Chapter 221: Leopold, King of Spain
January, 1729
Despite the fact they’d hated one another towards the end, his mother and father had died at the same time. Leopold remembered being woken up by his attendants and told that the Queen and her husband had died. He had not believed it. The old pains in his back had seemed as if they would live forever, and yet now they were gone. He did not know how to feel about that, but well it was the fact that they were gone and he was now undisputed King of Spain. Or rather Castile and Aragon and their associated Kingdoms. He had to bite back a laugh, knowing his councillors, some of whom were from his mother’s reign and others who he’d grown up with would likely not approve of him laughing.
He picked up the document before him. “The regional governor of Leon writes to say that he fears there will be discontent as winter continues. The taxation burden that our Mother placed on the realms it seems has come home to roost.”
Nicholas, Duke of Alcala and one of his mother’s financial advisors who he’d appointed Treasurer spoke then. “Sire, the taxation rate has seen the treasury filled with money. Money which has been used to improve the roads of the Kingdom, and to ensure that there is clear and clean water for the people to drink. If anyone is to rebel it will be those who were done for corruption.”
Leopold nodded, he had led the group that had penalised any noble caught taking money from the people and using it to aggrandise themselves. “We are aware. However, the way the governor writes, this is likely to be a serious issue. We need solutions.”
“The only solution would be to reduce the rate of taxation, Sire. Across the levels, to ensure nobody can complain.” Alcala said.
“That would cause such a shock to the system of the market, I am not sure it is wise.” The Marquess of Godoy said. Godoy was a friend of Leopold’s from childhood, but increasingly Leopold was finding him useless.
“It is the only solution I can think of to prevent a rebellion, Sire.” Alcala said. “Otherwise the army will need to be brought to the fore.”
Leopold shook his head. He knew the state of the army. “No. We shall not use the army. Begin a gradual rate of lowering the taxes, and inform the market of this movement, so that they do not respond harshly toward it.”
“Yes, Sire.” Alcala said.
Velez, his foreign minister spoke then. “Sire, if we are addressing the matter of taxation, I feel it prudent to mention the colonies.”
Leopold looked at the man and just knew that something bad was going to come his way. “What of them?”
“Sire, the Viceroy of Peru has written to state he fears that some of the nobles there and some of the merchant class feel they are not getting a suitable return in on their taxes.” Velez said.
Leopold snorted. “They are being protected by the third best fleet in the entire known world, they are no longer suffering at the hands of that man Barbanegra. What more do they want?”
“Similar works as are being done here, Sire.” Velez said softly. “They believe they are owed it.”
Leopold sighed. This was why he had wished for his mother to have implemented some reforms and to have broken the power of the nobles somewhat. Still, he supposed it was not so far for him to accomplish. “What are they suggesting?”
“They wish for roads to be built, or rather for the funding of roads, and for the funding for schools and missionaries. They also believe that they need more assistance in dealing with Portuguese raids.” Velez said.
“Do we have the funds for that?” He asked his treasurer.
“We do, Sire. Though we might need to send it in stages, and heavily guarded.” Alcala said.
“Then do so.” Leopold said. “We also want a paper written on the best way to reduce the power of the various Cortes.”
“Yes, Sire.” Godoy said, that would be his expertise put to use then.
Leopold nodded, and then said. “Our children are now of an age to marry, therefore, we wish to consider appropriate betrothals for them. However, we do not wish to align with the French anymore than we have to.” He thought he might physically harm himself if he married his daughter or son to a French royal.
There was some silence as his ministers considered this, then Godoy said. “I believe Archduke Joseph is considering marriage now after many years putting it off.”
“He is far too old for our daughters, and regardless we would not waste one of our daughters on him. His brother already has children.” Leopold said dismissively.
“The Crown Prince of Poland could be a suitable husband for Her Royal Highness Princess Theresa, Sire.” Godoy suggested then.
Leopold thought on it for a moment and then nodded his agreement. “Indeed, write to our ambassador in Poland, we shall speak with the Polish ambassador here and see if we can arrange something. And as for our son, perhaps a Neapolitan Princess could be considered. Maria Anna Victoria would make a sensible marriage.”
“Quite rightly so, Sire. Shall I write to the Neapolitan ambassador and ask him to return from his break?” Godoy asked.
“Yes, do so.” Leopold commanded.