Unreasonable Demands

The people gathered around you, warily waiting for your speech as they never had an English lord addressing them directly before. They were happy and relieved at first when your reported about the amnesty. As you notified them about the need to raise the taxes by 50% they were shocked, looking helplessly at each other. Lastly hearing you explaining the new law "Jus Primae Noctis" their face showed indignation. You could even detect open hostility towards you and your men in the eyes of some Scottish men. However no one dared to raise any voices.

"Milord, many of us have bearly enough food to survive. We have lost many strong and able men in the war, several of them now returning injured or handicapped. Right now we do not have enough people to cultivate the fields and bring in the harvest. How could we pay even 50% more tax?" the village elder pleaded.

You could not help but shake your head listening to this unreasonable old buffer. Your king was already merciful as these people started the war in the first place. Now that they've lost, they suddenly bemoaned their self-inflicted plight. Luckily you did not have to concern yourself with this issue. "The King's office in Berwick will send their own agents to collect the taxes and it is not in my jurisdiction. My current duties are to keep the law and order on these lands and to help to resolve open disputes."

Finally you decided to take your leave. You mount your horse and Lili slowly walked towards you with her head bowed.