C10 Farms 1

14th June, Alvaton,

Eric thought about the mission given by the system. He had to increase the grains production. 

He wasn't an expert in this field as agriculture wasn't his major. His knowledge of agriculture was confined to the textbook readings and farm visits, which were periodically arranged by his school. 

Eric came out of his room. His usual doorguard wasn't present, instead of him ten muscular men were patrolling the corridor. 

They must be the members of Evans' squad, thought Eric. They bowed as they saw Eric.

Eric said, "Good morning to all, can you please call Evans for me. I need to go out."

The guards complied. Evans got out of his room. He was yawning and his eyes half closed. 

"Hey, Eric, why bother me so early in the morning. Let's go back to sleep." Evans said, rubbing his eyes. 

Evans was about to enter his room, Eric held and shook him , "let's go out, I have to visit some places."

"Really, this early. Where?"

… 

Eric and Evans were on their horses leading the way and a band of guards following them. They exited the city.

Eric had asked Evans to take him to the nearby villages and farms. Evans wasn't sure what Eric was up to. 

Eric had to personally visit the farmlands because of the previous Eric, who despite being the prince of the kingdom had never taken notice of farmlands or farmers. His father, king Aland, tried to take him on various missions but he always refused. 

If the throne had gone to that version of Eric, then, he was certain that the kingdom wouldn't have survived more than 5 years.

… 

They reached the nearest village. There were about ten wooden sheds for livestock and five houses, which were enclosed within the five foot tall wooden fences. 

It was early morning, the ladies of the family were feeding the livestocks, whereas men had gone to fields. Children were chasing the foals. 

When women saw ten armed men approaching them, they picked up their children and rushed into their houses, they shut the doors.

Eric raised his brow and looked at Evans. Evans shrugged, "Why are you looking at me. It's not like I have done anything to them. Perhaps their past experience with our soldiers wasn't peaceful."

The soldiers came to the village for only two purposes. Either in search of criminals or for tax related issues. And in both cases the villagers were mistreated. Thus, villagers didn't have any good impression of soldiers.

"Then, what should we do? Let's go to the fields. I think men would be more understanding." Eric said, as they entered the village from the open wooden gate of the fence. 

Eric got down from the horse and started on foot. The guards after securing the horses, followed him. Soon, after crossing the maize farms, they saw two men, wearing worn and discolored tunics, tilling the fields.

The men were alerted by the uninvited guests, armed soldiers. They dropped their rusty rakes and walked with slow steps towards the guest, who had come from the direction of their house. Anxiety was clear on their face.

"Please don't be so tense, we have came to just inquire about a few things. You need not worry." Evans paused, he then pointed towards Eric, "he is the prince of the Kingdom and had personally come to meet you."

The two men were confused, why would the prince come here. However, their expressions changed, anxiety was gone and a look of disbelief took its place.

The men hurriedly bowed and asked for forgiveness for mistakes they might have committed unknowingly.

Eric helped them stand, "please stand up. I have come to ask some questions and survey the farming facilities. If you have any problem regarding farming, then don't be polite. I would try to solve them."

Evans was shocked by the civil behaviour of Eric. The Eric he had known was disgusted by the sight of peasants and laborers. Evans with wide eyes was staring at Eric. Maybe the new responsibilities had changed him, Evans comforted himself.

Eric picked up a lump of dark brown soil. He didn't know much about soil types. But he knew the basics: squeeze the soil and if it feels wet, it's okay, and then, release your fingers and look at the soil particles, finer the particle better the soil. 

The quality of soil could be improved over time by use of compost, manures, and watering.

The soil here was a little dry but the particles were finer. He didn't remember the types of soils but it wasn't necessary here. Anyone would know that dry soil needs water.

Eric shifted his gaze to the middle aged farmer, he tried to recall the names of the farmers but he soon realized that they hadn't given their names yet "Um… what are your names,"

The middle farmer introduced himself as Samuel and the younger one as Daniel. Middle aged farmer whispered something into the ears of Daniel. Daniel ran towards the rake, picked it up and then, darted towards the house.