章節 271: It’s Over?
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
When the news of the riots being quelled reached Alden Town, Paul could hardly believe it.
It's over? It was resolved so easily?
Paul had prepared for the worst: that farmers everywhere would rise up, overthrow his "brutal" rule, and he would have to flee to a neighboring ally's territory for refuge.
Chief of Staff Schroeder, seeing the Earl's expression, cleared his throat.
"Ahem, my lord, please allow me to report the details."
He still didn't understand what the lord had been worried about these past days; after all, it was just a group of rioters.
The so-called [details] from Schroeder were simple:
The troops sealed off the intersections, and upon receiving the final ultimatum from Alden Town, they immediately entered the riot area to restore order. Other places had only minor disturbances, mostly petty criminals taking advantage of the chaos. Only the area around Fabe Village had a large-scale riot, where the largest landlord's house was breached, and all the valuables were plundered. The rioters even occupied the courtyard, intending to stubbornly resist and force the lord's manor to pardon their crimes and recognize their claim to the looted property.
The loyal and brave navy troops, of course, did not tolerate this. After the ultimatum was rejected, the sailors launched an attack and had all the rioters in the courtyard suppressed within an hour.
"That's the situation, my lord."
"What are our casualties?"
"Six people sustained minor injuries from slingshots, and one person twisted his foot while climbing the wall."
"No fatalities?"
"None."
"And the rioters?"
"Twenty-three dead, thirty injured."
Paul relaxed, leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes with a sigh of relief. "To be honest, Schroeder, I didn't expect things to go so smoothly."
"Lord, you must understand that the disparity in strength between us was significant. The rioters were just a bunch of unorganized, undisciplined villagers. When our sailors scaled the walls, the rioters did try to organize some resistance, but after a few were stabbed in the front lines, the rest either scattered or cowered on the ground, trembling. The navy sent a small squad to block the back door, so they were all captured by us."
"What should we do next?"
"You are the lord; it's up to you."
"Have Cecil investigate the cause of this uprising."
...
Following Paul's order, Cecil immediately began interrogating the captives. After several days of questioning, Alden Town figured out the reason behind the riot.
It started when the tax collector, Biden, imposed a [war tax] on his own, which, combined with the already dire economic situation of the salt miners due to the establishment of the salt fields, was unbearable. This led to a conflict with the tax collectors sent by Biden. Fueled by long-standing grievances, the conflict quickly escalated, and the enraged salt miners headed to Fabe Village where Biden was located, eventually turning into a riot.
Biden's imposition of the war tax could be confirmed, as several of his servants—those sent out to collect the tax—admitted it.
"That damned landlord!"
Paul cursed in a language Cecil did not understand.
"My lord, what did you just say?" Cecil cautiously asked, showing that he could see the Earl was very angry.
"Oh, nothing. Continue."
"It's strange that the rioters admitted to everything except for the attack on the salt fields and other disturbances. None of them admitted any involvement in these other events."
"Oh?" Paul tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "What do you think?"
Cecil replied, "My lord, they are likely not lying. I interrogated them separately and do not believe such a disorganized mob could quickly unify their statements."
Paul nodded. "Yes, I agree."
Cecil continued, "During that period, several disturbances of varying degrees occurred. According to the investigation, it seems someone was specifically spreading news about the Fabe Village incident and inciting people in other places. Many took advantage of the chaos."
Paul was indignant. "How could these people do this? Haven't I, their lord, treated them well enough?"
"Don't be too quick to blame yourself. Given that the salt fields were also attacked, it's obvious…"
Paul suddenly interrupted with a realization. "I understand now, Cecil!"
Cecil held back the words he was about to say and looked at Paul.
Paul, standing up anxiously, said, "A conspiracy! Don't you see? This is a conspiracy!"
Cecil widened his eyes, trying to look surprised. "A conspiracy? Do you mean...?"
Paul explained, "Someone must be orchestrating this from behind the scenes. Considering we're at war with the usurper Maltz Kent, it's very likely he's behind this, deliberately stirring up trouble among my subjects. And the [Secret Arcane Order] is also a possibility."
The intelligence officer, acting as if enlightened, slapped his thigh. "I see now, my lord. You are as perceptive as ever…"
Paul, sitting back down in anger, said, "This is despicable, vile, and low! If they can't beat us on the battlefield, they resort to underhanded tactics. I despise such people."
Cecil said, "My lord, if you give the word, I can use their own tactics against them."
Paul scoffed. "I disdain such dirty methods. Schroeder!"
Hearing his name, the Chief of Staff immediately responded, "Yes, my lord."
"Immediately draft a new battle plan. I want the front-line troops to resume their offensive and send new forces to support them. We'll defeat the enemy with honorable methods."
The old knight, remaining calm, replied, "My lord, I understand you're upset, but I advise against acting out of anger. We don't know if there will be similar uprisings in the future, so it's better to keep our forces stationed at home for now. The two battalions in the newly occupied area should focus on maintaining local order. After all, it was previously Kent's territory, and it's easier for them to cause trouble there than elsewhere. Also... it's not yet certain that Kent's family is behind this."
"Damn it!"
Paul slammed the table and shouted at the intelligence officer, "Bring that damned Biden here. I want to have a thorough discussion with this landlord about his so-called [war tax]!"
(End of the Chapter)
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