Chapter 117: Let's Make Cold-Resistant Wheat

In the great grasslands in the northern part of the undeveloped lands, we hunted monsters until the sun began to set. “Thank you, everyone. Thanks to you, we were able to defeat many monsters. It’s getting dark soon, so let’s call it a day.” Everyone nodded. I stored the carriage using magic, had everyone grab onto my clothes just like when we came, and I gently touched the two horses. “Alright, we’re returning.”

When I activated Teleportation Magic, in the next instant, we were back in front of the Fairchild family mansion in Northernford. “This is only the second time we’ve teleported, but Teleportation Magic really is phenomenal.” “It feels strange to be back home in an instant when we were just in the great grasslands a moment ago.” “I understand what Letty and Sophie mean. I thought it was very strange at first, too.”

“By the way, Lord William, is your magic power okay? It would be terrible if you ran out of magic power.” Luna expressed her concern. If I were to run out of magic power, I would be bedridden for a while. “Thank you. I still have plenty to spare. I think I could probably make two or three more round trips.”

“Ahaha, Luna. I said it before, but Master’s magic capacity is strange.” Muu. Theo‘s phrasing is regrettable. However, Theo, who is usually so polite, speaks in a casual manner in front of his childhood friend Luna. Watching Theo speak so freely gives me a warm feeling.

The exploration members disbanded in front of our mansion. “Everyone was strong and we handled the battles with ease, but I’m sure you are tired, so let’s make tomorrow a rest day.” “True, it is better not to push ourselves. I will return to Wrexham for now.” “I will also return to the clan’s village.” “Okay. Then, can you gather here again the morning after next?”

Gil and Ria went to the Knight Order’s dormitory, and Theo returned to the workshop. Although there is a room for Theo in the Fairchild mansion, he seems to feel more at ease in his room at the workshop. Sophie and I entered the mansion.

The next morning, I woke up slowly and had a late breakfast. The rule is for the family to gather for breakfast, but a maid informed me of a message from Father: “You must be tired, so you should take it easy.” When I went to the dining room, it seemed Sophie hadn’t come down yet. She looked energetic when we returned yesterday, but fighting monsters in an unfamiliar place must have been tiring after all.

After breakfast, I returned to my room and decided to read my letters. I had been busy preparing for the exploration recently, so I had let them pile up without reading them for a while. Oh, there is a letter from my brother Eddie in the Royal Capital for the first time in a while.

Reading Brother Eddie‘s letter, it was written that the wheat harvest in the north is not looking good. Wheat is growing smoothly again this year within the Fairchild territory, but it seems the north is heavily affected by low temperatures in addition to dryness. Lord Lucas, the son of the Northern Duke, seems worried about the poor harvest. The letter also mentioned that the Duke’s son is grateful for the potatoes I made.

Even if the potatoes help them weather the immediate crisis, I suppose something should be done about the wheat, which is the staple food. I wonder if I can create wheat that is resistant to the cold.

I decided to work on developing the wheat in the afternoon. As for the plant material to use, I usually rely on the Elves, but this time I have a cold-resistant plant on hand. It is the Rutabaga. In my original world, it was a vegetable with excellent cold resistance, cultivated in cold lands like Northern Europe and sometimes called the “Swede.” I had found it in the Sea of Trees before and stored it.

I took the wheat and the rutabaga to the basement of the new workshop. Just like when I created the drought-resistant wheat, I concentrated, keeping in mind the concept of incorporating the rutabaga’s cold-resistant genes into the wheat.

First, I tried it with the new variety of drought-resistant wheat. But even after trying a few times, it didn’t work well. It seems that being resistant to both dryness and cold is difficult.

Halfway through, I switched to using ordinary wheat. This time, wheat was produced, but I couldn’t quite create one with the properties I wanted. It didn’t go smoothly when I made the drought-resistant wheat either; creating a new plant is not easy.

Still, having the experience of creating a new wheat once, I feel like I can manage it with a little more effort. I want to make wheat that bears fruit well even in the cold so that people in cold lands don’t have to suffer from food shortages. Praying for that, I activated my Production Skill. This time, I felt a response.

I tried Appraising the finished wheat. [Wheat (New Species): Cold Resistant] Alright, it went well.

Now, the remaining issue is securing the quantity. Since creating new crop varieties with skills seems difficult for the workshop craftsmen, I suppose only Theo and I can do it. Since we are also exploring, let’s increase the stock little by little without trying too hard.

When I went up to the ground floor of the workshop, it was already evening. Maybe I’ll have a slightly late snack. I went to the cafe and had Baker-san make me an apple pie. The freshly baked pie is very fragrant. And the acidity of the apples and the sweetness of the sugar play a wonderful harmony. As I thought, sweets really give you energy.