Chapter 28: The Royal Family's Request

The sun has begun to set earlier, and the insects now chirp coolly at night. The arrival of Autumn. Although it is the harvest season, it has become clear that regions that did not harvest enough Wheat during Summer will face Food Shortages.

Since the Fairchild Margraviate had a bumper harvest, there is plenty of food in the town of Northernford. Nevertheless, the expressions of the townspeople talking about the rumors of neighboring territories look worried. “I heard they are even eating their Seed Wheat in that Baron‘s territory.” “Apparently, in lands where food is scarce, people are running away because they can’t pay their taxes, and some are becoming bandits out of desperation.”

Of course, the lords of various regions seem to be taking measures, such as providing Wheat they had stored. However, it seems that there are still places where even that is not enough. The Wheat we harvested is being sold through the Levant Trading Company, but it cannot reach the entire country. The shadow of Famine has begun to fall over the Kingdom of Albion.

And it seems the Royal Family has taken this matter seriously. A summons was issued to the main nobles to discuss countermeasures for the Food Shortage, and an Emergency Conference was scheduled in the Royal Capital. Father was also summoned and had to go to the Royal Capital suddenly.

Gathering the Knights who would escort him for security and reserving inns along the way—the preparations seemed difficult. When the departure preparations were complete, I felt that Smith, the steward, looked worn out.

Father contacted the Levant Trading Company and stopped the sale, considering the possibility that His Majesty might instruct him to provide surplus Wheat. The fact that he wouldn’t try to sell until the very last minute to make a profit is typical of my serious and sincere Father.

After a while, when Father returned from the Royal Capital, I was called into his Office. “Actually, I was asked for something related to Will. So I wanted to tell you what was decided at the meeting.” As a countermeasure for the Food Shortage, the Royal Family apparently plans to buy Wheat from regions less affected by the drought, such as the South, and sell it cheaply to regions with insufficient food.

Considering that many of the regions suffering from the Food Shortage are poor, and simultaneously choosing to have the Royal Family bear the cost without demanding free contributions, is exactly what you would expect from His Majesty, who is known as the Wise King. But I was surprised by what Father told me next.

“In addition to that, His Majesty decided to issue an instruction across the Kingdom that the drought-resistant Wheat Will created is not to be eaten, but rather sown as Seed Wheat.”

“Eh? Why would that happen? I’m surprised that His Majesty even knows about the Wheat I created in the first place.”

“His Majesty keeps a good grasp of the situation within the country. However, this time, it seems the Third Princess informed him. Apparently, Eddie talked about the Wheat to Her Highness the Third Princess.”

“Her Highness the Third Princess? That’s right, she’s the Student Council President at the Royal Academy, isn’t she?”

“Ah, since Eddie is the Vice President, they seem to be close. I heard Eddie bragged about Will‘s Wheat to Her Highness in the Student Council Room.”

Brother, what exactly are you telling the Princess?

“And so, His Majesty asked us to sell as much of the new species of Wheat as possible.”

Of course, we cannot refuse His Majesty’s request, and receiving a request from the Royal Family is also a great honor for a noble. When Father explained the situation to the Levant Trading Company in the Royal Capital, they willingly agreed, saying, “It is His Majesty’s order,” even though it meant they couldn’t sell our Wheat anymore.

As it turns out, Olivia‘s decision to start selling the Wheat without waiting until Winter brought profit to the company as well. If they had waited without selling until Winter, the Royal Family would have bought it up, and the Levant Trading Company wouldn’t have had the opportunity to sell our Wheat.

Furthermore, the Levant Trading Company expressed a wish to open a branch in Northernford, since the Fairchild Margraviate is prospering, and for the purpose of communicating quickly, such as in this current situation.

Typically, there are no branches of major trading companies in the Frontier. Father immediately agreed, as the establishment of a Levant Trading Company branch would be a positive development for the territorial economy.

“By the way, Will, do you understand the significance of His Majesty saying that this Wheat was created by William Fairchild instead of saying it was made by the Fairchild Margrave House?”

“I don’t really understand. What significance does it have?”

“Yes. The Fairchild House‘s achievements will be highly regarded because of this matter, and our family name will rise. I am grateful for that, as it is thanks to you, Will. However, by His Majesty mentioning your name, it also becomes Will‘s individual achievement. At the same time, it makes it known that the Royal Family is paying attention to Will‘s abilities.”

So that’s how it turned out. I just made drought-resistant Wheat because I didn’t want to see the territory’s people starve; I didn’t intend to get the Royal Family‘s attention.

“Will will continue to be active in the future, so when you become an adult, you might receive a title from the Royal Family and become independent from our house. That is an honor, and of course, even if you become independent, Eddie and I will both support Will.”

I never expected something like that to happen. I just want to relax and do manufacturing in the Frontier. Perhaps because I looked lonely, Father came next to me and patted my shoulder.

“No matter what happens, it doesn’t change that Will is Father and Mother‘s son. Besides, even if you gain a title, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to leave the West. A typical noble would probably try to send Will to the Capital to serve, but our house isn’t typical. If Will wishes it, I’ll work hard behind the scenes so that you can remain in the West even if you gain independence.”

Thank you. Father‘s kindness truly touches me. I have the memory of being an adult, and I will eventually become one in this world too, but if possible, I want to stay close to this kind family and create things for them.