Chapter 169 - Conversation

Once again lucian looked at his daughter for confirmation to which bellania spoke softly "it was both." she said barely audible. lucian nodded again before looking back at nick "it would seem you are correct on both accounts mark though might i ask what would you improve as king?" lucian asked curiously. nick paused for a moment to think before answering. "i would likely improve the agriculture first since it would appear the current system is having problems." nick said seriously. lucian was surprised by this answer "and how would you accomplish such a task?" he asked genuinely interested. nick went on to explain how growing only a single type of crop will eventually deplete the soil and then introduced the idea of crop rotation. the entire hartfell family was amazed at the information nick so freely shared. "wait why are you telling us so easily , are you not concerned we might steal your ideas?" lucian asked seriously. nick laughed "feel free to try , it will take at least three years for that plan to really show its prowess." he said with a grin. lucians eyes eyes widened as he understood why nick wasn't worried about them stealing his idea.

"By the time we could say anything it wouldn't matter anymore." lucian said honestly. nick nodded "indeed but do you know what the best part of it is?" he asked with a grin. lucian shook his head so nick answered his own question. "unlike most other things i could change if the other kingdoms copy us it is actually a good thing since it would remove one of the main reasons that wars are started." he said with a proud grin. lucian was amazed "of course , if there is plenty of food there would be no reason to invade to prevent starvation!" he exclaimed in excitement. nick nodded in confirmation "that is merely one of the many things i know how to improve." he said confidently. lucian had a clever glint in his eyes "I'll back you instead of my daughter if you give me some information that will benefit only my family." he said drawing gasp from everyone at the table except nick who merely raised an eyebrow. "but why father?!" bellania exclaimed obviously upset. lucian looked her straight in the eyes "there are three reasons" he said.

"The first is that anyone with any sense would see your one sided attraction to mark to which he obviously wants nothing to do with , the second is that my backing simple has far more weight than your own as the head of the family and the final reason is that with marks help we can finally catch up to the other ducal families." lucian explained seriously. bellania wanted to argue with her father but couldn't since in everything he said was true. nick thought it was funny how bellania was acting now that her father was poaching him from her right in front her. "well last time i got caught in an loophole when i made the deal with your daughter so i would like to know exactly what the terms of our deal is." nick said seriously. bellania started to tear up when she heard nick even though she already knew he would accept the offer. before she got up to run off nick seemingly took out a plain looking book from his coat and reached over the table to place it in front off her. "before you go here is the book i promised to let you borrow." he said calmly.