Chapter 464: Lipua
I’m here with Auro in a remote area of the Talia Peninsula.
This land was handed over by the Lord due to the ongoing drought. It’s a place that already had strong sunlight and little rain, but it seems that for the past three years, it’s been quite harsh, especially alongside the neighboring Marina Peninsula.
We’re in a region called Lipua, located on the southern, eastern coast of the Talia Peninsula. Today, we’ve come to check on the planting of this year’s tomatoes.
The pale soil stretches across the flat land, which is unusual for Talia. While my House is surrounded by gentle hills, this area is mostly flat, with some mountainous regions nearby.
“My lord, I have prepared a parasol for you. Would you like to use it?”
“No, it’s fine.”
What a refined lady.
Even though it’s still spring, it’s surprisingly hot. I guess it would be like this even without the waterways on the island, but the sparse grass and the exposed white soil seem to amplify the heat.
Auro has taken off his jacket, but he’s not sweating at all. He’s wearing his usual smile and demeanor. Since I’m used to seeing him in a jacket, his rolled-up shirt sleeves feel a bit unusual.
The islanders are transporting seedlings, while the people of Lipua are planting them. Just a little while ago, they were planting potatoes, which were sold as seed potatoes by Naruadeid. They’re robust and large, with a yellow interior, suited for warm climates. The merchants from Naruadeid will cultivate them here and transport them west and north.
I’d like to grow some for colder climates too. I could manage a small batch on the mountain near my House, but I’m not sure where to cultivate a larger quantity.
Of course, before selling them as seed potatoes, I had Soleil and the people who actually grew them taste them. They received quite a favorable response, and I’ve allowed the villagers to grow some in a corner of the tomato field. It’s actually recommended since they store well.
The village is named Lipua. In reality, the area called Lipua is larger than the land that has become mine, but the rest is uninhabited. Apparently, there were three other villages until last year, but they dispersed due to the prolonged drought.
The residents of the dispersed villages seem to be working as cheap laborers at the port. It’s not a great situation, but it seems they were on the brink of starvation.
By the way, the villagers here have been sold to me along with the land. There are about forty of them. But is this just a temporary arrangement? Or is it something like a lordship over Lipua? Is it a manor?
I’ve built a gathering place and a mansion for the officials near where the village houses used to be. It’s not quite what you’d call a mansion, but it’s impressive compared to the other houses.
There’s a fireplace for cooking, and a bread oven as well. We prepare everything here to save on firewood. If each house were to bake their own bread, the firewood costs would be outrageous. There aren’t many trees around here either.
There’s a mixed forest designated as the lord’s forest, but it’s a bit concerning; if we were to use all the firewood for the village for a year, it might end up completely cleared.
Before we built the bread oven, the villagers were eating grains boiled in hot water. They used to cook it in a large pot in the village square and distribute it.
The current mixed forest is off-limits as it’s under cultivation. The undergrowth has started to grow, and the branches are stretching out. However, it’s still quite hot, so it hasn’t grown as much as I’d hoped. The Spirits are present, but it doesn’t seem to be their preferred environment.
The tomatoes being planted are thick-skinned, meant for processing. They’re used in stews and such. The thin-skinned, delicious tomatoes that can be eaten raw will have to wait. Considering food issues and distribution, it’s better to have something that stores well and tastes good. Plus, it’s a bonus that they’re easy to grow.
I’ve been watching the work for a while, and the islanders are guiding the villagers as they plant the tomatoes without any issues. If only the Earth Spirits were a bit more energetic, farming would be easier.
But when I first saw it, there were so many Spirits of scorching heat, direct sunlight, dry winds, and crumbling soil. Once I started tending to them, the Spirits of scorching heat transformed into those that contained warmth, and the crumbling soil Spirits changed into slightly dry soil Spirits.
It seems that Spirits influenced by the climate change their nature according to the weather. In places like where the Dragons reside, where the climate remains constant, the Spirits there don’t change their nature much anymore.
Well then, should I make some pizza? I should let them taste what kind of vegetables we’re growing. I brought plenty of canned tomatoes for that purpose.
Also, Soleil sent me a pig. Not that I’m physically carrying it, but someone from the island brought it over.
Being able to generously serve meat during festivals and special occasions is what makes a good lord, right? A whole roasted pig!