Chapter 14 The Kingdom's Shock

Across Obelia, news of the drastic reduction in grain prices set by Prince Martin spread like wildfire. From the bustling capital of Frosthaven to the farthest reaches of the kingdom's borders, whispers of the unprecedented move captured the attention of merchants, nobles, and commoners alike.

In the grand hall of Snowveil Manor, Baroness Eveline sat in stunned silence as her chief advisor, Lord Varrick, read aloud the latest dispatch from Rotengen. The letter confirmed that Martin had set the price of grain at 0.10 gold per bushel—a price so low that it threatened to upend the entire economy of Obelia.

"This… this is madness," Eveline spat, her face flushing with anger. She slammed her hand against the arm of her chair, causing the ornate wood to creak under the pressure. "How dare that upstart prince defy us like this? He's undermining everything we've worked for!"

Lord Alywn, a wiry man , nodded gravely. "Your Grace, this move is not just a challenge; it's a declaration of war. If this continues, the Snowveil family's monopoly will crumble. He's undercutting us in a way we never anticipated."

Eveline's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Then we must respond in kind. If he thinks he can strip us of our power, he is gravely mistaken. We have the resources to crush him. Prepare our forces, and let him know that we will not tolerate this insubordination."

Varrick hesitated, sensing an opportunity for a more strategic approach. "Perhaps, Your Grace, we could start by sending a message. A warning, to remind him of the power we wield. If he does not relent, we can escalate our response."

The Baroness considered this, her anger still simmering beneath the surface. "Very well. Send a message to Rotengen. Let him know that he is playing a dangerous game, one that he cannot hope to win."

---

In Rotengen, Martin stood on the balcony of the keep, overlooking the bustling city below. The streets were alive with activity as merchants from all corners of the kingdom flocked to the city, eager to take advantage of the new grain prices. The atmosphere was one of cautious optimism as deals were struck and goods exchanged.

Thaddeus Marlowe approached, a letter in hand. "My lord, a message has arrived from Snowveil Manor."

Martin took the letter, his expression unreadable as he broke the seal and read the contents. The words were thinly veiled threats, warning him to reverse his decision or face the consequences. He read the letter twice before handing it back to Thaddeus.

"They're rattled," Martin said, a slight smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

Thaddeus frowned, sensing where this was heading. "What do you propose, my lord?"

Martin's gaze hardened, his voice resolute. "Lower the price by another 20%."

Thaddeus's eyes widened in shock. "But my lord, t—"

"Send a message of our own," Martin interrupted, his tone unyielding. "Let them know that Rotengen's prosperity doesn't hinge on the whims of the Snowveil family. If they want to play hardball, we'll show them we're not afraid to fight back."

---

The reaction across the kingdom was swift and intense. The news that Martin had slashed grain prices even further sent shockwaves through the noble houses of Obelia. In Snowveil Manor, Baroness Eveline's anger turned to disbelief as she received word of Martin's counter-move. Her hand trembled as she crumpled the latest dispatch in fury.

"He's mocking us!" Eveline shouted, her voice echoing through the grand hall. "That arrogant fool is pushing us to the brink!"

Lord Varrick, standing nearby, was equally stunned. "Your Grace, this is… unprecedented. The merchants are flocking to Rotengen in droves. At this rate, the Snowveil family's influence over the kingdom's food supply will be reduced to nothing."

Eveline's face contorted with rage as she turned to her advisor. "Then we will have to do more than just threaten him. We will mobilize our forces after frostfall and prepare to fund a campaign against Martin. If he thinks he can challenge us, we'll make him regret ever stepping foot in our territory."

----

In the days that followed, the impact of Martin's actions reverberated throughout the kingdom. Merchants flooded into Rotengen, eager to secure deals at the new prices, while the common folk, once burdened by the high cost of food, found new hope. The city of Rotengen began to thrive as the influx of trade revitalized its economy.

As a result, a significant shift in the kingdom's currency began to take shape. The reliance on grain as a form of barter diminished as coinage became more prevalent. The Snowveil family's control over the economy weakened, and the balance of power in Obelia started to tip in favor of those who had been oppressed for so long.

Martin stood on the balcony once more, watching as his vision for Rotengen unfolded before him. He knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but for now, he had struck a decisive blow against the forces that sought to control his kingdom. The decision to lower food prices had eased immediate hunger but created new concerns.

"The reduced prices are helping now, but what about inflation and market distortions?" he mused, staring at the bustling city outside.

He paced the room, grappling with the consequences. "But the country is in shambles. Immediate relief is crucial, even if it risks future complications."

Martin took a deep breath, his resolve firming. "I've made my choice. We must endure these challenges to offer hope now."

The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Rotengen was no longer just another city in Obelia. It was a beacon of resistance, a symbol of a new order emerging from the shadows of the old.

---

The cold winds howled outside the walls of Blackwater Keep as the lords gathered once more in the dimly lit chamber. The atmosphere was tense, filled with the unspoken understanding that the situation had grown dire. This was no longer a mere discussion of military might—it was a council of subterfuge and malice.

Lord Aldric of Frostpine Hold, his face hardened by years of battle and mistrust, was the first to speak. "Prince Martin has grown too bold. His control over Rotengen's resources, especially this so-called 'Frostgrain,' has begun to choke our economies. Our people grow restless, our coffers thin. It is time we take more... decisive measures."

Baroness Eveline, her sharp eyes gleaming with a mixture of anger and cunning, nodded. "Direct confrontation would rally the people to his cause. No, we must strike at the heart of his power subtly, weakening him before we make our move. Rotengen's wealth is built on grain; we shall burn those fields and watch his city starve."

Count Havel leaned forward, his dark cloak rustling as he did so. "Fire alone won't be enough. We need to ensure the destruction is total. Poison the earth. Make sure nothing can grow there again"

Lady Seraphina, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke. "We must be careful. If our actions are discovered, it could unite the region against us. We need to ensure that the blame falls elsewhere—perhaps on his enemies within the city. A well-placed rumor, a bit of sabotage, and his own people might turn on him."

Duke Radomir, ever the strategist, added, "We should coordinate these efforts carefully. A multi-pronged attack: fires in the night, poison in the fields, disease in the streets. All timed to create maximum chaos. they will be overwhelmed, forced to stretch his resources thin to counteract these crises, but we must first probe his sorcery."

Eveline smiled coldly. "I have contacts in Rotengen, individuals who can be persuaded—or coerced—to assist in these plans. They can start the fires, spread the rumors, plant the seeds of doubt. Meanwhile, we prepare our forces. When Rotengen is weakened, we will strike."

The lords finalized their plans, each one retreating into their own thoughts, envisioning the destruction of Rotengen and the fall of Obelian bloodline. As they left the chamber, none noticed the fleeting shadow that slipped silently into the night.

The winds howled louder, as if echoing the dark intentions that now swirled around Rotengen. The seeds of deception had been sown, and soon, Martin would face his greatest challenge yet.