Chapter 68 My Stomach Hurts
Jade was having a really bad stomachache. Just a little while ago, high-ranking alchemists and pharmacists were arguing over what to plant in this area. But as soon as Sara arrived, she took control and made it clear that the decision was up to them, and everyone's eyes were on us.
'What... should I do?'
It's true that Jade is like a leader in this region, but he was born and raised on a farm, and since coming here, he's been a pioneer farmer. The most important person he's ever met is probably just a tax collector, and he's never even seen a lord or a head of the guild. In other words, Jade is completely out of his element.
The one who noticed Jade's tension was Amelia the Pharmacist Girl, who was in a similar situation. When he heard Sara's loud voice scolding her teacher, Alexander, she rushed into the tent and noticed Jade's situation.
"Mr. Jade, don't worry, you're not being forced to decide right now. But I know it's hard not to get nervous when surrounded by such important people. To be honest, I've been nervous the whole time too. But it's okay. My teacher, Sir Alexander, won't force you to do anything unreasonable, and even if the herbs can't be cultivated, he won't get upset. He might get a little disappointed, but that's all."
Amelia the Pharmacist Girl turned to Alexander and asked, "Okay?"
"Amelia, I won't get disappointed over something like that."
Next, Alicia the Alchemist Girl, who had entered the tent, spoke to Theofrastos.
"Please, Father, don't be too pushy. I understand your curiosity as an alchemist, but please don't make any strange requests to Miss Sara. It's really embarrassing."
"...Got it."
"Mr. Jade, I'm sorry to trouble you. Please make a decision that will benefit this region. Of course, I won't hesitate to lend a hand, so please ask me anything you'd like to know."
Thanks to the maidens, the atmosphere in the room became more relaxed, and Sara continued.
"As I mentioned earlier, Grandchester Castle has a garden called the Secret Garden, where many fairies live. They're fairies who protect and nurture plants, so they'll probably teach us about plants that can thrive in this land. We can choose the ones that are in demand and cultivate them. That's what I think."
Jade finally nodded in understanding.
"Okay, Lady Sara... We'll ask the fairies about the plants that are easy to grow, and then the alchemists and pharmacists can plant the ones they need."
"I think that's a good idea, Mr. Jade. We don't have to focus on medicinal herbs. If we think food crops are better, then that's fine. It's not like we can't do that. With this much land, we can experiment with various crops. We can try without worrying since we'll receive compensation during the trial period."
Then, Sara continued, looking a bit embarrassed.
"And, well... I feel like I shouldn't say this, but I also want you to grow a certain plant. Of course, I won't force you to do it..."
It was rare to see Sara acting so shyly, so the adults around her looked puzzled.
"So, Lady Sara, what do you want to cultivate in our field?"
"It's a root vegetable called potato."
So, Sara really wanted to eat potatoes. When she saw the list from Amelia the Pharmacist Girl, she realized she hadn't eaten potatoes since she was reincarnated in this world.
"Is it a plant we've never heard of? Do you have the seeds or saplings for it, Lady Sara?"
"Although it's a small amount, I have some seed potatoes cultivated in the Secret Garden. If you can cultivate them, I'll use magic to support their growth and increase the yield at first."
It's already been confirmed by the fairies that the potatoes can be grown in this land, and I've also heard about how to increase the yield.
"Um, can we eat those potatoes?"
"They're super delicious!!"
Sara's excited expression was too cute, and Jade couldn't help but burst out laughing. The adults around them also started laughing.
"Haha, if Lady Sara wants to eat them that badly, I can't not cultivate them. I don't know about other farms, but I'll grow them in my field."
"Sara, if you wanted to eat them that badly, you should've told your Uncle sooner and I could've gotten them for you."
"This doesn't seem like a medicinal herb, though."
'Ugh, this is so embarrassing. I'm starting to look like a gluttonous character!'
"Don't laugh so much, okay? I'm sure everyone will like them once they try them And there are many other plants I want to cultivate, so I'm being patient for now!"
Then, Marquis stood up, laughing, and lifted Sara up.
'Grandfather, why are you lifting me up like this?'
"Sara, why don't you decide what to do? They'll receive compensation for this year and next year anyway. During that time, you can borrow the fairies' wisdom and give instructions. Once you see the results, Jade and the others will be able to decide what crops to grow in the future. And he won't be swayed by what the alchemist or pharmacist says, right?"
"He won't be swayed at all; Sara will just pour cold water on their heads!"
Robert's witty remark made the tent erupt in laughter again.
'Ugh... this is so embarrassing...'
This was clearly a rusty remark coming from her.
"I understand. If Mr. Jade and the others are okay with it, then I don't mind. Please let me manage this region for a year or so."
"Understood. My field and my parents' field will be entrusted to Lady Sara."
Jade pointed out the locations of his and his parents' fields on the map.
"I'll ask the others as well. I think everyone will agree, but I'll make sure to confirm and ask again."
"Understood. Thank you, Mr. Jade."
"Likewise, thank you, Lady Sara."
Jade bowed deeply to Sara and Marquis, "Then, I'll get started on the reaping work." With that, he left the tent, relieved to be free from the painful task of deciding on the crops. His expression was bright and cheerful.
"I think Mr. Jade had a lot of pressure on his shoulders..."
"It's no wonder. I'm still feeling tense myself. After all, Ms. Alicia here is still Theofrastos-san's daughter, so it's not like we're used to it, right?"
"I'm no good either, Ms. Amelia. I'm still not used to it at all."
Despite that, the two of them couldn't help but feel a little relieved seeing Marquis holding Sara, which made them relax a bit more than before.
'Maybe Grandfather is holding me to ease the tension? But, I'm 8 years old now, and being held like this is...'
Sara was imagining Marquis's intentions, but Marquis wasn't thinking that deeply. He simply wanted to hold Sara. And Robert was also eager to hold Sara whenever he got the chance.
"This morning, we rushed through, but there's a town about half a day's horse ride from here, Sara. The lord's mansion is also there, so we're planning to stay there tonight. I'll give you the key, so you can use it as a base when you visit. You'll likely be going back and forth frequently for farm management, so try to get used to riding horses as soon as possible. I'll arrange for the horses to be ready soon."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
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