Observing the Governor's Mansion doling out "fine, fine, fine...", Hudson gained a deeper understanding of Earl Piers. Just as he had anticipated, no-one who can firmly retain the position of a local lord is simple.
Based on Earl Piers's performance in suppressing the Skeleton Society's rebellion, it was far from sufficient. Since there are shortcomings in military affairs, there must be compensations in other aspects.
On the surface, it seems to be just taking advantage of the situation, but the actual implications are not that simple.
Merely imposing a fine, for the nobles, can only be considered a slap on the wrist. But that's only for the old lords with stable sources of wealth; they can withstand economic penalties.
But for the newly elevated lords, it's a completely different story. Almost all of the territories in Layton and Wharton Counties are in a state of deficit.
Over ninety percent of these territories now only manage expenses without any income.
