Episode 157 Continuation: Domestic Affairs
When it comes to domestic politics, once you start doing one thing, you end up wanting to do a lot of different things.
I'm aiming to increase yields with fertilizers such as leaf mold, but I want to do a little more farming.
"So, I'm going to ask you to tell me a lot of things."
"Eh, ah, yes. Um, why did you call me?"
The official in charge of agriculture was called to the office and stood there with blank eyes.
I smile at him, who looks somewhat like an official, tall and skinny, and timid.
"I wanted to ask more questions about agriculture in the Roccia region than what was mentioned in the report. That's why I brought someone with knowledge of agriculture here."
"Ha, ha."
Even after I explained it to him, he didn't seem to be able to understand the situation.
There's no point in waiting until you understand, so let's move on.
“So, what are the crops and agricultural formats in the Rocha region?”
When I asked that question, the puzzled expression disappeared from the official's face, and was replaced by an intelligent look.
“What we grow on our land is mainly double-crop wheat and thorn vines that restore the soil strength in fields planted in the winter.In fields where wheat seems to be growing poorly, we grow other vegetables. We are trying to recover by changing crops.”
“Does that mean vegetables are by-products?”
``In areas that are not suitable for growing wheat, we grow vegetables instead of forcing ourselves to grow wheat.Compared to wheat, the unit price per weight tends to be lower, and villages that can only grow vegetables are poor. However, I hear that with the restoration of peace and order in Rocha and the correctness of government, the quality of life in the small village is gradually improving.
Judging from his words, it doesn't seem like there has been a famine since I took over.
"During the several wars, we bought up food supplies, but haven't you heard of any complaints about that?"
``Are there any complaints? The villagers think that the higher ups are always taking away stored supplies.In fact, Prince Milimos is buying things and leaving behind enough food and seeds to last until the next harvest.'' I think they are grateful for that.”
We can't take it at face value, but let's keep in mind that the villagers aren't dissatisfied.
“Are there any problems or things you would like to see done regarding agriculture?”
"Prince Milimos took care of the soil improvement without me even having to suggest it. The rest is...a reservoir, I guess."
“Does that mean there aren’t enough reservoirs?”
“The current size of the fields is sufficient.However, in the future, with peace and good economic conditions, the population of Roccia will likely grow slowly.We are thinking of expanding the farmland from now on. I want you to keep it.”
"When you expand your farmland, you cut down trees, dig up their roots, and remove buried rocks and stones. But why is it that the first thing you want is a pond?"
“Roccia has a long history of blacksmithing, so the number of trees itself is small.Stumps and roots near villages and towns are also dug up for fuel.Rocks and stones buried in the ground Many of them were used for building materials and furnace materials, so not much remains."
The official's tone sounded like he was speaking common sense.
I'm an outsider after all. I researched the history of the Roccia region, but I didn't know anything about the places that were close to the folkloric lifestyle.
“In other words, the land that looks like a wasteland in the Rocha region can be turned into a farm if you cultivate it?”
“It will be necessary to add fertilizer and secure a water source, but it is as you said.”
It seems that you can literally dig up dormant land and turn it into a field to produce food.
If the amount of food increases, it will help support the population, which in turn will lead to an increase in the population and the number of soldiers.
There's no reason not to do this.
"Let's approve the idea of creating a reservoir. However, we can't build more than one at a time. I want you to decide on an effective location and prioritize the land where you want to build a reservoir."
“I have put together a draft to propose to Prince Milimos. I will make a copy of it and bring it to you later.”
"I asked. So, do you have any other requests?"
“There is, but it will depend on the quality of the fertilizer produced by Prince Milimos, so there is no immediate effect.”
There was a time when I was satisfied with the official's response and suddenly thought of something.
"If this is fine as a policy, what about agricultural tools? What kind of agricultural tools are you currently using?"
"It's a steel hoe or sickle. Others seem to use scissors to pick the fruit when harvesting vegetables."
“Do you know what kind of agricultural tools are available in the Empire?”
“I think it’s the same in the Empire?”
I see. The Empire allocates the development of magic tools to the ``military'' sector, but hasn't it been developed for ``agriculture'' yet?
Rather, it should be seen that because the Empire is a large power, it can obtain large quantities of agricultural products from its numerous vassal states and territories, so there is no need for mechanization of agricultural equipment---no, no, magical equipment.
The research department seems to be putting a lot of effort into developing magic armor, but I'd like to ask them if they can make magic tools for agriculture.
People in this world at least have magical powers. If we can develop agricultural magic tools, we are sure that the efficiency of farming will increase dramatically.
"I'm sorry I called you there. I was able to ask you a lot of questions, which was helpful. I'll talk to the military about the reservoir issue, so please quickly set priorities."
"Okay. I'll start right away."
The official bows and leaves the office.
As I resume my paperwork at my office, I can't help but smile as I think about the agricultural revolution brought about by agricultural magic tools.
Honest, who was working at the desk next to me, was watching me as if ``Senpai's bad habit has started'', but I didn't notice until I was roughly cleaning up the papers.
As much as we have been neglecting it until now, domestic politics will continue.
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