Announcement

A column of soldiers marches from the side of the castle toward the center. They push the crowds aside, creating a path to the center, where a platform has been erected. The captain wore a red cape with the coat of arms of Hydensburg. He stood on the pedestal. The people fell silent.

"I present to you the Highness of Hydensburg, Queen Bellatrice II!" he shouted in a loud voice.

The queen, surrounded by soldiers, strode up towards the tribune. Her dress was held from behind. She stepped on the tribune and began her speech.

With a sad look she began:

"Dear people. I regret to inform you that Your Majesty, King Henry V has passed away."

A gasp went through the crowd.

The queen's expression darkened and she looked gravely into the crowd.

"These are hard times, for all of us, I know. That our beloved king has also passed away is a tragedy. But still, we must remain strong.

So, as the first official act, I will have to raise taxes in his place. By 150%. I know for many it will be hard, but these steps are necessary.

As loyal citizens, do your part and Your Majesty will thank you. Farewell."

With that, she stepped down again and was escorted back to the castle by her entourage.

It was too late to walk straight back home now. At night, the streets outside the city were dangerous. So you and your wife decide to spend the night in an inn downtown.

The next morning you make your way back.

You don't talk much to each other. In fact, not at all. You both can't really believe it yet. You're still mad at the prices downtown. 20 gold coins per head for a room is a rip-off. And it was the cheapest you could find.

Mira couldn't get angry about the prices like you. She was just too depressed for that. She knew you were ruined. You've always just managed to get by before. But now you had no chance to pay the taxes. You knew that too.

Only when you were back home did Mira start talking.

"What should we do Gunther ?" she asked sadly.

"Don't worry honey, somehow we will manag.."

"..500 gold coins! 500! We won't earn that in half a year and the taxes are already due next month. We'll have to shut down. Otherwise we'll end up in the dungeon when the taxes are collected and we can't pay!"

"We can do it. Trust me," you say confidently.

Mira looks at you doubtfully.

"And how are we supposed to do that, please?"

"I have a plan. Just trust me."

You leave the room and go to the bar to pour yourself some ****. Now you have time to think because you have absolutely no plan. You're screwed.

Amount of the tax: 500

Due in: 4 weeks