NOVEL NEXT Chapter 25 - Chapter 25: Emergency Crops
Chapter 25: Emergency Crops
Remembering something important, I realized that a crop failure was predicted in the kingdom’s southern granary region next summer. Although I have a year, what on earth can I do?
Increase wheat cultivation? The north is already bustling with numerous pioneering villages. Besides, the wheat here is rye, which grows well even in cold climates. It has high nutritional value but a distinctive taste compared to wheat. It’s mainly consumed in the north, and there isn’t much trade with other regions. Increasing cultivation now would be challenging.
What other emergency crops are there? Oh, right! In the previous loop, the caravan guards, led by Mr. Hyamo, dealt with legumes such as soybeans, buckwheat, and sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes pomme de terre tail is not yet in circulation around here. Perhaps it’s because there is poison in the sprouts or green parts. Despite being suitable for cool regions, it seems they haven’t been introduced here.
That’s it. In times like these, I should consult Professor Kabaneru.
“Having an interest in emergency crops, you really have a unique perspective!”
Somehow, I felt deeply moved again. He genuinely cares about the famine that occurred in his maternal barony in the past, and he continues to research how to apply his Earth attribute skill to agriculture. That’s not it; I just want to make a profit from next year’s crop failure… Ah, when he takes my hand with those sparkling eyes and shakes it, my conscience hurts.
However, consulting him was a good idea. Experts are indeed different. He knew about potatoes and even about rice. Rice! The sacred silver harvest that Japanese reincarnators long for!
“Well, it doesn’t grow well in cold regions like the Marol Territory.”
That’s right. The Japonica rice I’m looking for is a variety relatively resistant to cold, but it’s more suitable for cultivation in temperate climates. It would be challenging to improve the variety to be suitable for cool regions in just three years. However, can I somehow obtain at least a personal supply for myself? Yes, I’m fine with just my personal supply!
Even though Kabaneru-sensei could see my bloodshot eyes, he promised to connect me with the familiar trading company in the capital. He also talked about potatoes.
“You really know a lot. Potatoes are not widely available in our country because people dislike them due to the poison in them.”
“Well, um, there’s a merchant we have dealings with.”
Let’s throw in some random source. They probably don’t know each other anyway.
On the other hand, when spring came, Mr. Hyamo’s caravan visited my house.
“Sweet potatoes? You always want something unusual.”
Mr. Hyamo promised to deliver seed potatoes through his contacts before it gets warm.
“I recently joined the agriculture research club at school and am studying under the Earth attribute teacher. The teacher is a researcher of emergency crops.”
“Oh, you’re interested in emergency crops; you really have a unique perspective!”
We chatted with Mr. Hyamo and others for a while. However, here and there, I felt they were subtly probing.
“I see, to Viscount Kabaneru’s place. They are quite enthusiastic about agricultural reform there.”
“If you mention Professor Kabaneru, he published a paper recently.”
“Is he the son of Marquis Charlois? He must be an excellent teacher.”
“So, if that teacher is also getting involved in emergency crops, it means…”
Everyone’s eyes glinted a bit. It’s scary.
“Uh, no, it’s, uh-huh.”
I’ll just let their speculation be shrouded in smoke. They probably don’t know each other anyway.
If I had tackled this issue earlier, I might have been able to tap into this business a bit, but this loop is already at its limit. I’ve decided in my heart not to pursue non-incantation research from the next time.