211: Chapter 128, Ripple Effects_3 211: Chapter 128, Ripple Effects_3 If it wasn’t for that accidental harvest, I wouldn’t have been able to make it.

Now, this is the best opportunity.

Once we miss it, it would be hard to control the two counties.”

Baron Caryo spoke indifferently.

It’s not a big deal to be ruthless towards others, but the key is to be ruthless to oneself.

Even his own domain is not spared.

If word spreads out about this poison,probably no one will believe it.

…

Dardiel City.

With the news of the locust infestation, this city, which had just begun to regain some of its prosperity, was once again in a state of depression.

The grain stores controlled by the Manor House had already started to distribute rations on a per person basis daily, with prices soaring.

The high cost of living forced many merchants to move out involuntarily.

Baron West was very helpless, the grains that he purchased were expensive and there was room for price reduction.

Most importantly, after the news of the disaster spread, the noble lords of the surrounding domains tightened their belts and halted all unnecessary expenses.

All entertainment establishments closed.

All luxury goods and optional consumer goods lost their market overnight.

The best-selling goods now are grain and cloth, followed by salt.

Iron-made farming tools are still salable, but for non-necessary goods, the sellers exceed the buyers.

Not making money is a minor concern, the key is that even opening a store is losing money.

After assessing the resilience to risk of the noble lords of the area, the merchants quickly concluded that things were going to get worse.

They realized that if they didn’t leave while order was still being maintained, once the locust disaster hit and famine erupted, and “mountain bandits” were everywhere, they would not be able to escape.

Everyone fears that when they can’t make a living, the kind looking Lord West will be the first to turn against them.

The prejudice is so severe.

Even though Baron West has been doing quite well, a bias against the nobility of the Northland has long been ingrained among the people.

Crushing a flying grasshopper, Baron West asked reluctantly, “Faren, is there really no way to avoid this locust disaster?”

No one wants to give up what they have worked hard to establish, but in the face of natural disasters, human power is extremely faint.

“Young Master, at present these scattered grasshoppers do not pose much of a threat.

But once these unassuming creatures form an army, that’s the most terrifying calamity.

What is more worrying is that this locust plague has signs of human intervention behind it, which makes it even more difficult to control the disaster situation.

Everyone is preparing for the worst.

Some domains have already begun to deliberately reduce the number of Orc slaves to lower food consumption.

The Mountain Domain that you are most concerned about is now capturing and storing dried grasshoppers.

They say it’s for feeding livestock, but I think it’s mostly for the Orcs.

Once the locust disaster strikes, due to the pressure from the food supply, the Mountain Baron will probably have to reduce the number of Orc slaves.

Nearly all lords have issued orders prohibiting serfs from marrying and sleeping together in preparation for the possible famine.

Even the native nobles have such an intense reaction, let alone us outsiders.

The neighboring provinces have also been hit by the locust plague, so it’s impossible to buy grain from outside.

At this point, we have no choice but to prepare for the worst.

If the merchants want to leave, let them.

It can help reduce some food consumption.

Leave them with gratitude, and invite them back after the disaster.

Having gone through this, their confidence in the domain would be strengthened.”

Steward Faren tried to persuade.

In times of great disaster, it’s key to save as much as possible.

Unfortunately, the reserves in Dardiel, are significantly insufficient.

Even if all of these tasks are done, it will still be very difficult to make it through until the next spring.

In order to increase the grain reserves, many nobles are organizing teams to hunt in the forests.

All kinds of wild animals are also suffering a devastating blow from this.

Including wild vegetables in the grain reserve is a standard operation.

Some calculating lords might even calculate tree barks and grass roots.

“Begin to gradually reduce the number of slaves so as to make their reduction seem natural and avoid damaging our reputation.

Sell all that can be sold, including those dancers.

Take advantage of their current value and dispose of them.

From now on, reduce the rations for non-productive domain people by another 20%.

Just maintain the basic living materials.

Mobilize all our secretly established connections to purchase grain as much as possible.

Send someone to keep an eye on the movements of large grain merchants.

Take advantage when the opportunity arises to make a deal.

At this point, there is no need to pretend anymore.”

Baron West said expressionlessly.

As if he didn’t care about the potentially horrific consequences of this order.

“Yes, young master!”

The old steward responded without any sign of advising against it.

Cold, determined, and ruthless…

these were the virtues of the nobility.

If you want to fare better in this competitive world, you have to discard any sense of mercy and face this harsh world with the most rational mentality.

…

In Qiaomu County, the nobles who successfully repelled the Locust Army were not rejoicing.

Instead, they worried about the endless locust hordes.

Even the strong have their limits.

Even strongmen would get tired.

The top performers in the early battles were now replaced

Returning to the camp, Hudson became the center of attention once more.

He was covered in Insect Kings.

He captured five Insect Kings single-handedly and alive.

The number of insects he had caught was almost the same as everyone else combined.

It can only be said that the allure of Beast Milk and honey was too great.

If it had not been for Hudson dragging him, Belsden would not have wanted to return yet.

The bear could stand it, but the human could not.

After so much work, Hudson almost collapsed.

He had to forcefully drag Belsden to stop.

Of course, the main reason was that it was not good to catch Insect Kings at this time.

Even if there were any that slipped through the net, they would hide far away.

Intelligent creatures would not risk their lives knowing that danger lies ahead.

The once united Locust Army now divided into several groups was a perfect proof.

While gathering was helpful for their evolution, the most important thing in front of life was still their own life.

“The locusts have one clear destination, and that is my Southeastern Province.

Even if they are forced to detour they do not change their destination.

Now it is certain that someone has spread locust temptation in the Southeastern Province.

Fortunately, you all took action and dispersed the Locust Army.

The possibility of the birth of the Insect Emperor was eliminated or else this disaster would have been uncontrollable.

We are not sure who this enemy is yet.

We can only remember this for now and settle accounts with them once we find out.

I hope you all can continue the good work and solve all the remaining Insect Kings.

The kingdom will not forget your contributions.”

It was obvious that Earl Piers was really tired.

He even skipped the usual niceties.

Hudson felt that this had to do with the people present being difficult to bluff.

Making promises is easy, but keeping them is hard.

These strongmen are stubborn, if he doesn’t keep his word they dare to beat up the governor.

Rather than attempting sly tactics and getting into trouble, it is better to be genuine, and earn their goodwill.