So-called Fertilizer
1112 Words
Perhaps naivety isn't necessarily a bad thing…
If a ruler's subordinates are loyal, and if the most trusted one possesses sufficient capability, then a naive king who wholeheartedly trusts others could become the greatest ruler in the world.
Ira considered himself someone who would never harbor disloyalty, so receiving such trust stirred something within him—something different from what he had felt in the Empire.
Though he claimed he was only responsible for making the Demon King stronger, he now found himself unconsciously participating in efforts to advance the Demon King's territory…
In a way, he was quite the tsundere.
He recalled Yuse once saying:
"If you think my daughter is doing well, just say it outright! Don’t be all reserved, saying, ‘It’s good, but next time could be even better.’ Hahaha! A man who can't be straightforward—how can I entrust the Empire to someone like that?"
That remark had left a lasting impression on him, as if he were Yuse’s son, or as if he were scheming to seize the Empire for himself…
What a memorable king.
—
The demon territories were located in the southeastern part of the continent. Once vast, much of their land had since been reclaimed by the Empire.
The Demon King's domain lay in the upper right section of the demon territories, bordering the sea to the north.
Encircling the Demon King’s castle was the core territory, where many non-extreme-environment magical creatures resided. Harpies and similar creatures naturally preferred living in the mountains outside this immediate domain.
Though technically beyond the core territory, the mountainous areas and lands extending beyond the outermost farms were still considered part of the Demon King's domain—at least officially.
However, for practical purposes, only the lands up to the outermost farms were actively governed. Beyond that lay barren wastelands and dense forests, teeming with various wild beasts and uncivilized magical creatures.
Wild beasts were manageable; after all, the inhabitants of the Demon King’s domain were not mere humans, unlike the Empire’s citizens. But uncivilized magical creatures were another matter entirely.
Encountering wild beasts meant the demons had found their next meal.
Encountering untamed magical creatures meant they had become the meal.
These savage beings did not recognize the authority of the Demon King—they were as mindless and bloodthirsty as beasts.
Within the Demon King’s domain, pixies served as the administrators of the general populace. Blacksmiths, stonemasons, carpenters, tailors, and other artisans exchanged their labor and goods for food and essential supplies from the Demon King’s castle.
Of course, they, too, were considered the property of the Demon King.
Thus, all sustenance, clothing, and daily necessities were reported to the Demon King’s castle, where the ghostly, bespectacled administrator compiled the records. When traveling merchants arrived, she handled trade negotiations.
—
"Your Majesty~"
"Welcome to—"
"The farm."
"Recently, the situation—"
"Has been dire."
The pixie leaders took turns delivering their report in perfectly synchronized fragments, making it sound as if a single individual were speaking fluently.
At the outskirts of the Demon King’s domain lay vast farmland. Most crops were unique to this world, such as the blue qing mushrooms, though a handful of familiar plants also existed.
From the looks of it, the situation was quite dire. The crops were crooked and uneven, appearing on the verge of withering away.
"What exactly is the issue?"
Satania asked, and for once, she resembled a proper ruler.
Yes—resembled. Because typically, kings would not personally inquire about the state of their crops.
"Possibly—"
"Due to the—"
"Lack of fertilizer."
"The merchants—"
"Last time—"
"And the time before—"
"And many times before that—"
"Have refused to sell—"
"Fertilizer."
The pixie leaders’ fragmented speech revealed the truth of the matter.
"So that's the reason."
Shirina felt they had pinpointed the root of the problem. She turned to Ira and Satania, explaining:
"Before we had access to that sand-like substance called fertilizer, we used to rotate our fields, abandoning used farmland for fresh soil."
"For reasons unknown, sprinkling fertilizer over the crops increased yields and eliminated the need for frequent land rotation. However, a few years ago, merchants informed us that fertilizer would no longer be available for purchase."
"It seems its residual effects have lasted until now—but the soil has finally reached its limit."
After Shirina’s explanation, Satania, who had been listening attentively, spoke up:
"Then… we should rotate our farmland again. But—what exactly is fertilizer?"
"…"
"Uh, fertilizer is an… Imperial specialty."
Ira said carefully.
Terms like "nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium" flashed through his mind, but he chose not to explain them—there was no way they would understand.
"Ah, I know that much."
Satania nodded, blinking as she added:
"We asked Miss Vera about it, and she mentioned that magic is involved in its production—possibly alchemy-related… Ira, do you know anything about it?"
Though she asked, neither she nor Shirina expected much. To them, Ira was a powerful governor—what connection could he possibly have with alchemy?
"Well…"
Ira hesitated for a moment before finally deciding to speak.
"Actually, I designed the fertilizer myself. I was also the one who advised Isabella to ban its trade."
"The process and ingredients for making it—while they do involve mana—are not nearly as complicated as you might think.
With the right methods… we should be able to produce it ourselves."
Surrounded by headless knights forming a protective perimeter, Ira stood with Shirina and Satania at the edge of the farmland. His gaze drifted toward the goblins and pixies weeding the fields.
"That’s amazing, Ira!"
Satania exclaimed happily.
"…"
However, Shirina did not share her enthusiasm. She understood all too well—this knowledge was an Imperial secret. It was also one of the Empire’s tools for weakening the demons.
By revealing this, Ira was committing actual treason.
—
"What would it take for us to obtain the formula for making fertilizer?"
Shirina asked, her tone measured.
"A noble title within the Demon King’s domain?"
She was well aware that such a title was virtually worthless in comparison.
If Ira were willing to accept only a title in exchange for something so valuable, it would mean he was the one getting the short end of the deal.
Her question, of course, was a roundabout way of asking whether he would officially join the Demon King’s court.
"I don’t know."
Ira replied.
His words were an answer to both the question of fertilizer—
—And to Shirina’s implicit offer.
- Writer
