However, the actual situation was completely different.
There wasn't just one Campbell Duchy on the Aus Continent, and although not everyone ate well, grain was the least of their concerns.
Due to the flourishing import and export industries, the Royal Family subsidized Thunder City citizens' tables with part of the industrial taxes, causing grain prices in Thunder City to not rise but instead become cheaper.
You might ask, what does this have to do with him?
It's hugely relevant!
Not only because he could save an extra copper coin, but because he could gain greater bargaining leverage with labor costs!
If 400 copper coins could keep a person alive until the next month, why should he pay an additional 500 copper coins as wages?
Thunder City had no shortage of people, especially those peasants who suddenly gained freedom overnight.
Those folks had nothing but strength, and someone would always be willing to accept lower pay just for stability.
Of course.
Horace was merciful.
