Chapter 9

As I woke up with a pounding headache, I immediately recognized it as a side effect of my reckless use of teleportation. "I really need to increase my mana core output," I murmured to myself, "I can't keep practicing teleportation with these potential side effects."

As I woke up, a maid entered the room with a smile. "Good morning, Master Lucas. It's time for you to get changed," she said cheerfully.

After I changed to more suitable clothing, I summoned my trusted knight, Andrew, to discuss one of my plans.

"Good morning Master Lucas"

"Good morning Andrew, I am thinking about forming a group of knights that will be under my direct command, and I want you to be the leader," I said.

Andrew bowed respectfully and asked, "What exactly would this group of knights do?"

"They will handle my more covert and dangerous tasks," I explained, "such as eliminating anyone who opposes me or acts as a threat to my ambitions. They will be my eyes and ears, my personal guards."

I looked at Andrew intently and continued, "As a future pillar of this kingdom, I will undoubtedly face many enemies. I can't allow anyone to stand in my way." I continued. "I need you to keep an eye out for new encouraging recruits and bring any information you find them whether it is family friends or background."

"As you wish Master Lucas" Andrew bowed and left the room to complete his new task.

"Well that is one plan said in the motion, time for breakfast," I said as I looked at my pocket watch. Today was Wednesday as well so I will have to help my father with some territorial issues in the afternoon.

After finishing my breakfast and Mr. Beckett's class, I realized it was already afternoon and I needed to go meet my father in his office. As soon as I entered, I noticed that he seemed slightly startled.

"Hello Father," I greeted him.

"Ah Lucas, sit down, sit down," he responded.

"You seem stressed father, has anything come up?" I asked, concerned.

"Yes, a disease has been spreading in the northern part of our territory since yesterday, and it has spread very quickly," Father said with an annoyed expression. "Not only that, but we have also been experiencing slower crop growth."

He handed me the reports to take a look at them. As I read through them, I couldn't help but feel worried.

"The disease symptoms are headache, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat, chest discomfort, and fatigue, with no deaths reported," I noted. "It seems like bronchitis."

"Bronchitis? That's a disease usually found in the northern part of the empire. Why would it be spreading here?" My father asked, his confusion evident in his voice.

"I don't know, but we need to take precautions," I replied. "We should advise all infected individuals to stay inside and urge family members to wash their hands before and after contact with the infected person. It's not lethal, but it can last a few days to a few weeks."

As I quickly dismissed the idea, I couldn't help but wonder why bronchitis was present in a warm environment when it usually only resides in colder regions. It's possible that someone who came from the north brought the disease, but the rate at which it's spreading suggests that at least a few hundred people must already be infected. If I had to guess, it seems like someone may have intentionally spread it, but I don't have any evidence to support this theory.

My father nodded. "Alright, I'll spread the news through the newspaper and instruct some of my men to teach the people around the area."

Turning to the topic of farming, I asked, "Father, may I go and see the farms myself?"

He hesitated. "I'll allow it, but I must accompany you. I can't let you go with just a knight, even if it's Andrew."

"That will work," I thought to myself. If I can resolve the issue, not only will it impress my father and earn me some points, but it may also spread throughout the general population. After all, the farmers are unlikely to keep my involvement a secret.

"Alright, I'll get a carriage ready for us," my father said as he quickly called Gustav.

"Yes my lord," Gustav respectfully bowed.

" I need you to get a carriage ready for me and my son. We are going to check the farms," my father responded while putting his coat on.

"As you wish my lord," Gustav nodded and hastily made his way out of the room to get the carriage ready.

As Gustav left, my father turned to me and said, "Lucas, when we go to the farms, make sure to tell me before you do anything, and don't wander off."

"Sure, Father," I replied.

As we reached the outside of the estate, I noticed the golden crest with the symbol of a lion in the center. "I wonder how much that cost," I thought to myself. As we got inside the carriage, I noticed how spacious it was.

"Your first time in the carriage, right? Don't worry, the ride isn't that bumpy, and we should get there in about 10 minutes, so let's continue some work," my father said.

During the ride, I helped my father with some issues, and he taught me some things about the territory. Suddenly, the carriage stopped.

"We are here, my lord," a knight said.

Getting out of the carriage, I noticed that the farmer and his family were bowing intently. "They are shaking, and their heartbeat has accelerated. They are afraid of us," I thought. Of course, why wouldn't they be? If they offend us, we can simply kill them whenever we want without any repercussions.

"You don't need to bow, citizens. We are just here to see what is wrong with the farm. I can promise that there will be no harm to your family," my father said reassuringly to the farmer and his family.

"Thank you, my lord," the farmer responded gratefully, visibly relieved by my father's words.

"Father, can I go check the farm?" I asked, turning to my father.

"Sure, let's go," he replied, instructing the knights to keep guard of the carriage.

As I crouched down and examined the soil, I quickly noticed a few things. It had a pungent odor and the wheat roots appeared burned. I turned to the farmer and asked, "For how long have they remained like this?"

"It hasn't grown for at least a few weeks now, young master," the farmer replied promptly.

"What type of fertilization do you use?" I inquired.

"We use chicken manure, young master," the farmer replied.

"That is your issue. You are adding way too much chicken manure, and that is why the roots are burned. You will need to stop adding manure for a while and add more water to the soil so it can flush out the excess," I explained

After explaining to the farmer what he needed to do, my father and I continued our visit to other farms in the area. We encountered similar problems at every farm, and my father and I worked together to provide solutions. As we went from farm to farm, word began to spread that the count's son was out helping the farmers. Soon, people were talking about it all over the territory.