Chapter 416: Outside the Town
The fields are a vibrant green. There, the reddish-orange of the tomatoes and the purple and white of the eggplants stand out—these eggplants are a pure white and a light purple, slightly round. They grow better here than the Japanese varieties. Italian parsley has just begun to sprout, and the green bean vines look lively.
People are busily harvesting tomatoes and chili peppers, while others pull up the roots of the harvested vegetables to prepare for the next planting. About three or four people are working together.
The chili peppers here are a hybrid variety, bred to enhance their spiciness while maintaining some flavor. They are indeed spicy, but they lack depth, almost like a mild poison. Still, they are circulated to add variety to dishes and, more importantly, to help preserve food for a longer time.
Since the fields aren’t that large, there aren’t many dedicated workers. When there’s a big harvest of tomatoes or something that requires a lot of hands, help comes from elsewhere.
Next, we’ll probably plant cabbage or something similar. The island’s vegetables are primarily those that store well, like potatoes, which are prioritized for easy transport. We’re also working on improved versions of cabbage and chili peppers, which are available here but have a less appealing taste.
By gaining trust with familiar vegetables, we hope to encourage people to try less common ones like potatoes. I really want various vegetables to spread quickly so that everyone can enjoy delicious food everywhere. But before that, it seems more important to ensure that many people can eat properly.
Potato blight, right? The cause of the famine in Ireland’s history. Relying on a single crop can lead to terrible consequences if disease strikes or the climate turns unfavorable.
Wheat, rye, barley, oats, and other grains are essential hybrids for our pantry, but some varieties aren’t suited for the island’s warm climate, leaving me in a dilemma.
Should I beg farmers from colder regions to grow them, or should I try to cultivate them myself? Most farmers are usually exploited by the lord or kept under strict checks, making it difficult. But I hesitate to bring this up with the lord as well. What a predicament!
That aside, I need to plant summer vegetables in my house too. Turnips, radishes, broccoli, and—
Lost in thought, I glance down and notice deep footprints scattered across the ground. They skillfully avoid the vegetables, but they clearly don’t belong to any farm work!
Since this is a field for seed collection, some of the plants are past their prime for eating. The usual practice is to harvest half during the peak season and leave the other half. The harvested vegetables are sent to the inn and restaurant in the square, as well as to the castle’s kitchen.
I think they should just eat quietly there, but as I observe the tracks, I remember Auro and Kiel’s reports about those targeting the vegetables. They only take a small bite, like pests.
If the vegetables are significantly damaged, the spirits make them extremely bitter, which probably makes them unappetizing. It seems they’re eating just within the range I’m unsure whether to intervene.
The culprits targeting the vegetables and those after sweets seem to change their members slightly, competing at night. It’s said that such activities are forbidden during the day. Though I feel like Kiel is making a fuss about sweets even in daylight.
They nibble on the vegetables just enough to avoid affecting their work, or they’re competing for sweets among their share, making it hard for me to step in. I don’t want to meddle in their private matters, and within the bounds of common sense—though this is quite the opposite of common sense…
Auro, Kiel, and Faramia say it’s good training, but I can’t help but wonder which direction this island is heading.
After finishing my inspection of the fields, I stroll through the island. Five sheep are grazing around a single goat, doing a fantastic job of keeping the grass in check. Their weeding skills are so impressive that I worry about whether the weeds can keep up with their appetite.
Thanks to the black soil brought in, the land has become fertile. That’s great, but it’s not just the vegetables that are thriving; the weeds are flourishing too. I want to avoid a situation where the island becomes completely barren and the sheep can’t eat their fill.
Children and a motherly figure are harvesting plums.
The main fruit trees are oranges and lemons, with orange harvesting occurring from winter to spring. Lemons can bear fruit year-round, but summer lemons remain unripe and green. Both are in season during winter.
For this reason, I’ve planted a few plums and apricots as summer fruits. I really like the smell of ripe apricots. Since these aren’t for sale, I’ve set conditions to prevent anyone from taking too many, allowing the islanders to enjoy them.
The children laugh, holding plums in their hands. Yes, I hope that fruits and vegetables can be approached with this kind of cheerful atmosphere.