Many people do not understand what kind of world this is, resulting in strange comments - for those who do not know what kind of world this is, you can take a look at this!
- About the power structure in most countries in this world -
King←Prince←Duke←Marquess←Count←Viscount←Baron←Knight(Noble Knight)←Commoner←Slave
There are also classifications such as XX General, XX Admiral, National Hero, and other positions appointed by the king.
Of course, there are also completely autocratic countries under imperial rule.
- About the value of money -
Initially, 100 copper coins equals 1 silver coin
10 silver coins equals 1 gold coin
10 gold coins equals 1 Shan coin
Exchange rates may vary depending on the country and region.
Lower-class commoners (farmers) can only come into contact with copper or silver coins. The rich or poor status completely depends on the local lord. (For example, the average farmer in XX territory can afford silver coins, while in other territories, they can't even afford copper coins, and there may even be famine)
The lord is the law. If excessive taxes are levied, the lower-class commoners will starve to death. (Most inhumane lords do not kill the hen that lays the golden egg, only a few do not care about the lives of the lower class)
Lower-class commoners usually trade goods for goods when buying things or sell items to obtain coins for purchasing. More often than not, they grow their own food.
The idea of raising cattle and sheep for personal consumption is impossible. Farming families do not have the luxury to do so. If released into the wild, it would attract monsters or animals and may bring disaster upon the village. (Monsters who find food will not pass up the opportunity)
Raising animals such as cows and sheep is done by wealthy merchants who operate animal farms and provide meat for the market.
- Middle-class commoners -
They are commoners who live in towns. They do not have allocated land such as farmland and can only work for shops or merchants. Their average monthly salary is 1 gold coin. After paying taxes, they can barely meet their basic needs. If both parents or the whole family work, their lives are not too bad.
To avoid any misunderstanding, in this world, wealthy people are wealthy, and those without money cannot rise in status. Just having enough for basic needs means there is nothing left after the necessary expenses for living.
As for how the wealthy became wealthy, they risked their lives or used their bodies to seize opportunities, accumulated wealth, became merchants, and passed down their success through generations. If they failed in business, they became slaves.
In some rare cases, they may even become kings (laughs).
- Upper-class commoners -
They are intellectuals and naturally earn higher wages. For example, employees of guilds or chambers of commerce earn an average monthly salary ranging from 3 gold coins to 10 gold coins.
For popular employees like Eil, the monthly salary is only 5 gold coins. The highest-paid maids working for Lan earn an average of 5 gold coins as well.
Of course, there are also women engaged in normal prostitution and they could earn daily wages ranging from 1-10 gold coins, depending on the client's demands.
As for those who cannot pay taxes, there is only one conclusion - become a slave. If they resist, they will be forcibly turned into slaves, regardless of their life or death.
- The fate of slaves -
As mentioned above, not all slaves are criminals. They may include those who cannot pay for purchased items, contractual obligations, or those duped into contractual obligations, and so on. However, the outcome is the same - from the moment they become slaves, they lose their rights as human beings. Regardless of gender, they will receive training in serving and if they cannot be sold after a certain period, they will be sent to work in the mines until their death. Do not expect those in charge to treat slaves as humans. The ending is even more tragic for female slaves in such places.
- The lives of adventurers -
Here, adventurers are a collective term, including explorers and pioneers.
High rewards come with high risks. It's easier for veteran adventurers, but lower-level adventurers often have to stay in places like stables or even sleep on the streets. During winter, they rely on each other for warmth and many solo adventurers freeze to death during this time.
Magical protection?
If these people could use it, they wouldn't be lower-level adventurers.
On average, only 50 out of 100 adventurers survive each year. They have to share their earnings with their companions, and after deducting expenses for equipment, weapon maintenance, and food, what is left? People with common sense would do the calculations.
Usually, a round trip for a mission takes several days, and for large missions, it may take up to a month. Adventurers are not as romantic as people imagine.And one thing must be mentioned, the gender ratio in this world is 6 to 4, with a predominance of females, especially among adventurers. The number of female adventurers is significantly higher than that of males.
For male adventurers, a mistake means death, while for female adventurers, a mistake means death or becoming a breeding body.
Because many low-level monsters in this world are born from demon essence, there are only a few or no female individuals available for breeding. Therefore, they naturally capture individuals from other races, which is a survival strategy for these creatures.
There are also a few monsters, from the demon race, that are influenced by their sexual desires and enjoy committing acts of violence. In the end, there are still many women who can be saved, but men do not have this "lucky" opportunity.
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Lastly, I would like to add one more point.
Some readers have commented on the high cost of purchasing slaves and the issue of lower average wages.
Whether in a different world or in real life, this is normal. You may not understand why wealthy individuals are willing to spend billions to buy a gemstone or a piece of art for the sake of appreciation.
As for the value of slaves, they possess beauty, knowledge, and nearly 700 years of vitality. Does a few hundred Shan Coins seem luxurious to you?
(Slave traders work for the government, and involving emotions with the slaves would violate the law. Additionally, many people who purchase attractive slaves use them as prostitutes to earn profits. However, they usually do not buy expensive slaves in order to make excessive profits.)
Regardless of whether one accepts it or not, this is how the world is.
The protagonist experiences this world from a different level of power, but it does not mean that this world is beautiful!