The NPCs that Broken hired wasted no time diving into their tasks once they got their job assignments. Meanwhile, Livelywood and Charmelyn took charge, overseeing everything. The workers were spread out over different duties, but it was clear that most of them were builders. This made sense since, at this stage, the main focus was on building new structures and fixing what was already there.
But that day, something rather peculiar caught the builders’ eyes. A young builder named Mortar, who looked to be in his twenties, was behaving quite strangely. Mortar preferred working by himself and rarely chatted with the others. He seemed perpetually tired, constantly yawning, and generally out of sync with the rest of the crew.
Now, this wouldn’t have been such a big deal if it weren’t for one thing: Mortar was earning the highest salary among all the workers! This little fact stirred up quite a few complaints. It wasn’t his age or his endless yawning that bothered them-it was the pay disparity that really got under their skin.
“Just look at him,” one builder said. “The Baron pays him more than us, yet he works so lazily and sleepily.”
Another builder added, “It really bothers me that he gets a gold coin while working like that. I can’t accept the Baron’s unfair treatment.”
The complaints grew louder among the builders.
“We should bring this up with the Baron and demand the same salary as that useless young man,” one suggested.
“Yeah, I agree,” another chimed in.
A few builders had started gathering together, each trying to stir up their peers, voicing their complaints loudly.
“We need to demand fair treatment! If lazy workers get big salaries, why shouldn’t we?” one builder insisted.
“Yeah, totally,” another chimed in.
Livelywood, who was patrolling the area that afternoon, noticed the group of builders standing idle and needing to be fixed. He approached them with a warm smile and said, “Hi, everyone. Is there anything I can help you with?”
The first builder stepped forward and replied, “Lord Livelywood, I think something needs to be fixed here. Look at that fellow, Mortar! Why does the Baron pay him so much when he spends all day working half-asleep?”
Livelywood then turned to Mortar, who was the subject of many complaints. Indeed, Broken paid Mortar the highest salary and allowed him the freedom to work in his own style. Most complaints from the other builders focused on Mortar’s constant yawning throughout the day.
“I don’t see anything wrong with Mortar yawning. He looks sleepy, but he’s not falling asleep. We’ve been working very efficiently. I believe the Baron’s decision was correct,” Livelywood explained.
“My Lord, how can you say that? That guy keeps yawning all the time, and it really annoys us. He works alone, while we all know working together is more efficient. His yawning is really distracting,” one builder argued.
Livelywood tried to explain and calm everyone down. “Please, everyone, let’s align our working styles. Anyone can work alone or in a team as long as the final result is good, right?”
One of the builders continued to complain, “We can’t work under such unfair conditions. We deserve the same pay as him.”
“Yeah, this is ridiculous,” another added. “The Baron pays someone randomly without any thought. It’s clear he isn’t a competent leader.”
“We need an explanation. We can’t be treated unfairly like this.”
Livelywood took a moment, trying to figure out how to soothe the growing discontent. He knew Mortar was the quickest and most efficient worker on the team, but he didn’t have a clue why Broken decided to give him the highest salary. After taking a deep breath, he finally addressed the group.
“Listen, everyone, I understand your concerns. Let’s see if we can find out more about why the Baron makes these decisions. In the meantime, let’s focus on doing our best work. Fairness and justice are important, and we will address this properly.”
Several players standing nearby couldn’t help but laugh at the chaos unfolding among the NPCs.
“Look at that,” one of them chuckled. “It only took a week for genius Broken’s big plan to start falling apart, hahaha.”
“Yeah, it looks like Broken’s going to waste a lot of money on this foolish project,” another player chimed in.
“Seems like he didn’t think this through. Turns out those NPCs aren’t just objects he can control however he wants,” a third player added.
“Those NPCs are complaining about unfair wages, hahaha,” another player joined in.
Just then, a female reporter covering the progress in Slumdon town arrived on the scene.
“Oh, viewers, it seems like there’s some trouble brewing here,” she said, her voice lively and engaging. “Let’s talk to Livelywood and see how he’s handling the situation. I bet you’re all curious to find out!”
With a bright smile, she turned to Livelywood, microphone in hand, and asked, “Can you explain to us in detail what happened here, Livelywood?”
Livelywood smiled. “Yes, some builders are questioning why Baron Broken pays one man, Mortar, more than the others. I’ve explained that Mortar’s work is more efficient, but it seems that explanation isn’t enough to satisfy their curiosity.”
The reporter pressed on, “But how will you solve this problem? Can Baron Broken’s judgment be justified?”
In the background, the builders continued to voice their complaints. “We can’t keep going like this. We won’t get fair treatment if we don’t stop working.”
“Yeah, that’s right. It’s pointless to continue in this situation. We should stop working.”
The builders then started gathering their tools, preparing to leave.
“This is ridiculous! I don’t want to be part of this nonsense any longer!” another builder shouted.
Seeing the situation escalate, Livelywood’s face showed panic. He quickly ran after them, calling out, “Wait! Please, hear me out. I can explain!”
The female reporter watched the scene unfold with great interest. “It appears this is a serious issue. Will the city be able to be saved? The builders are clearly upset about the Baron’s unfair treatment. It’s going to be fascinating to see how this all plays out.”
From afar, a figure in a white cape slowly made its way towards the commotion.
“That’s the Baron,” one builder said.
Broken quickly approached the group. “What happened?”
Livelywood hurried to explain, “Broken, sorry to have caused alarm. I promise I’ll clear this
up. It’s just a misunderstanding on their part.”
Broken surveyed the builders, noting their expressions of frustration. “Do you have any
complaints?” he asked firmly.
“My Lord, we doubt your decision regarding the wages given to the workers,” someone spoke
up.
Another added, “Why are some getting more than others?”
“I’ve already explained this, haven’t I?” Broken replied.
“But how can we be sure your decision is fair when what we see tells a different story?” one of
the builders countered.
“Yes, someone is working lazily and yet gets the highest pay-one gold coin.”
“I will pay you more if you can prove my judgment wrong. And who exactly are you saying doesn’t work according to their pay?” Broken asked again.
“We demand equal pay with Mortar,” one builder declared. “He’s always yawning and works
lazily. There’s no way he deserves that big salary!”
“Mortar?” Broken asked, the name somewhat unfamiliar. He then looked at the individual
they were referring to and began to inspect his status.
[Name: Mortar] [Efficient Laborer (SS) – Master Builder (A) – Irresistible Yawner (B)]
“Yes, Mortar deserves that salary, perhaps even more,” Broken stated firmly, which seemed
to further test the workers’ patience.