Chapter 638: Progress
“Didn’t you say before that you wouldn’t talk about Luf?” Haulon protested.
“Now that you mention it, that’s true,” I replied, feeling a bit curious.
“The Great Sage prefers to dig things up himself rather than just asking! Impressive!” Chris chimed in, sounding impressed.
“I do ask what needs to be asked, you know? But if I just get answers from Gene, it would be like I’m a prophet instead of a sage, right? If someone just hands me a completed picture, I’d be at a loss. I prefer to finish puzzles myself,” Haulon said to Chris.
Maybe it’s better if I keep quiet. I’m also the type who wants to investigate things myself rather than just listening, and discovering something new along the way is fun.
“Oh, but it’s really enjoyable, you know? Gene shows me the existence of puzzles I didn’t even notice and tells me about the missing pieces,” Haulon winked at me.
If searching for things wasn’t fun, I wouldn’t be a sage, right? I should take my Ex-Staff and explore more places.
“It sounds fun, but just make sure you don’t have a heart attack,” Dinoss said, sipping his wine.
“How’s it going in Karn’s Country?”
“Yes, thanks to you. The loyalty and respect for King Tildonai are very high among the newcomers. Plus, since it’s a land watched over by the Gods, we don’t get swallowed up by droughts or storms. The more effort we put in, the more results we see. The motivation is different,” Haulon answered Ash’s question.
“The fruits are still a ways off, but the rice is doing well,” he added, addressing me.
“I’m looking forward to it.” It’s a different type of rice than what we have in Japan, so it might go well with fried rice or something.
I want to try making some steamed dishes wrapped in banana leaves. That sounds exciting. Bananas can be harvested in about two years, so I’ve ordered some.
Right now, I’m experimenting with various crops to see which ones suit the land and climate. There are more types available now than in the past—well, that’s because I’ve increased the variety!
I’m trying to figure out what will be the staple for the residents’ diet or what can be profitable for trade.
I don’t want to rely too heavily on specific crops. Even with the Gods’ blessings, the thought of a sudden change wiping out all the crops is frightening. If I grow a variety, something should survive. It might not be efficient or profitable, but…
That’s not really my area to meddle in, so instead, I’m diligently delivering various seedlings. Amijin has also started growing different things, and Talia’s tomatoes are thriving.
Talia is in the midst of a drought, but thanks to the tomatoes she planted, it seems like tomatoes are becoming popular even outside my territory. The effects of the drought are gradually easing, so I might mix in some romaine lettuce.
I want to eat those leafy greens.
“Karn’s Country doesn’t have any meat? Like pork?” Dean asked, munching on some meat.
While I was thinking about leafy greens, Dean was focused on meat. I had already served the meat before he requested it.
Ah, but that roast pig from the founding festival was delicious.
“I’ve started raising goats and sheep; we can get wool from them. The value of feeding pigs doesn’t balance with the meat from just one,” Haulon explained.
Pigs are omnivores and eat grains. Cows, sheep, and goats eat grass, so they don’t compete with humans for food. It would be a problem if they started eating tree sprouts, but as long as there’s enough pasture, they can manage.
“Thanks to Gene, the trade between Amijin and Blue Spirit Island is going smoothly. Captain Goat is handling the sea routes, and Lady Soleil has arranged the river routes. The riverboat company is planning to sell to us once things settle down. Everything is really going smoothly!” Haulon said happily.
“I’m just the one making connections, but I’m glad it’s going well.”
Haulon is eager to create profitable products for Lady Soleil, and Soleil herself is fired up about exclusive trade with the country that has the King’s Branch! It’s a win-win situation. That’s what matters most.
“I’m glad to see you all having fun,” the Butler said, looking at Haulon.
“You’re really lively,” Dinoss added.
“I wish I could help with something,” the Butler said.
“Thanks. Just being here and drinking together is enough. There are many hardships, but I can feel that I’m enjoying myself now,” Haulon smiled at Ash, who remained serious.
“If you can keep Gene here, it would be a great achievement for not just the country, but the world,” the Great Sage winked at Ash for the second time today.
“Huh?” Ash frowned.
“Yeah?” I’m right here, you know?
Ah. They’re worried I might end up on the Spirit side!
“Right now is the most enjoyable time of my life, and it’s definitely better with Ash and everyone by my side.”
“Indeed. Since I left home and met Gene, I’ve been having more fun,” Ash said, though he looked serious, it’s good to know he’s enjoying himself.
“Well, it seems like Gene and Ash can just keep being themselves,” Retze said, tossing a piece of meat into his mouth.