Under the gaze of everyone in the bakery, an armored knight from the Barton Kingdom strode in coldly and declared,
"Your business seems to be doing well. From now on, you'll pay double the tax every month!"
Hearing this, the previously cheerful shopkeeper turned pale, his entire body beginning to tremble as if he'd been plunged into ice.
"S-sir, doubling the tax would ruin me! I couldn't afford that even if I sold my shop. I'm already doing everything I can just to pay taxes on time. Please, have mercy!" His voice wavered, nearly in tears.
The knight responded with a sneer, slapping him across the face, leaving red finger marks on his cheek.
"Nonsense! How you pay the tax isn't my concern—just hand over the gold coins, now!"
The blow sent the shopkeeper stumbling back several steps, and the black-faced assistant quickly stepped forward to support him, a hint of repressed anger flashing in her bright eyes.
