Helen·Faust - Three - II
James rose early, arriving at the fields an hour ahead of schedule, fearing that the dignitaries might have advanced the time, potentially leading to his untimely demise for being late.
Fortunately, his concerns were unfounded. However, he was not alone in his fears; numerous farmers, clutching boxes, stood, squatted, or sat by the fields, looking lost, helpless, or contemplative, awaiting the arrival of the city lord's envoy.
Laurel arrived early as well. James approached him, box in hand, and squatted beside him. "Laurel, have you deciphered the diagram inside?"
"More or less," Laurel replied, holding his box without apparent nervousness.
"And what does the diagram indicate?" James inquired.
"What else could it mean? After applying it once, wait seven days, harvest the wheat, then apply it again," Laurel explained.
"But how can wheat mature in just seven days?" James asked, puzzled.