Chapter 416: Outside the City
The fields were a vivid shade of verdure dotted with orange-tinged scarlet tomatoes and eggplants ー actually, the eggplants were round and came in two hues, pure white and pale purple. They grow better here on the island compared to Japan. The italian parsleys were starting to bud and even the tendrils of green beans seemed to be doing well too.
There were three to four people working on the farm. One of them harvests the tomatoes and chilis while another person pulls the roots of the plants that had been harvested, while another does the preparation for the next step.
The chilis were selectively crossbred in order to enhance their umami flavor and spiciness. The chilis of this world are relatively hot and give you that tingling sensation because of the spice, but the umami is lacking. It’s slightly toxic. They’re available in the market and people buy them to add flavor or to extend the shelf-life of food even if it’s just for a bit.
The fields aren’t that wide, so there weren’t many full-time farmers growing crops. They hire other folks to do short term, temporary work if needed, as was the case a short while ago when the tomatoes abundantly bore fruit all at once.
They’ll probably plant cabbages next. The vegetables we cultivate in these fields are crops that already grow on the island, but since the original’s taste is a bit meh, we’re growing their improved versions. We prioritize crops that last long like potatoes and those with quick turnover time such as cabbages and chili pepper.
I first introduced vegetables that the residents are already familiar with to gain their trust, and when they’re fine growing those, I let them handle crops they’re unfamiliar with such as potatoes. I sincerely hope that the crops will spread far and wide as soon as possible so that more people can enjoy delicious food anywhere and everywhere. Ah, before that, it’s more important that more people have enough to eat.
What was the cause of that famine recorded in the history of Ireland again? Was it potato blight? I’m not sure, but folks can’t just rely on one type of crop, since it’d be a disaster if the fields were affected by diseases or even weather.
Wheat, rye, barley, oats ー these are staples so I can’t just leave them out of the list of crops to crossbreed with those in the『Pantry』, but not all varieties are suitable for growing in the hot climate of the island, so I’m not sure what to do.
For now, there’s two options. Either I go to the farmers in areas with cold climates and ask them to grow these varieties, or I cultivate them myself on a small scale. Most of the farmers are being exploited by their fief lords, so they won’t be able to escape scrutiny if I opted to go that route. Actually, even simply bringing it up with the fief lords is already a hurdle; they’re gonna hesitate. Oh what to do!
That aside, I also need to plant summer crops at my『House』, like turnips, daikon radishes, broccoli ー
I inadvertently looked at my feet while mulling over these thoughts and noticed some footprints that looked like somebody stepped heavily on the ground. It seems like whoever it was, they skillfully avoided crushing the vegetables, but it’s obvious that the tracks weren’t made by the farmers!
The fields’ purpose is to harvest seeds, some of the crops are already past their edible prime when they’re most delicious. The farmers harvest half of the vegetables during their peak season and send these to the inns and restaurants in the plaza as well as the castle’s kitchen, leaving the other half for harvesting seeds for a later date.
Tsk, they could’ve just obediently eaten the veggies in those places ーI can’t help but think so as I stared at the foot prints. According to Auro and Kiel’s report, the thiefs only consume a negligible amount, almost the same as the number of crops we lose because of insects.
The spirits would turn the vegetables bitter if the crops are severely damaged, so it’s a given that some of them would taste bad. The amount they eat makes me kinda torn if I should warn them or not.
The set of people fighting over the crops and over the sweets at night are different, and even the folks in each group also slightly vary each time. They’re banned from making a ruckus during daytime, although Kiel seemed to be going on and on about the sweets even during the day.
The incidents don’t really affect their work; they only bite a few veggies, or fight among themselves when splitting the sweets so it’s kinda hard for me to step in. I don’t want to meddle in private, and it’s still within rational ー uh, no, I guess it’s absurd…
Auro, Kiel and Faramir were spouting dangerous claims, saying that whatever they’re doing is actually great training. Really makes me wonder what trajectory this island is going to take.
After I’m done with the field inspection, I leisurely strolled around the island and came across a goat munching grass while surrounded by five sheep. Our mowers are hard at work today too, huh, and they’re doing such a fantastic job that I wonder if the growth of weeds can keep up.
The land has become fertile thanks to the black soil that I brought here. That’s actually good news, although it also meant that weeds grow a bit too well, too. Well, we can’t let the island grow bald, nor can I let the sheep grow hungry, what a dilemma.
Kids were harvesting plums with a woman who looked like their mom.
The fruit trees that grow on the island are mostly oranges and lemons. Although lemons bear fruit all year round, they remain green and unripe during summer. Both of them are in season during winter, with oranges being harvested from winter to spring.
Apricots and plums, both summer fruits, are also grown on the island for that reason. I really like the scent of ripe apricots. They’re not for sale, so the islanders are allowed to pluck them from the trees, but we also set rules and conditions to prevent a single person from overharvesting the fruits.
The kids chortled and chuckled with glee as they held the plums. Yup, this is the ambience that I hope will happen with the spread of fruits and veggies.
NEXT CHAPTER
RELEASE RATE
I Got Transferred in the Middle of a Mountain
Speed up schedule by 10 hours
Current schedule: Every 80 hours
Thanks for the treat.