Overpowered in Domestic Affairs with a Production Skill ~ Bringing Happiness from the Frontier Through Craftsmanship

The character name is not finalized. The character name will be fix once the official light novel is release.

June has arrived, and it is time for the wheat harvest. Smith, the Steward, happily reported that the Fairchild territory is having a bountiful harvest again this year. The expressions of the people in the town of Northernford are also bright.

It seems to be a bumper crop in various parts of the Kingdom this year as well. According to a letter from Her Highness Flora, the Prime Minister reported to His Majesty, “The various regions of the Kingdom look like a sea of wheat ears,” and His Majesty was reportedly very pleased.

Since the ripened heads of wheat swaying in the wind look like waves, he must have expressed it with the phrase “sea of wheat ears.” As expected of a Prime Minister, he seems to use poetic expressions. Since there were bad harvests for two consecutive years everywhere except the West, the joy of a good harvest seems to be great. Harvest festivals are apparently being planned in various places.

However, as expected, the North alone does not seem to be having a good harvest. Her Highness Flora was also worried about the North, and according to a letter from my older brother Eddie, Prince Luke is apparently thinking of popularizing potatoes within his territory. Since I have created non-toxic Pomte using my Production Skill, I will consult with Father and send some to the North. I suppose the price will be left to the Levant Trading Company.

I decided to go see the wheat fields on the outskirts of Northernford again this year. After all, I want to see the wheat with my own eyes, and it is genuinely joyful to see well-ripened wheat just before harvest. Liam is accompanying me as an escort again this year. He said he could leave it to the younger ones, but he wanted to see the wheat fields himself. Sophie, Theo, Mabel, and Oliver also came along. Since Sophie gave me the hint for developing the wheat, I wanted to show her the results. We all rode in a large carriage along the highway.

Last year, we proceeded while being shaken violently on the bumpy road, but this year, since we paved the highway, there is little shaking and it is comfortable. “I am happy that the carriage doesn’t shake much. This is also thanks to you, Brother, and everyone at the workshop paving the roads.” “Going along a bumpy road in a carriage makes your bottom hurt, after all. I want my territory to be paved soon too.” “Truly, the roads within the Fairchild territory are wonderful. Being able to transport goods quickly is extremely important for a merchant.” “Troops can move quickly now too. When monsters or bandits appear, it is significant that knights can rush there quickly. It is also helping to improve public order within the territory.” “The road maintenance is thanks to the hard work of the Dwarves and Carpenter‘s team. I’ll convey everyone’s words when we return to the workshop.” “Thank you. The Dwarves are building the roads with a sense of purpose, but if they are praised, I’m sure they will be even more motivated.”

After proceeding for a while, a familiar hill came into view ahead. We arrived at the top of the hill and got off the carriage. My heart was really pounding last year.

Looking out where the view opened up, golden wheat was ripening all over again this year. “It is a bumper crop again this year.” “Wow, wheat is ripening as far as the eye can see. It is an amazing spectacle. May, this is the power of the Production Skill.” “That’s right. Now I think it was good that I was granted the Production Skill.” “It is a wonderful spectacle. You can truly feel the blessings of the earth. As a Dwarf, a race of the earth, this is a happy thing.” “It seems to be a bumper crop throughout the Kingdom, except for the North. With this, the price of wheat will drop, and it will likely become easier for the poor to buy.”

“I see. In exchange, our wheat won’t sell for a high price like last year. As a merchant, does that disappoint you, Sir Oliver?” “No. There are people who call the Merchant Skill a money-making skill, but I believe it is a skill that enriches lives and spreads happiness. It is a good thing that wheat, a staple food, becomes cheap.” “I see. It seems the Merchant Skill is misunderstood in many parts. It appears my question was rude. Sir Oliver‘s words are wonderful.” “That’s right, Liam. I think the Merchant Skill is misunderstood and underestimated.” “I am happy to hear the two of you say so.”

Oliver takes pride in his Merchant Skill. Some people look down on the Merchant Skill as a skill just for money, but that is a mistake. I think any skill depends on how you use it.

Come to think of it, when Her Highness Flora asked about the Merchant Skill in a letter, I asked Oliver and answered her, and since then, I occasionally convey Oliver‘s advice to Her Highness. Recently, Her Highness has started writing “Teacher Oliver” in her letters. It would be faster for them to exchange letters directly, but it seems it is not looked upon favorably for a Princess to exchange letters with a merchant’s son. Nobles are troublesome in that regard.

Returning to the topic of wheat, it seems the Fairchild family’s income won’t decrease unexpectedly even if we can’t make a profit on wheat like last year. According to Oliver: “Profits from wheat will decrease, but since the territory’s economy is doing well, tax revenue is increasing. Paving the roads improved the flow of logistics, and renovating buildings is creating employment. Recently, building bridges is also a plus for the economy,” or so he says.

“Looking at the heads of wheat swaying in the wind somehow gives me energy.” “That’s right. I have to work hard once I return to the workshop too.” “I will do my best as well.” I’m glad I came to see it with everyone. I’m happy everyone is getting motivated, but let’s make sure to take breaks properly too.