Chapter 13: Sowing Seeds of the Future

(Marcus's PoV)

A few days had passed, and the greenhouse project was progressing at an impressive pace. Marcus couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as he walked through the construction site. The workers were focused, determined, and efficient, all thanks to the guidance of Baroness Marla, who had managed the resources with incredible precision. Large, sturdy frames were already standing, covered in glass panels that glistened in the autumn sun. In just two more days, the greenhouses would be completed, and then it would be time to sow the seeds. 

The sight was encouraging, a glimpse of hope in the midst of so much uncertainty. Yet, as Marcus looked upon the near-finished structures, his mind wandered to the next problem he had to solve: the economy of the duchy.

The Grand Duchy had been financially unstable for some time now. The monster invasions had depleted resources, and the long winters made it difficult to generate wealth. What little money that did circulate within the duchy stayed confined to the borders. He needed a way to bring in more income, something sustainable that would not just keep the duchy afloat but allow it to prosper. The greenhouses were a step toward self-sufficiency, but they wouldn't generate wealth on their own.

Marcus stood at the edge of the construction site, deep in thought. The crunch of boots on gravel snapped him out of his reverie, and he turned to see Count Albrecht approaching.

"Your Grace," the count greeted, nodding toward the greenhouse. "Quite the feat you're pulling off here. I wouldn't have thought it possible in such a short time."

Marcus offered a small smile. "We still have a long way to go, but yes, it's coming together."

Albrecht clasped his hands behind his back, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I know that look. You've got something else on your mind, haven't you? It's written all over your face."

Marcus sighed, glancing back at the greenhouse. "The project is going well, but it's only the beginning. I'm thinking about how we can stabilize the duchy's finances long-term. We can't just rely on the food we grow here. We need to bring in more revenue from outside, find ways to export goods or create new industries."

Albrecht stroked his beard thoughtfully. "It's a tricky situation. The imperial family controls much of the trade routes, and given the tensions between the Grand Duchy and the Empire, I doubt they'll be eager to lend us a hand."

"That's what I've been thinking about," Marcus said, his mind already churning. "We need something that doesn't rely on imperial favor. Something that can operate independently, bring in money from other territories or even foreign lands. Perhaps something unique to the north."

Albrecht raised an eyebrow. "And what might that be?"

Marcus crossed his arms, considering the options. "We have natural resources here that other regions don't. The cold is harsh, but it also means we have access to materials like high-quality furs and pelts from the animals that thrive in the mountains. There's also the ice crystals found deep in the tundra, used in alchemy and high-tier magical creations. We've never fully capitalized on those."

The count nodded slowly, starting to see where Marcus was going. "True, we've mostly kept those resources for ourselves. But if we started exporting them…"

"It could bring in significant revenue," Marcus finished. "And not just within the Empire. There are other nations, other regions, that would pay a fortune for northern goods. We just need to establish the right connections."

The count chuckled. "I see your father's ambition in you, lad. But you'll need merchants willing to take those goods out of the duchy, and people here willing to harvest them."

"I'll handle the merchants," Marcus said confidently. "But I'll need your help managing the resources and making sure we don't overextend ourselves. We have to ensure that we're not depleting our own reserves while trying to make a profit."

Albrecht gave him a measured look, then nodded. "I'll see what can be done. You've got a sound plan, Your Grace. Let's hope the merchants are willing to take the risk."

Marcus smiled, feeling the pieces of his plan starting to fall into place. "Thank you, Count. I'll be in touch once I've spoken to a few traders."

---

Later that evening, Marcus returned to the estate, the flickering torches casting a warm glow on the stone walls. As he entered the main hall, he heard light footsteps echoing down the corridor. Turning the corner, he saw Ellie standing there, waiting for him.

"Brother," she called, her soft voice laced with curiosity. "You've been at the greenhouse all day. How's it going?"

Marcus smiled at her, exhaustion evident in his eyes but warmth in his voice. "It's going well, Ellie. In two days, it'll be finished, and then we can start planting."

Ellie's face lit up slightly, though there was a hint of hesitation in her expression. "That's good… really good. But… you've been working so hard. I just worry about you."

Marcus chuckled softly, walking over to her and placing a gentle hand on her head. "I'm fine, Ellie. Really. This is what I need to do, for all of us."

She looked up at him, her eyes full of concern. "But… you're doing so much. I know you're trying to fix everything, but don't forget to take care of yourself too. I don't want to lose you."

Her words tugged at Marcus's heart, and he crouched down to her level, meeting her gaze. "You won't lose me, Ellie. I promise. I'm doing all of this to make sure we're safe, that the duchy is safe. I'm not going anywhere."

Ellie bit her lip, her red hair falling slightly into her face. "Okay… if you say so. But promise me you'll take a break soon?"

"I promise," Marcus said, ruffling her hair gently. "Now, why don't you go get some rest? You've had a long day too."

Ellie nodded, but before she turned to leave, she paused, looking at him with a small smile. "Big brother… I'm proud of you."

Marcus blinked, taken aback by her words. A warmth spread through his chest as he smiled back at her. "Thank you, Ellie. That means a lot."

As she headed to bed, Marcus stood in the dimly lit hall for a moment, thinking about the future. There was so much to do, but for the first time in a while, he felt like he had a handle on things. The greenhouses would be finished soon, the trade routes would be explored, and slowly, they were building something sustainable.

As long as he kept moving forward, he could see the future he wanted to create for Ellie, for the duchy, and for himself.

But for now, he had work to do.