"What?! What kind of nonsense are you spouting now?" Annie stared at Freya, her face a mask of utter bewilderment, her fox ears twitching in disbelief. How had this wolf-eared girl jumped to the conclusion that she had another suitor? What kind of bizarre mental gymnastics had led her down this absurd path? Annie's mind raced, trying to make sense of Freya's logic, but she came up empty-handed, her confusion only deepening.
Freya, however, pressed on, her eyes filled with genuine concern as her wolf tail swished nervously behind her. "Princess, you're not getting any younger. In a few years, you'll be…" She began, her voice soft but tinged with worry, as if the mere thought of Annie remaining unmarried was a crisis of monumental proportions.
"Shut up! Don't you dare continue this conversation!" Annie snapped, her face flushing a deep shade of red as she glared at Freya, her brown eyes blazing with indignation. "Even in a few years, I won't be old, you hear me?" Her fox tail puffed up in agitation, and with a dramatic toss of her long brown hair, she stormed off down the path, her steps quick and purposeful. She feared that if she listened to Freya's nonsense any longer, she might lose control and pounce on the wolf-eared girl, sinking her teeth into her in sheer frustration. 'Worrying about me, my foot!' She thought, her mind seething. 'To think she's trying to rush me into marriage—what nerve!'
As she marched forward, Annie's thoughts drifted to Lucas, and a small, secret smile tugged at the corners of her lips. The Young Master had asked her to wait a few years, promising that he would give her an answer—a resolution to the unspoken feelings that lingered between them. 'It's just a few years,' She told herself, her resolve firm. 'I can wait. I'm not in any hurry, and I trust him to handle everything.'
Behind her, Freya watched Annie's retreating figure, a heavy sigh escaping her lips as she shook her head in resignation. "Oh, Princess," She murmured under her breath, her voice barely audible, "You have far too many rivals. If you keep dawdling like this, you'll never secure the position of primary wife."
In this era, the nobility adhered to a strict hierarchy of marital roles, with a clear distinction between a primary wife and concubines. The primary wife, often referred to simply as "the wife," held the highest status within the household, serving as the matriarch and enjoying privileges far superior to those of any concubines. For a princess like Annie, failing to secure the position of primary wife would be a scandal of epic proportions, a humiliation that would be whispered about in every noble court across the land. Freya, as Annie's loyal retainer, cared little for her own reputation, but she felt a deep sense of duty to protect her princess's honor. The thought of Annie being relegated to a lesser role was intolerable, and Freya was determined to prevent such an outcome, even if Annie herself seemed oblivious to the stakes.
Freya sighed again, her shoulders slumping as she considered the complexities of the situation. 'I can't seem to get through to her right now,' She thought, her mind racing with possibilities. 'And if she does marry, I only hope Princess Perry never finds out.' Princess Perry, the eldest princess of the Valtoria Kingdom, was a formidable figure, fiercely protective of her kingdom's pride and honor. If she learned that Annie, a princess of their noble lineage, had married a mere human baron, she would likely be furious, her wrath shaking the very foundations of their family. The potential fallout was a daunting prospect, one that Freya preferred not to dwell on.
Quickening her pace, Freya jogged to catch up with Annie, falling into step behind her as she continued to ponder the matter. Her loyalty to Annie was unwavering, and she knew that if Annie chose to marry Lucas, she would remain by her side, serving as her trusted aide and confidante. But as her thoughts wandered, a new, unsettling idea began to take shape in her mind. 'What if… what if I end up as Lucas's concubine?' The notion was so absurd, so unthinkable, that Freya's normally composed demeanor faltered, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. 'No, no, that's ridiculous!' She scolded herself, shaking her head vigorously to dispel the thought. 'How could I even consider competing with the Princess for a man?'
The more she tried to push the idea away, the more it lingered, her imagination veering into increasingly inappropriate territory. For the first time in her life, Freya found herself entertaining such scandalous thoughts, and the realization left her flustered, her usually cool and collected facade crumbling under the weight of her own embarrassment.
"Freya, what's wrong with you today? Are you sick or something?" Annie's voice cut through her reverie, sharp and suspicious as she turned to study the wolf-eared girl. "Your face is all red. Should I ask the Young Master to give you an injection?"
Freya jolted, her wolf ears twitching as she snapped back to reality, her blush deepening for a moment before she forced herself to regain her composure. "Ah? N-No, Princess, I'm not sick. I don't need an injection," She stammered, her voice a little too quick as she shook her head, trying to banish the strange thoughts that had taken root in her mind.
"Is that so?" Annie said, narrowing her eyes skeptically as she crossed her arms, her fox tail swishing behind her. "Well, if you keep asking me these weird questions, I'll make sure the Young Master gives you a shot anyway. And honestly, instead of worrying about me, maybe you should start worrying about yourself."
"Me?" Freya blinked, her wolf ears drooping slightly as she stared at Annie, her expression one of innocent confusion. "What do you mean, Princess?"
Annie's lips curled into a mischievous grin, her brown eyes glinting with playful malice as she leaned in closer. "Well, Freya, aren't you older than me? Maybe you should be the one marrying the Young Master first, hmm?" She teased, her tone light but pointed, clearly enjoying the chance to turn the tables on her overly serious retainer.
Freya's jaw dropped, her eyes widening in shock as she stared at Annie, momentarily speechless. But then, to Annie's surprise, Freya's expression grew thoughtful, her brow furrowing as she considered the suggestion with an almost alarming seriousness. "Marry Lord Lucas?" She murmured, her voice steady and contemplative. "If that is your wish, Princess, I would have no objections."
"Pfft—cough, cough, cough!" Annie choked, her attempt at teasing backfiring spectacularly as she doubled over, her face flushing with embarrassment. "W-Wait, hold on, let's not talk about this anymore!" She sputtered, waving her hands frantically to dismiss the topic. She had expected Freya to brush off the suggestion with her usual stoicism, not to take it so seriously. 'This girl… she's actually willing to marry the Young Master?' Annie thought, her mind reeling. 'She's hopeless!'
Freya, however, remained unfazed, her expression solemn as she stepped closer to Annie, her eyes filled with unwavering loyalty. "Princess, wherever you go, I will follow," She declared, her voice firm and resolute. "I will always be by your side, serving you faithfully."
Annie's flustered expression softened, a small, genuine smile tugging at her lips as she looked at Freya, her heart warmed by the wolf-eared girl's devotion. "I know, Freya," She said, her voice gentle and reassuring. "And you don't need to worry so much. The Young Master will take care of everything. Trust me."
Freya hesitated, her gaze lingering on Annie for a moment before she nodded slowly, a flicker of respect in her eyes. She thought of Lucas, a man she considered one of the most remarkable nobles she had ever met, second only to Princess Perry in his competence and charisma. Both Lucas and Perry shared a certain sharpness, a commanding presence that inspired confidence and loyalty in those around them. If Annie believed in Lucas's ability to handle matters, then perhaps Freya could set aside her concerns—at least for now.
"We're here. The Agricultural Workshop," Annie announced, her voice snapping Freya out of her thoughts as they approached a large, fenced-in compound. The workshop was a hive of activity, its exterior guarded by four soldiers who stood at attention, their spears gleaming in the sunlight. Compared to the heavily fortified Military Workshop, the security here was relatively light, a reflection of the less sensitive nature of the projects being developed within.
Annie stepped forward, presenting her official token to the guards, who saluted respectfully before allowing her and Freya to enter. Inside, they were greeted by the workshop's manager, a middle-aged man with a weathered face and a deferential demeanor, as well as several researchers clad in practical work attire. In the Research and Development Department, Annie, Mina, and Nicole were well-known as Lucas's trusted representatives, their authority unquestioned by those who worked under them.
"Miss Annie," The manager said, bowing respectfully as he addressed her, his tone formal but warm.
"How many farm tools have been produced so far?" Annie asked, her voice calm and authoritative as she began walking toward the inner sanctum of the Agricultural Research Institute, her fox tail swishing behind her.
The manager hurried to keep pace, his clipboard in hand as he rattled off the figures. "Miss Annie, we've been working at full capacity to produce the farm tools. As of now, we have five hundred hoes, five hundred rakes, four hundred shovels…"
"Good," Annie said, nodding approvingly. "By the time spring arrives next year, I want at least one thousand of each type of tool. Make sure it's done."
"Yes, Miss Annie," The manager replied, his tone earnest as he scribbled a note on his clipboard, determined to meet her expectations.
"And where is the new farm tool? Take me to see it," Annie said, her voice steady but tinged with anticipation. This new tool was the primary reason for her visit today, and she was eager to evaluate its potential.
"Of course, please follow me," The manager said, bowing slightly before leading the way, his steps quick and purposeful. He knew that if the new tool received Annie's approval, the workshop would be rewarded handsomely, a prospect that filled him with both excitement and pressure.
Soon, Annie and Freya arrived at an inner courtyard, where a patch of land had been set aside specifically for testing new agricultural equipment. As they approached, Annie's eyes widened in curiosity at the sight before her—a wooden contraption being pulled forward by a draft horse, its movements steady and deliberate.
"Oh? So this is the new farm tool?" Annie asked, her brown eyes sparkling with interest as she studied the device, her fox ears perking up in attention.
"Yes, this is the seeder," The manager said, his voice filled with pride as he gestured to the machine.
The seeder, as he called it, was a modern adaptation of an ancient Earth invention known as the "louche," a livestock-drawn strip seeder that had been a marvel of ingenuity. This simple yet effective device, a product of the wisdom of past civilizations, had been largely forgotten in later eras, its potential overlooked in favor of more labor-intensive methods. Lucas, however, had recognized its value and had instructed his researchers to recreate it, naming it simply "the seeder" for ease of understanding. Following in the footsteps of the curved-shaft plow, another of Lucas's agricultural innovations, the seeder promised to revolutionize farming in Sedona City. Pulled by a horse or ox, it required only one person to operate, sowing seeds at a rate ten times faster than manual methods. In this era, where labor was scarce and efficiency paramount, its impact could be even greater, potentially transforming the region's agricultural productivity.
"How has the seeder performed in testing? Is it functioning effectively?" Annie asked, her brown eyes fixed on the machine as it moved across the test field, her mind already calculating its potential benefits. "Are there any issues with its operation?"
"There are a few minor flaws," The manager replied, his tone professional as he consulted his notes. "Some of the key components need to be made from steel to improve durability and performance. We've identified these issues during testing and have prepared a list of necessary improvements."
Annie nodded, her expression serious as she considered the manager's report. "Very well. Implement the improvements immediately and produce one hundred seeders in preparation for next year's large-scale land reclamation," She instructed, her voice firm and decisive. "This tool could be a game-changer, and I want it ready as soon as possible."
"Yes, Miss Annie," The manager said, bowing deeply, his face alight with determination. He knew that fulfilling her orders would not only secure the workshop's future but also contribute to the prosperity of Sedona City as a whole.
.
.
.
.
You can read advance chapters and view R-18 images of the characters on pat reon page.
pat reon.com/GreenBlue17
300 Power Stones for 1 extra chapter.
5 New reviews for 1 extra chapter.