Chapter 188

The time had flown by.

At the lecture that was attended just to progress the main event or main episode, aside from the chosen times, my schedule was filled with test times, leaving me with no other options.

Following Trisha’s method, I directly planted Shatren Strawberries and Shatren Grapes. To compare, I decided to gather data in various ways.

What factors affect the growth rate of crops?

On the contrary, what factors slow down their growth?

And what factors seem to interfere in this environment?

Depending on the crop, how do they change?

Just the ideas that popped into my head right away were as many as this.

Even though there is no setting window or choice, in a world where the knowledge I need to know exists within the rules and settings of this world, I must consider this too, but ultimately, crops are crops, aren’t they?

Approaching it realistically and collecting data would surely lead to a clue. And indeed, it did.

As the second week report approached,

a new message appeared before my eyes.

▶ You have attended the second-week report meeting. ◀

▶ Report choices have occurred. ◀

“Next, Carsein of Shatren.”

Arshien sighed deeply and called out to the next person, which was me.

The one who had previously reported spouted nonsense and was thoroughly criticized, then left with a face as if he had eaten something unpleasant, just like the others.

Now, it was my turn to step up onto the podium and start reporting.

“Hold on a moment.”

As I tried to step up to the podium, Arshien raised her hand to stop me.

She then glanced through the documents she received from the Symposium Director Knights.

“Hmm. It seems you’re different from the other nobles again this time?”

Arshien looked at me with a subtle smile.

‘Such a student council president vibe.’

There wasn’t much to expect anyway.

I didn’t investigate the territory itself, but rather just my own field.

But…

“Don’t whisper among yourselves. Listen. Even from the first week, this person who passed through Defense Time with Peselros Privilege has something to learn. Shouldn’t you all learn from him if there’s something to be learned?”

▶ Arshien is full of anticipation. ◀

▶ Affinity may increase depending on the results. ◀

[Current number: 38%]

It’s not bad that affinity is high, but… I can’t figure out the reason for this.

…Whatever.

Seeing those eyes filled with expectation makes me feel like a student council president, and it’s a bit unsettling, but what I need to do now is give an accurate report.

“I will begin my report.”

***

Carsein announced that he would begin his report.

He started drawing the map of the territory, just as he had done a week ago.

As expected. Even though I anticipated this, he was indeed unique.

All the other nobles were eager to use magical tools. They wanted to shorten this precious explanation process by using better tools.

No matter how you look at it, a survey of the territory should naturally lead to the next plan.

‘Pathetic. Being fast isn’t everything.’

Even if they fill in the blanks to appear thorough, it won’t change their future.

To find the real herbs among the weeds, you need to look at countless weeds first. Before that, you need to examine the trees that catch your eye, and gaze at the dense forest of trees.

This was the biggest difference between the arrogant and powerful nobles here and Carsein.

From broad to narrow, Carsein’s conclusion, meticulously examined one by one, was seamlessly connected from beginning to end without any contradictions.

“I argued that there was a problem with the farming methods of the residents of Shatren Territory, and this is the evidence.”

Carsein brought out various types of crops.

“On the left are the farming methods used by the residents of Shatren Territory, and on the right are the ones I grew myself. The poor quality on the left proves that there was a problem with the farming methods. Actually, the residents had a significant misunderstanding, thinking that seeds grow better when clumped together. When crops grow clumped together, they withstand droughts well, but their roots get tangled, causing damage, and they don’t grow uniformly, leading to unstable production. Moreover, they become weak to pests and seasonal disasters, making them more prone to becoming weeds. Furthermore, since Shatren receives a lot of rain, this farming method only brings disadvantages.”

Clear criticism of the inadequate information and the connections in the problematic farming method.

In Shatren, known for its agricultural fame, it was revealed through detailed investigations that the residents’ farming methods were flawed.

After Carsein finished his report, Arshien couldn’t hide her surprise.

‘Difficult. This leaves me with nothing to ask.’

If my older brother, the Second Prince Florence, could say anything, he would have glanced at him, but he just smiled and shook his head.

What else could he say?

A perfect investigation with no flaws, a transparent and clear summary, eloquent speech.

Carsein’s report was a model answer.

However, I must maintain neutrality.

As a judge, I shouldn’t make biased judgments.

“First, I understand your argument. I didn’t know that such drawbacks existed in the farming methods of Shatren, which are almost universally used. But let me ask one thing. Have you identified the cause yet?”

“That’s still difficult to discuss. There are so many factors involved that at least two weeks of reports are needed to sort out the minimum data.”

“Is that so.”

Indeed. Given the extensive surveys conducted and the data gathered, a week is too short.

Nevertheless, this man managed to produce such data.

“Since you’ve proven it, there’s no need to ask further. But the explanation for the next plan hasn’t been made yet.”

This was the limit of what Arshien could ask.

The final conclusion based on this week’s investigation and the series of explanations.

What kind of approach will be shown in the third week?

“What will be your strategy for the third week?”

To this question, Carsein answered calmly.

“I will cut off contact with all territories except Rusmaier and isolate Shatren.”

Such a calm answer seemed inappropriate.

***

‘What did I just hear?’

‘Isolate Shatren? Is he crazy?’

‘Oh. Excluding Rusmaier, he said every territory… That guy. He’s not sane.’

Inside the hall, everyone seemed to be struck by a hammer, and there was a dead silence due to the unexpected statement.

Even the judges were no exception.

Arshien let out a light sigh, and Florence’s mouth slightly opened.

It was the nobles who broke the silence.

“Princess Arshien, request for Defense Time!”

Even the questions about plans were obvious, given how the nobles glared with fire in their eyes.

They wouldn’t tolerate such an absurd plan.

How could they continue with such a nonsensical plan?

They would be desperate to tear apart Carsein.

‘They seem prepared for this.’

Arshien smiled and activated the recording magical tool.

“Proceed.”

Normally, she might have looked exhausted and sighed, but this time, there was a level of anticipation.

First, one of the younger nobles sitting in the middle stood up after receiving a signal and asked the first question during Defense Time.

“The situation in Shatren Territory is said to be unfavorable. Instead of continuing exchanges with other territories, you want to isolate it completely?”

“Yes.”

“Make sense. Your second-week report just said you tilled the fields in Shatren Territory? So, you plan to isolate it and ruin it?”

Some of the nobles smiled as if relieved. Mocking laughter spread around.

But Carsein responded splendidly to this mockery.

“You really are stupid, aren’t you?”

“What did you say?”

“You didn’t think at all why this plan is necessary even after I mentioned the problems with the farming methods. Oh, if you were empty-headed, you might think that way.”

“Are you insulting me! In this sacred hall—”

*Bam!

“Go on.”

Young Lord Blem, who was enraged, shouted, but Arshien stopped him. He shouted angrily,

“Explain! Explain why you want to isolate Shatren!”

Carsein grumbled as if he didn’t want to deal with such foolishness.

“Let me ask. Suppose you hosted a party and caught a cold. The doctor said someone at the party had the flu and infected others. If yesterday you weren’t sick but today you are, who would you suspect first?”

“Of course, the person who came today, right?”

“Why?”

“Because the people who were there yesterday had no issues, so the person who got infected today must be…”

“Gah!”

Young Lord Blem seemed to realize something and shut his mouth.

“The problem with the farming methods is true, but even with this, the quality and yield of Shatren Strawberries and Shatren Grapes haven’t returned. We still don’t know why the results are poor. What else could it be?”

*Click.

Carsein shook the fertilizer below him a few times.

“It’s because these external items affect the crops. Logically, this is the normal judgment. So, we need to isolate Shatren from the outside. It’s like finding someone with a cold.”

“…”

*Bam!

“Seems like the conclusion is reached. Sit back down. Don’t make it worse.”

Arshien clicked her tongue and silenced the first Defense Time questioner. Then Carsein continued his speech.

“Moreover, since an opportunity has arisen, I will explain. Shatren Territory has a large area of contact with other territories. Therefore, it’s easy for people from other territories to enter. Thus, external interference might have ruined Shatren. That’s why I plan to block the paths through which Shatren is accessed.”

“Huh…! What nonsense is this!”

“Do you not know how important a strategic location Shatren is!”

“If we can’t use that path, what impact will it have on this Symposium!”

“Quiet!”

*Bam!

Arshien hit the gavel again.

“Evidence has already come to light. In the first week, a commission requesting a hammer was found among the residents of Shatren Territory. It’s impossible to conclude there was no external interference. If not, then wouldn’t anyone notice if there’s an internal enemy and watch the plan fail right in front of their eyes?”

The nobles immediately fell silent.

“Hmph. Does anyone else have questions?”

Normally, anyone would point fingers at me and Carsein, but no one followed up on the Defense Time.

This was hardly a defense at all.

It was a one-sided attack by Carsein.

***

*Ding!

▶ The second-week report is over. ◀

▶ Consumed the mysterious commission item. ◶

▶ Successfully completed Defense Time. ◀

▶ Successfully triggered a result beyond the choice! ◀

[Defense Rank: A]

[No penalty will apply to the management of the territory in the third week.]

[Recognition of the Shatren Territory field has slightly increased.]

The second-week report is over.

Initially, there was a sense of confusion, but their farming methods were indeed outdated. As a modern person, it was clear that the problems with their farming methods, as taught in textbooks, were evident.

When I delved into this aspect and organized it, the report choices weren’t particularly threatening. I had also anticipated some improvement in the quality of the crops.

Now, I have one demand to make of the residents, and I need to use this well.

Thanks to Trisha, or perhaps because I accumulated a lot of data, the Defense Rank was incredibly high.

I’ve never seen such a rank before.

I hadn’t even obtained an A rank, and there were no penalties associated with it.

*Ding!

▶ Entered the third week. ◀

▶ The penalty trigger, ‘[Rash Employment]’, has disappeared. ◀

▶ Starting from now, employing a third agent will not lower the agent rank. ◀

“Hmm. It seems it’s time to start on this side as well.”

There’s a trigger hidden in accepting the third agent.

Employing agents too hastily led to friction due to uncoordinated opinions, resulting in a significant penalty where each agent’s rank decreases.

Therefore, waiting until the third week begins is necessary. Not rushing into the next episode.

▶ Select a target for the third agent from the list, and the destination will be provided.

[1. Blem]

[2. Trisha]

[3. Aeon]

…

…

[6. Count Rilfetten]☑

Selected because Carsein chose the Memorial, and realistically, this man is the most needed for Shatren.

▶ Move to the Peselros Empire, west of Rusmaier, Count Rilfetten’s residence. ◀

This will be done after preparing properly.

To ensure he is accepted as the third agent more definitively.

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