It was the same tavern as before. Lawrence didn’t want to go to the bakery because this may put some pressure on Quenya who is gradually getting better at handling it. Of course, Lawrence will eventually scrutinize Quenya’s actions more and more.

As he entered, several of the regulars who spotted him raised their mugs of ale or beer in pointed respect before leaving Lawrence alone. They knew he liked his privacy. The table by the window was empty as usual. Lawrence sat down, ordering fish sticks as well as a mug of ale.

The barmaid quietly took her order – There was no flirting by her unlike what she did with the other patrons.

Lawrence reached into his inventory and took out a book that he had in his inventory since the day he joined the game. It was a simple book, titled Tales of the Bard.

It was a highly amusing book about a bard that travelled to different lands to deal with different situations, be it through songs or dance.

“That bored waiting for me?”

A familiar voice and Lawrence looked up from his book. Halafina, in the signature dark blue robes that distinguished the Civil Defense from the others. Laying down her baton on the table, she got the attention of the barmaid, simply pointing to Lawrence’s mug and raising her finger.

A mug of ale.

“No, its just that I like to read once in awhile.”

“A knight who can read, not many people can read you know?” Halafina smirked and Lawrence placed the book aside, turning his attention to Halafina.

“How do you find the Civil Defense?” Lawrence asked and Halafina nodded satisfactorily.

“There is free food, free lodging and the pay is good. Can’t ask for more. You won’t be finding a better deal in these parts, that’s for sure.”

“Did you enroll for insurance?” Lawrence asked and Halafina shook her head.

“Didn’t understand it. But they said it would be compulsory for everyone to get it soon anyway. You want to make it easier for a dumb woman to understand?” Halafina smirked, brushing her hair aside.

The idea of insurance was never new. It started as early back as 800 BC.

Circa 800 BC, the inhabitants of Rhodes created the 'general average'. This allowed groups of merchants to pay to insure their goods being shipped together. The collected premiums would be used to reimburse any merchant whose goods were jettisoned during transport, whether to storm or sinkage.

Separate insurance contracts were invented in Genoa in the 14th century, as were insurance pools backed by pledges of landed estates. The first known insurance contract dates from Genoa in 1347, and in the next century maritime insurance developed widely and premiums were intuitively varied with risks.

The first life insurance policies were taken out in the early 18th century. The first company to offer life insurance was the Amicable Society for a Perpetual Assurance Office, founded in London in 1706 by William Talbot and Sir Thomas Allen.

In 1883 the first national compulsory health insurance law was passed in Germany. The compulsory health insurance idea spread slowly from Germany, accelerating after the turn of the 20th century.

With people now becoming more and more affluent, Lawrence introduced the first state mandated healthcare, which resembled Singapore’s CPF system. Employers were required to pay an additional 20% of their employees’ salary to a separate government coffer which was used for state investments and healthcare coverage.

On top of that, within the taxation, employees had to pay 10-15% of their income depending on the amount they were making.

When one fell sick, they could simply be treated for free using this amount that has been saved. If one hurt themselves in an accident that rendered them immobile, they were liable to be compensated as well.

With this, craftsmen, farmers and many more felt safe and covered – Knowing that seeing a doctor was no longer a dream to them. In medieval times, seeing an actual practicing doctor, no matter how archaic the practice, was only available to the wealthy and powerful.

The Tower of Mercy however, maintained a policy on keeping census on the poor locally and they were offered free medical treatment if need be. However, Lawrence was told that the poor would have no issues finding a job soon as the place was getting busier and busier, even as winter sets in.

Lawrence then proceeded to explain the types of insurance there was now.

Healthcare, which covers for when someone falls sick. Life insurance, in the event that you pass on and doubles as a long term savings plan and accident insurance.

“So… As a civil servant I already get them or…” Halafina asked, comprehension not one of her strongest suits.

“Well, yes and no. If you opt out, you get more cash on hand, but you don’t qualify for the life insurance plans. You see, the money put forward by the employer and yourself is guaranteed by the government here.”

“It is also used by the government here to invest in certain ventures, be it within this town or outside of it. When there is a profit, it is split accordingly to the people who invest in them.”

“So I can earn more money as well?” Halafina said, almost a bit too loudly. Lawrence grinned. No one hated money.

“Well, kind of. Some years when the fund earns less, you will get less back. When times are good, you get more, to put it simply,” Lawrence said.

“Oh… I better go and sign up then…” Halafina said, tapping her chin and happily drinking her ale after it was served. She mercilessly dug in on Lawrence’s fish sticks.

“So what’s next for the knight? Expanding your fief? Conquering distant lands? Joining on a crusade?” Halafina asked and this reminded Lawrence about Karl Franz. Perhaps Lawrence should write him a letter?