Chapter 150

"Twice as much?" Sylas was taken aback. The poll tax comprised most of the villagers' dues, so doubling it effectively meant all taxes had doubled.

"And that's not even the worst of it," the man continued. "There are so many extra fees now. We used to hold festivals, eat our fill... Now we can't even dream of that."

As the man sighed, other villagers nodded in silent agreement, unwilling to voice their shared grievances aloud. Sylas's eyes gleamed.

'This might go even better than I thought.'

Initially, he had hoped that a few villagers might be sympathetic, but it seemed like discontent was widespread. He had suspected the new baron wasn't well-liked, but this reaction exceeded his expectations.

"That's unfortunate," he said. "If I were your lord, that wouldn't happen."

"But you're not," one villager pointed out, aware of the noble hierarchy. They knew Sylas had no direct claim here.