kscans

Chapter 124 - Chapter 11, Second Half. The Franchise

"As you can see, these small nodules are attached to the roots of this plant. These nodules are what help restore the fallow land."

I was talking about nitrogen fixation by root nodule bacteria. When looking at plants from an elemental perspective, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen are by far the most abundant. On the other hand, the three primary elements of fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Why does this difference exist?

To harvest a crop is to remove the elements present in that soil. If you grow wheat in Leylia, transport it to the Royal Capital, and consume it, you have effectively removed hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from Leylia.

But when humans eat the wheat, the hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon are converted into water and carbon dioxide. In other words, they are quickly recycled through the air and rain. Put differently, even if you take them, they return almost immediately. Carbohydrates, made only from water and carbon dioxide, which is to say sugar, can actually be produced in limitless quantities as long as there is light. If there were a crop that bore fruit of pure sugar, theoretically, the problems of continuous cropping would never occur. Of course, a person could not survive by eating only that.

However, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in the forms found in soil, are different. For this reason, they become depleted if you grow crops continuously. Nitrogen, which is essential for proteins and nucleic acids, is required in the largest quantity among these three.

Ironically, nitrogen itself exists in vast quantities in the air. This is true for Earth, where the atmosphere is seventy eight percent nitrogen. For comparison, carbon dioxide, the source of carbon, is just under zero point four percent. Considering that organisms from Earth are living in fundamentally the same way in this world, the composition is likely not that different here.

However, plants cannot directly utilize gaseous nitrogen molecules. The root nodule bacteria living in symbiosis with the roots of leguminous plants are what convert it into a usable form. It is a chemical reaction that requires a considerable amount of energy even with the help of bacteria, but the symbiotic relationship must make it profitable.

In short, planting milk vetch is a way to kill two birds with one stone, producing nitrogen fertilizer for the fallow land with its roots while producing nectar for honey with its flowers. Of course, some elements are taken away in the form of honey, but the amount is not significant, and it is mostly carbon and hydrogen.

Furthermore, milk vetch can also be used as pasture grass. The reason I called the honey business Project Renge was to pay my respects to this versatile plant.

"Next, regarding labor. It is not people but honeybees that collect nectar in fallow fields and grasslands. We have devised methods to manage their hives with minimal effort."

I opened the beehive I had brought into the hall. This hive is the hallmark of modern beekeeping. The comb section can be easily separated. It is a system that not only simplifies honey collection but also allows the combs to be reused.

"This is my answer to the concerns you both have raised. What do you think?"

At my words, the three of them fell silent, exchanging glances with one another.

"I cannot trust it. Especially that plant you speak of planting in fallow fields. I have never heard such a convenient tale."

If his domain was in the southwest, milk vetch should be growing there naturally. That must be why the idea does not feel tangible to him.

"Then, allow me to present a practical example. I will have Princess Alfina, as the local lord, explain the beekeeping operation in Leylia Village."

I wrote "Leylia" on the square slate and switched places with Alfina.

They probably never imagined the princess herself would give an explanation. All three were astonished. Paying them no mind, Alfina began to describe the operational status of Leylia Village. She spoke of the rather crass topic of territorial income in her beautiful, calm voice.

"And so. Leylia's tax revenue for this year is as follows."

The amount Alfina displayed made the three men's eyes widen in shock.

"Please wait. Regarding what you just said..." "Yes, the meaning of that is..."

She answered their questions precisely as well. She even mentioned the workers by name to explain that the business was possible with a small number of people. At times she used hand gestures to demonstrate the procedures. It was as if she had actually done it herself. Well, she has done it before...

"As for the restoration of fallow land with milk vetch, in Leylia, the harvest after returning fallow land to cultivation was..."

Alfina also explained the effects of the milk vetch. The old man who had called my story dubious was now listening with rapt attention. I understand how he feels, so I do not mind. Besides, Alfina is a truly gifted speaker. She even managed to lighten the mood by talking about how beautiful the milk vetch flowers were.

I'm starting to feel like I wasn't even needed.

"I have indeed heard that the village is becoming prosperous, but..." the old man grumbled.

"In my domain, too, we are starting to have a small surplus of labor. If it is only that many people..." the young man also mused.

"However, even if we produce it, I wonder if it will actually sell," said the middle-aged noble who had been listening silently, his tone calm.

"Indeed. We are not exactly in favor at the Royal Capital."

Alfina looked at me. Whoops, I had forgotten I still had a part to play.

"As for sales, please leave that to Vinder. We will advertise it as a product supplied to the Plural Company, which has a reputation as the finest confectionery shop in the Royal Capital."

I had once come up with the brand name "Saintess's Nectar," but I quickly retracted it. I can never forget Mia's cold stare at that moment.

"Plural's..."

Even if they did not know Vinder, they would know Plural. Serving them French toast at the beginning was partly for this reason.

"Regarding transportation, honey preserves well. And if you can transport it to Bertold, we have a promise from the Giverny Company to handle it from there."

"Giverny... that is the Chancellor's..."

That was the logistics company that helped us during the slime mold subjugation. Transportation is secured across the kingdom's east and west, from Bertold to the Royal Capital and to the Grynisias Ducal territory in the east.

In other words, this was a proposal that packaged the production know-how, sales brand, and transportation. If I were to look for a similar model in modern Japan, it would probably be a franchise business.

"How much capital is needed at the start?" the young noble asked me.

Vinder would also profit from the beehives and swarming, but the biggest issue was the water wheel. The young man hung his head at the amount I told him. He should be able to recoup his investment quickly, but it was still a steep price for start-up capital.

But I had a solution prepared for that as well. I looked at the ruler of this region.

"I shall arrange for the financing. While I am at it, our house will also accept the honey for storage in our warehouses in Bertold," Euphillia declared.

◇◇

"You have done well. Now then, I shall be counting on you again tomorrow," Euphillia said after the three nobles had departed.

"How many more times?"

"At least ten more people. Spread over three days."

I grew weary.

"By the way, was that good enough? All three of them avoided giving an immediate answer..."

Mainly thanks to Alfina, I thought it was just about the best presentation possible. I had expected some resistance to the Chancellor's involvement, but it seemed they were actually relieved. While not exactly a windfall, the conditions should have been quite favorable.

"Matters of one's domain do not proceed so simply. Especially in the current climate. On the whole, your methods are so novel that it is a great effort just to keep pace. Besides..."

"Yes, no matter how great the advantage, there will always be those who will not side with us," Luiza said.

"You mean..."

Nobles from the Second Prince Faction, or those with ties to the Empire?

"That is exactly what it means. This briefing session has a primary objective. to create an atmosphere that the west has a bright future. By doing so, we unite our allies and secure those who are wavering. And it makes it easier to sort out our enemies."

So our business is being used for a major political purpose. Well, seeing as the Grand Duchess is an investor, I cannot really complain.

"We must hurry, at least in the areas surrounding Bertold. It seems the Imperial army has finally begun to move."

Euphillia looked north out the window. By now, Prince Craig should be leading the knight order and preparing the defenses. Apparently, even after the general strategy was decided at that meeting, there were all sorts of troublesome matters to handle before the army could actually be organized.

Still, it seems we have avoided the worst-case scenario, a surprise attack while we were completely unprepared. All that's left is to pray that the countermeasures against the Horse-Dragons will work well.