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Chapter 426: The Great Purge!
Chapter 426: The Great Purge!
Andre, once an exemplary guide and merchant, now showcased the very essence of his nature, for better or worse.
On the volcanic ash-rich island of Wakanogris, a fertile ground for fertilizer and mineral resources, Andre established various related industries. He hired locals, providing them with employment and paying their wages.
The products were then shipped to Orlara, where they were purchased by associated businesses, completing the economic cycle.
Even on the island itself, Andre had set up mining ventures.
Sage, upon acquiring five hundred thousand people from the West Sea, prioritized allocating them to Andre.
He was never stingy with those who contributed to his success.
However, the nature of merchants is such that while individuals may be exceptions, the group as a whole is unwavering in their pursuit of profit. They will always seek ways to earn more.
Andre, initially obedient, had now transformed into a greedy individual, driven solely by the desire for wealth.
At first, he merely resold goods to foreign merchants at lower prices, manipulating accounts and reporting losses to increase his income and avoid paying taxes.
He was once fearful of being discovered by the Lord, but as Sage and his associates became busier, conquering more territories and amassing greater resources, their attention shifted elsewhere.
Gradually, Andre grew bolder. Simple accounting tricks no longer satisfied him. He began inflating the prices of goods entering the island, telling the people it was the Lord's command, forcing them to pay 20% above market price, eventually reaching a 50% markup.
This excess money became his personal income. Furthermore, he started finding excuses to reduce people's wages, not by direct cuts but through imposing fines, all under Sage's name.
Despite their respect for Sage, some privately grumbled, though none dared voice their discontent openly.
After all, they could still fill their stomachs and maintain a living, albeit with increased hardship. Many had to save, unable to afford what they once could.
It was this change that led to their discovery.
Sage's oversight of the islands was indeed lacking. In truth, he had lost track of the number of territories and the population under his rule; everything was managed by Lily.
Lily, too, couldn't constantly monitor every island. The issue came to light when Lily noticed discrepancies in consumption and tax revenues.
Merchants and pirates, accompanying merchant ships to trade, were not subject to fixed quotas. Some merchants were bribed by Andre, but not the pirates.
It was Banabi, stationed on the island, who sensed something amiss and contacted Hawkins. Hawkins reported this to Lily, who had just returned from Zouwu.
Lily discovered that the reduced consumption on Wakanogris had led to a decrease in tax revenue. Upon investigation, the truth was revealed.
A swarm of parasites!
The solution was straightforward. The Demons took action, and the bribed merchants were publicly skinned and executed in front of the people on Wakanogris. As for Andre, his punishment would be decided upon Sage's return.
"Andre, Andre," Sage approached him, looking down with a sigh. "How much money is enough? Are you dissatisfied with life here? Why do you defy me?"
"My Lord, I have not betrayed you! You mustn't believe Lady Lily's accusations. I was making money for you, planning a surprise, yes, a surprise for you!"
Andre's nerves were fraying. "Moreover, my Lord, you have no evidence. Without evidence, how can you convict me?"
"
At these words, Lily's cold laughter intensified, Marika covered her mouth and chuckled, and Renetia burst into a hearty laugh.
"What kind of joke are you playing with me, Andre? Have you forgotten who I am?"
Sage stepped away from him, baring his teeth. "I am a pirate, a pirate. What evidence do you need? If there's a hint of wrongdoing, I can execute anyone, Andre."
"You can't do that!"
Andre suddenly erupted, trying to push past the Demons holding him back.
"You can't do this, Norton Sage! Do you know how much I've sacrificed?!"
His eyes turned crimson as he roared at Sage, "You don't understand anything! It's not you who's contributing to this territory! It's us merchants! We've spent a fortune and worked tirelessly, diligently!"
"What's wrong with making a profit? Those guys just need to be fed, and they're not living badly! Why give them such high treatment? We deserve more!"
"What do you mean by paying everyone? Why not use slaves? Those guys from the West Sea will work obediently with just a meal, why pay them?"
"If you just follow our ideas, and you behave as a pirate, we'll support you to become the Pirate King, and treat your family as rulers for generations! Why do you care about the lives of these commoners?"
"Everyone on the sea is the same. Even if you've discovered us this time, there will be others who will have the same thoughts. Can you kill us all? Don't you want to do business? Sage, you're standing in our way!"
The intense roar silenced the banquet hall for a moment.
Lily's eyebrows furrowed, and she gripped her sword hilt, ready to attack. But at that moment, a hand grabbed her wrist.
"Interesting."
Sage stood beside Lily, laughing aloud, "The budding of capitalism? Will I end up on the guillotine in the future?"
He walked over and crouched in front of Andre, staring at him silently.
The black pupils of his eyes put immense pressure on Andre, who subconsciously lowered his head.
"There's one thing you don't understand."
Sage chuckled softly, "In a normal world, human interactions might work as you say. Because the grand tide of history is unstoppable. But..."
He revealed a malevolent smile, "This place, however, can be controlled by human power. Can't kill them all? No, I can!"
Standing up, he opened one hand, "The essence of doing business is simply supply and demand, buying low and selling high. Everyone knows how to do it. If you won't let me live, then no one will!"
"Now, I..."
Sage bared his teeth at Andre, revealing a sinister smile that made Andre's heart race, as he clenched his fists.
"I'll show you!"
"Ras, take him away. Don't kill him yet, keep him for last. Lily, from now on, mobilize my men, all the pirates stationed on the islands, start investigating. Have them inform the merchants of the reason, strictly. Collect one more Belli, and I'll have them hanged!"
"Anyone who breaks the rules will have their property confiscated and redistributed! My disabled men are already stationed here, and I'll reallocate resources to them!"
It's just one class replacing another.
Killing a batch is the simplest thing.
(End of Chapter)
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