Chapter 86

The next day, in the stone reception room.

A simple map was spread out on the desk.

Count Crawford, facing it, quietly opened his mouth.

“…You mentioned wanting to see a map. Is there something the matter?”

I gave a light nod and indicated a corner with my fingertip.

“I hear the cultivation is proceeding smoothly.”

“Yes. We are proceeding within a reasonable scope.”

“I see.”

Replying shortly, I slid my finger just like that.

“Then—what are you doing with this place?”

The Count’s gaze dropped to the same place.

“…The retention basin, is it not.”

“Yeah.”

That was a place that used to be cultivated land. However, due to repeated flood damage, I had it arranged as a land to let water escape. The Count continues.

“We are maintaining it as a land to let water escape. In normal times… we leave it mostly untouched.”

“I imagine so. That is fine when the water comes. But what about when it does not?”

The Count thought slightly.

“…Only grass grows. I believe it is in a state close to abandonment.”

“It would be.”

I let out a small breath.

“…Since then, I investigated in my own way.”

The Count raises his face.

I lightly tapped the map.

“Won’t you try raising geese?”

For an instant, the air stopped.

Lydia’s hand stopped slightly.

“…Geese, is it?”

“Yeah.”

I continued matter-of-factly.

“They will grow if there is a waterside and grassland. If you let them loose in the retention basin, they will eat the grass on their own.”

The Count crosses his arms.

“…If it is only that, are they not just poultry?”

“That is not all.”

I cut my words off.

“They eat bugs too. If you put them in the fields, they will reduce harm. There is also little trampling.”

Lydia’s gaze moves slightly.

“…They double as weeding and pest control, don’t they.”

“That’s right.”

I affirm shortly.

“Besides, they honk a lot. They are sensitive to the presence of natural enemies and people. They can also serve as lookouts.”

The Count’s expression changes just a little.

I continued.

“Their down becomes winter gear. Their feathers become writing implements. Their fat becomes both food and oil.”

Lydia muttered softly.

“…There is no waste.”

“That is what it means.”

I nodded.

“Moreover, they hardly eat grain. They do not compete with people. I am already raising many of them in this territory as well.”

Silence.

The Count slowly looked down at the map.

“…Does that mean you will not abandon the retention basin?”

“There is no need to abandon it.”

I say quietly.

“If water comes, it is useful. If it doesn’t come, we let them feed. Whichever way it falls, there is no loss.”

At those words, the Count let out a small breath.

“…A land of flood control also becomes a land of harvest, huh.”

Lydia raises her face.

“If they increase, we can also process them. Feathers, meat, oil… we can flow them into the market.”

I directed my gaze.

“Exactly. Also, regarding the processed goods—”

The Count and Lydia’s gazes raise.

“If you seek currency, you may route them to my territory.”

A slight pause.

“…Then, you will purchase them there?”

The Count says. I shook my head.

“I am not forcing you. I do not mind if you consume them in your own territory.”

At those words, the Count’s brow furrowed slightly.

“…Then, will not no profit remain for Your Highness?”

It was a natural question. I slightly relax the corners of my mouth.

“It does not matter. Right now, arranging the shape comes first. However, when the time comes to sell, remember this place.”

A quiet voice.

“That is sufficient.”

A slight silence falls within the room.

Lydia slowly exhaled.

“…You mean preferentially, don’t you.”

“That is what it means.”

I nodded.

The Count thought for a while, but bowed his head deeply.

“…You have sold us a favor, haven’t you.”

I did not deny it. Just, one word.

“Will you do it?”

The Count nodded deeply.

“…Let us do it.”

Lydia too, quietly followed.

“I will proceed with the preparations.”

The retention basin is no longer “abandoned land.”

It was about to change into a place to be used.

Count Crawford was staring at a single point on the map.

The retention basin. A land that once had no choice but to be abandoned.

…Geese, in that place.

It was an unexpected idea.

Suddenly, an exchange from a few days ago crossed his mind.

“We have shown our faces. You did not have to come this time, you know.”

When he informed her of that, Lydia immediately shook her head.

“I am sure it will be a learning experience. Besides… I can also meet Mother.”

Her words were composed. But her cheeks were slightly red. The Count lets out a small breath.

…Good grief.

He has no intention of reproaching her. Rather, it is more than sufficient as a reason to come. Knowing the scene as a successor, and showing her face to a family member, both are necessary things. Even so, she is just a little bit easy to read.

He returns his gaze to the map.

They eat grass, reduce bugs, and their feathers, meat, and oil remain. If water comes, it becomes a defense, and if it doesn’t, it produces profit.

…There is no waste.

He softly exhales. That person does not abandon things. Neither land, nor people.

Suddenly, his wife’s face floats up. Her once weakened body is now certainly recovering. If it weren’t for that advice.

…This person is not a mere lord.

He quietly becomes convinced.

“…Let us do it.”

The words he voiced were no longer out of hesitation.