Chapter 75: I Found Myself Swamped with Winter Preparations.
The Assassin incident had been settled, and I was in my Office, mulling things over.
Who was the mastermind targeting Liese? I had to take action to find that out and to prevent similar threats in the future.
Before me, Emma presented a report she had compiled. Her calm expression spoke volumes about the seriousness of the situation.
“Emma, I appreciate you providing this information. This is the reward I promised.”
I handed her the bag I had prepared. Emma took it and nodded lightly.
“Thanks a bunch. Uchi needs to maintain her credibility with this work, ya know. But I don’t think this is where it ends.”
“I know. I’ll have you continue the investigation. I’ll offer you the funds for that as well.”
Emma checked the contents of the bag, and a satisfied expression appeared on her face.
“Much obliged. With this much, Uchi can dig even deeper. As for who’s targetin’ Lady Liese, I’ll bring ya more solid info next time, so just you wait.”
“I’m counting on you. Find the mastermind behind them.”
The Assassins this time didn’t talk.
Therefore, further investigation was necessary, and I asked Emma to conduct it.
As if swapping places with Emma, Kanon now entered the Office. The Knights Commander wore her usual dignified expression.
“Lord Serios, did you summon me?”
“Ah, sorry to call you when you’re busy. The truth is, this incident exposed a weakness in our territory.”
“That’s true. If Emma hadn’t been here, I don’t think we would have noticed in time.”
“Yes. So, I want to strengthen the security around the town. Of course, strengthening the Knights Order is the top priority. From now on, the Aegrid Territory needs a system focused on maintaining public order. I want to entrust you with security, hiring new soldiers, and strengthening military affairs.”
“Understood. Along with reorganizing the Knights Order, I will also proceed with selecting new personnel.”
I nodded lightly at her reliability.
“You all are the cornerstone of protecting the Aegrid Territory. But, as this incident has shown, please establish a system that won’t overlook even the smallest threat.”
“I will definitely meet your expectations.”
After Kanon declared this firmly and left the room, Claris quietly entered next. She was holding a bundle of documents.
“Serios, I’ve compiled the documents you requested earlier.”
Her work is excellent. Ever since Claris came, my official duties have been progressing surprisingly smoothly.
“Thank you, Claris. Thanks to your help, you’ve been a great help.”
She smiled faintly, then began her explanation while spreading the documents on the desk.
I also had to take measures for the agricultural development of the territory.
Since Claris started helping with my duties, the situation within the territory has become clearer than ever. Thanks to her outstanding calculation skills and keen observation, areas that were previously inefficient have been highlighted, and new plans are beginning to form.
“Serios. With the Aegrid Territory’s climate, you grow soybeans and rice in the summer, and by concentrating on Beet cultivation in the winter, you’ve been able to stabilize your revenue, haven’t you?”
I nodded at Claris’s statement.
This frontier land has distinct warm summers and cold winters.
Soybeans and rice can grow well enough if varieties suited for short growing seasons are chosen. In addition, Beets are hardy even in cold climates and are a crop that can be expected to yield significant revenue as a raw material for sugar.
“The Beet harvest supports life in winter, and growing soybeans and rice in the summer enriches the lives of the domain’s people.”
“Serios, this is good, isn’t it?”
“Thank you, Claris. I’ve already confirmed the varieties of short-term cultivation rice and soybeans. With this plan, I intend to stabilize the territory’s economy.”
“You’re amazing, aren’t you?”
Claris’s smile naturally made the corners of my mouth lift as well. I’m always impressed by how quick-witted she is.
“Well then, I’ll instruct Arnaud to proceed with this plan. Not just agriculture, but also keeping the production of processed goods in mind, we’ll strengthen distribution too.”
When I told Arnaud about the plan, he nodded deeply, said he would start preparations right away, and left the Office.
As the season grows colder, Beet cultivation supports our revenue, and the people of the domain prepare for winter. The soybean and rice harvests will be finished by autumn, and soil preparation for the next spring will also proceed.
It seemed like everything was starting to run smoothly, but I couldn’t let my guard down.
“Lord Serios, next let’s discuss the maintenance of our military armaments.”
I nodded at Kanon’s words. Maintaining public order, agricultural development, and countermeasures against external threats.
Handling all of those simultaneously is difficult, but it’s necessary to further develop this Aegrid Territory.
As the sound of the cold wind tapping against the window echoed, I added the final stroke to the directive.
With this, the preparations to welcome winter were complete. But the real work starts from here.
“Claris, so that the people of the domain can safely get through winter again this year, please continue to lend your cooperation.”
“Of course, Serios.”
The arrival of winter is just around the corner.
Bandits will lay low, and if the Assassins’ objective is clear, then by strengthening the territory and clarifying the enemy’s purpose, we can take countermeasures.
“I will definitely protect this land and everyone else.”
It seems it’s finally time for me to depart for the Royal Capital.