Chapter 223: What!?
"What? So soon?" Montey’s frown deepened.
"Yes. His Highness and Chief Baldwin travelled by horse; naturally, they were faster. But with the smugglers still at large, how do we explain this?" The official looked uneasy.
Montey sighed. "What else can we do? Take the villagers in for questioning. I’ll report the truth as it is."
With that, he turned his horse toward Ashenford City.
Meanwhile, in the city’s government office, Simon and Baldwin sat drinking tea. Joan stood beside Simon, her expression a mix of anticipation and unease.
"Governor Montey has some nerve, knowing Your Highness was coming, yet disappearing like this," Baldwin grumbled.
Sim6 chuckled. "No matter. Governance comes first. This year, Ashenford’s tax revenue jumped from last place to third among the six cities. Promoting Montey was clearly the right move."
"My Lord, Montey is capable, but the improved revenue is also due to the Salt Transport Office. Without it, Ashenford would still be at the bottom."
"True. But Ashenford has immense potential. With the shipyard here, I plan to establish a naval base and a major port. In a few years, Ashenford will thrive."
On their way, Simon and Baldwin had made stops to observe local conditions.
Overall, Ashenford’s people were poorer than those in other cities. The city itself was dilapidated, its walls crumbling, its streets sparsely populated, and its markets nearly deserted. The people’s clothing was ragged.
"Governor Montey is fortunate indeed. With Your Highness’s support, Ashenford will surely rise to prominence." Baldwin said.
As they spoke, commotion erupted outside. Montey and his official hurried in.
"Your Highness, this official has failed you!" Montey dropped to his knees.
Simon was baffled. "Governor Montey, what’s the matter?"
Montey said guiltily. "Your Highness, I still haven’t captured the leader of the salt smugglers. I’ve disgraced you and Chief Baldwin."
Simon and Baldwin exchanged glances. Baldwin said. "Governor Montey, we didn’t come here about the smugglers. There’s another matter."
"Not the smugglers?"
Montey’s tension eased. He had assumed Simon’s visit was about the smuggling crisis, which was why he had resorted to rounding up the Bay Town villagers.
Simon nodded. "Exactly. We’re here to recruit skilled sailors for my fleet. As a local, your assistance would be invaluable."
"Ahhh..." Montey looked stunned. "Your Highness, if we’re talking about the best swimmers, the people of Bay Town are unmatched. But... I’ve just arrested the entire village for harbouring smugglers. They’re being taken to prison now."
"What?!" Baldwin’s face darkened. "Montey, how could you act so recklessly? Arresting an entire village without evidence, what will Ashenford’s people think of the government? Of His Highness?!"
Baldwin’s anger made the atmosphere in the Ashenford government office tense.
Montey said. "I... I acted out of urgency, and I also have proof that these commoners were hiding salt smugglers."
Hearing this, Simon replied. "The law cannot punish everyone. If we handle this recklessly, it may cause civil unrest, and by then..."
Before he could finish, a constable suddenly ran in, in a panic and shouted. "Governor! Bad news! A large crowd has gathered in front of Ashenford Prison. They’re trying to break in and demand the release of prisoners!"
"What?!" Montey was shocked. He looked at Simon; his warning had come true.
Baldwin pointed at Montey angrily and said. "You! You’ve caused a huge mess."
Frowning, Simon stood up and said. "Stop kneeling. Let’s go see what’s going on."
Having lived in this world for over a year, Simon had gained some understanding of the times. The people were generally obedient, but only if they had a way to survive and their interests weren’t harmed.
If either of those conditions were broken, the government would quickly learn just how fierce the commoners could be. Although Simon had passed many new policies recently, poor local enforcement still led to incidents in which people gathered to protest. When the group arrived at the prison, they saw over a thousand people gathered, some pushing and shoving the constables, seemingly ready to break in and rescue the prisoners.
Simon was accompanied by 500 cavalrymen, who immediately charged forward on horseback.
When the people heard the thunder of hooves and saw the cavalry in silver armour, they instinctively backed up a few steps and quieted down. Their eyes turned to Simon and the others on horseback.
Montey was the first to dismount. He shouted to the crowd blocking the prison gate. "Who dares to incite such chaos at this Prison? Who sent you? Are you trying to rebel?"
Montey was now certain that someone had secretly paid these villagers from Bay Town Village to stir up trouble and pressure the government.
"You officials are arresting people without reason and leaving us no way to live. Is there no justice in this world?" A villager shouted from the crowd.
After that shout, the crowd fell into silence again. Most people kept looking at the intimidating cavalry.
Simon stepped forward and said. "I am Prince Simon of Brambleford. Who called you all here? If you’re truly brave, step forward! In the Battle of Dunmere, many Ashenford soldiers fought bravely and fearlessly. They didn’t hide like cowards!"
From their eyes, Simon could tell most of the people here were paid to come; they looked more afraid than angry.
If they were truly involved, why would they look so nervous?
"Prince Simon? He’s the Prince of Brambleford?"
"That’s right. The soldiers of the Brambleford Army wear that armour."
"I didn’t expect the prince to be in Ashenford..."
The crowd began to murmur. Then, a disturbance rippled through the people, and about ten young men stepped out.
The one leading them looked about twenty, with dark skin from years of exposure to the sea breeze.
"I’m Desmond. Your Highness, does this make me a brave man now?" Desmond said loudly.
Montey angrily shouted. "You bold criminal! How dare you call yourself a brave man before the prince? Arrest them all at once!"
Immediately, the ten or so young men behind Desmond drew their blades and stood protectively around him.
"Hold on!" Simon shouted. He walked up to Desmond and asked, "So, you’re one of Ashenford’s salt smugglers?"
"Your Highness, there are many salt smugglers. I’m just one of them."
"Why smuggle salt?"