Agricultural Revolution Together

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

King Rodney sought opinions from his advisors on how to reward Paul Grayman, and whispers filled the room.

Before anyone could answer, a soft voice was heard from the king's side.

"Father, why not grant Earl Grayman ten thousand gold coins?"

This was the suggestion of the young princess, Eileen. She knew Paul was in urgent need of money. He was earning more, but spending just as much.

Before the king could respond, the Minister of Finance grew anxious. The princess truly didn't understand the value of money.

The king had already expressed his displeasure with the previous thousand gold coin reward given to Hansel. Even though it was a small amount, even a mosquito bite is still a bite.

However, once the king had spoken, it was impossible to retract his words.

The Minister of Finance immediately stood up to object: "Your Majesty, the situation is critical, and everywhere requires funds. The southern rebellion is an endless pit. Perhaps we should consider other forms of reward instead of money."

The king pondered for a moment and asked the Minister of Finance, "Do you have any good ideas?"

The Minister of Finance exchanged glances with Prime Minister Rupert, who had already discussed this.

Rupert stood up and bowed to the king, suggesting, "Your Majesty, we have thoroughly researched the history of the Grayman family. A hundred years ago, this family was exiled to the Northwest Bay due to their involvement in a succession dispute, and they are still bearing the stigma. Perhaps Your Majesty could forgive the Grayman family's past transgressions and restore their rightful powers as a lord. For a true noble, there is no reward greater than regaining the honor they deserve."

Eileen, standing aside, was quite disdainful. It didn't matter that Paul didn't have vassals; he was doing well. On the contrary, his ally Malon almost got killed by his own vassals, and the royal family was also disgraced by the vassal Giles.

However, King Rodney was very pleased with Rupert's proposal. He slapped the armrest of his throne, looking delighted, and said, "You are right. For a true noble, nothing is more important than honor."

What a brilliant idea—not spending a penny and still making the recipient grateful.

"Very well, it's settled then."

King Rodney made the decision and ordered the Seal Minister: "Draft a decree immediately, and let Hansel Abbott deliver it to Earl Grayman."

"Your Majesty!" Harrison, who had been silent until now, stepped forward and suddenly spoke.

"Harrison, do you have something to say?"

"Your Majesty, please allow Earl Grayman to extend his fleet's stay at West Harbor to assist us in defending the western coast."

"Oh? Is our own military force insufficient?"

"Your Majesty, trained sailors are needed for combat, and our civilian sailors are few. Moreover…"

"Moreover what?"

"There are goblins in this battle, and I am concerned that pirates might secretly release goblins around West Harbor. If that happens, their reproductive ability could become a serious problem."

The king thought for a moment and then said, "You are right; we do need more manpower."

He told the Seal Minister, "Include Harrison's suggestion in the decree, but phrase it politely. The decision is still up to Earl Grayman."

The decree was quickly completed, reviewed by the king, and was stamped with his seal.

The next day, Hansel took the king's decree and, with servant Toman, hurried north.

...

In the warehouse of the mechanical factory in Alden Town, Paul was enthusiastically showing the agricultural machinery products to several neighboring lords.

With agricultural machines like harvesters and the benefits of crop rotation, Alden's agricultural production had made significant progress.

After careful consideration, he decided to promote Alden's new agricultural technologies and experiences to the surrounding territories.

British history shows that agricultural development is a crucial prerequisite for the Industrial Revolution. Without enough food, all other efforts are in vain. In the Government Council, agriculture has always been a top priority. Hansel, as the head of the agriculture department, is only second in importance to the head of the council.

The three territories controlled by Alden Town alone couldn't produce a significant impact; the entire Northwest Bay had to be involved. This would support more population and generate more labor.

The visiting lords included Duke Henry Fraule, Earl Pryce Parker, Earl Winfreid Heller, and his son, Viscount Derrick Heller. Of course, there was also Paul's ally, Earl Malon Ganard, who had long been a resident of Alden Town and whose territory, Byerldine, had already started agricultural reforms under the Government Council's management.

Before this, agricultural machinery produced in Alden Town wasn't sold beyond Alden, Byerldine, and Emden. On the one hand, to ensure Alden's technological advantage; on the other hand, beyond these territories, there were no patent laws, and Alden's noble courts had no jurisdiction there.

"Didn't you say you would wait until the customs union was established before selling outside?" Duke Henry Fraule, now the Duke of Northwest, inquired while examining the harvester. Fraule's family's territory, Manda, was an agricultural powerhouse, and having the machinery in the warehouse would be like adding wings to a tiger.

"Customs union?" Paul smiled wryly; it was a frustrating topic.

He asked the group, "How about you? How are things in your territories?"

Earl Parker and Earl Heller both shook their heads helplessly. Their responses indicated they were facing considerable resistance.

Earl Heller's son Derrick complained, "It's those short-sighted rural landlords. They always claim to follow the lord's orders, but when it comes to touching their interests, they oppose everything."

Paul agreed deeply, "I feel the same way here. It will probably be a few more years before the union is established."

For the lords present, collecting taxes was the same whether from commerce or agriculture. From Alden's development, it seemed the commercial potential was greater.

The Parker family's Lanaka and the Heller family's Portley were not far from Alden or Byerldine and had benefited from the commercial development of these two places. Since Alden opened new trade routes, the extravagant merchants from Horns Bay had crossed the ocean to do business, making it quite enviable.

However, landlords with large tracts of land were less supportive of the customs union, such as the Earl of Morley Melken, who had once participated in the usurper war. Duke Henry Fraule was an exception because agriculture in his territory was the most advantageous in the Northwest Bay.

(End of the Chapter)

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