Chapter 22

The next morning, Marianna set out to inspect the terrain of the estate on horseback.

"Can Miss also ride a horse? Would you like to ride with Lord?"

"I am the granddaughter of a horse baron, so I can ride properly."

Marianna, who had changed into riding clothes, was a bit proud. She had been trained on horseback since she was three years old, whenever she visited her grandfather's house. While she was average in other physical activities, she was confident in her riding skills.

The night before, she had suggested suitable locations for the ponds after looking at the map, but the discussion could not progress without seeing the sites in person. Early in the morning, they set out on horseback with the village chiefs of each potential pond site.

The Randforia estate, while bordered by a mountain range with the neighboring territory, was basically a gently rolling hilly area, offering a pleasant view as they rode.

They were able to visit and inspect four potential pond sites over the course of nearly a whole day.

Each time they arrived at a candidate site, Marianna made detailed notes on the map. That night, she and her father shared their impressions of the on-site inspection.

"All the sites were in valleys, which are suitable for creating ponds."

"Yes. By filling in the valley exits, we can accumulate water with minimal effort. The problem is that two of the sites are already inhabited by cattle farmers and wheat farmers."

"No, I am grateful that there are only two. Whether we can move them without causing dissatisfaction is the issue. If we force them to move using the lord's authority, the next generation of lords will be resented."

"I have an idea about that."

"You said that last night too. How many plans do you have?"

Her father could only smile wryly.

"I will give the people a choice of several relocation sites. If they choose a place themselves, they will have fewer complaints even if they are not satisfied after moving.

Regarding the size of the land, I will make the good-quality land the same size as they have now, and for the poorer-quality land, I will give them 50% more. I think they will be satisfied with that."

"Indeed. That will also boost their motivation in the future."

"That works for cattle farmers, but for field farmers, they will lose income until the next harvest because they have to create new fields and crops. We should provide food assistance to bridge the gap until the next harvest. Financial support might provoke envy from other residents."

David sighed after considering her proposal for a while.

"Yes, that sounds good. You, my daughter, are more suited to be a lord than I am."

"I probably am not suited to be a lord. I am good at thinking and connecting knowledge, but I have too many things I want to do. Every time I see you working at your desk all day, I think I cannot do it.

The one suited to be a lord is someone like my sister, who can persistently work hard."

After saying that, she started munching on cookies served with tea.

"You thought that way. I see."

"Father, if the surveyor cannot make it, there is something I need you to prepare."

"Yes, I couldn't arrange for a surveyor on such short notice. I was worried it would cause problems. What do you need?"

"As much thin rope as possible. And two carts."

"Understood. I will have them prepared immediately."

Marianna left the room and went out to the estate's garden. The garden, several times larger than the one in the capital, was designed to incorporate natural scenery, with a variety of trees growing.

(What a whirlwind of a day,)

she sighed as she walked through the night garden. Her body felt stiff from being on horseback all day. Walking felt good, and she ended up walking quite far from the house. The full moon provided enough light to see clearly.

"Miss?"

A voice came from a distance, and a young man in work clothes appeared.

"Good evening. I was admiring the beautiful garden."

"Thank you. I am Raymond, the gardener.

Miss, please let me know if you are walking alone at night. If you get hurt in the garden, no one might hear you."

"Thank you. I will do that in the future. My body felt stiff after riding, so I thought I would take a walk. Can I walk a little?"

"I will accompany you."

"How old were you when you came here? And please speak more casually. I will do the same."

"Thank you. I am not good at formal speech. I was taken in by my master when I was six and have been working here for eight years."

"Taken in..."

"Yes. My parents died one after another from an epidemic. I was wandering the mountains, hungry and looking for food, when my master took pity on me and brought me here."

"I see."

"I heard that you gather and raise orphans in the capital. I am glad to be a resident here. Many orphans die in other territories. I will do anything I can. Just tell me!"

Marianna, who had been listening to him under a large deciduous tree, asked with a bright face.

"I have something I want you to do. Raymond, are you good at using a knife? I want you to make something."