Count Raymond frowned and gestured to the Steward.
The Steward hurried over to inquire. A moment later, he returned to report, "My lord, it's Ada from the village downstream. Her husband died of illness last month, leaving her in debt for his medicine. At home, she only has half a sack of moldy wheat and an elderly, sick mother. They were about to run out of food with nowhere to turn. She heard that one could borrow interest-free money and grain from the manor to get through hard times, so she begged her way here with her child... The child has a fever, too."
The Count's frown deepened. He looked at Murphy, his voice low. "These are the people the Mutual Aid Fund is meant to help. Every year, there are always a few families like this. A single illness or accident can push them to the brink. In the past, their only options were to sell their children or take on high-interest loans they could never repay, which ultimately led to their ruin."
