Chapter 491: The Great Sage’s Proposal
The delivery of the wheat was set for seven days later.
Soleil’s ship was small. It primarily transported goods between Naruadeid and the outlying ports, occasionally making trips to Marina or the countries of the Talia Peninsula, but it rarely ventured into the open sea. Still, there were plans for navigation.
We had more wheat than the ship could carry. If I flooded the market with that much, people would start investigating how I obtained it. That’s why we decided to move to the strait leading to the Land of Mail for the transfer, which also contributed to the delay.
Speaking of which, should I spread the wheat here? The wheat on this side has long stalks that easily fall over, and it produces fewer grains. If I crossbreed it with the wheat from the Food Storage, I think it could improve not just the taste but also the yield.
There’s the hurdle of needing to expand the fields, though. I have the strength and stamina to till the land, but managing it is… tricky. The Spirits help a lot, making it much easier, but if I let my guard down, I might end up with golden wheat or something.
Oh, and I want to grow rice too. I’d prefer if Karn could handle the rice production.
“That’s why I came to ask you.”
“…What do you mean?”
I had come to meet Karn at Kanum’s rented house.
With the weather warming up, he seemed to have become more active, so he had been out a lot, but fortunately, I managed to catch him. Of course, Haulon was there too.
“I want you to grow rice in Karn’s Country.”
If we crossbreed it with Es’s rice—if it leans more towards Es’s rice, I think it could be done in Karn’s Country.
“I was planning to grow cotton and maize—corn, and the wheat that Haulon recommended…”
Karn’s words trailed off as he mentioned corn. So, he was calling it maize.
“I’d like you to grow rice as well.”
“Understood. I’ll gather those who know how to cultivate it.”
Karn nodded.
“But it won’t be immediate, okay? We’re currently gathering people, but at the same time, we’re collecting supplies for the time being. Thanks to the Gods of Es, it seems like we’re guaranteed to become a land of fertility, but until we can harvest, we need food to sustain the people. Right now, Talia and the areas around the Cavil Peninsula are experiencing drought. It’s not easy to establish new sales routes.”
Haulon sighed as he explained the situation, clearly feeling the weight of it.
“Ah, I can provide about two large ships’ worth of wheat.”
“Why do you have so much…? Oh, right, the Land of Mail.”
Haulon seemed to realize where the wheat was coming from.
“Isn’t Mail Wheat the highest quality? Who’s going to use that as their immediate food supply? Just sell me regular wheat!”
“Well, I can’t sell it without setting everything up properly.”
The best option would be to send a ship to the port of Mail and load it there, but there are Demon Beasts in the strait, making it hard to ask for help.
“You can go to the Land of Mail, right? Capture any ships that failed to negotiate there! No one would return empty-handed after being offered a lowball price!”
“Haulon, you’re brilliant!”
As expected of the Great Sage!
Alright, I’ll explore beyond the Land of Mail and go check it out. It might take some time to find a suitable ship, but I can be patient. Then, I can have Soleil sell it for me! Problem solved!
“…You seem really happy. I’m glad to be of help, but thinking about this as a way to conceal my abilities reminds me of my magic training, and it feels a bit off.”
Haulon slumped, cradling his head in his hands.
“By the way, how’s the situation with the country?”
“From Nakahara, we’ve relocated several capable individuals and their families from those weary of war or who have lost their countries. We also want those from Es who are accustomed to the heat, but there’s no immediate need to move them, so that’s on hold for now. We couldn’t secure enough food to sustain them.”
Karn explained.
It seemed he was learning various current matters while gathering people. He wanted to incorporate new technologies and methods of using magic. It was said that the fallen fire civilization often had superior techniques, but many large-scale ones couldn’t be used anymore due to the decline of the Fire Spirits’ influence.
“For now, it seems like we might solve the immediate food supply issue. It will also become easier to recruit from regions suffering from food shortages.”
Haulon appeared to be calculating various scenarios in his mind.
Haulon wasn’t just well-known; he had favors owed to him from various places, making it easier to gather people. He had a place to stay, albeit unfurnished, and I could provide the wheat to serve as a staple food. It looked like the country was about to take off.
“For the sake of spreading my rice, let’s work hard on the country’s revival.”
“My master, could you say something a bit more grand?”
Karn raised an eyebrow and said.
“…Ugh. Feeding the people is important. It’s crucial, but why does it feel like such a light problem is getting resolved?”
Haulon was on the verge of tears!
If it’s resolved, then that’s good, right?