10 Chapter 10: Agriculture

Ethan was over the moon when he saw the amount of gold in his possession. In his memory he remembered that when his father was still king the most amount, they ever had in the treasury was about 3000 gold coins. And with just one mission he was able to amount 1/3 of the money.

After addressing the immediate concerns of their kingdom, Ethan and his generals shifted their focus to the long-term sustainability of Verdant Vale as well as repairing the damaged infrastructure. 'The infrastructure and agriculture of Verdant Vale was without a doubt in a backwards feudal era' he thought as he listened to the reports.

Ethan had a headache with all the problems that arose and thankfully for him his system had everything he needed and without much problem Ethan found a product for his problem. Ethan bought a blueprint for farming from the system for 50 gold, for a blueprint it was expensive, but the additional effect was to enhance the quality of crops planted.

Ethan suggested the introduction of crop rotation. "This medieval agrarian practice involved the systematic planting of different types of crops in the same area across different seasons to improve soil fertility and crop yield." he said to them. The generals were amazed by their young lord's ingenuity, finding it a bit strange that suddenly, the young man could come up with such a plan.

Ethan was well prepared as he knew he would have to face these questions someday. "After I fell sick, I started to have dreams and, in those dreams, there was something like chain seals and every time I was able to break the chain a new memory or ideas would come forth." he explained.

Asher, being the oldest of the generals, had no visible reaction to this news, but a glint flashed in his eyes as he pondered the news. Without giving them time to reply or ask more questions Ethan interrupted them.

"Enough, we have much work to do" he said

Although unwilling to give up asking further, the generals listened and started to discuss how to plant the crops and how to use the farming method. Ethan, with his extensive knowledge of the system, explained how to work the farm and crops so that it could be easy to understand, and the farmers would not have much trouble growing crops. And on further discussion they Ethan decided to further bolster their food supplies, they decided to invest in livestock. The system suggested the breeding of hardy animals adapted to Verdant Vale's climate. The decision was made to rear sheep and goats, valuable sources of wool, milk, and meat. They would also explore beekeeping for honey, a valuable commodity sources of wool, milk, and meat.

After the discussion Ethan reassured them, he knew where to find the animals, so as not to frighten them he would buy the animals from the system and would venture into the forest and mountain to 'capture' them. After much deliberation Ethan decided to buy 5 sky horn sheep, 4 starbeard goats and 10 honey glimmer bees rounding up the total amount of gold to 400 gold spent. Although expensive, the animals have many uses and are worth their price. The sky horn sheep are known for their large, spiraling horns and their extraordinarily soft wool. Wool is prized for making warm, durable clothing and horns are used for crafting tools and ornaments.

While the starbeard goats have a coating of fur that resembles a flurry of stars against a night sky. They are prized for their milk, which is known to produce the richest cheese. The Starbeard's wool is also used to weave cloaks and blankets that are both warm and beautiful. And the honeyglimmer bees have wings that glint and shimmer in sunlight, making their hives appear to twinkle from a distance. They are known to produce a sweet, golden honey that is a staple in most diets. The Honeyglimmer wax is also highly sought after for making candles that burn brighter and longer than ordinary ones.

These livestock could improve their financial wealth as the extra could be sold to other kingdoms and it could be used to improve the daily life of its citizens. 'Two birds with one stone, money and favor, great hehe" Ethan thought slyly. "For now, that would be enough to start recovering agriculture" Ethan said, "What's next?"

"Your Majesty, the construction of certain buildings, like the farms outside, must be dealt with. The building inside the city's wall is untouched due to the war not reaching the war."

The reconstruction of their infrastructure was another colossal task. The war had left many homes damaged, roads ruined, and essential facilities in shambles. They needed a systematic approach to rebuild their kingdom.

"Very well, Magnus you would appoint the people to help with construction, and take 100 gold to help with repairs. I want the buildings finished in 1 month. Every person helping with construction would given 5 silver. At the moment the kingdoms finances are a bit short take 10 extra gold for payments."

" Rowan make sure the crops are protected and secure, they are our livelihood. Take 10 gold, for every person able to help with farming would be given 5 silver as payment. I want a harvest at the end of next week."

"Uncle Asher and William stay behind, the rest re dismissed"

"Yes"