Feasting Lord in Another World

#Acquiring the Farm (2)

If the farm that Dominic had set his sights on had been discovered by another merchant or a wealthy farmer, they would likely have chuckled at the young man, assuming he lacked the knowledge to select suitable land.

"Are you genuinely considering working with this piece of land?"

"Yes."

"Don't you want to reconsider?"

"This is ideal for me."

"Is it because you're short on funds?"

"Why, are you offering a loan?"

"If you need one."

"Really?"

Dominic's eyes widened at Ian's resolute response.

"It's alright. I don’t have enough to cover the interest. However, I appreciate your offer."

Nonetheless, Dominic continued to scrutinize the map of the land he had chosen, his interest undiminished.

"You're the village chief of Evergreen, correct?"

"Do you know me?"

"You've been a topic of conversation in town. But it might be wise to heed what Sir is suggesting here."

At that moment, a nearby merchant, sitting beside Dominic, casually added his input.

"It's regarding that piece of land. As mentioned, it's fertile; whatever you plant there is likely to thrive."

"It's good land."

"Yes, but its size is the issue."

The merchant lowered his head.

"The area is surrounded by mountains, so clearing and expanding won't be easy. Even if you do manage to clear it... Look here, the entrance to the farm."

The merchant pointed to a winding path on the map.

"Is there only this one road?"

"It seems so."

"If you visit, you'll see it's barely wide enough for a cart to pass through. It's not suitable for transporting crops in bulk."

There appeared to be a hint of caution in the merchant's eyes.

"Thank you for the advice, sir. However, this is precisely the kind of land I'm seeking."

"Weren't you considering expanding your business? That's what I thought."

Dominic was unaware, but his name was gaining recognition in the nearby trade circles.

The success of the Anton Merchants was a significant event for those involved in small to medium trade associations.

The Rondo Merchants' interest in Dominic and Evergreen was not without reason.

"I thought, given your interest in seaweeds, you might now be venturing into crops. I might have been mistaken."

"Oh, that's not it. I will farm, but I don't plan to sell the crops in the market. I won't even have enough for my own use."

"Ha, I jumped to conclusions. My apologies."

"Don't worry about it. I've learned a lot from you."

The merchant who had offered advice to Dominic assumed he was going fully into the food business. Holding onto the map tightly, he might have thought there was a related reason.

"Are you planning to establish a communal farm for the villagers? Your concern for the village is truly commendable. Ha ha ha!"

In that case, choosing that land made sense.

Although the land wasn't suitable for mass crop production for sale, it was an ideal place for the villagers to grow just enough for their own sustenance.

'He's half right.'

The merchant's guess was half correct, half wrong.

But Dominic didn't feel the need to correct him.

"We will begin the auction soon. There is a prior announcement, so please pay attention."

At that moment, the auction house manager announced the start of the auction, capturing everyone's attention.

"Today's auction allows one person to participate in only two auction items."

"What? There was no such thing announced before!"

"When has this ever happened!"

Complaints filled with irritation erupted from all directions.

"It's the Lord's decision. Allowing a few individuals to monopolize the confiscated goods of the criminals wouldn't look good, so I believe he's implying you should exercise discretion."

"Ahem... well, in that case..."

"Damn! What should I focus on then... I need information, information!"

Amid the pressing situation, only Dominic was barely holding back his laughter.

'Old man, are you helping me out this way? Hehe, indeed, it's best to live righteously!'

With a limit now set on the number of auction items one can participate in, a strategy to acquire the most valuable item will be needed.

This meant there wouldn't be unnecessary competition for items with significant drawbacks, such as the farm Dominic had his eye on.

'Perfect.'

The auction commenced.

The atmosphere gradually grew tense.

"23 is the highest bid. Any higher?"

"You won't give up, will you? Fine! Here, 100 more gold!"

"11 is the highest bid. Any more?"

"Damn! That's my limit... I surrender."

Bang bang bang!

"The Rondo Merchant's headquarters building goes to bidder number 11!"

"Ha ha ha! Thank you!"

The assets of the Rondo Merchants were gradually finding new owners.

After each auction, bags of gold coins began piling up in a transparent container next to the auctioneer.

'This will surely provide some consolation for the victims.'

Although the amount of money mattered, witnessing the criminals' assets disappearing one by one would be comforting for the victims in itself.

"The next item is the Rootbia farm."

It was the turn of the farm Dominic had been waiting for.

"While not extensive in size, the land is fertile and suitable for any crop. The farm laborers are currently those who borrowed money from the Rondo Merchants and couldn't repay. Since the loan itself was an illegal contract, from today, all the laborers will return to their homes. So, you might need to arrange a new contract or find others to work..."

The auctioneer continued, but the more he spoke, the more it sounded like he was discouraging people from buying the farm.

"...maybe we shouldn't make a purchase?"

Even Dominic started to feel this way.

"The auction will start at..."

Unlike other items, the atmosphere was subdued as the bidding began.

Only Dominic raised his panel.

**

"To victory!"

"To victory!"

Their beer mugs clinked cheerfully.

"Congratulations, Chief Dominic!"

"Thank you."

"Though the farm is small, it's prime land. Getting it at this price is nothing short of luck!"

"Luck? It's because I've lived righteously, and heaven helped. Hehe."

Anton and Dominic toasted, sharing the joy of the successful auction.

Dominic was able to purchase the farm he wanted for the 'starting price.'

That was 40% cheaper than what he had initially anticipated.

'No one else participated. Well, lucky me.'

Dominic, without hesitation, raised his panel at the starting price.

The auction ended quietly, with no other panel raised afterward.

"Yet, you bought six carts at a steal."

"Yes, I was worried as our clients increased, but that eased a burden."

"So, you're making good money?"

"Not that much. Ingredients are bulky, you know. The revenue isn't substantial compared to the volume. Hehe. By the way, can we increase seaweed production? We're getting inquiries from other regions; it's becoming popular."

"I'll inquire within the fishing community."

"Please do. Now, answer me this."

Anton subtly inquired.

"Why did you buy that farm? Is it really a communal farm for the village? Its location seems a bit inconvenient for that..."

"Ah, about that..."

Dominic extended his response, avoiding a clear answer.

"More than that, I was hoping you could assist me in obtaining some seeds. Is that possible?"

"Seeds? Ah, you'll need them if you're going to farm. What do you need?"

"Here."

Dominic handed over a densely filled paper.

"...You need all of this?"

"Yes. Every bit of it. How long do you think it'll take?"

"Hmm. Acquiring seeds or saplings isn't the issue, but with this many types, each one requires its unique fertilizer. That might take some time."

"Oh, I don't need fertilizer."

"Excuse me?"

This world was eerily similar to Earth from his previous life but with peculiar differences.

'Like the fertilizer.'

On Earth, chemical fertilizers only emerged around 1843, relatively late in its history.

'Even proper ammonia synthetic fertilizers didn't come into play until after 1910.'

The Haber-Bosch process, invented in 1913 and still in use today, was a Nobel Prize-winning technique, credited with advancing human civilization. It was considered 'magical' because it found a way to extract nitrogen from the atmosphere, earning the nickname "making bread from the air."

'Here, they literally use magic to produce fertilizer.'

In this world, where magic replaced science, even fertilizers were created through magical means.

"If you don't use fertilizer, the growth will be slow."

"It's fine. It's only a matter of a few weeks."

"The harvest might be smaller."

"But the taste won't change."

Anton looked puzzled.

"From your words, it seems you don't know much about farming, Chief. Fertilizers..."

"First, I'm not a fisherman, and I'm not ignorant about farming."

"But you really won't use fertilizers?"

"That's what I said. You know organic? Organic?"

"...Or, ganic?"

"Or-ga-nic."

When Anton asked what it was, Dominic simply added, "It's a thing. Wealthy people are obsessed with it."

'What is he planning now?'

Ian, who had been listening to their conversation, was equally curious, but he didn't bother asking.

He figured he'd find out soon enough, witnessing it with his own eyes.

"If you're planning not to use fertilizers, growth enhancers, or pesticides... I can deliver all the seeds and saplings you need in about two days."

"Please do. And can I pay with seaweed and dried mussels instead of cash?"

"Of course."

"Then, cheers!"

Clink!

Their glasses met with a cheerful sound.