What would happen if I were to keep taxes after collecting them?
Because it occurred to me, after gathering the taxes from Reydavan, that I had about 7000 denar in my hand. Not only did that mean I had to be extra careful of outlaws, but I realised I could, if I wanted to be unscrupulous, spend it on a nice new bit of armour. King Yaro-whatsit wouldn't be too happy, I imagine, but what would actually happen?
Nothing i guess, youd just have less money to spend on other stuff...
As far as I know, there is no requirement to give your money to the king. So you can do whatever you want with it.
EDIT: Should have read it properly. If you still have enough money to pay him, you can pay him and he won't be any the wiser.
you loose relationship if you fail (run out of time) the quest, but if you are suffering a sudden shortfall you can use it and then use your money to pay him later
I suppose a good time to do it might be just before pledging allegience to another kingdom.
For example, let us suppose the Vaegirs and Swadians are at war. The King of the Vaegirs asks me to collect the taxes from Reyvadin. I reap in the tidy sum, then hotfoot it to Swadia, hire myself and my men as mercs to them, and keep the money. Since the Vaegirs will hate me now anyway, I might as well make the most of it.
it's perfectly ok to do that