Chapter 459 (2/2)

“How can she be alright?” Sunflower snorted. “What’s the difference between being played by the prince and being played by the other noblemen?”

“Really… you say that now, but when you actually see the noble’s lifestyle, you’ll desperately want to be played by them,” Snaketooth said and twitched his lips.

When they arrived at the square of Stronghold, they were taken by surprise. Several hundred people there surrounded a wooden stage and there was a bonfire. It was such a rare scene on a snowy day.

“Someone will actually come here to preach,” Tigerclaw rasped. “What kind of tricks does the noble want to play?”

“It can’t be good news.” Snaketooth shrugged. “I suppose it’s about tax collection or grabbing some able-bodied guys for military service. They’ve just fought a battle, right?”

“Whatever, it’s none of our business.” Sunflower said, “Let’s finish this quickly and get home early. Joe, go over to the bonfire and warm yourself.”

“Ye-yeah.”

Snaketooth walked around the crowd to the edge of the stage. The man on it wore a thick, cotton-padded jacket, a wool hood, and a pair of deer-leather gloves. Snaketooth felt warm simply by looking at him. This was so much better than him and his dirty, old clothes. He thought of how great it would be if he had a chance to steal them, but also knew that was just in his imagination. The Elk Family label on the man’s cloak indicated his identity.

A Rat could never afford to offend an attendant of the four families.

“Go with Joe to warm yourselves, I can take care of this here,” Snaketooth said to the other two kids.

“Really?” Tigerclaw asked and raised his eyebrow a little.

“Of course, I’ve got a good memory.” Snaketooth pointed at his head. “I remember everything—the words, the people, and the bitter hatred.”

“Pfft,” Sunflower scoffed. “Listen to you. Since you say so, I’ll go. And thanks… Let’s go, Tigerclaw.”

“But you’ll have to give me more at dinner tonight.”

“We’ll see. I don’t know if there’s any food tonight!” she said, throwing her hands up.

After they left, Snaketooth patted his cold face to draw his attention back to the wooden stage. The information was useless for a Rat tail like himself, but it might mean profitable opportunities for Rat bellies and kings. Unfortunately, even if they did make some profits, the tails at the bottom would still get almost nothing.

“My fellow citizens, here’s a joint declaration by the lord of the Western Region, Prince Roland Wimbledon; Earl of the Elk Family, Shalafi Hull; and the lord of Longsong Stronghold, Petrov Hull.” The man took a sip of his hot ale and continued to read a piece of parchment in his hand. “The City Hall of Longsong Stronghold now opens the grain market to the public. Any citizen who has extra grain at home can sell them in the market freely now. But pay attention please, starting next month, any unauthorized sale of grain will be considered a felony, and only the City Hall has the right to purchase and sell grain! Once someone is arrested for the unauthorized sale of grain, he’ll be severely punished! The City Hall also welcomes public tip-offs about this kind of offense, and will reward anyone who offers correct information 25 silver royals!”

Snaketooth opened his mouth with surprise, for he never expected that he would hear such incredible news!

The noble wants to forbid the private trade of grain!

Besides, both the grain purchasing and selling prices offered by the City Hall are extremely low. Who’ll sell grain to them at this low price? The grain price in Stronghold has already increased threefold because of the early arrival of this year’s Months of Demons and it’s impossible to drop before the snow ends. If the City Hall sells grain now, no matter how much, the nobles and merchants will buy it all. Did the prince and the city lord never think of this issue?

Wait… if they really do forbid private trade in grain, what will happen to us?” Snaketooth suddenly shuddered at this thought. Most of the citizens bought most of their grain from Rats. Once the policy was carried out and all the grain in the market was bought by the noble and merchants, it would be a disaster for almost everyone!