Translator: Cinder Translations
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"Gentlemen!" Paul proposed, "Why don't we now define the advantageous crops in each of our territories?"
Earl Parker, stroking his beard slowly, said, "It seems you are set on promoting this so-called unified market."
Paul, looking quite confident, replied, "Of course, I am certain that the global commodity economy will thrive in the future. Since that's the case, why don't we get ahead of the game?"
"Let's define our advantageous crops now to avoid conflicts once the customs union is established."
The others looked at Paul with curiosity, unsure where he got his confidence from.
However, the lords could only envision an economic prosperity comparable to the southern Angled Bay, and could not imagine the grand scale of the global market that emerged in the 19th century on Earth.
"Gentlemen, we'll discuss our advantageous crops slowly. Now let me introduce you to some of the conditions needed for these machines to be most effective."
Paul continued to share Alda's agricultural experience, and everyone listened attentively.
"For some machines, like the harvester, their effectiveness is limited on scattered small plots of land. Imagine, after finishing one field, moving it to another—it's such a hassle."
"Yes, that makes sense," the others nodded.
"So, you need to promote land consolidation. Integrate scattered small plots into large farms. Consolidate small and multiple plots into one large area, and establish extensive farmlands. This way, machines like the cultivator, seed drill, and harvester can operate continuously in the fields, maximizing their effectiveness. Large-scale farms also facilitate the construction of various irrigation projects."
"I see! It seems that land consolidation is indeed necessary."
Henry clapped his hands, and the others nodded in agreement.
"Gentlemen!" Paul, with a confident pat on his chest, said, "I guarantee that the production efficiency of large farms will far exceed that of small plots with meticulous farming. Management, costs, and yields will all be better compared to individual farming. The value produced by one laborer will equal that of several people under the traditional model."
Paul was confident in his statement because he was the largest landowner in Alda. After consolidating large amounts of land and applying large-scale mechanical farming, the released labor force was sent to work in newly established factories.
"Of course, an important prerequisite is—laborers must have high qualifications. Regarding this…"
"Baron Abbott has returned!"
Before Paul could elaborate, he was interrupted.
"Baron Abbott has returned and has important matters to discuss with you."
Mechanical factory head Guy Burns led the long-absent Hansel into the room. He had been away for over two months.
"Oh, Hansel, you're back. Did you bring me news of the fleet's victory?"
In fact, Paul had already learned through carrier pigeons that the southern fleet had achieved a great victory over the pirates; otherwise, he wouldn't be so calm while leading other lords to inspect agricultural machinery. The navy was one of Alda's main forces, and most of the combat-ready ships had been taken by Tirpitz.
"Lord Earl, you guessed it right."
Hansel approached the group and greeted, "Greetings, gentlemen."
"Our fleet defeated the invading pirate fleet near Westport on January 29. Eight enemy ships were captured, and ten fled south. Our allied kingdom troops on land also achieved victory and successfully recaptured Westport."
This news was similar to what Paul had received, and he turned with a pleased smile to the lords. "Gentlemen, this naval battle will let the world know of the strength of our Northwest Bay."
It was meant to let the world—and us—know the strength of Alda. The lords were both impressed and surprised at Alda's depth. In the usurper war, Alda had already demonstrated its power on land, and now it was showing its maritime strength.
Hansel continued, "Lord Earl, His Majesty the King hopes that you will temporarily keep the fleet at Westport to assist the kingdom's troops in defending against maritime threats."
"Well…" Paul stroked his chin in thought.
"Let's discuss this in the meeting later. Is there anything else?"
"His Majesty King Rodney's decree!" Hansel took out a rolled parchment and unfolded it with a serious expression.
"Considering that Earl Grayman sent his fleet thousands of miles to aid the kingdom and helped the kingdom troops achieve victory, the kingdom acknowledges his great contribution and thus pardons the Grayman family of all past crimes."
"Congratulations, Lord Earl!" Derrick Heller was the first to exclaim.
Earl Heller shot a look at his son. It was too impolite, as the king's decree was not yet fully read. However, this decree was indeed good news for the Grayman family. The noble's reputation in the current societal structure was significant.
Paul was quite pleased; now he could truly stand on equal footing with other families in Northwest Bay. The title of "exiled family" had always made him feel one step lower in the social hierarchy, and in this social structure, noble reputation was quite important.
Hansel continued reading, "Therefore, the family's powers as a sword-bearing noble are fully restored, including the right to feudal vassals!"
"Damn!"
Before Hansel could finish, everyone heard Paul exclaim loudly.
In the kingdom, there were two types of nobles—robe-wearing nobles and sword-bearing nobles. Robe-wearing nobles were bureaucrats who were affiliated with the king or other major feudal lords. They were granted titles and privileges due to their service or achievements but did not possess fiefs. The titles of robe-wearing nobles could be hereditary or non-hereditary, and some were passed down with diminishing value.
Sword-bearing nobles were the real power holders in the kingdom's vast feudal system, except for the king. They were the true lords, unlike robe-wearing nobles. Besides titles, sword-bearing nobles owned large fiefs. Their titles usually came from significant military achievements and were hereditary and non-diminishing. In other words, they could build their own "small kingdoms" and grant titles to lower-level nobles, either sword-bearing or robe-wearing, known as vassals.
What does "damn" mean? The others couldn't guess, but it sounded like an exclamation.
Was Earl Grayman too excited? After all, having the power to grant vassals was what made a true lord.
Congratulations, indeed, congratulations!
(End of the Chapter)
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