TL: Etude


    “Everyone!” Paul suggested, “Why don’t we now determine the advantageous crops within each of our territories?”


    Count Parker stroked his beard leisurely and said, “It seems you are determined to establish what you call a unified market.”


    Paul, with an air of certainty, said, “Of course, I am certain and positive that themodity economy will flourish worldwide in the future. Why shouldn’t we seize the initiative now?”


    “We should now define our advantageous crops to avoid conflicts when the customs union is established.”


    The others looked at Paul with his confident demeanor, wondering where his assurance stemmed from.


    However, the lords could only imagine an economic prosperity akin to that of the southern Horn Bay, as their current understanding couldn’t fathom the global market of the 19th century on Earth.


    “Ladies and gentlemen, we will discuss the advantageous crops of each territory at length. First, let me introduce the conditions necessary for maximizing the efficiency of these machines.”


    Paul continued to share Alda’s agricultural experiences, and everyone listened attentively.“Some machines, like the harvester, for instance, have limited effectiveness on small, scattered plots ofnd. Imagine the hassle of moving it from one field to another after harvesting a small piece. That’s quite troublesome.”


    “Hmm, that makes sense,” they all nodded in agreement.


    “Therefore, you need to promotend cirction, consolidate farnd, merge small plots intorger ones, and establish vast farms forrge-scale operations. Only then can machines like plows, seeders, and harvesters work continuously and most effectively. Large-scale farms also facilitate the construction of various irrigation projects.”


    “Indeed! It looks likend consolidation is imperative.”


    Henry struck his palm with his fist, and the others nodded in agreement.


    “Gentlemen!” Paul, puffing out his chest confidently, said, “I guarantee that the production efficiency ofrge farm models will significantly surpass the meticulous cultivation of small plots. nting management, cost, and profit will all be far superior to individual farming. The output of a singleborer in this system will be equivalent to several people in the traditional model.”


    Paul was so sure because he was thergest farm owner in Alda. After consolidating arge amount ofnd and applying mechanical farming on arge scale, the releasedbor force was employed in various newly established factories.


    “Of course, a crucial prerequisite is—the workers must be higher quality. Regarding this…”


    “My Lord!”


    Just as Paul was about to borate, he was interrupted.


    “Baron Abbott has returned, and he has something important for you.”


    Guy Burns, the head of the machinery factory, came forward with Hansel, who had been away for more than two months.


    “Oh, Hansel, you’re back. Have you brought me good news of the fleet’s victory?”


    In fact, Paul had already learned of the southern fleet’splete victory against the pirates through pigeons. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been soposed, showing the other lords the agricultural machinery. The navy was a vital part of Alda, with Tirpitz having taken away most of thebat-ready ships.


    “My Lord, you guessed right.”


    Hansel approached the group, bowing, “Greetings, lords.”


    “Our fleet defeated the invading pirate fleet near Port West on January 29th. We captured eight enemy ships, ten fled south, and the kingdom’s army, coordinating with us onnd, also triumphed, securing Port West.”


    Paul’s information was much the same. He turned around, smiling proudly at the lords, “Gentlemen, this naval battle will show the world the power of our Northwest Bay.”


    “Let the world… and us, know Alda’s power, right?” The lords internallymented while also being surprised at the unfathomable depth of Alda’s power. Alda had already demonstrated its strength onnd during the Usurper’s War, and now it showcased its naval prowess in this manner.


    Hansel continued, “Lord Count, His Majesty the King wishes for you to temporarily keep the fleet at Port West to assist the kingdom’s army in defending against threats from the sea.”


    “Well…” Paul stroked his chin in thought.


    “Let’s discuss this in a meetingter. Is there anything else?”


    “The royal decree from King Rodney!” Hansel produced a scroll of parchment and solemnly unfolded it.


    “In recognition of Count Grayman’s efforts in dispatching a fleet to aid the king and assisting the kingdom’s army in achieving victory, the kingdom gratefully absolves the Grayman family of all past usations.”


    “Congrattions, Lord Count!” Derrick Heller was the first to exim.


    Count Heller gave his son a stern look for being too impetuous, as the royal decree hadn’t been fully read yet. However, thismand was indeed good news for the Grayman family. Frankly speaking, because of an incident a century ago, several lords present were tasked with ‘monitoring’ the Grayman family.


    Paul felt genuinely pleased inside. Finally, he could stand on an equal footing with other families of Northwest Bay. The stigma of being an “exiled family” had always made him feel inferior in others’ presence. In the current societal structure, a noble’s honor was indeed a significant matter.


    Hansel continued reading, “Therefore, all rights of being a Sword Noble are restored, including the right to feudal vassge!”


    “Wow!”


    Before Hansel could finish, everyone heard Paul exim loudly.


    There were two types of nobility in the kingdom—Robe Nobility and Sword Nobility. Robe Nobility referred to bureaucrats serving the king or other major feudal lords, granted nobility due to their merits or hard work, enjoying various privileges but without any fiefdom. The titles of Robe Nobility might be hereditary, non-hereditary, or diminish over generations.


    Sword Nobility, on the other hand, were feudal lords other than the king. They were pivotal points in the vast feudal system of the Kingdom of Ordo, the true power holders. Unlike Robe Nobility, Sword Nobles possessed extensive fiefs. Their titles usually came from significant military achievements and were strictly hereditary, passed down without diminution. In the terms of ancient China, this was akin to hereditary nobility without recement.


    Sword Nobility also had a privilege not afforded to Robe Nobility—the right to establish their ‘little kingdoms’, granting titles to lower nobility, either as Sword or Robe Nobles, essentially their vassals.


    What did “Wow” mean? None could guess; it sounded like an exmation.


    Perhaps Count Grayman was too excited, as having the right to feudal vassge was a mark of a qualified lord.


    A joyous and congrattory asion indeed!