reports, Duskwatch’s economy is thriving.

  Exports have tripled. Local commerce is booming. Even bandit activity has vanished (which, frankly, raises even more questions).

  And yet, there are no tax collectors in the region.

  Because Lord Veilwood abolished taxes.

  I did not believe this at first. I assumed a clerical error. Perhaps a delay in tax collection? Corruption? Mismanagement?

  No. The man actually just canceled taxes.

  And instead of economic collapse, the town is doing better than ever.

  This goes against every fundamental principle of imperial taxation.

  I attempted to contact Duskwatch’s tax office. There is no tax office. It has been converted into a bakery.

  I then reached out to the former tax collectors. They have all resigned.

  One now runs a successful tea shop.

  Another has taken up poetry.

  A third simply left a note saying, "Finally free," and has not been seen since.

  Lord Grayford, I do not know how to proceed.

  If this situation continues, other provinces may attempt to follow Duskwatch’s example.

  If word spreads, the entire tax system could be called into question.

  I urgently request guidance before this spirals further.

  Respectfully losing my sanity,

  Scribe Edwin Morley

  Imperial Treasury