A column of soldiers marched through the gates, hauling chest after chest of royal gifts into the estate.
It turned out that King Walter Craig had visited the Crown Princess's Estate recently and taken a great liking to Elmer's renovations.
These were his rewards.
Elmer sank to his knees, trembling:
"I humbly thank His Majesty for this gracious bounty!"
The workers who had been seconds from rioting dropped to their knees as well, faces drained of color.
None of them had expected this.
The King himself was backing Elmer.
Elmer reached into one of the chests and pulled out a gold ingot at random.
He tossed it at their feet:
"Take it. That's enough to cover several months of your wages.
"And if you don't get back to work and end up disrupting the estate's business operations, don't be surprised when your heads roll!"
They had their money.
And the King had made his position clear.
Everyone scrambled to bow their thanks and scattered.
Elmer surveyed the chests of royal gifts filling the courtyard.
A cold smile spread across his face:
"Just as I thought. My approach was right all along.