"What?! 61 Silver Moons plus 36 Bronze Stars, that's a lot?! They only rented some simple farming tools and bought a few packets of seeds!"

Hearing Todd's loud questioning, the merchant from Muxi Town, who was in charge of negotiating with the creditors, wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with difficulty, "Father, it is true that we don't need to repay so much money, but those creditors seem to have been instructed by others to take advantage of loopholes in the loan agreement to raise the interest rate."

"Instructed?!" Todd, already furious, asked angrily, "Who instructed them?"

“The original owners of those farms.”

Todd was taken aback.

The merchant continued to explain, "Those farmers were originally dependent on farm owners and nobles, but because of the notice in Muxi Town, they secretly fled and came here. Because of this, they are dissatisfied with you, but they are afraid of the church's power and dare not make trouble. This time, they just happened to seize an opportunity."

Todd slumped back into his chair and waved his hand, "I know, thank you for your hard work."

The merchant made the sign of the cross on his chest, bowed his head, and stepped back.

"A bunch of opportunistic robbers!" Todd cursed inwardly, then strode out of the church and into the laboratory's storeroom.

Beneath the storeroom floor was a hidden compartment containing a locked wooden chest where he kept his money and valuables. With anticipation, Todd unlocked it and peeked inside, only to have his heart sink.

The box contained a small amount of coins, which looked like quite a lot and felt quite heavy, but most of them were bronze coins with occasional silver coins.

This is far from enough.

Looking back now, after handing over the silver refinery to the monastery, my sources of income suddenly decreased significantly. Now, I only have the negligible weekly stipend from the church and the meager taxes paid by the residents of Muxi Town.

I recently paid the deposit for the production of 'Sutherland Archaea' culture dishes, and now I want to take over the farmers' debts. So, I have to find a way to fill this huge funding gap.

Increase the town's taxes?

This method won't work. Right now, all industries in Muxi Town are just starting out. Whether it's fishermen, blacksmiths, or craftspeople, they're all in a period where they need money. Raising taxes at this time will not only disrupt the financial plans of those in these industries, but also damage their loyalty and confidence.

Selling off stockpiled glass?

That still won't work. The market supply of glass is already limited, and selling it without authorization would be too conspicuous. Moreover, the Church is very likely aware that they have mastered the manufacturing process. Selling crystal relics at this time, if the matter gets out, will damage my image as a clergyman and worsen my relationship with the Church—it would be a losing proposition.

Hmm? Is there any way to obtain funds to help farmers get through this difficult time?

Todd's eyes drifted to the laboratory table and saw a few uncrushed animal bones in the grinding bowl.

bone?

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A new notice posted outside the church has attracted the attention of passersby.

The inscription reads: To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the founding of Muxi Town, Father Todd plans to hold a "tea party" that all residents can attend in the square outside the church at noon three days later.

What exactly is a "tea party"?

The residents looked at each other, bewildered. But since the priest had brought up the celebration and said that everyone could participate, it couldn't be a bad thing.

During these three days, in taverns, fields, and workshops, the people of Muxi Town talked most about the "tea party." Some said it was the Holy Son giving a preaching speech, while others said it was the Father's alchemical blessing upon the believers. Opinions varied, but one thing was the same: the residents all eagerly awaited that day.

On the morning of the day the notice was posted, a huge wooden platform was erected in the square of Muxi Town, and colorful decorative cloths were hung around the platform.

Some clever people got up early, bringing their families, dry food, and small stools to secure a good spot. Seeing this, others also called their friends and arrived at the square early.

As a result, before 11 o'clock, the square was already packed with people.

Later, under the watchful eyes of hundreds of people, some catechumens from the church carried four large baskets out of the church. Curious onlookers went closer to take a look and discovered they were full of roasted beans.

Each seeker was given a small 100ml spoon. They scooped out a level spoonful from a large basket full of roasted beans, one handful for each person, regardless of age, gender, occupation, or rank. At first, some people didn't understand why roasted beans were being distributed, but when someone put a bean in their mouth and chewed it slowly, everyone realized that it was meant to be eaten as a snack.

After distributing the food, the catechumens worked together to carry out two large buckets. Upon opening them, one bucket contained a pale yellow, fragrant liquid, still warm; the other contained a pale green, cool, and clear liquid, helpful for relieving internal heat. Someone recognized these as the drinks everyone often drank: barley tea and sage tea. As simple wooden cups were distributed to everyone, people chose their drinks according to their preferences. The buckets were quickly emptied, and the catechumens carried the empty buckets back to the church to refill them.

Alfonso and Hudgens sat down together, the former holding roasted beans in one hand and sage tea in the other, and asked his old friend through the iron mask, "What exactly is this 'tea party' for?"

Huggins was also completely baffled, but he was still somewhat worried and annoyed that Todd hadn't mentioned it to him beforehand.

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