Chapter 274: Science and Technology vs. Heroes and Wise Kings

Chapter 274: Science and Technology vs. Heroes and Wise Kings

“Count, if you release him, you will earn the friendship of the Scholar’s Tower,” said Mond Landon earnestly.

‘Are you kidding me?’ thought the Count. ‘A vague promise of friendship in exchange for a prisoner from my dungeon? Cold, hard cash would be more substantial.’

However, upon reflection, he realized the significant influence of the Scholar’s Tower in royal courts. Mond’s mentor could independently decide to accept a commoner as a student, suggesting a substantial status within the tower.

Mond Landon appeared to be an honest and simple man, but the same might not be true for his mentor. The older scholars were known for their eccentricities. What if, in a fit of protective rage, the mentor used his connections to cause trouble?

‘Less trouble is better,’ he thought, deciding to release the young prisoner.

Concerns about lax law enforcement or undermining his authority as a lord seemed irrelevant. The common folk of this era wouldn’t understand such concepts, he reasoned.

Upon investigation, the only fault of the boy, Kevin, seemed to be his failure to report Baden’s lies to the lord and instead attempting to blackmail him. He had neither killed nor robbed anyone during the riot.

However, his advice to the salt workers had directly sparked the uprising, placing him among the 50 most culpable.

Resigned, Count Paul said gravely, “Alright, Scholar. You can take him, but a bail fee is required.”

Mond Landon stood up and bowed deeply to Paul, expressing his gratitude on behalf of Kevin’s worried parents.

Paul grunted, “You should properly discipline your junior. Encourage him to study hard and not indulge in idle fantasies. And I hope the ‘friendship’ you mentioned isn’t just lip service.”Nêww chapters will be fully updated at novelhall.com

“We will surely guide him well,” Mond assured, hesitating before asking about the fate of the other perpetrators.

Mond was noncommittal, “Count, forgive my frankness, but your territory has just...”

Paul interrupted him, “I know what you’re about to say — the salt workers risked everything because the salt fields disrupted their livelihood. But let me tell you a fact: the emergence of these salt fields has saved most families a significant amount of money.”

Mond looked incredulous.

“Mr. Landon, you live in the bustling imperial capital of Gabella and are a distinguished scholar of the tower. Naturally, you’re unaware of the hardships in remote areas like ours. The traditional methods of salt production by the salt workers were limited in quantity, making the market price high — at least compared to now. Salt is a necessity for energy and work, and though each purchase might not seem much, it adds up to a considerable expense over time.”

Paul said proudly, “Since the salt fields started mass production, the price of salt has dropped unprecedentedly, saving a lot of money. If you don’t believe me, ask any woman on the street how she feels about the reduced salt prices.”

Mond pondered, “I believe there must be a better solution that benefits everyone, a win-win scenario.”

Paul spread his hands, “I believe so too, but we are not gods. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice the few for the benefit of the many. It’s a... scar of the times. Fortunately, I am not among the sacrificed few. Unfortunately, as a lord, I am the one who has to make such decisions.”

Mond acknowledged, “You have a point, Count. That’s why a wise ruler is so important in such situations. He can take care of the majority while minimizing sacrifices.”

“A wise ruler?”

“Yes, Count Grayman.”

Mond Landon’s eyes hardened with resolve:

“Compared to the ‘science’ and ‘technology’ you speak of, I lean more towards the belief that the key to improving people’s lives lies in ‘heroes’ and ‘wise kings.’”