Chapter 125: Information on the Kingdom's Prodigy

(This time, the perspective is from the Vandle Empire again.)

“What? You say the developer is a child?” In Geiseric, the capital of the Vandle Empire, a major power located north of the Albion Kingdom, the Imperial Prime Minister was receiving a report from the Intelligence Department.

“Yes. We have confirmed that the one who developed the drought-resistant wheat is William Fairchild, the second son of the Fairchild Margrave family, who is only 13 years old.” “In the Albion Kingdom, one comes of age at 18, correct? That is later than our country’s 16. To think that a mere 13-year-old child is the developer of a revolutionary new variety in that Kingdom…”

Under the Prime Minister’s orders, the Imperial Intelligence Department attempted to verify whether the merchants’ rumors about a Kingdom noble developing new wheat were true. Since the Albion Kingdom was not hiding the developer of the wheat, they were easily able to confirm that King Edgar II had praised the achievements of William Fairchild, who developed the drought-resistant wheat.

“Next, we investigated ‘Pommes de Terre’ (Pomte), the new variety of potato resistant to cold. As a result, it is considered highly likely that William Fairchild also developed Pomte.” “What? Are you saying the same child developed Pomte as well?”

“Yes. While Pomte played a major role in preventing food shortages in the northern part of the Kingdom, where the wheat harvest was poor just like in our country, we confirmed that a large amount of Pomte was sent from the Fairchild Margrave family to the Sheffield Duke family.”

“I see. Considering the circumstances, you mean to say the developer of Pomte is likely William as well?” “That is correct.”

“I have one more report.” “Oh? What kind of report?” “Yes. It is about the development of medicine, not crops.”

The Prime Minister leaned forward. “Could it be the specific remedy for that infectious disease?” “Yes, the specific remedy for tuberculosis.” Tuberculosis, a dangerous disease that leads to death, was also prevalent in the Vandle Empire. Since the Empire had no effective medicine, there was no choice but to isolate patients for recuperation.

“We found that the one who developed the specific remedy for tuberculosis was also William Fairchild.” “What did you say? Can such a thing be possible?” “Yes, we were able to confirm it through the Albion Kingdom‘s official announcement.”

The Prime Minister groaned. “Hmm. Is it possible for a single person to develop things one after another like that? And a 13-year-old child, at that?” “We also suspected at first that there might be a true developer other than William Fairchild and investigated.” Another intelligence agent continued the explanation.

“In Northernford, the capital of the Fairchild Margrave territory, there is the Will & Fellows Workshop represented by William Fairchild, to which skilled craftsmen belong.” “Hmm, you thought the developer might be among those craftsmen.”

“That is correct. We sent operatives into Northernford and made contact with craftsmen in taverns and the like.” “Oh, you advanced the investigation that far in this short period? As expected, the Intelligence Department is excellent.” “We are honored by your praise.”

“According to our operatives, the workshop craftsmen unanimously stated that William Fairchild is a genius and that they cannot even reach his feet.” “Is that so?” “Yes. Just to be sure, we also contacted multiple merchants in the Kingdom, and they also said that most of the new things developed at the Will & Fellows Workshop are by the hand of William Fairchild.”

The Prime Minister looked up at the ceiling. “Hmm. It is hard to believe immediately, but if the information aligns to this extent, it means the one creating revolutionary things one after another in the Kingdom is indeed William Fairchild. What a child with terrifying talent.”

The information about the Kingdom’s prodigy brought by the Intelligence Department shocked the Vandle Empire. “Are you saying a genius of creation has been born in that Albion Kingdom that seems to think only of swords and magic?” “Even if we unravel the history of our Empire, there has never been anyone with such talent for development.” “And he is only 13 years old?” Rumors of William became the talk of the town among the Imperial nobles.

Ernst, the Second Prince of the Vandle Empire, was also one of those astonished to learn the information from the Intelligence Department. “It is a talent bordering on terrifying.” “Yes. It is a story that makes one think there must be some mistake, but since the Imperial Intelligence Department is excellent, I believe it is fact.”

Ernst spoke to his confidant about wanting to bring Will into the Empire. “I would like to somehow invite such a prodigy to the Empire. If he were a commoner or a lower-ranking noble, we might manage by offering him an Imperial Count title or something similar.” “As you say. However, since he is the child of a Margrave, a high-ranking noble, it is likely not easy.”

“I see. I heard William is the second son.” “Yes. It seems the eldest son will inherit the family headship, but due to his achievements so far, William is slated to be ennobled as a Viscount in the future. If he achieves more, there is a possibility he will be ennobled as a Count.” “Hmm. So even in a Kingdom that seems to think only of swords and magic, he will be ennobled if he has this many achievements. However, it is a talent too great to give up on.”