Chapter 51 - Rich Farmers

It took the group almost two days to reach the outer lands of Crutal Kingdom.

Due to the forest being in front of the Kingdom, there isn't any farms at that specific location due to the obvious dense forest.

Years of work couldn't flatten an entire forest just like that. It would be too expensive to do so, lumber is their only profit from it.

Meaning the outer farms are behind the Kingdom.

Everything to be seen behind Crutal Kingdom is flatter lands which are quite perfect for farming.

While some piece of land having bumps and proving a bit hard to raise a farm on, its nothing unfixable if several men and women put days of work into making that specific piece of land flatter.

When it comes to farming business, Its a bit of a complicated process, but unusually profitable for farmers in that area specifically.

Xakro ill.u.s.tratio doesn't sell the land to farmers.

But he rents it.

Any ill.u.s.tratio can obtain as much farmable land as they please without having to pay even one Gold Coin for it, but there is a twist. The farmer has to give half of the farmed crops to Xakro ill.u.s.tratio, free of charge.

It is a simple trick, but quite profitable for both the King and the Farmer.

Xakro uses the obtained crops to feed all of his Guards, be it a permanent resident or imported resident, for free.

He feeds them quite well too. I mean why wouldn't he?

Several ill.u.s.tratios are managing big farms in the outer lands and sending half of the harvested crops to him, he even has to much crops in his stock.

He has to sell it to other Kingdoms under his control of course, to further strengthen his capital.

He doesn't like to take big taxes from his other Kingdoms, as every Kingdom needs a stable financial income to grow.

If those Kingdoms become weaker and get invaded, it will only lead to a loss of troops and gold coins which Xakro ill.u.s.tratio lll can't afford at all at this specific time.

So he only asks for a small portion of each Kingdom's monthly profit. Basically ten percent.

It doesn't matter if a Kingdom earns less or more each month, the percentage stays the same which is way less nerve wrecking for both sides.

In this reality, farmers are one of the richest. Well at least the farmers who are ill.u.s.tratios are, due to the huge piece of practically free farmable land they are given.

So negotiating with ill.u.s.tratios will prove rather difficult.

They will either refuse to bargain or try to sell the crops for higher prices or even report to the guards if they see Ignites carrying around ten thousand gold coins worth of ignite gems. The Guards will no doubt send that treasure to Xakro's Budget if they get a hold of it.

Hopefully, there will be farmers who are Ignites and hopefully none will recognize Stefan, as he probably is a fugitive right now in Crutal Kingdom.

He is well known as he lived there for years and he was a business owner as well.

At least until he got forced out of business due to ridiculous double standard taxes.

"I'll do the bargaining. I ran a business for years. I know how to strike equal prices if not cheap."

Explained Stefan with a bit of confidence.

Well ego doesn't have part at this.

Seven Hundred lives are to be spoken off after all.

"That isn't such a bright idea Stefan. You are practically a fugitive here now. I doubt that Xakro doesn't want you killed."

Suggested Alia who was a bit surprised that Stefan didn't consider the fact that he was tossed away from Crutal Kingdom.

Well Eric tossed him but it still happened.

"I wonder if many Guards saw my face enough for a picture to be drawn of myself.

It's not like i don't want to be famous or infamous at this matter, but i could bargain if no one knows who I am."

Suggested Mogranius with slight sarcasm and c.o.c.kiness on his tone. But most of his thoughts were pure good intention of course.

"We can't risk showing a familiar face to any of these farmers. They could report us to the Guards in a heartbeat. I will do the Bargaining.

I doo look very similar to Ignites and i'm a woman as well."

"A very beautiful one no doubt."

Said Mogranius(obviously) practically fangirling on Commander Alia.

"Hmmmm. Agreeable. Which will give me an upper advantage even if we do business with an ill.u.s.tratio.

Those fools stop thinking once a gorgeous woman approaches them. Be it ill.u.s.tratio, Ignite, Kastarian or any other race in general."

"I agree. But do you all realize that we do need Wagons first, not to mention two more Horses.

I doubt that any of you want to split on carrying ten thousand gold coins worth of food."

Said Eric in aims to make the Wagons and Horses their main priority first.

"The Kid is right. Stefan. Where can we get those?"

Asked Mogranius.

"Horses should be an easier task as many farmers use them to transport the harvested crops.

If not sell us one or two, they will at least tell us where to buy them without entering the Kingdom."

Explained Stefan in thankfully greater detail.

"Since there isn't nearly enough space in front of the Kingdom to hold a Horse Stable large enough to support a Kingdom of five hundred houses, and where Merchants constantly come as well, there should be one on the outer lands no doubt.

Although, me and my father never visited the outer farms before because father said we can't afford a stable fee. So i don't know where the stable is."

Pointed out Eric.

"Wow that Crown sure is working hard. You are thinking wiser than Stefan."

Laughed Mogranius with obvious never ending Sarcasm.

"Alright Alright, these are just lucky guesses, nobody is as smart as me in this group. I am the Brains of this operation."

"You there. Come closer. Come come."