Synopsis

The chapter opens with a village experiencing widespread illness due to contaminated water, which is quickly revealed to be the work of the Lacona family dumping dye waste. The Lacona's attempt to blackmail the Baron into giving up land in exchange for ceasing the pollution. While the Baron is initially enraged, his son, Lloyd, seemingly cowers and is beaten during a challenge, but is revealed to be cunningly orchestrating a plan to build a new water system, effectively solving the water crisis and profiting immensely. This positions Lloyd as a strategic and resourceful character despite his initial impression.