chapter 11

Chapter 11

The sky stretched over the kingdom of Sky, tinged with shades of blue and gray, as a cool morning wind swept through the fertile southern hills. The nascent sun projected a soft light onto the fields, revealing the extent of farmland that extended to the Liorna River. Yet, despite the peaceful beauty of the landscape, the weakened harvests and thin cattle testified to the kingdom's difficulties.

Elion Skyless watched the lands from the top of his black horse, his light armor reflecting the rays of the morning sun. Behind him, a dozen horsemen followed him in silence, while Veyla rode beside him.

"The situation is worse than we thought," said Elion, his piercing gaze sweeping the fields.

Veyla nodded, her cold eyes analyzing the scene.

"The land is overexploited. The soil is impoverished, and the lack of rain in recent years has made the situation worse. "Farmers cannot afford another bad harvest."

Elion took the reins of his horse. He knew that Sky's military survival depended on the kingdom's ability to feed itself. A hungry army is a weak army, and a hungry population quickly turns against its leader.

They came to a small farm on the edge of a field. An old man with sun-marked skin slowly got up when he saw the procession approaching. He wiped his hands covered with dirt on his worn-out tunic before bowing awkwardly to Elion.

"Majesty..." he whispered, his voice trembling.

Elion got off a horse with a fluid motion.

"Get up," he ordered in a calm tone.

The old man did so hesitantly, raising his tired eyes towards the young king.

"What's your name?"

"Joran, Majesty."

Elion looked at the state of the farm. The fences were broken, the animals were thin and the ground was cracked by drought.

"How long have you been a farmer?"

"All my life, Your Majesty. But... in recent years, the earth refuses to feed us. We lack seeds, and what little we harvest is often taken by tax collectors."

Elion exchanged a glance with Veyla.

"What would happen if you got better seeds and better tools?"

The old man looked confused.

"Majesty?"

"Tools to plow faster." Seeds that can better withstand drought. Irrigation systems to feed the land."

The old man opened his eyes wide.

"But... such things don't exist..."

"They will exist."

Elion turned to Veyla.

"Bring in a group of mages from the council. I want them to study the nature of the soil and how we can harness local mana to enrich it."

Veyla bowed her head.

"Are you going to use magic for agriculture?"

"Not only. We're going to combine magic and technology."

Elion approached the field, knelt down and took a handful of dirt between his fingers.

The key lies in mastering natural energies. If we can channel the mana in the soil, we can stimulate crop growth. But we will also need machines adapted to facilitate the work of farmers."

"What machines?" asked Veyla.

Mana-infused plows to dig deeper and faster. Magical irrigation systems to ensure equal distribution of water, even in the event of drought."

Elion got up and dusted his hands.

"We're going to create an agricultural revolution."

The old man stared at the king with a glimmer of fear and hope in his eyes.

"But... Your Majesty, couldn't this kind of magic attract the attention of the nobles?"

Elion smiled coldly.

"Let them look. If they oppose it, I will remind them who owns this kingdom."

Veyla approached slightly.

"Are you going to impose these reforms by force?"

"If necessary. But I prefer them to rally around on their own. Once they see the wealth we can create, they will have no choice but to follow."

Elion turned to the old man.

"Joran, how many farmers live in this region?"

"About fifty families, Your Majesty. But many of them are thinking of leaving..."

"They won't leave. Not after we've strengthened those lands."

Elion got on his horse and turned to Veyla.

" Gather the engineers of the kingdom. prepare a reform of agricultural methods. We're going to start here, in this region. Once the harvest improves, the rest of the kingdom will follow."

"Good, Majesty."

Elion pointed his horse at the road to the castle.

"This is just the beginning." Once agricultural production is stabilized, we will turn to trade and industry. We need a solid economic base before we can build a sustainable army."

Veyla followed her king, his harsh expression masking a glimmer of admiration.

"Are you sure the nobles won't try to thwart your plans?"

"They'll try."

Elion glanced coldly at the cloudy sky.

"But once they see the wealth that this reform can bring, they will not dare to oppose it."

He gently pulled on the reins of his horse.

"Once the economic base is in place, we will turn to military training." A strong, disciplined army, and supported by a thriving economy..."

A cold smile stretched over his lips.

"No one can stop us."

Veyla nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on the path in front of them.

"So... the game really starts now."

Elion Skyless, king of the kingdom of Sky, nodded.

"Yes. And this time... I'll dictate the rules."