News that the House of Forrest would be auctioning off surplus food quickly spread between the merchants. Since they were usually good at ferreting out information, it was easy to spread the news of the auction. The merchants who were quick on their feet reacted positively to this news and made their way to the fief with readied finances. As food prices went up, it was easy to quickly earn money if they had the supplies, so merchants were eager to buy even just a little more food. As more merchants gathered, those who had arrived at the Forrest Manor first expressed unhappiness. More competitors would only mean food prices would rise quicker.

Milton had a smile on his face as he heard how many merchants had gathered at the fief.

‘The more competitors there are, the less chance there should be for them to work together against me.’

Opportunities like this were rare. Milton thought he would take this opportunity to earn money by selling food at the most expensive price possible.

But…

The chamberlain reported to Milton, “My Lord, guests have arrived.”

“Guests? Didn’t I say to turn down everyone’s request to m...