Chapter 64 - The Administrator
―"What did you say?"
"As I said, we cannot use those things."
"Why?"
When Opal proposed using scythes and threshers to lighten the burden of farm work, Duncan had clearly opposed her. She had explained that there were no problems with the purchase and that it wouldn't take long to get used to them. When she questioned what other problems there could be, the answer she received was astonishing.
"Because they are the devil's tools, of course."
"The devil's tools? The scythes?"
"And that thresher thing as well."
A stunned Opal was at a loss for words, staring fixedly at Duncan's face. But there was no hint of a joke. Regaining her composure, she began to explain once more.
"The shape of a scythe is certainly... like a devil's tool, or perhaps a grim reaper's, but if you look closely, the shape is different, you see? And above all, it's so useful. I was planning to introduce reapers in the future, but perhaps we should start with those instead?"
"No, thank you. I have no intention of being swayed by words like 'useful'."
"But if things continue this way, the people here will be forced to endure heavy labor indefinitely. In the southern regions, where these tools were adopted early, not only has productivity increased, but people have also gained time for leisure."
"That is precisely why the plague was so rampant in the southern regions eight years ago."
"The plague has nothing to do with it!"
She had been trying to persuade him calmly, but the mention of the plague that had claimed so many lives made her snap. Startled by her own raised voice, Opal quickly closed her mouth. Becoming emotional would not help her convince him. But looking at Duncan's face, it was clear his judgment had already been made. Opal decided it was better to retreat for now than to force the issue.
"Let's continue this conversation another time. If you don't mind, I'd like you to show me the nearby farmland this afternoon. Would that be alright?"
"...You wish to go to the farmland, Your Grace?"
"That's right."
"There are more suitable places for a picnic."
―"I am going on an inspection. Now then, I will be ready after lunch, so please call for me then."
Knowing that saying anything more now would be pointless, Opal grit her teeth and left the study. Then, in her mind, she cursed Duncan, or rather, King Alessandro. The king must have known about this situation. She was furious that he hadn't told her beforehand, but by the time she reached her room, she realized that knowing wouldn't have changed anything. True, she might have been mentally prepared, but she doubted she could have come up with a countermeasure. It was something she likely couldn't have understood without actually coming to this land.
But there's a big difference between knowing and not knowing.
She was still angry with Alessandro. If Claude had known, he would have told her, so this was Alessandro's decision alone. However, dwelling on it would solve nothing. Opal shifted her focus and told Nadia about her plans for the afternoon.
"Tell me, Nadia. It's only been a day, but what are the people here like? Do you think we can get along?"
"Let's see. Everyone is still a bit distant, but they are kind. Though, there seems to be some sympathy as well."
"Sympathy?"
"Apparently, they think Your Grace is selfish, whimsical, and unrestrained, so serving you must be difficult."
"Oh, is that all? Nothing about being 'indecent'?"
"That is not the servants' place to comment on. However, there were also rumors that you were to be pitied for having already been abandoned by your husband, Marquis Rousel, the new Duke of Boccelli."
"There's a story going around that I've been abandoned?"
"Yes."
"I see..."
Opal, who had been asking Nadia about her reputation here, was surprised. She had written something to that effect in the letter she sent Claude before leaving the Royal Capital, which meant its contents had been leaked. Moreover, for it to have already reached this estate meant that either the information was being manipulated, or there was someone in this estate who could have read the letter.
"If it becomes too much for you to handle, Nadia, please consult me. Until then, you can ignore the rumors. Could you also tell the others they can do as they please?"
"As you wish!"
The ladies-in-waiting, maids, and footmen who had accompanied her from the Royal Capital were fond of her. She needed to be careful that they didn't have any unpleasant experiences, but she wanted to observe the situation as much as possible.
The problem is Duncan's faith...
She had never heard that the people of this region were particularly devout. If it was just Duncan's prejudice, it wouldn't be so difficult. However, if many of the tenants were prejudiced against new farm equipment, she could expect a considerable struggle.
I'll have to think of a plan after I get back from the inspection this afternoon...
She had solved many problems before, but that was because she had many collaborators. The reforms in the McLeod Duchy had also succeeded because the land administrator, Omar, had been receptive to new farm equipment. Omar had initially been rebellious due to his guilt over his debts and embezzlement, but he had given her a lot of advice regarding agriculture.
That's right. I have experience with agricultural reform. It will be fine!
She had also been taught many things since childhood by Trevor, the land administrator for the Count Holloway estate. She had put that knowledge to use for the past eight years. Opal revised her plans in her head, then sat at her desk and wrote three letters. One was an instruction to transport the farm equipment waiting at the port in Mantest to Pasma Port, north of the Boccelli Duchy. Another was addressed to Claude, informing him of her safe arrival at the estate and the current situation. The last was to Omar, humorously describing the situation here. Just as she finished writing, Connally came to inform her that lunch was ready.
"Thank you, I'll be right there."
She had already told them she would take breakfast and lunch in the family breakfast room every day. She had requested dinner in the smallest dining room, but tomorrow she would have to tour the estate and think about various things.
I can't believe I'll be inspecting the fief before the estate...
It might be unusual for a mistress of the house, but the fief was in more urgent need of reform than the residence. Connally had remained expressionless when she told him her plans for the afternoon, and she couldn't tell what he was thinking. But she had more allies now than when she was isolated at the Duke McLeod's estate eight years ago.
It's alright. It's not like they've been declared enemies yet.
The previous Duke of Boccelli may have been an enemy of Claude, of King Alessandro, but the remaining servants must have their own thoughts. She would press forward with the agricultural reforms, but she resolved to make every effort not to hurt their feelings in the process. With that, Opal left her room for lunch.