Chapter 20: A Single Wheat Stalk

Daisy's story wasn't over yet. "Actually, I was apparently a very strange child when I was young. Because of that, I had no friends and spent a lonely childhood. The only person who was kind to me was my cousin Nelly. But Nelly lived in a cold region prone to frost damage, and I knew she would be sad whenever frost damage occurred. Wanting to do something for kind Nelly was my motivation for starting research." Daisy said this with tears in her eyes.

"I understand that story well. It must have been hard for you, but your story isn't finished, is it?"

"Yes, I heard that bringing forest soil to add to fields improves the soil. So I thought about why forest soil is good. When I considered what's abundant in forests, I thought it might be leaves." "So I'm also experimenting with collecting large amounts of leaves, mixing them with soil, adding a small amount of water, and letting them decompose. I think it will make good fertilizer." "I'm also considering whether animal droppings could make fertilizer, but I'm still investigating because of the possibility they might spread disease." Daisy's story still didn't stop. I just listened in amazement.

"Also, two years ago there was a severe frost in the north. Nelly's region suffered terrible damage. But thanks to aid from the king, they didn't starve, I'm told. I'm very grateful for that." Daisy seemed genuinely thankful, bowing her head toward the royal capital. "My father also sent food aid to Nelly's region."

"And as thanks, a single ear of wheat was sent to us. The letter that came with it said they were sorry they had nothing to give in return for the food aid. They apologized for only being able to send this one wheat stalk that had managed to bear grain." "My father said they didn't need to do that and was about to throw it away, but I asked to keep it."

Daisy's eyes shone. "Just think about it. During that frost, all the wheat withered, but this one stalk stood tall in an otherwise empty field. And it wasn't barely surviving—it had produced plump, well-formed grains. This is definitely unusual. It's strange that only one wheat stalk remained when everything else was completely destroyed by such severe frost." "Could it be that for some reason, only this one stalk developed a special resistance to cold? So I suggested to Lord Hans that we try to propagate this wheat."

"Lord Hans praised me tremendously. He said I was indeed a genius to notice that, and he patted my head over and over. I was so happy I could cry."

"Now we're growing this wheat at the experimental farm. And I sent a letter to Nelly, asking if there were any similar wheat stalks, and if so, to send them."

Wait a minute, when did an experimental farm get established? And it's currently operating? Oh right, I gave her authority. Can't be helped, I guess. But something amazing is happening here.

"If there are other similar wheat stalks, we might be able to cross-breed them to create wheat that's even more cold-resistant. Then I think Nelly would never have to be sad again."

Hey, hey, hey, she's saying something incredible. If this is realized, it wouldn't just save Nelly—it would save the entire kingdom.

I shouted to Hans. "Hans, don't ever let this girl go. She's a genius without exaggeration. I'll do anything for Daisy. I'll provide as much money, resources, or people as needed. This girl will become a treasure of this country."

"I thought you would say that, Lord Han. I will absolutely protect her." Hans looked at me with the best smile.

Several years later, Daisy developed a variety of wheat that was extremely resistant to cold. Daisy wanted to name it Hans No. 1, but everyone except Daisy objected, and against her wishes, it was named Daisy No. 1. Thanks to Daisy No. 1, frost damage became very rare even in the northern part of the kingdom, and Nelly never had to be sad again.