224: Chapter 133, Coal Mine_1 224: Chapter 133, Coal Mine_1 The addition of a new shareholder brought the stagnant land reclamation operation back to life.

The reduced food supply was also restored to its normal level.

The autumn harvest was preserved, and all they needed was to get through to the next spring, when new grains would come in.

This famine in the Southeastern Province seemed to have passed.

Some households rejoiced while others grieved.

The unfortunate Baron Caryo, the most depressed loser, was still confined to a sickbed for self-reflection.

Having just emerged from the ivory tower, he was hit hard by the ruthless society, forcing him into deep self-doubt.

The nobles of the north were not having it easy either.

Although the disaster had passed, grains were rarely sold on the market.

While a group of native nobles were holding celebratory feasts for surviving the famine, they were still anxiously waiting for aid from the King.

Regrettably, the orders for this were executed by Earl Piers, who saw them as a thorn in the flesh.

Meetings about aiding the beleaguered noble lords in the Province were called periodically, but no outcomes were produced.

Every time they went to appeal, it was under discussion.

When the results would be available depended on the integrity of the bureaucrats.

Seeing days passing by and their grain storages diminishing, the noble lords could not sit idle anymore.

Someone started to engage in unscrupulous business, causing a sudden increase in people in Southeastern Province with no capital involved in trade.

In the beginning, they targeted only the teams transporting grains, but as it progressed, they robbed any convoy they encountered.

The chaos in social order further elevated the price.

Not only did it make life miserable for the merchants and travelers, but also a large number of free citizens in the city went bankrupt.

Robbery was easy, but it was hard to take away bulk spoils of war.

This attracted the attention of Noble Lords.

Robbing with their own hands would damage their reputations.

But if they eliminated these bandits, the spoils of war would be their legitimate income.

Nobles of the North were the most active in this regard, often arriving at the scene immediately after the crime and exterminating these “bandits.”

Doing it once or twice was okay, but as it happened more frequently, the situation changed.

The noble lords’ attitudes worsened, expressing strong hostility towards these “anti-bandit activists.”

…

“We can’t keep doing this!

Everyone is no fool.

With problems occurring again and again, people have long suspected us.

If one day we’re unlucky and caught in the act, it would be difficult to handle!”

Baron West said sternly.

“Honorable Baron West, our situation is different from yours.

Given a choice, we wouldn’t want to do this.

But we don’t have a choice.

The Governor’s Mansion obviously enjoys our misery and has no intention of helping.

Since they won’t help, we have to find our own way.

Though the methods are a bit despicable, we are helpless to avoid the people of our domain from starving.”

Baron Katelai said nonchalantly.

As everyone participates in the robbery, Baron West’s restraint is not due to his unyielding willpower.

Mainly because he acted early and gained a lot of grain.

Cutting back on the number of slaves in his domain, he could barely make it through the famine.

But it’s different for the rest of the Northern Nobles.

What they stole could not even fill up their gaps.

If they stop now, what will everyone eat?

Reputation is indeed important, but you must have it first.

Regrettably, it’s become public secret that the Northern Nobles robbed the merchants.

There’s no interference from the Governor’s Mansion because they were smart to choose those without strong backing.

Noticing this, many wealthy merchants with strong affiliations intentionally mobilized their connections to cover for them, hoping to take down their competitors.

However, as time went on, the issue escalated.

It became increasingly difficult to cover it up.

“Enough!

Everyone knows about your close relationship, Baron Katelai, with the Mountain Domain.

Would you also lack grain?

As far as I know, the Mountain Baron recently purchased a batch of grain from the outside.

Judging from the number of carts, he collected at least a million pounds.

And that was just one purchase.

If he wishes, your master, can amass tens of millions of pounds of grain.

Even if you serve a new master, there’s no need to use us as bargaining chips, is there?”

Baron West mocked.

It seems that he was genuinely irritated.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have brought such an insignificant matter to the table.

A noble must have some dignity, and even in confrontations, must maintain some restraint.

This kind of proactively burning bridges, blocking all possible ways of reconciliation, is entirely inconsistent with the noble’s style.

“Baron West, you must take responsibility for your words.

If you say I’m a traitor, please provide evidence for all to see.

Otherwise, I’m afraid people can’t take it lightly.

After all, no one wants to be accused with no proof.”

Baron Katelai said grimly.

He originally didn’t want to confront Baron West directly, but now, cornered, he had to tough it out.

No matter what, he couldn’t be label as a traitor.

Otherwise, there would be no place for him in noble society.

“Baron West, there must be a misunderstanding!

Katelai’s relations with the Mountain Domain is indeed too close, but it is too much to call him a traitor.