The war had ended. Chesswood had won after making huge sacrifices. However, the villagers were unable to properly mourn the dead due to a food shortage.0

“This is serious.”0

The villagers were in disarray because their homes were in ruins. Everything they had built until now had been reduced to ashes. Although Edelweiss Village gave provisions to people from other villages, there was a limit to the meals and compassion they could share.0

Then merchants appeared out of nowhere. As if they had been waiting for the war to end, they suddenly arrived in Chesswood and began selling daily supplies, food, and construction materials. Those who were unable to pay signed up for collateral loan agreements. In fact, everyone signed the agreements. They had nothing to lose after all. The villagers didn’t hesitate to bet their futures because they were focused on surviving the present.1

Crockta furrowed his eyebrows. “Is it Derek?”0

“Yeah, the usual,” replied Jeremy.0

Derek spread his influence by participating in the reconstruction of Chesswood. Now, most of the Chesswood villagers were in his debt.0

Crockta did not ask further questions. He disapproved of Derek’s actions, but there wasn’t much he could do for Chesswood at this point in time.0

‘If we were to exclude good...0