Chapter 300: Magical Agriculture
Distribution?
In other regions, the idea of golems managing money, salaries, and the distribution of materials might sound far-fetched.
But in Bay Territory, this system had been in place for some time.
At first, there was resistance, and even some subtle complaints or hints from certain administrators to Ralph the steward.
However, the results were undeniable, much to Ralph's satisfaction.
This arrangement essentially eliminated the possibility of anyone secretly tampering with the system.
Don't assume they wouldn't dare!
Once someone gains power, they often start to wield it as they see fit.
Before they're in charge, they may seem diligent, conscientious, and capable, showing no signs of greed.
But once they're in a position of authority, those hidden desires tend to surface.
It's an undeniable fact and one of the key challenges of governance.
It might start with a small indulgence, but once they've tasted the benefits without repercussions, things can spiral out of control.
This was why Matthew was hesitant to trust people unconditionally!
Unlike humans, golems can't be bribed!
By separating power and resources, you make manipulation much more difficult.
Of course, no system is foolproof, and determined individuals will always find loopholes.
But by then, Matthew trusted that more advanced technologies could further complicate any attempts at corruption.
For example, the "detect lies" devices that could be implemented for daily use!
Despite these restrictions, Matthew ensured that proper compensation and rewards were provided.
In short, if everyone gets what they rightfully deserve, society would become a much better place.
Ralph the steward, fully aware of these facts, wholeheartedly endorsed Matthew's vision for the future.
Still, he also understood that many challenges and dangers lay ahead on the path to that ideal world.
But he and the lord were confident they could overcome them.
Seeing Ralph's agreement, Matthew continued:
"After the assessments, they need to undergo professional training to gain the necessary expertise."
"We must avoid the embarrassment of having 'incompetent people leading the competent.'"
Ralph jotted this down, already imagining the future where more and more villages and towns would spread across the vast wilderness and developed plains, opening up more farmland and producing more food for the territory.
Matthew suddenly tapped his forehead, recalling something important:
"Also, we need to assign agricultural specialists to survey and evaluate different terrains and soil types in advance."
"They should propose the most suitable planting methods for each area."
Ralph's eyes lit up at this, and he pulled out a new set of documents, handing them to Matthew:
"This is the research from Lady Elona. She said it was based on your instructions."
"I believe these findings could be quite useful—perhaps we can apply them to these new villages?"
Matthew took the documents with pleasant surprise, his thoughts briefly drifting to Elona, Guoguo, and the Wisdom Tree.
Had their work already borne fruit?
It seemed they could handle even more responsibilities!
"For the plains near the Silver Moon River, suitable primary magical plants include: Eastern Redleaf Mulberry, Fire Kiwi, and Elven Sugarcane."
"Eastern Redleaf Mulberry: primary magical plant."
"Advantages: easy to cultivate, fast-growing; the leaves can feed Silver Moon Silkworms, and the berries can be used to make nutrient potions or magical wine."
"Disadvantages: requires large amounts of fertilizer, and the berries are prone to being eaten by birds."
"Fire Kiwi: primary magical plant."
"Advantages: high yield, easy to care for, and long-term consumption enhances physical fitness."
"Disadvantages: long growth period, takes time to see results, and requires substantial nutrients."
"Elven Sugarcane: primary magical plant."
"Advantages: very high yield, high sugar content, and can be used to make nutrient potions."
"Disadvantages: depletes soil fertility quickly, and the species degenerates rapidly."
Each plant had its pros and cons.
Matthew immediately ruled out the Fire Kiwi.
Time was its greatest limitation, and neither he nor the territory had the luxury to wait.
He was particularly fond of the Elven Sugarcane for its high sugar production.
Sugar was a valuable commodity!
Many territories relied on sugar production as a major economic pillar.
And sugar wasn't just a foodstuff—it could also be used for wartime supplies.
Developing medical resources in line with the needs of this world was another point of future advancement for the territory.
However, the fact that Elven Sugarcane drained the soil's fertility was a major headache.
Even with the Elves' advanced farming techniques, they hadn't been able to expand its cultivation, highlighting the plant's challenges.
But Matthew wasn't ready to give up on the Elven Sugarcane.
If it had flaws, he would find ways to fix them!
That, too, was a form of "growth."
Matthew believed Elona and the Wisdom Tree had the potential and capability to tackle this challenge.
Otherwise, the tens of thousands of gold coins he spent building the Druid greenhouse would be wasted!
"Perhaps Elona can be taught methods of cultivation, seed selection, and hybridization."
Matthew recalled how many Druids, through collaboration with players, had bred excellent magical plants and creatures.
Some had even ascended to become Archdruids as a result!
It was a path to greatness!
"Maybe Elona can continue on this path, progressing further towards becoming an Archdruid."
Or perhaps, the Goddess of Agriculture?
Names of legendary figures who left an indelible mark on history flashed through Matthew's mind, as he turned his attention to the Eastern Redleaf Mulberry.
This was a common primary magical plant, said to have originated from the Eastern Empire rather than the Western Continent.
The Eastern Empire left many traces along the Eastern Coast.
These included the bloodlines of Eastern peoples, various foods, underground relics, production methods, myths, history, and a variety of crops.
It wasn't just Matthew who was curious—many players had been eager to explore these remnants.
Unfortunately, even decades after Matthew arrived in this world,
no player had ever made it to the East to see the mysterious and ancient Eastern Empire.
Gathering his wandering thoughts, Matthew focused on the Eastern Redleaf Mulberry, recalling some knowledge from his school days.
"Mulberry leaves, Silver Moon Silkworms, nutrition, brewing…"
Various familiar pieces of information came together, and Matthew's eyes gleamed with excitement.
He felt immense gratitude for the knowledge he had gained from his past education.
Any knowledge needed for personal or territorial development had been seamlessly integrated into his past learning.
Truly, a "treasure trove" that never runs dry.
Despite these ideas, Matthew didn't immediately issue any orders.
Every directive involved a significant investment of manpower and resources.
Determining how best to use these resources without waste or causing harm required careful research by experts.
It wasn't something to decide on a whim.
However, Matthew believed...
Those ancient and brilliant pieces of wisdom he remembered.
Would surely shine brightly in this world!