It was already autumn. In the southeastern domain of Aspiration City, the wheat in the lord's territory had already been sown into the fields.
From afar, one could see the farmland along the roadside where tender shoots of green had already sprouted. The fresh green wheat seedlings stretched endlessly across the land, extending all the way to the distant horizon.
These newly sprouted seedlings constantly drew the attention of passing merchants. Compared to the fields they had seen in other territories, the wheat seedlings here seemed to be growing far more vigorously and luxuriantly.
"What's going on with this wheat? Why is it growing so much faster and healthier than normal?" Many merchants had puzzled expressions on their faces.
Under normal circumstances, around this time of year the wheat in most territories should have only just been planted, with bare soil covering the fields. Yet here, the crops looked as if it were already early spring, full of vibrant life.
Their understanding of wheat growth was simple: wheat is sown in autumn, grows through the spring, and is finally harvested in summer. That was the cycle they all knew and had seen for years. But the growth of this wheat before them was completely different from what their memories told them.
"Say, do you think this wheat might even be harvested before winter comes?" One merchant muttered to his companions.
Hearing this, the others immediately laughed and shook their heads.
"Sir, it's obvious you've never worked the fields. Wheat requires a full year to grow. How could it possibly be harvested right after planting?"
The others also chuckled and echoed the remark. Still, they all admitted that by next year, this land would surely produce a great harvest. Without doubt, Earl Aven was indeed proving himself to be an excellent lord.
"But… have you all forgotten that the berries in Fruitvale Village bore fruit during the summer, far earlier than normal?" Another guest reminded the group.
At this, the people present froze for a moment, but soon shook their heads again.
"Berries aren't the same as wheat. In truth, summer and autumn are not that far apart anyway."
"But wheat that was just planted, growing to maturity within only two months instead of a full year? Do you really think that's possible?" Another merchant shook his head dismissively.
Even so, despite their disbelief, their eyes couldn't help but drift once more to the lush, thriving wheat seedlings in the field. Could it really be impossible?
…
"Impossible for wheat to be harvested before winter?"
A field serf who had overheard the merchants raised his head, watching their distant, retreating figures. He let out a cold snort.
Originally, he too had thought the same, but now, seeing the way the wheat grew with such surprising speed, even he felt his expectations being overturned.
If the wheat truly could mature before winter came… A heavy look appeared in the serf's eyes.
He had already heard the rumors: all of Aspiration City domains was facing a looming shortage of food. Many serfs had fled their previous lords who could no longer feed them, and had come here to Fruitvale Village in search of survival.
Though for now, they could still eat coarse black bread at every meal, worry lingered in their hearts. If there wasn't enough food to last through winter, what would become of them?
And so, he desperately hoped that this wheat might ripen quickly. If it could really be harvested before winter's arrival, then they would at least have a chance to live.
Beyond that, there was another desire buried deep in his heart. If he could earn enough merit points, then he, like other serfs, could shed the shackles of slavery and become a free citizen.
If only he could become a free man before winter arrived! None of them wanted to wait another year. They longed, impatiently, to begin new lives.
"Odd~"
Just as the serf paused to catch his breath, a small Oddish burrowed up out of the soil.
The Oddish narrowed its eyes with a blissful expression. From the earth of this farmland, it could feel a boundless vitality and flourishing life force.
"Alright then, let's keep working hard!" The serf took a deep breath, then suddenly remembered something. His eyes lit up.
"That's right, today is fertilizer distribution day!"
With that thought, he quickly scrambled out of the field and hurried toward the village. He knew very well that the lush growth of this wheat owed itself entirely to the special fertilizer.
"Odd~!"
Hearing the word "fertilizer," Oddish's eyes also brightened.
It looked over at the thriving wheat seedlings in the farmland, let out a cheerful cry, and its body shimmered faintly with a soft green glow. That glow slowly merged into the soil of the field, nourishing the wheat even further.
…
Inside the Pokémon Breeding House of Fruitvale Village.
Aven was listening to reports from Fessen, Sutter, Mike, Phyllis, and the other officials.
At present, there were two matters they were most focused on. One was the ongoing trials at the Court of Public Order, and the other was the progress of the wheat cultivation in the territory.
Regarding the trials, once they had handed the evidence over to the Court of Public Order, investigations had already begun.
Naturally, the Gilded Fang Merchant Guild tried to wash their hands clean, pushing away all responsibility and declaring they had nothing to do with the matter.
Of course, everyone knew full well what the truth was. What really concerned Aven was not their denial, but the far-reaching impact the aftermath of this case might bring.
According to information received from Earl Ruize, more and more northern lords were now choosing to join the Eastern Alliance, steadily weakening the strength of the Ironbood Alliance.
On top of that, those northern lords were also bringing with them large amounts of grain. In order to win them over, the Eastern Alliance was purchasing their stock at relatively high prices, which greatly eased the financial crises of those lords.
"Uncle Mike, how is the wheat cultivation in Fruitvale Village progressing?" Aven asked.
Hearing this, Uncle Mike stepped forward.
"All of the farmland in the territory has now been fully sown with wheat," he reported.
"With the help of growth fertilizer and the aid of Pokémon, the wheat is growing astonishingly fast. It's already sprouted into strong seedlings."
Excitement shone in Mike's tone, though a hint of hesitation followed. After a pause, he continued,
"But… can this wheat truly be harvested before winter comes?"
He was not the only one with doubts. Upon hearing his question, the other officials also turned to Aven with eager, questioning eyes. The maturity of this wheat was of vital importance to the whole territory.
"Don't worry. These crops absolutely will be harvested before winter arrives."
"Have the serfs follow my fertilizer plan to the letter. As long as they do, before winter we are guaranteed a bumper harvest!"
Aven gave his answer with firm conviction. This knowledge came from the accumulated wisdom of countless predecessors in his previous world, and he had absolute confidence in it.
"Yes, Lord Aven!"
Hearing his certainty, the officials were visibly uplifted. As long as the food problem was solved, nothing would be able to slow down the development of Fruitvale Village.
"Good. Make sure the serfs work diligently. My promise to them will be fulfilled."
Aven then turned his gaze to Master Thomas.
"What about the planned districts of the town? Can their construction be completed before winter?"
"Completely without problem, Lord Aven!" Thomas quickly replied. With Pokémon assisting, their current building efficiency was astonishingly high.
"Excellent. Then there will be no cause for worry."
"Phyllis, report the latest situation regarding the grain prices in Aspiration City. Our next task is to suppress those prices."
"I believe all of you know how to proceed. Just as we once suppressed the prices of berries and potions!"
Aven glanced at the territory's treasurer. Over the past weeks, he had privately been tutoring Phyllis, and the progress in her handling of finances was now clearly visible.
"Leave this matter to me, Lord Aven!"
"Compared to last time, this will be easier. Now we also have the cooperation of the Eastern lords, which will make it even simpler to bring the grain prices down."
Phyllis flipped rapidly through her ledgers, her eyes scanning swiftly while she continued to summarize the state of Fruitvale Village's grain market.
According to Aven's teaching, the prices of commodities in this world were entirely dictated by supply and demand. As long as supply exceeded demand, prices would inevitably drop sharply.
Therefore, her first step was to stabilize market confidence. If they could just let the buyers know that Aspiration City was not truly lacking grain, that alone would be enough to pull the prices down significantly.
…
By the riverbank, Buck was busy grilling fish.
In front of him, more than a dozen Bidoof sat obediently, squatting in line and waiting patiently.
The aroma of grilled fish drifted through the air, making the Bidoof gulp down their saliva unconsciously.
Buck flipped the skewered fish in his hands, watching the Bidoof before him with satisfaction on his face.
After countless attempts, he had finally managed to tame a Bidoof with the power of his delicious grilled fish.
What's more, this Bidoof had brought along many companions, making the river here lively and bustling with activity.
Perhaps opening a grilled fish shop in Fruitvale Village wouldn't be a bad idea, Buck thought with expectation.
His gaze shifted toward the farmland in the distance, where the wheat seedlings had already grown thick and strong.
Wheat seeds first germinate into seedlings and roots, then sprout small leaves. Once they break through the soil, the stalks begin to elongate upward.
After reaching a certain height, they form ears, then push out their spikes, blossom with flowers, and finally bear grain.
Judging from his own experience, these wheat seedlings wouldn't take much longer before they began forming ears, which made him extremely excited.
As long as the wheat bore grain, he would surely gain enough merit points. For this very goal, he had even cultivated several additional acres of farmland, intending to exchange one year of hard labor for his freedom!
(End of Chapter)