King
Chapter 198 - 198 124 The Other Side of Nobility_2

198: Chapter 124, The Other Side of Nobility_2 198: Chapter 124, The Other Side of Nobility_2 They had initially planned to purchase a large number of cheap grains after the autumn harvest to meet their yearly food reserve.

However, instead of enjoying low cost, they were greeted by disastrous news.

Looking at the marked prices given by all the grain shops, Baron West nearly spit blood out of fury.

Before receiving the news of the “Locust plague outbreak”, the price of rye in the city was merely three and a half copper coins per pound.

It was a bit more expensive than directly purchasing from the hands of the noble lords, but there were discounts for large-scale purchases.

Now, the prices have skyrocketed, with an outrageous price of ten copper coins per pound for rye, non-negotiable.

Baron West really didn’t know how to handle it.

He had seen prices rise, but never in such a rapid and crazy manner.

The locust plague was still just news.

It hadn’t actually struck yet, had it?

What if all the Insect Kings are killed and the plague is controlled?

Unfortunately, under the shadow of fear, the whole market had gone mad.

The scramble for grains had already spread in the city.

One look at the anxious state of the free citizens lined up, one could understand the mounting anxiety of everyone in the moment.

In the face of disaster, the ability of these free citizens, who were barely making it in normal times, to withstand adversity was even less than that of serfs.

In a crisis, at least the serfs had the noble lords running around for them.

Unless it was a do or die situation, they wouldn’t let the serfs in their jurisdiction starve to death.

The weakest group of people, once bankrupt and falling into dire straits, would find their fate even worse than serfs.

They would either starve to death or be sold into slavery.

Panic buying often comes along with price hikes.

Especially when many food store owners learned that the lords of the counties of Layton and Wharton were planning to buy large quantities of food, it stimulated the grain merchants’ enthusiasm to raise prices.

Grain merchants in the city collectively raised their prices.

If one didn’t want to bear this exorbitant cost, they could only buy directly from the houses of the noble lords.

Perhaps it might have been worth trying before.

However, now that the news of the locust plague had reached the noble lords, who wouldn’t be hoarding and reluctant to sell their grains?

Even if they have excess grains to sell, they would prioritize their “own people”.

Unless the price is unreasonably high and irresistible, it would be difficult for these outsiders to buy enough grain.

This included the grain merchants, who, if it weren’t because of the fear that possessing large stocks of grain during famine may attract the attention of the nobles and could jeopardize their own security, would not have been selling so quickly.

“Young master, buy at the fastest speed you can!

Don’t worry about the price.

As long as grains are still available for sale, buy as much as we can.

After a while, even if we have money, it’ll be tough to buy any grain.

Once these grain merchants sell all their grain, it could be several months before they can get more stock.

If the locust plague hits hard, in case of extreme situations, the Governor’s Mansion might not care for us.”

Faren urged hurriedly.

As a steward, he was also extremely worried.

Dardiel City had barely gotten on track, only to be faced with such a predicament.

There was no telling what to make of such luck.

“Sweep the market!”

Baron West said, forcing his pain aside.

Money did not matter anymore, but without grain, he would genuinely starve.

As a competent lord, if a large number of his domain people starved to death, he could drown in their spit.

…

In Luoye Town, which had also received the news of the locust plague outbreak, Baron Caryo was much calmer, seemingly uninfluenced.

Lifting a bowl of boiling tea, he exhaled lightly and said unhurriedly: “It seems the Lord of the Dawn has favored me.

Since the locust plague is knocking at the door, there’s no need to continue the original plan.”

Who would want to play the villain if they could be the gentleman?

If he could legitimately control Wharton County, Baron Caryo also didn’t want to engage in treacherous conspiracies and face fierce criticism.

Once the famine breaks out, the one with grain in hand is the one with power.

Anyone with ambitions to struggle for power should at least be able to feed the people first.

Looking at the whole of Wharton County, apart from Baron Caryo who has the resources of the Dalton Family to address food shortages, which other lord would dare to be so generous?

By then, with only a slight manipulation, everyone else would have to submit.

After all, they would have eaten from his hands.

No matter how aggrieved they feel in their hearts, they will lose face to compete with Baron Caryo after owing him such a huge favor.

If not, the public’s spit could teach them a painful lesson.

“Young master, only one piece of news is not enough.

It’ll be best if the locust swarm really attacks Wharton County, thereby exerting enough pressure on all parties.

If you are willing, you can even consider Layton County.

In the face of such a natural disaster, whether it’s the Grand Duke’s son, or the Child of Destiny, none can remain indifferent.”

The old steward suggested from one side.

If you are not ruthless, you won’t have a foothold.

Nobles from all over are organizing troops to block the locusts.

However, facing the locust army covering the entire sky, how much can they hold back?

All they can do is kill the leading Insect King.

As for the little minions underneath, there’s not much they can do.

A swarm of insects without an Insect King would only be a flock of flies moving aimlessly.

They could fly anywhere and that place would turn into a disaster zone.

While the threat is relatively smaller, that’s just it – relatively.

If they fly anywhere randomly, it could be a devastating hit to the local ecosystem.

Although big cities can organize magicians to guard and set up magic formations, there’s no such option for vast rural areas.

If the locusts are intentionally led into the two counties, it can be imagined that the noble lords of Layton and Wharton counties will suffer severe economic losses.

“We’ll observe for now, the locusts are ultimately uncontrollable.

The best case scenario would be holding them back outside the Southeastern Province.