King Rodney sought the opinions of his court on a reward scheme for Paul Grayman, which sparked a murmur of private conversations among the attendants.
Before any minister could respond, a gentle voice rose from beside the king.
“Father, why not award Count Grayman ten thousand gold coins?”
This suggestion came from the young princess, Eileen, who knew that Paul was currently short on funds. The more he earned, the more he spent.
Before the king could reply, the finance minister immediately became anxious. This princess truly didn’t understand the value of money, he thought.
He was already displeased with the king’s recent financial reward to Hansel, albeit just a thousand gold coins. After all, every little bit counts.
But the king’s word is final, and once spoken, it cannot be taken back lightly.
He promptly stood up to intervene: “Your Majesty, given the current critical situation, we need funds everywhere, especially with the bottomless pit of the southern rebellion. Perhaps an alternative to monetary reward would be more prudent.”
The finance minister glanced at Chancellor Rupert, as they had already discussed this.
Rupert stood and bowed to the king, suggesting, “Your Majesty, after careful investigation into the Grayman family’s history, we found that they were exiled to Northwest Bay a century ago due to their involvement in a royal succession dispute, and since then, they have been deprived of the right to bestow fiefs. Perhaps, Your Majesty, you could pardon the Grayman family, restoring their rights as a lord. For a true noble, no reward is greater than the honor they deserve.”
Eileen, on the sidelines, scorned inwardly. Paul was doing just fine without any vassals. In fact, his ally Malron nearly got killed by his own vassal, and didn’t the royal family themselves face disgrace at the hands of their vassal Jars?
However, King Rodney was quite pleased with Rupert’s proposal. He slapped the armrest of his throne and said joyfully, “Right, for a true noble, nothing is more important than honor.”
It was perfect – no money spent and the recipient still felt indebted.
“Very well, let’s settle on that.”
King Rodney decisively ordered the seal-bearer, “Draft the decree now, and have Hansel Abbott deliver it to Count Grayman.”
Suddenly, Harrison, who had been silent all this while, stepped forward and exclaimed, “Your Majesty!”
“Harison, what is it?” the king inquired.
“Your Majesty, please allow Count Grayman’s fleet to stay longer at Port West to help us guard the western coast.”
“Oh? Aren’t our forces sufficient?” the king asked.
“Your Majesty, training sailors for combat takes time, and we already have a shortage of civilian sailors. And…”
“There were goblins in the recent battle. I fear that pirates might secretly deploy goblins around Port West. If so, their breeding capacity could pose a significant problem.”
After pondering for a while, the king agreed, “You’re right, we do need more hands.”
He instructed the seal-bearer, “Incorporate Harrison’s suggestion into the decree, but phrase it politely. The final decision rests with Count Grayman.”
The decree was quickly drafted and presented to King Rodney, who, satisfied, stamped it with his seal.
The next day, Hansel, along with his servant Tom, rushed northward with the king’s decree in hand.
Inside the warehouse of Lakeheart Town’s machinery factory, Paul was enthusiastically showing a group of lords from neighboring territories the products of the agricultural machinery factory.
With the introduction of machinery like harvesters and the implementation of crop rotation systems, agriculture in Alda had made significant progress.
After careful consideration, he decided to promote Alda’s new agricultural techniques and experiences to the surrounding territories.
The history of England showed that the development of agriculture was a crucial precursor to the Industrial Revolution. Feeding people was fundamental; without enough food, all other endeavors were futile. In the Administration Council’s ongoing efforts, agriculture was always a top priority, with Hansel, the head of the Department of Agriculture, holding a position second only to the Chief Administrator.
The impact was limited to the three countdoms under Lakeheart Town’s control. To achieve a greater effect, the entire Northwest Bay needed to be involved. This would support a larger population and create more labor.
The visiting lords included Duke Henry Ferdinand, Count Price Parker, Count Winifred Heller and his son Viscount Derrick Heller, and of course, Paul’s ally, Count Malron Ganard, who had long been a resident of Lakeheart Town. Under the management of the Administration Council, his territory, Baylding, had already begun agricultural reforms.
Previously, Lakeheart Town had not sold agricultural machinery outside Alda, Baylding, and Emden. This was partly to maintain Alda’s technological advantage and partly because patent laws were not enforced outside these areas, and Alda’s lordly court had no jurisdiction there.
“How come? Weren’t you going to wait for the establishment of the Customs Union before selling outside?” asked Duke Henry Ferdinand, eyeing a harvester. His family’s direct territory, Manda, was a major agricultural area, and these machines would be a great asset. Follow current novᴇls on Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
“A Customs Union?” Paul grimaced, finding the topic frustrating.
He asked the others, “How about you? How are things in your territories?”
Both Count Parker and Count Heller shook their heads in resignation, indicating significant resistance in their areas.
Count Heller’s son, Derrick, complained bitterly, “It’s those short-sighted rural landlords. They claim to obey their lords, but the moment their interests are touched, they fiercely resist.”
Paul empathized, “The same here. This alliance might take a few more years.”
For the lords present, collecting taxes was their primary concern, whether from commerce or agriculture. Considering Alda’s growth, commercial potential seemed even greater.
The Parker family’s Lanaka and the Heller family’s Portry, both near Alda or Baylding, had benefited from the commercial development of these areas. Ever since Alda opened new trade routes, wealthy Horn Bay traders, dressed more extravagantly than nobles, had come to do business, sparking envy.
However, lords with extensive farmlands were less enthusiastic about the Customs Union, like Count Morley Malkan, who had fought in the Usurper’s War. Duke Henry Ferdinand was an exception, as his territory’s agriculture was the most advanced in Northwest Bay.