Chapter 153 - Chickens!

"Chickens?" Bewildered towards the sudden strong shift in the conversation, it even got Mogranius confused and eniterly broke his concentration. He even stopped counting his fingers due to the sudden mention of Chickens.

"Are you kidding?" Followed up Commander Alia. She only encountered a few Chickens in the wild in her past adventures. She noticed that Chickens don't really have a strict diet, they are mostly scavengers. Although she didn't see them eating meat(I hope), or any animal product in particular, they seem to eat everything else. But thinking that King Michael wanted to hunt the Chickens for meat, she got widely puzzled. These Chickens are around 5 Kilograms when full grown, let's say some might push it to 10. But with more Wildboars than people in Ignis, who weigh up to 100 Kilograms in average, and their meat sold for 10 Gold Coins per Kilogram! Why would he try to hunt Chickens? It just seemed like a waste of time, it sounded like an unnecessary luxury.

"How did a Fire Shield escalate to a Chicken?" Asked Mogranius right after Commander Alia. It is fair to say that the couple was very confused. While Eric was simply standing quiet, awaiting for a deeper explanation instead of asking him questions.

Noticing that he clearly got everyone wildly confused, King Michael had to elaborate on it or else they will never understand what he actually meant unless they meet face to break with what he met(You have no idea how). "It might sound odd, but Chicken farming is a wealthy business. Their average market price is 20 Gold Coins per egg. With Chicken farming being rare in Ignis, I don't plan to sell the Chikens with the market price of 250 Gold Coins either. Why offer other Kingdoms the opportunity to cut into our Business?"

Being shocked at these prices, Commander Alia yelled in shock, "What!? Only one egg? How will one egg fill the stomach?" Recalling the outer Lands of Crutal Kingdom, she couldn't resist pointing out. "With 20 Gold Coins, we can buy 50 Kilograms of Wheat Grain in Crutal Kingdom, not to mention any other Kingdom, the prices might drop even Lower!"

She didn't know the prices of anything Chicken based, it didn't come up in the bargaining when they were on the Outer Lands of Crutal Kingdom, because they were looking for cheaper foods. That's why these prices sounded insane to her, and even though she isn't the type with Gold on her mind, she did like the thought of another stream of income bringing a stupid rich amount of Gold with low expenses. Most capable individuals in Gaster Kingdom have been working their behinds off, they deserve more than they are receiving although compared with other fates in Ignis they are doing quite well now and are considered middle class. Compared to a few months ago, they are living better than they ever did. They just have to work more.

"Wheat Grain, um yes! I've looked into that as well. I actually have a project in mind about that too, but right now, we need to catch about ten Chickens!" What other project could he possibly have in mind? Considering that the Outer Lands of Gaster Kingdom are being developed into farmlands due to a lot of effort put in from the 30 Farmers (Who are taking fairly half of the Budget.). Future Projects due to so much landmass being available are inevitable. Yes the Farmers will only be able to convert 3 miles wide and long of land before planting season, but that's not where they will stop. There is so much convertible landmass available, with enough work it can make all 400 people in Gaster Kingdom wealthy. But those are future projects, available after the Harvest season. What project does he have in mind about Wheat Grains in the very near future(1-4 weeks away.)?

Commander Alia simply decided to focus on the first topic first. Because one project idea might lead to the other, and then to the other. With King Michael it really is unpredictable. So for now, she wanted to ask about Chickens. "Where do we find the Chickens? They aren't exactly common, they are an easy hunt in the wild."

Knowing well that the Merchant Alama invested 200,000 Gold Coins in Gaster Kingdom. Mogranius wanted to sound economically smart by pointing out. "You can just buy 10 for 2,500 Gold Coins. Why waste so much time Catching these Wild Chickens. After we catch them, they will need to be tamed. Which would just take more time." In fact he didn't care about Gold, he could throw a sack of Gold down a River with no Regret anytime. He never struggled for food given his Fire Controlling abilities and the Forest basically next door. No he simply wanted time to focus on King Michael's teachings towards the Fire Shield, maybe even give the Fire Shield a new attempt with this different recommended mindset.

But to Compliment Mogranius' statement, because it was the time of the Month for her where running wouldn't be so comfortable. She asked. "Yes, why waste time chasing Chickens?"

Looking at the group of people with much confidence behind his eyes and of course with his usual economical thoughts at the back of his head, he whispered. "It's free." Followed by a big wide smile. This brings the thought that Gold might be the one and his only l.u.s.t. To Convince them towards this little hunt, he explained. "There are flocks of wild chickens near the Kingdom, using the forest nearby as shelter and the Kingdom as a feeding ground. Apparently there are these brown Mushrooms that they seem to love. There are loads of them here but some can be poisonous, a lot of them are different even though they look very similar. So the townsfolk decided it best to not eat those Mushrooms."

Recalling what he saw in his Winter forest explorations in the past, Mogranius raised his forefinger with the Urge to point out. "But the forest is full of Mushrooms, why would they drop near the Kingdom for them?"

Since King Michael can be entitled as quite an explorer himself, he knew the answer to that and wasn't nearly stingy with the explanation. He just wanted to Catch Chickens as soon as possible. It isn't too much to ask. "Simple, because they are way easier to find on plain flat land. In the forest they have to be told apart from Trees, Tree Stumps or small little pieces of chopped down wood if they are going through a Lumberjack's walk path. Since Winter only provides a limited amount of food resources, using up less energy by scavenging for food in clear lands is a very reasonable solution."

"Aren't you the Chicken inspector. How do you know all of this?" Teased Commander Alia, although vast knowledge of any Kind shouldn't be made fun off. This topic does sound rather funny.

"This might sound odd too, but I have a considerably big Library containing information about one creature after the other with several books per animal. We Kastarians live for 700 years, I have to do something with my time." Although living for 700 years might sound good, it ain't the best feeling when you mix up with other races who have Lifespans 90% shorter. Imagine losing your family 10 times over an over. He is already 312 years old, his smile and Vast research might be a mask to a broken heart. 

"Tell me about it." Added Commander Alia. She is a Kastarian 100%, instead of a half breed like King Michael, and knowing where to put the time sure becomes a hassle, but she didn't suffer losing close friends over an over considering she lived with the Calidum Lutum for 200 years, their lifespan is more than twice as long compared to her.

Thinking of something that neither of these people seem to ask about, Eric finally stopped being quiet and mostly pointed out a key feature of which King Michael possibly forgot about. "Where do you plan to keep the Chickens?" This is a rather strong question although it's base very simple. In a way, these Chickens are similar to Chickens who lay Golden eggs, each egg worth 1/8 of an Average salary. It really is a lot. But no matter their worth, Chickens poop. You can't really keep them right next to the living room, you can't share a home with them and you can't blame them for pooping either. They are Chickens.

Looking at Eric, trying to tease him the way Commander Alia does. He shook his head slowly from left to right, grabbed Eric's cheeks and said. "I already put some Civilians into work, they are building a Chicken Coop right in front of the wall and a 20 meter long and wide fence around it too."

Although the teasing worked, it's effect was smaller compared to what Commander Alia would cause. Eric still had the capability to ask a good question. With Commander Alia, it wouldn't be so. "But are you sure that you will have customers for your Chicken farm?"

Very confident with his research, King Michael simply answered. "Oh yes. With One chicken producing 30 eggs in a month, be it 0 today or 3 tomorrow, it will be quite profitable. Imagine what Gaster Kingdom can earn with 10 Chickens!" How exactly does he know how much eggs Chickens lay? Considering the fact that any Citizen in Gaster Kingdom doesn't have any Chickens, it could mean that he studied wild Chickens instead. He could have even caught one and bring it to Gaster Kingdom, but research appears more important than gold.

Hyping up King Michael's idea, "Imagine with a hundred Chickens!" Commander Alia's leader instincts kicked in. She saw this idea as quite profitable. After all, before Eric made a stunning entrance in the Underground town of Lan Zhe, she kept the place running. She has been running it for over a Century once her skill set was made clear.

Considering risks and losses as well apparently, King Michael felt the privilege to point out. "Maybe there won't be many Customers at first, but the good thing is that an egg isn't a one time Purchase. Be it sold at Pameres Kingdom or all the way to Zameria, it will bring it another stream of income, considerably permanent if we maintain the Chickens right."

Another risk would of course be considered theft, so Commander Alia pointed out. "But with such a valuable Animal being there for anyone to grab and run, who can you really trust to take care of the Chickens? They could steal all 10 and sell them for 10 Salaries!" Her point very strong, but Mogranius and Eric aren't the wisest in the field of business, so they just landed an ear to these two Kastarians talking coins.

Taking Woldemir's suggestions into consideration, he decided to use this newly forming stream of income as a promotional gimmick. "I thought about that, which is why I'm going to use it as an opportunity to promote Salaries for Guards." Guards really do deserve salaries, they keep the Kingdom safe after all and they are putting in so much work too.

Liking the idea, but strongly confused. She simply asked. "How?"

"I'll set 4 of the best Guards there, securing the Chicken's well being. Giving them(The 4 Guards) a 300 Gold Coin salary (each), and offering a one year contract." Although unfair to leave the rest of the Platoon unpaid, it isn't really fair to leave these 4 unpaid either. Especially considering that they have to hassle with constantly switching shifts. King Michael made it a point for each of the 4 Guard to only work 8 hours a day. With 24 hours in a day, 3 would be enough. But with only 3 Guarding the Coop, 2/3 would miss most or the entire daily training schedule. While with a fourth Guard, they would miss training way less often.

But investing so much Gold in one stream, how wise would it exactly be?Every business has maintenance expenses but this sounds a bit too much. "Will it really be a profit if you give 1,200 Gold Coins to Guards?"

But to make this stream sound even worse, King Michael stated. "1,400 actually. One non Guard Civilian will have the responsibility to let the Chickens out of the Coop in the morning, feed them twice a day and lock them in the Coop at dusk. The more they eat, the more they produce as far as I've researched. So an official employee has to be hired about such matters or it would cause a lot more profit loss."

Finding the salary a bit small compared to the Guards, she asked. "Who are you going to hire for all of that work? I doubt they would want to work for such a low salary."

"Oh it isn't that hard. She doesn't need to stay near the coop as long as she does the 4 main tasks." That doesn't sound hard at all, at such task will the employee even work for 2 hours a day?

"She?" It is rather uncommon for Kings in Ignis to hire women for suck tasks. Most common job option would be considered being a housemaid.

"Yes. With a lot of men occupied with Fishing, and being in the Platoon, we need every hand we can get. There are only around 400 people down here and 120 are either Elderly or Children. I won't let gender differences cutting in our profit." Well it appears quite certain that King Michael did research on various topics. But this type of research seems the most normal so far.

"Pretty smart." Complimented Commander Alia when she noticed the rate of equal opportunities here. It is rather uncommon, but maybe Kastarians have different mindsets.

With the statistics put behind, King Michael wanted to point out something very important. Something he didn't yet figure out. "Thank you. Let me point out something, Chickens are very hard to catch. Which is why I'm asking for your help. Without non killing traps, it's a hassle to catch them. Especially since we don't have Hunters here." Although King Michael was shifting the fact that he actually tried to catch them earlier and failed, Mogranius while concentrating on him talking, he noticed a speck of mud on King Michael's face. 

Bold enough to point out, Mogranius didn't waste a second. "Did you slip on mud on the walkway?"

As if a strong wave of embarrassment struck his heart, he swiftly aimed to shift that question with all his capabilities. "What do you mean?"

But even pointing at the mud, Mogranius told him. "There is mud on your left sidebrow."

Widening his eyes in shock and a bit of embarrassment. King Michael whispered. "Damn, I thought I washed my face perfectly."

"You actually fell on the mud?" Asked Commander Alia while holding in her laugh, she was still giggling a little bit though, until. "Hahahahahahahahahaha!" She couldn't hold in her laughter anymore and just bursted. She didn't regret a second of it.

"Alright alright calm down." Told King Michael as his face became red in embarrassment, to the point where the mud on his left sidebrow burned off, smoke came out of it. "Now I have a different approach. I will lure them down here with the one thing they are after, food."

Taking almost a full minute to calm down her laughter, when she caught her breath she briefly asked. "What do they even eat?"

With the embarrassment behind him, and with comfortable knowledge as his best friend, he swiftly stated. "They are crazy for corn! But that's too expensive. So I'm going to buy raw Wheat Grain from Pameres Kingdom."

Commander Alia had a chat with Alama before, and since Alama scrolled the Markets there, she noticed one gap. Wheat. "I doubt that they will be able to provide wheat Grain."

Not stressing about the food supply too much, without worry King Michael replied. "If not, I'm sure he can strike some good deals with the Zamerians."

Now the question all of you have been waiting for, a question that can make the difference between earning 6,000 Gold Coins a month or getting a face full of mud like our Dear King Michael. "So how will you lure them with food?"