Chapter 118: The Plight of the Northern Empire

(This time, the perspective is from a third party.)

The Vandle Empire is a great power located to the north of the Albion Kingdom. Unlike the conservative Albion Kingdom, which is obsessed with swords and magic, the Empire has promoted commerce and adopted new technologies, thereby increasing its national power. The Albion Kingdom was once the greater power, but now the Vandle Empire likely surpasses it in national strength, boasting a larger population and greater production of agricultural crops and industrial goods.

However, the Empire is currently in a predicament. In the Albion Kingdom, the Sheffield Duchy located in the north is known for its cool climate, but since the Empire is even further north, its climate is even colder. Added to this is the influence of abnormal weather caused by the weakening of the World Tree, assaulting the Empire with a drop in temperature unlike anything experienced in the past.

The Imperial Court in Geiseric, the capital of the Vandle Empire, is enveloped in a heavy atmosphere. “So, the wheat harvest is poor this year as well.” “Yes, Your Majesty. With all due respect, it is likely due to the unprecedented low temperatures. It seems the rye harvest is not good this year either.” “What? Even the rye?”

Rye is more resistant to cold than wheat. Last year, the wheat harvest was poor, but the rye harvest was about average, so a famine was avoided. In the Empire, not only wheat bread but also rye bread is widely eaten. Rye is an important staple food alongside wheat. If even the rye harvest is poor, the Empire’s food demand cannot possibly be met. The Empire had stockpiled wheat in preparation for disasters, but much of that was released last year. The situation has deteriorated beyond the assumptions of the Imperial nobles.

“Prime Minister, then we will face a serious food shortage this year.” “It is exactly as you say.” “Furthermore, we have released much of our wheat stockpile. Minister of Commerce, what is the status of food purchasing?” “Yes. Since the wheat harvest in the southern Albion Kingdom seems to be abundant, we have requested merchants to buy up large quantities of wheat. The merchants have already placed purchase reservations, so I believe we can secure a reasonable amount.” Relief spread among the Imperial nobles gathered at the court.

“I see. As expected of the Minister of Commerce. So, it seems we can somehow prevent a famine this year too?” “Your will be done. However, because our country placed large buy orders, the price of Albion wheat has risen considerably. The expenses will increase accordingly.” “That cannot be helped. It is to prevent famine; we must not spare money. Is that clear, Minister of Finance?” “Understood.”

Emperor Randelic V of the Vandle Empire was capable. It has been about twenty years since he took the throne, and during that time, he has steadily increased the nation’s power. Understanding the importance of commerce, he prevented nobles in various regions from arbitrarily taxing merchants, and he also improved the highways to facilitate the flow of goods. The Imperial nobles believe that if it is Randelic V, he can likely navigate through this crisis as well.

“However, our country is suffering from a poor harvest due to low temperatures, but I heard the Kingdom was suffering from a poor harvest due to drought. Why is their harvest abundant?” “It seems they developed a new variety of wheat resistant to drought and spread it.” The Kingdom that seemed to think only of swords and magic developed and spread a new variety of wheat? The nobles gathered in the hall buzzed at the Prime Minister’s statement.

“Everyone, be silent.” At the Emperor’s words, the nobles calmed down. “But I also find it strange. Prime Minister, do you know the detailed background?” “It seems cultivation began in the western part of the Kingdom last year. The Kingdom also had a poor harvest last year, but only the West had an abundant harvest.” “Oh, the West?” “Yes. Because the West had an abundant harvest, the Albion Royal Family recommended the cultivation of the new wheat, and it seems it is being cultivated throughout the Kingdom starting this year.”

“Hmm. So that is why the entire Kingdom has an abundant harvest this year.” “As you surmise. However, the Duke’s territory in the northern part of the Kingdom has a climate close to our country’s, so the wheat harvest seems poor due to the cold. But they have wheat aid from other territories, and although it is unconfirmed, it seems they are weathering it by eating a new variety of potato.”

“A new variety of potato? Are you saying the Kingdom developed that too?” Until now, the Empire had considered the Albion Kingdom to be a conservative and unprogressive country. “Yes, it seems a great change is occurring in the Kingdom. I have the intelligence department investigating what exactly happened, so I would appreciate it if you could give me some time.” “Umu, I am counting on you.”