Chapter 53: The Instigators

When the workers heard Isolde intended to reduce their wages, panic and anger erupted. It was peak harvest time, and they toiled tirelessly every day. Their pay was already meager; a reduction felt like blatant exploitation. The workers began to raise their arms, clamoring for a confrontation with the manor mistress.

Estella watched the growing unrest with satisfaction. Raising a hand to quiet them, she announced loudly, “Everyone, calm down! Otto has already found a better place for us. The pay is the same as here at Montlins Manor, but they serve meat every other day.” She continued, “If anyone wants to follow Otto, please register your name. Then, we’ll go to Isolde to settle our old wages, and we can leave together.”

The workers, laboring under harsh conditions with little to look forward to, were instantly captivated by the promise of meat. At Montlins Manor, meat was a rare treat. The prospect of regular meat elicited exclamations of, “I’ll go! I’ll go!”

Estella grinned, observing the shift in the workers’ emotions. Turning to Randy, she said with smug satisfaction, “See? Once we go demand our wages, let’s see how she’s going to pay us.”

“Even if she does have the money, what will she do when the workers are gone? Will she cry over the loss?”

But Randy wasn't so optimistic. He knew Isolde's capabilities. Yesterday, he had witnessed her dark intent firsthand when she tried to drown Michelle in the reservoir. The malice in her eyes was not something an ordinary woman possessed. And she had Oliver backing her.

“Won’t Oliver help her out?” Malik Curtis, the steward, voiced Randy’s concern.

Otto, quietly moving to the back of the group, spoke grimly, “Yes, it’s Oliver, but this manor is an internal matter for the Duke’s estate. How can he intervene? If the workers want to leave, even Oliver can’t stop them unless he wants to tarnish his reputation.” He knew the nobility would never interfere in another household's private affairs.

In the main hall, Vincenzo rushed in and bowed. “My lady, Otto and several stewards are stirring the workers, preparing them to leave the manor.”

Isolde, holding a cup of cold coffee, took a slow sip, completely unfazed. “It’s not a big deal. The workers want to leave, but they need to settle their wages first. Their pay is calculated quarterly.”

Vincenzo raised an eyebrow. “So, what’s the plan?”

Isolde set down her cup, her fingers lightly tapping the table as if preparing for battle. She looked at Vincenzo with a calm, determined gaze. “Let the workers come. I’ll gather them; they won’t come on their own, but I’ll make sure to meet with them.”

“By the way, how many workers are there at the manor?” she asked. “And did we seize the books?”

“The books are secured in the other room. You can take a look, Isolde,” Vincenzo replied. “As for the workers, I’m not sure, but Otto is keeping track. You’ll know once you look at the list.”

“Bring them in,” Isolde ordered.

Vincenzo returned with two large crates and placed them before Isolde, explaining, “These are the ledgers from the past two years. There are some account entries here. The older ones are from before Michelle took…”

“Not locked?” Isolde asked, examining the books.

“Locked up tight with several locks. I had to pry them open,” Vincenzo replied.

“What about Otto? Where did he go?” Isolde asked, flipping through one of the books.

“He’s off stirring up more of the workers, registering those who want to leave.”

“Registering,” Isolde smiled faintly. “He thinks I won’t dare to get rid of them, so he’s using this opportunity to weed out anyone who doesn’t obey.”

“I suppose so,” Vincenzo said, watching her closely. “But… Isolde, do you understand these books?” Many noblewomen would never bother to learn how to read financial ledgers; they were too busy learning literature or poetry. A ledger was filled with complex figures and could be hard to decipher for anyone outside the trade.

“I’m from the manor. How could I not understand?” Isolde said as she put the book down and picked up another one from the box. She flipped through a few pages, then looked up at Vincenzo. “Do you know what the workers are paid?”

“Two hundred coins a month,” Vincenzo replied.

Isolde’s expression turned cold as she dropped the book. “But the expenses listed here show five hundred coins a month.”

Vincenzo froze. “Did Otto and the stewards eat that much?”

At Belleview Manor, during non-busy months, the workers made two hundred coins a month, including meals. During harvest time, the pay would rise to at least one thaler. If the work was particularly strenuous, they might receive even more. Isolde hadn’t paid much attention to the money, since she was more concerned with providing for the workers.

“Vincenzo, find a worker to come and ask about all their benefits, including meals,” Isolde said, her eyes flashing with quiet fury.

“Yes, Isolde,” Vincenzo replied and went to fetch someone.

He returned with a young worker, fresh from the fields. He hadn’t heard about the mutiny yet and stood awkwardly, sweat-drenched and smelling of earth. He didn’t dare approach Isolde, nervously wringing his hands, his palms caked with dirt.

“What’s your name?” Isolde asked kindly.

“I… I’m Eddie Olson,” he stammered, his face turning bright red, making his freckles more pronounced.

“Here, have some water.” Isolde gently poured him a cup of coffee, offering it with a warm smile.

Eddie swallowed hard, clearly thirsty, but hesitated, waving it off awkwardly. “I’ll drink well water later…”

“Drink,” Isolde said with a stern look.

Eddie panicked, quickly taking the cup and drinking it all in one go. He set it down hurriedly and asked, “I’ve drunk it. What do you need?”

Isolde relaxed her gaze and smiled faintly. “Eddie, tell me, how long have you worked at the manor? How much do you get paid? And what do you eat?”

Eddie answered, “I’ve been here for two years, but I haven’t been paid yet. They take care of food and housing. We eat bread or cereal.” Eddie sneaked a glance at Isolde, wondering why she was asking these questions.

“Why haven’t you been paid?” Isolde inquired.

Eddie looked confused for a moment. “It’s the rule. The first two years are just food and lodging, no pay. After two years, we get one hundred coins a month. After five years, we get two hundred.”

“How many times a month do you get meat?” Isolde asked, her eyes narrowing with a spark of interest, though her tone remained gentle.

“Twice a month, on the first and fifteenth,” Eddie answered.