"Rice, wheat…" Lucien murmured, falling into thought. "Even if the war hasn't reached us yet, we still need to prepare in advance."
Rice was a new crop for his territory. It could be cultivated into one of the most important staples of all, cooked rice.
And if they built proper rice paddies, Pokémon like Swampert or Garchomp could be raised in them. These Pokémon would prey on the common pests infesting the fields, maintaining a natural ecological balance.
"Pass on my orders," Lucien said. "Tell the farmers and the Dugtrio to expand cultivation as much as possible and sow every seed we have."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Elif nodded respectfully.
Lucien leaned back slightly, recalling what he knew of the manor-based economies of this era.
From the memories of this body's original owner, he knew that the foundation of feudal economics lay in self-sufficient production, every manor operated to sustain itself rather than trade.
The main pillars were agriculture, livestock, and handicrafts.
But agriculture was woefully inefficient. Without fertilizers, machinery, or advanced tools, people relied almost entirely on Pokémon labor.
Animal husbandry was much like the Middle Ages, farmers raised poultry and livestock, while Pokémon served as beasts of burden.
Human slaves had it even worse, ranked beneath Pokémon in status.
Handicrafts were small-scale, mills for grinding grain, blacksmiths for forging tools and weapons, women spinning cloth and weaving fabric, and brewers making ale and wine for limited trade.
Most of the yield stayed within the territory. About 50 to 70 percent of the farmers' production went toward their own survival, feeding livestock, and supporting the lord's estate. The rest was tribute.
Lucien frowned. Such systems were outdated and restrictive.
With Pokémon's help, productivity had already multiplied several times over. Ordinary people could finally break free from endless field labor.
Pokémon products, Combee honey, Petilil leaves, Mareep wool, could all be traded to enrich the territory.
He picked up a quill and began writing swiftly across a sheet of parchment.
When he was done, he handed it to Elif. "I plan to introduce reforms to maximize production."
His plan proposed that all farmland would be distributed among the farmers, who would pay steady annual taxes to sustain the territory.
At the same time, Lucien would encourage citizens to raise Pokémon and use their resources, honey, silk, wool, berries, for brewing, tailoring, and trade, building a thriving economy of exchange.
Elif read the document carefully, his eyes widening. "Your Highness… this is revolutionary!"
Lucien smiled faintly. "Elif, can't you see? The old world no longer fits the new one. Sooner or later, monsters will completely transform how we live."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone calm but firm. "When that time comes, famine, barren lands, and drought will be things of the past. No one will starve. Farmers won't have to toil endlessly just to survive. When that era arrives, old systems will have no place here. But for now… we'll move step by step."
Elif was silent for a long moment.
He recalled how, in just a few short months, the common folk had begun to change.
Perhaps because they'd seen the wonders of monsters, many had started approaching small, gentle wild ones, offering them food, even inviting them to live together within the settlement.
If someone had told him this would happen back in the royal capital, he never would have believed it.
But here, under Lucien's leadership, it was real. People's lives were improving, and hope was spreading.
At that moment, several footsteps echoed outside the hall.
Lucien looked up to see Ivan and Geralt entering.
Both men bowed respectfully.
"Your Highness Lucien, you called for us?"
"Ivan, I have a task for you."
Lucien handed him the map he'd received from Zack. "I need you to visit this village and gather information about a particular monster."
Ivan lowered his head to look. The map marked a small settlement labeled Lacunosa Village.
It appeared to be a quiet border village, nothing special at first glance.
"Lacunosa Village?" Ivan asked curiously. "Is there something important there?"
Lucien nodded. "An Ice-type monster called Kyurem is said to dwell nearby. I need you to verify the local stories about it. This matter is very important."
The seriousness in Lucien's tone made Ivan's heart tighten.
His Highness was entrusting him with such a critical mission… It was a sign of true trust.
Ivan straightened, determination flashing in his eyes.
"Understood, Your Highness! I'll complete this mission without fail!"
Lucien smiled faintly, then turned his gaze toward Geralt.
"How are things progressing?" he asked.
"We've located the habitat of those monsters you mentioned, the Aron," Geralt reported. "The Knights have been trying to approach them using your method. So far, though, only two have agreed to follow us."
"Two Arons, huh?" Lucien thought for a moment.
"If feeding them isn't enough to gain their trust, try another approach," he said. "Tell them that if they choose to follow you, you'll help them grow stronger, to evolve into powerful magical beast."
"If they doubt you, challenge them. Show them your strength."
Many Pokémon, like humans, only acknowledged those who proved themselves through battle.
It was the same principle trainers in his old world followed, earning a Pokémon's respect through strength and bond.
Fortunately, his Knights were well-trained. Against unevolved Pokémon like Aron, they would have no problem holding their own.
Geralt nodded firmly. "Understood, Your Highness."
"Good. You may go."
"Yes!"
The two men bowed and departed.
By now, the sky outside had already darkened. Lucien stretched slightly, planning to retire for the night. Tomorrow would bring new matters to attend to.
But just as he stepped out of the hall, a timid voice called out.
"Your Highness…"
Lucien turned to see Megan standing nervously at the entrance, clutching her hands together.
"Megan?" he said in mild surprise. "What's wrong? Did something happen at the ranch again?"
She quickly shook her head. "No, no! With Gyarados there, my brother and I are perfectly safe! It's just… Your Highness, all the grass seeds you asked me to plant have sprouted!"
Lucien's eyes widened slightly. "Already?"
"Yes!" Megan nodded excitedly. "They grew so fast! It's only been half a month, but the grass is already knee-high!"
Lucien's expression softened with interest.
He hadn't forgotten about the flock of Mareep. Once fully grown, their wool could be woven into fabric, an important step toward his plan for a self-sustaining economy.
However, it was already late. After a moment's thought, he said gently, "I see. Good work, Megan. Get some rest for now, I'll come by the ranch to inspect things in the morning."
"Yes, Your Highness!" she said, bowing before hurrying off.
...
Read chapters ahead at keepsmiling 818@ P@reon