Seeing Priscilla's gaze shift to him, Graham continued,
"Actually, your method is still too superficial. While removing weeds and irrigating the fields certainly benefits the growth of the main crops, the yield is still too low. Moreover, if the soil quality is poor, it will also affect the yield. This is why you specifically chose those two nutrient-rich plots of land, right?"
"Nutrient-rich land? You're saying things I don't understand again. Originally, questioning me would get you beheaded, but since you're speaking of something interesting, I'll allow to continue."
Priscilla's eyes brightened, and she folded her arms, showing a keen interest.
It seemed Graham knew some better methods! This was good news!
Priscilla was very magnanimous towards capable people!
...
Nodding, Graham continued to explain, "In general, it's about increasing the fertility of the land so that crops can fully absorb the nutrients from the soil. Combined with the princess's suggestions of weeding and irrigation, it can significantly boost yields. This is how we do it in my homeland."
"Interesting, your homeland? Go on, Graham~" Priscilla allowed with a pleased expression. The world indeed revolved around her, even when she was sleepy, someone would spontaneously bring her a bed and pillow. Choosing Graham as her knight was undoubtedly a correct decision!
"Alright... Actually, there are special techniques for growing food, such as double cropping... " He continued to explain the farming techniques from his previous life.
After spending some time here, he found that the farming techniques in this world were quite rudimentary. People only knew to till the soil, scatter seeds, and water the field occasionally.
Because this world had 'mana', crops grew very quickly. After planting, they could mature in a few weeks, but unfortunately, the nutrients in the soil were absorbed by weeds, making the yield quite worrying.
Moreover, after harvesting, they had to hand over 80% to the lord, Leip, making the villagers' lives very difficult.
Hearing his words, the lady in red was very pleased, "Very good, Graham! From now on, that piece of land is yours to manage. If you can show results in a week, I won't be stingy with my rewards!"
She pointed her folding fan at a piece of dry, barren land, issuing her command.
"Well, may I ask what the reward is, Princess? Knowing the reward in advance would greatly motivate me... "
Priscilla glared at him with a look that seemed to regard him as trash, then took a small step forward, "Hmph! If the results satisfy me, I'll let you... If you fail however, be prepared to lose your head!"
Graham shuddered, "…?!"
{T/N: Don't look at me, I'm as clueless as the rest of y'all... Let him what? Maybe it's something to do with his previous request where he asked to touch her legs or something? Or maybe it's one of those tricks that authors love to play on us readers by withholding critical information? I don't know 😮💨}
Although Priscilla's proposal was very tempting to him, was it really okay to blurt it out like that?
Seeing Graham remain silent, Priscilla taunted him, "What, lost your confidence? Or were you just making things up to deceive me? If so, I'll have to take your head as punishment!"
"No, Princess. I swear on my honor that everything I said is true!"
"Then get to work. What are you standing around for? Let me know when you've produced results!"
With that, Priscilla turned and left.
"Uh..." Watching Priscilla leave him, Graham was speechless for a moment.
Was the princess... angry? Because he questioned her methods?
'Well, never mind. Once I have results, you won't be able to deny the validity of my input... '
Graham turned and walked towards the field. After explaining his intentions to the landowner, he used his magic.
First, he used Earth Mana to soften the hard soil, increasing the gaps in the soil.
Second, he found some unused straw, used Wind Magic to cut it into small pieces, scattered it into the loosened soil, buried it deeply, and watered it with water infused with mana to increase the soil's fertility, letting the nutrients settle for a few days.
Third, he scattered the grain seeds.
Waiting for the seeds to sprout, he cleared the weeds, pulled out the seedlings, and replanted them, performing a second spaced planting.
Most importantly though, he fertilized the soil...
...
Days passed, and in the blink of an eye, a week had gone by.
During this time, Graham continued to guard Priscilla's safety in her bedroom every night.
In the mornings, he would take advantage of the situation, helping her dress while enjoying the view.
Once ready, Priscilla and Graham set off again for the village with the experimental field.
Today was the agreed-upon day.
Sitting in the dragon carriage, Graham maintained a smile, causing Priscilla to glance at him sideways.
As a side note, the 'dragon carriage' is a noble's mode of transportation, similar to a horse-drawn carriage, but pulled by land dragons with blue skin. These land dragons have the 'Divine Protection of Wind', allowing them to move forward without resistance.
Therefore, sitting in the luxurious dragon carriage, you feel very comfortable, and your hairstyle won't get messed up by the wind.
"Graham, you seem very confident?" Priscilla smiled slightly, proudly lifting one of her long, snow-white legs. Her appearance was absolutely stunning!
Graham was momentarily dazed, then giggled, "Of course Princess. You just wait to fulfill your promise and give me my reward!"
"I will naturally keep my word. Before we see the results however, tell me, where are you really from?"
Priscilla suddenly showed interest in his 'homeland'. According to her investigation, Graham escaped from the Gladiators Arena of the Vollachia Empire...
He was quite famous for killing many nobles before he proceeded to escape.
"Oh~ Princess is finally interested in my homeland?"
"Stop the nonsense Graham. You are getting bolder, daring to speak to me with such disrespect! I don't know how many times I've forgiven you because of your interesting nature! Yet you don't appreciate my broad-mindedness. Do you want to be beheaded?"
Priscilla looked angry, feeling inexplicably annoyed by his smug expression.
"Alright. I understand, Princess. I'll tell you now... "
Taking a deep breath, Graham slowly said, "I come from a land without magic, relying on technology. Everyone is equal there, regardless of status..."
"Oh. Such a ridiculous place exists?"
Priscilla suddenly laughed, exuding infinite charm, "In my opinion, your homeland is nothing special, just a bunch of commoners!"
"Yes, yes, Princess, no one can compare to you... you are the most extraordinary. Just remember to give me the reward later~"
Hearing this, Priscilla's gaze instantly turned cold.
She would certainly keep her word and give the reward, but did he keep bringing it up because he didn't trust her?
"Graham, do you know the consequences of doubting my credibility?"
"Huh? Sorry, Princess. I was just too excited, I would never even dream of doubting you."
"Hmph~ Then shut your mouth! Once we see the results, I won't be stingy with the reward. So stop annoying me with such trivial matters."
"Understood." Graham nodded, indicating he understood.
As expected, Priscilla still needed to be coaxed...
...
{T/N: A headache of a chapter, this one was...}