Chapter 160: Calamity and Talent 4

Those who had declared they would alleviate the conditions by selling vast provisions in exchange for certain terms.

And the populace, stirred to the brink of rioting in acquiescence to these demands.

Amid this situation, the lord, sensing grave peril, reluctantly met with the caravan’s representative.

“Hmm… Yes… I am grateful you have brought provisions from such a distant place. What are your terms?”

Effectively holding the blade of the assembled crowd at the estate’s gates, the representative sensed the lord’s profound unease in his trembling inquiry. Maintaining a composed, unhurried demeanor, he presented the lord with a document.

“Th…This is…?”

“Our requested terms are contained within. Please review them yourself.”

“Hmm…”

Gripped by rising tension, the lord examined the contents, his taut expression suddenly freezing.

“Three times… the price?”

“Indeed. As you are undoubtedly aware, this severe famine afflicts not just the Imperium, but the entire continent. In such circumstances, a threefold price is by no means exorbitant – a fact you surely recognize, my lord.”

“But…But this is outright profiteering, is it not? Moreover, my territory lacks the funds to pay such an amount.”

“Of course, if money is an issue, there are ways to accommodate that. Here is a promissory note – simply sign it. Given our own strained circumstances, we shall set the interest at an annual 30 percent. But once this famine passes and the next year arrives, will not everything return to normalcy? You can repay these modest sums at that time.”

“Hmm… Well…”

As one of the territories most severely impacted by the famine, not only the lord’s grain but also his prime grape and wine harvests had been devastated.

However, if the next year brought an abundant yield, it was certainly feasible to raise the funds required to purchase the current provisions.

Of course, if famine persisted into the following year, matters would grow truly dire… but he could scarcely fathom two consecutive years of such calamity.

‘Ultimately, with an enraged mob baying at my gates, I should be grateful they have extended somewhat onerous yet acceptable terms under the circumstances, should I not?’

From the outset, his options had been limited.

Though reluctant, the lord could only sign the contract and promissory note.

“However… just who are you people? Where have you come from, bearing such vast provisions?”

Amid signing, the lord voiced his doubts.

The representative responded with a serene smile:

“We are but merchants who have mobilized in anticipation of such continental perils. We have long been stockpiling provisions, fearing the advent of this very crisis – does not the Holy Scripture relate the tale of a minister who stored grain in preparation for seven years of famine?”

“Hmm… Such a story does ring a bell…”

“We too are faithful adherents to the Church, following the Holy Virgin’s teachings. Though circumstances and the overwhelming need have compelled us to demand such steep prices, we assure you it stems from no ill intent. We merely seek to render aid where we can in this dire hour.”

Invoking Scripture while portraying themselves as devoted churchgoers extending a helping hand, the representative exuded a disarming affability.

Though lingering doubts remained, the lord slowly nodded, his apprehensions seemingly assuaged.

“I…I see. Your intentions are understood. I shall not forget your dedication.”

“You honor us with your words. We shall promptly deliver the provisions to you upon receiving payment. Their distribution shall be left to your discretion, my lord.”

“Very well, so be it.”

Though forced to pay a hefty sum, the lord felt a measure of gratitude toward those who had secured a lifeline amid the crisis.

Their proclaimed noble mission even elicited a hint of fondness from the lord, however fleeting.

Utterly oblivious to the consequences that would reverberate from this…

Territories across the famine-stricken Imperium teetered on the brink of utter catastrophe. Yet one day, provisions sold by a mysterious caravan allowed them to narrowly avert disaster.

Though demanding triple the market price – an exorbitant sum that heavily burdened the lords’ finances – none voiced overt condemnation of the merchants.

‘We should be grateful they are even selling provisions in such times…’

‘They say they are operating across multiple regions? Amassing such stockpiles in this shortage would indeed require immense funds…’

‘And they claim to follow the Holy Virgin’s will, do they not? As fellow adherents, we can hardly begrudge their aid.’

Certainly, in normal times, such tripled prices would have been summarily rejected by the lords.

Yet in the present crisis, the mere act of selling was deemed worthy of gratitude.

Thus, though harboring misgivings, not a single lord openly disparaged these “Holy Virgin’s servants,” with some even forming a positive perception.

And in that moment…

The enigmatic leader behind this endeavor – the de facto head of the Heretical Alliance, Santana Andreas – gazed upon the veritable mountain of amassed wealth, his smile broadening profoundly.

“Just how much is all this?”

The sheer volume of money piled like a mountain left me unable to contain my exhilaration.

‘Indeed, the saying ‘life is a gamble’ rings remarkably true. People do have their reasons for coveting gifts.’

The provisions had been sold at triple the regular market price.

However, we had initially procured them from the Dragonian Empire at less than half the Holy Imperium’s standard rate – reaping nearly a sixfold profit.

Moreover, by extending exorbitant interest rates to lords in dire financial straits, our long-term gains promised to be even more substantial.

‘This is the triumph of capitalism. And our profit-making endeavors are far from over.’

In their present plight, the lords who had purchased provisions at inflated prices assumed the crisis would soon pass.

Yet I knew all too well that this famine would not end so conveniently.

‘In the original work, the famine persisted for roughly three years. In other words, we must repeat this scheme thrice more. And in that span, the spoils shall be ours to savor.’

Overreaching could risk provoking outright rebellion.

To maximize efficiency, minimizing overt hostility while gently placating them was key.

By deliberately offering acceptable terms while invoking the Holy Virgin’s name, I had sown the seeds for our continued exploitation.

‘With such funds at our disposal, we can now overturn these unfavorable circumstances. Having crossed the point of no return, I shall resoundingly topple the Holy Imperium with my own hands.’