I'm Standing on a Million Lives 1-13

In this chapter, the narrator defends the decision to pass the decree. He points out that the decree was made by a private citizen, not by the people, and that if the decree is not repealed, it could result in a popular revolt. The black smith also defends the decree, saying that the overwork caused many to take their own, despite the fact that they were making a profit. He argues that the people of the country were middle class, and therefore, they should not try to bring down the standard of living. The narrator also points out the hypocrisy of the wealthy, who do not pray to the poor, and the lack of redistribution of the wealth. He reminds the black smith that he is the one who proposed the decree and that it was he who put it in place. The townspeople are shocked to hear that the man who put the decree in place is the head of a royal team sent to confirm the king's death.