Chapter 356 - Volume 6: Cautious Planning Chapter 11: Magic Machine

Early summer in Caucasus was a scene of bustling activity. Komer, who had just returned from a visit to the Barbarian Territory, immediately threw himself back into endless work and cultivation. The northern Lords' policies of containment and oppression had gradually begun to show their effects. Although Komer had previously stored a large amount of food, it was only enough to sustain them through May's small spring harvest. Moreover, the cost of food now was more than double the original price due to transit taxes. This put Komer under immense pressure and prompted him to further relax the policies for clearing new land. However, distant water couldn't quench immediate thirst, and couldn't solve the impending pressure of a food shortage. The entire Caucasus' spring grain harvest was far from sufficient to meet the needs, necessitating massive imports, and the current market prices for food were obviously unacceptable.