19 I said good day sir!

"How can I help you men"

Kevin addressed the men as they approached on horseback. There were a half dozen men that he recognized as the local tax collector's assistants. He had worked with them many times before. There weren't any enforcers present so it wasn't extortion.

Flashing a badge with the local tax collector union's insignia the group's leader came forth.

"We have received word that you've been acting strange. There are reports of you digging holes everywhere and other suspicious behavior. We've also heard that some of your fields are a little light."

Adopting a cold smile Zanir's father was short and direct with his reply.

"I haven't broken any laws. Why are you here."

The leader, unshaken by Kevin's confidence, harrumphed then casually made his reply.

"We're here to ensure that there won't be any.. problems with annual tax shipment. You know how the Baron like's to keep schedule."

Chuckling Keven motioned to cut off whatever spiel that they were prepared to continue.

"There will be no problem with the tax shipment. Good day sir!"

This time he actually exceeded the official's expectation's and surprised him. The official actually staggered back a little.

"S-so that's it?"

Before the man could even finish Kevin roared out.

"I SAID GOOD DAY SIR!"

The already rattled officials left quickly. They no longer had the courage to directly provoke Kevin. Riding away in shame, they had been reduced to uttering passive aggressive threats as they left.

"Everything better be there when we come back for the tax shipment. Or else!"

Zanir and his father both broke out into spontaneous laughter after the incident. He wasn't used to seeing his dad act so bold. He asked his father why he decided to shoo them away so quickly this time and if he was worried or not.

"What was all that about? Are you sure there won't be any trouble from sending them off like that?"

"With the way things are going we won't have any problems with the tax shipment. This year will be the best harvest yet. I'm sure that soon you'll be a big success and a Baron will be nothing to us. Besides they would have sent more people if they wanted to cause trouble."

He wasn't convinced that they'd seen the last of them. It was never that easy with those bully types. Zanir saw the cliche coming from a mile away. They would send someone stronger to receive the tax shipment. After fabricating an issue they'd try to extort them. He had to make sure his family was stronger before they got back.

Pouring a little cold water on his father's head, Zanir reminded him that they still had to reactivate the Livestock subroutine. They were close, before being rudely interrupted by government officials. It seemed that red tape and the weight of bureaucracy existed on this world as well.

The mood improved when the men arrived at the next animal pen. It was filled with giant bunnies! They had huge fluffy coats that were so big it made them look like walking clouds. Their little heads and ears were all that stuck out.

Having prepared carrots beforehand they were more than ready. They rushed up to Zanir and his father, ready to be brushed while they enjoyed eating. The animals happily munched on carrots as ten of them were easily absorbed.

[Material analyzed:

Name: Angora rabbit

Type: Mammal, Livestock

Rating: Level 2

Description: Angora rabbits sport a soft coat that is prone to tangling. Please note that the coat requires significant regular grooming. Grown domestically for meat and fur these gentle companions have been kept around for many generations. They are prolific breeders and will increase rapidly in number.]

[Sufficient livestock absorbed. Livestock subroutine reactivated.]

[The Livestock subroutine handles the absorption and life cycle of livestock and animals. This particular subroutine will analyze and catalog the creatures automatically for the Host. Reactivation of Livestock subroutine has unlocked the spatial ranch.]

[Upon reactivation the subroutine can raise livestock in the world's spatial ranch. They will be treated by the system to remove contaminants and ensured optimal feeding conditions and nutrient levels. The livestock will be upgraded and adjusted according to further samples and species collected.]

This was it! With both crops and animals activated the system was managing most, if not all, of the farming work. Now he just needed to watch as the points rolled in. They could be invested back into higher system capacities to scale things up. Zanir discussed things with his father excitedly as they begun heading back home.

"From here on out it will be easy street father!"

"Ah to be young again. We've got an excellent start but don't forget to keep this top secret Zanir. I'm proud of you and I think it's time we celebrated."

Seeing her husband and son coming home in such high spirits Sarah couldn't help but tease them a little. She greeted out to them as they came back in.

"What are you two giggling on about? Tell me you weren't out there just brushing the bunnies? You were supposed to get some work done as well."

"Not to worry dear, we got our work done. Matter o' fact, why don't you skip the tea and bring out some ale tonight!"

"Ooooh. I'll grab the flagons hon. You want the dark ale or the stout?"

"It's a special occasion, bring out the reserve and three flagons"

Watching the back and forth exchange between his parents he wondered who was coming over. The reserve was the best ale and only taken out on holidays. His father came over and gave him an expected hug.

His mom came in carrying the ale and family flagons. She caught the father and son bonding moment. His dad coughed and made a proclamation.

"Don't judge me I'm just getting a last hug in from my boy. He's having his first ale tonight and he'll be a man after that"

"Ah that's right."

His mom gave him a quick hug and then filled up all three flagons. It was a big moment as they shared Zanir's 'first' drink together.

*Clink*

The cups knocked together and the family enjoyed the fine ale. Zanir brought it to his lips and drank heartily. He was very pleased with the taste of this world's beer. It was very refreshing.

*Ding*

[Material Detected]