Chapter 74
A sudden wave of oppressive pressure swept over the crowd, filling the air with fear and unease. All eyes turned to see a chubby, slightly greasy man approaching, his sharp, calculating gaze cutting through the tension.
His fleshy build, bulging belly, and sinister stare instantly evoked the image of a corrupt official—dangerous, petty, and ruthlessly efficient.
With the crowd quieting, Manager Belly stepped forward and asked the tax officer what was going on.
The previously panicked officer immediately straightened up. "Well, Manager, this man refused to pay the additional tax we charged him, claiming the quality of his wheat was better than assessed."
Clayton stepped forward quickly. "That’s not true, Manager Belly! My wheat isn’t nearly as bad as he claims. See for yourself—if you don’t believe me."
Manager Belly knew he needed to appear objective. Though he had the authority to shut down any farmer, he also had to maintain an appearance of fairness—lest he hand ammunition to his political enemies.
Without a word, he approached and inspected the wheat. The moment his fingers touched the grains, his expression shifted.
He hadn’t expected Clayton’s wheat to be this good. That kid actually planted silver-grade magic wheat.
The irony stung. He was the one who had instructed his staff to give Clayton a hard time—right down to the exact words. His personal grudge from last year still burned. But now, the reality stared him in the face: the wheat’s quality was exceptional. Even worse, his staff had followed his instructions too literally, failing to cover their tracks.
Now he was caught in a dilemma, and the tax officer knew he was in serious trouble.
Clayton, meanwhile, watched their discomfort with quiet satisfaction. He could tell Manager Belly was cornered.