213: Chapter 129, Suspicion_2 213: Chapter 129, Suspicion_2 Even if the locusts were exterminated, the eggs scattered across the land could still be reborn from fire next year.

It is nearly impossible to exterminate them completely.

Even if we react in time to prevent a locust plague, these grasshoppers scattered everywhere pose a threat to agricultural production.

If things go as they are, everyone might have to start eating grasshoppers from next year.

Under the situation of a significant reduction in food production, taking extreme measures is necessary.

After touring his domain with Belsden and exterminating all the large-scale locust clusters, Hudson returned to the Manor House.

…

“What happened?

Why is the disaster in my domain so severe?”

To be honest, Hudson was quite satisfied with the disaster management in his territory.

Although many problems had arisen, overall, his plan had been fully executed.

In the context of a locust plague, not allowing the crops to be entirely consumed by locusts, can be considered a success.

“My Lord, we have no idea why the locusts have swarmed into the counties of Layton and Wharton.

The situation in the remote mountain domains is relatively better.

The domains in the plain area suffered even more.

Several unfortunate lords had their crops entirely eaten by locusts.

That includes Baron Caryo.

Despite organizing a massive locust elimination campaign, Luoye Town has turned barren.

Not only were crops completely eaten, but even the trees have suffered heavy losses.

Some wooden houses have even been attacked by locusts.

Strangely, the areas that suffered the most damage were the lands of the native nobles, while the domains of the nobles of the North were slightly less damaged.

There are rumors that this locust plague was brought about by the nobles of the North.

Even vague reports suggest that someone released locust lure medicine in the two counties.

A few days ago, our patrol team noticed some suspicious individuals and found two small vials filled with some potion.

Unfortunately, the culprits got away, otherwise…”

Hearing Tom’s explanation, Hudson started to doubt whether he was a Son of Fortune.

Someone came to spread a potion and not only were they discovered by the patrol team, but they didn’t even have time to shatter the vials.

Looking at the two vials in front of him, Hudson didn’t rush to open them.

Instead, he patted the cub’s head, signifying Belsden to examine them.

There was no other way, there were too many deceits in this world, and Hudson was not ready to die young.

On the other hand, the methods to undermine the Earth Bear were scarce, especially for a unique bear like Belsden, who was almost immune to all poisons.

It dares to put all sorts of messy food into its mouth.

Even during the locust extermination campaign, many crispy locusts ended up in its belly.

Poisonous?

If the Earth Bear was afraid of poison, Belsden would not have survived until now.

After being with Hudson for so long, it had never suffered from food poisoning.

Even minor ailments like headaches and fevers never occurred.

This ability to resist diseases definitely ranked among the top in the Continent of Aslante.

According to Belsden, an adult Earth Bear is immune to all toxins and negative energy, while a minor bear can resist most of them.

Belsden then opened the vial cap and sniffed it.

Even before it gave an answer, Hudson heard the buzzing of locusts.

Without a hint of hesitation, Hudson immediately closed the vial.

He was quietly thinking about how to deal with these two vials of potion.

To hand them over to the Governor’s Mansion?

It seems like nothing much could be exchanged for them.

Now that everyone knows that someone has released locust lure medicine in the Southeastern Province, without identifying the culprit, these two vials of potion hold no meaning at all.

Maybe with this thing, it would be easier to track down the person behind the scenes, but the ones who could be found are certainly the low-level operatives.

The dominant force that planned all this behind the scenes would not be so foolish as to leave such obvious traces.

Even the ones responsible for poisoning could be unsuspecting temporary workers.

To keep it?

It also holds no value for Hudson.

Although it can lure locusts for extermination, with Belsden present, Hudson doesn’t see the need for such fuss.

After setting up a grand ranch for his bear, this was the time when Belsden was most high-spirited.

If a large number of locusts dared to come, they wouldn’t think about leaving alive.

According to the agreement reached, Hudson was going to transfer five hundred sheep, two hundred cows, and more than half the beehives of his domain to Belsden.

He was also going to provide breeding techniques, as well as industry services like farming, forest, and pasture rental.

As for the money, it has to be owed for the time being.

The reward of seven thousand gold coins wasn’t enough to cover the previous bad debts, huh?

But this is not a problem, with Belsden’s performance during the locust plague, he should be able to pay off his debt once the subsequent rewards come down.

A bear with money in its pocket, has the audacity to buy industries.

If it was as poor as before, how could one ask for it?

A bear with industries is extremely protective of its fields now.

It absolutely cannot allow anyone or any insect to interfere with its food supply.

As for protecting Hudson’s territory, it was just a side benefit.

After all, locusts can fly.

If they don’t nip the problem in the bud, it will easily spread.

“Luoye Town suffered such a severe disaster, didn’t Baron Caryo ask his clan for help?”

Hudson asked doubtfully.

Experiencing a large-scale locust plague is a substantial loss for any Lord.

This year’s harvest was a significant loss, and the next year’s seems bleak, even the year after that is likely to face disaster.