The farmers of western and central regions started arriving at the farm. Every one of them had their own concerns about coming here.
The one issue that was common to all was the payment of taxes even when their crops were destroyed or damaged.
They had heard from Samuel about the one gold coin per year offer, it would be incorrect to say that they were not tempted by the offer.
If the prince offers it today, they would readily accept it; However harsh its conditions be, it would still be better than dying from starvation, if crops failed.
Some of them had seen during droughts or other natural calamities people eating barks of the trees and earth in worst cases, because of no money.
When they entered the farm, they were greeted by the sight of agricultural tools and like Samuel, they too were attracted to the bigger plow.
…
Eric and Evans were in the same carriage and were followed by ten guards on horseback.
Eric asked, "Evans, what you know about the farmlands and farmers? Brief me, I want to be fully prepared."
"Um… if we go by area, the Campbell region had more fertile land than the rest of the kingdom. Bruns region can be completely neglected. The central and western region combinedly had approximately 40,000 hectares of cultivable land."
"And the more than 150,000 people are dependent directly on farming in the middle region excluding children and youngsters according to survey done 9 years ago"
"So, If you are thinking of giving one gold each year, just the middle region would cost more than 40000 coins, if we include Campbell it would increase the total to a whooping 100000 gold coins. I think it's triple the yearly earnings of the kingdom and sadly, Alvaton doesn't have any gold mines."
Evans completed his analysis and leaned back in his seat, turning his head sideways to see Eric, who was in deep thought.
100,000 gold, this amount rotated in his mind. Farming wasn't the only industry on which he would be concentrating but it was the livelihood of more than 80 percent residents of the kingdom.
He was getting headaches just thinking about how he would gather such a huge sum. He also had to develop other industries like mining, and metallurgy, and transport, and many more which he couldn't remember now and military.
…
Eric's carriage entered the farm and he was astonished to see thousands of farmers present.
Samuel himself hadn't expected such a large number of guests. He had just informed his close friends and relatives and told them to pass on the message.
Seeing such a crowd in front of his house covering most of the space within the fence, he was sure that in two days the open invitation message traveled across the entire middle region of the kingdom.
Eric climbed out of the carriage, All the farmers present bowed politely, at least the people in front did. Who knew what people in the last row were doing, he wasn't worried about them planning to assassinate him as he had a cheat.
He addressed the people, "Farmers of Alvaton, your contribution to this kingdom is as huge as the northern mountains. No one can take your place. I am aware you have suffered greatly."
The farmers nodded, the prince acknowledged their contribution and sufferings, this proved whatever they did didn't go unnoticed.
"I would be foolish of me to claim that I share or understand your feelings. But I can at least try to ease it off."
Excitement was clear on their faces, they knew where it was going. If the prince didn't announce what they were expecting then they surely would be disappointed.
The eyes of the farmers were focused on Eric, they didn't want to miss any of his words. Their ears ready to catch how the prince was going to provide relief.
Evans standing behind Eric, was nudging him from behind, muttering in low voice, "please not that, Kingdom doesn't have enough funds... please be rational"
" From now on every farming family would receive one gold coin yearly, If they satisfy certain conditions."
the farmers were exhilarated, without even knowing the terms and conditions.
There was a thunderous applause, Eric couldn't hear himself. He waited for them to calm down before explaining terms and conditions.
He didn't need to turn back, he could guess Evans was fuming behind him. He would have scolded him badly if he wasn't in public.
After the farmers quieted down, he started explaining the terms. They would be considered workers of the kingdom and anything they need, seeds or equipment, would be provided by the Kingdom.
In return they had to work hard in their lands and give all the produce to the kingdom and try to achieve targets set by the kingdom to earn bonus.
The farmers continued cheering and as expected by Eric, they started registration themselves. Some farmers were still hesitant and waiting for results before joining this program…
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(Today's 1st of 3 chapters)