Chapter 55: Moonlit Conversations
TL: Etude
After being reminded by Hansel, Paul modified parts of the “Agricultural Development Outline” and then ordered the steward Ford to gather a group of government officials to study the specifics.
The Count’s eagerness to increase the grain production in his territory was a positive development, and it was met with great enthusiasm. Soon, a series of draft regulations were established, which mainly included: advancing land consolidation, promoting the four-field crop rotation system; deploying clerks to establish agricultural associations in various villages and towns to supervise and guide the implementation of the laws; dispatching specialists to inspect local water conservancy conditions, reporting to the lord’s mansion for timely repairs; and conducting a census of the population in various settlements of the Alda territory.
The town of Lakeheart also gathered a group of blacksmiths and carpenters to establish a workshop dedicated to making agricultural tools. The Count, deeming the term ‘workshop’ insufficiently imposing, personally renamed it the “Agricultural Machinery Factory.” He similarly renamed the papermaking workshop to “Paper Mill” and the pottery workshop to “Ceramics Factory.”
Paul visited the agricultural machinery factory daily, collaborating with the craftsmen to recreate 18th-century agricultural equipment from his past life memories.
In preparation for the emancipation of serfs, Father Morrison was instructed to select a few teachers and culturally literate students to form a propaganda team, starting with the attendees of the Weiss Academy to subtly instill anti-slavery messages.
This included organizing theatrical performances depicting the brutality of slave owners and the plight of slaves, and quoting from scriptures and other religious texts to declare how slavery violated the teachings of the Lord.
As a devout follower and servant of the Lord of Light with a faith above the pass mark, Father Morrison wholeheartedly supported the Count’s intention to abolish slavery, racking his brains daily to enhance the effectiveness of the propaganda.
Soon after, the propaganda team, centered in Lakeheart Town, began widespread campaigning throughout the Alda territory, using Father Morrison’s religious background to fly the banner of the Lord of Light, thus reducing certain interferences and obstacles.
Even Leonard, the reclusive abbot of the North Shore Monastery, became aware of this team spreading the message of equality, in line with the Church’s principles.
Upon learning that some of the campaigners were former monks, he reflected on how these young men, despite abandoning their secluded life, had not forgotten the Lord’s teachings.
Abbot Leonard reached out to Father Morrison, and after a deep conversation, though he disliked Morrison’s slickness, he had to admit the latter’s grasp of doctrine was impressive.
Leonard expressed concern, “Won’t this antagonize Count Grayman?” After all, Paul Grayman was the largest slave owner in the region, owning more serfs than all other landlords combined.
Morrison chuckled, dismissing the others to secretly reveal that he was acting under the Count’s instruction, who refrained from making a personal appearance due to secular concerns.
Leonard was shocked, feeling ashamed for previously suspecting Paul of witchcraft and refusing his requests.
Equality had been a key principle since the Church’s inception, a major reason for its widespread appeal. But with the corruption and degeneration of the higher clergy and their collusion with secular nobility, the slogan had become just that—a slogan.
Leonard offered to assist in abolishing slavery to the best of his ability, leading Morrison to recruit a few more monks from the monastery.
…
Queller Foster was finally departing. During his stay in the Alda territory, he had toured extensively, enjoying the scenery of the northwest. Before leaving, he visited Lakeheart Town to bid farewell to Paul.
In the evening, Paul hosted a banquet in the castle to entertain Queller and his adventuring group, requesting Queller to convey his respects to the Marquis Foster and express his desire to establish a commercial partnership with the Foster family. Queller heartily agreed.
Hansel, also present at the dinner, expressed his wish to travel south with Queller’s group, to which the young Foster gladly consented.
After the dinner and some card playing in the recreation room, everyone retired to their rooms.
But Paul, lying in bed, was restless and sleepless. Recently, his mind had been filled with whimsical plans, gradually turning him into a night owl.
Deciding he needed some fresh air, Paul put on his clothes and stepped out of his bedroom for a stroll in the corridor.
There, he discovered the green-haired girl standing before a window, gazing up at the moon, lost in thought. The moonlight enveloped her, casting an ethereal beauty around her.
He greeted her: “Good evening, Miss Ladi.”
Startled, the scholar turned around and saw the young lord behind her. She nodded slightly and responded calmly: “Good evening, Count.”
Paul asked, “Are you excited to return home tomorrow, unable to sleep?”
She didn’t respond, her face hidden in shadow beneath her large scholar’s hat, her expression unreadable.
Feeling awkward, Paul thought he should leave since she seemed not to want to be disturbed. “Thank you for your help with the black-spotted tiger in the forest that day. Without you, I might have met a grim fate.”
After expressing his gratitude and turning to leave, she spoke up about something else: “The talent recruitment decree in the center of the town, was it posted by you?”
Surprised by her question, he confirmed, “Yes, Miss Ladi, are you interested in working here?”
She shook her head, which Paul expected, considering the differences between the remote northwest and the prosperous south.
She continued, “It’s rare to see someone who doesn’t care about one’s background or lineage. Even in the more enlightened southern countries, these factors are often prioritized.”
Paul replied, “I’ve never been much concerned with such things. It doesn’t matter if someone is a lower noble or a commoner. Even a slave, if capable, would be entrusted with important tasks.”
She fell silent again. Just as Paul was about to leave, she asked faintly, “What about others?”
“Others? What do you mean?” Paul was puzzled.
“Like… those who are inherently different from others, not in terms of status…”
She seemed hesitant, then added, “Those who might be considered ‘non-human’ by ordinary people…”
Paul asked, “But from your tone, you still consider these ‘special groups’ as humans, right?”
She nodded.
“Miss Ladi, we have a saying here: an animal that looks like a donkey, walks like a donkey, and brays like a donkey, is a donkey.”
She chuckled at the analogy, a first for her.
Encouraged by her smile, Paul continued, “Do they look like humans?” She nodded.
“Do they speak like humans?” She nodded again.
“Do they value kinship and friendship?” She still nodded.
“Do they abide by the law?” This time, she didn’t nod but said, “Like ordinary people, there are good and bad among them.”
Paul clapped his hands together: “Good, then I’ll welcome the ‘good ones’ and apprehend the ‘bad ones.'”
Hearing this, she stared at Paul intently.
After a moment, she bowed slightly. “Lord Grayman, may fortune and kindness always be with you.”
With that, Ladi turned and walked to her room, leaving Paul alone in the corridor, pondering the strangeness of the night.
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