Chapter 25

Chapter 25

#Acquiring the Farm (4)

While still busy chewing on the hay, when he turned around, Laki and his parents, accompanied by a few neighbors, stood in an awkward posture.

Despite having removed their worn-out straw hats and attempting to display some decorum, their gazes remained fixed on the simmering pot, impossible to divert.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

"We had intended to extend our greetings. But..."

Laki hesitated, wearing an embarrassed expression.

"Oh! Please, join us. We've prepared an ample feast."

Due to his hangover, Laki had only nibbled on a few pieces of bread on his way here. Given his youthful appetite, he must have been quite hungry.

'Politeness should not be forsaken over a meal.'

This was one of Dominic's firmly held convictions.

After all, grudges related to food tended to linger longer than one might anticipate.

"Oh, no, sir! We don't know how to express our gratitude for your rescue. How can we repay you..."

"It's our obligation to host you! If you have a preference... for potatoes..."

"Potatoes are wonderful. They're excellent, but for now, please savor this. It's at its finest when it's warm."

Dominic, sporting a warm smile, handed them a pot of rice and hangover soup.

"It's just plain rice with meat soup," he remarked with a chuckle as he served them.

Despite the substantial amount, it was evident that there wasn't enough to feed all seven people, including Laki, since Dominic and Ian had already helped themselves.

Gulp-gulp.

"Ah...!"

"Phew, phew!"

Yet, despite the limited quantity, everyone began eating eagerly, almost as if it were a battle meal.

Despite the potential aversion to the spicy cuisine and unfamiliar ingredients, there was no indication of any reluctance.

'We're definitely going to run out' Dominic thought as he observed the group.

Setting aside his spoon, Dominic returned to the pot. He delved into his backpack, retrieved a few spices, and effortlessly began peeling the skin off the fresh potatoes growing nearby.

"How can I assist?"

Ian placed his spoon down and approached Dominic, offering to lend a hand.

"Peel the potatoes and grate them."

"Got it."

"They should be thinly sliced and uniform!"

"...Understood."

Dominic, seemingly prepared for this, continued to provide guidance to Ian, who started slicing the potatoes without a word.

Chop-chop-chop-chop!

Laki, glancing at Ian's adept knife work, mistakenly thought, 'Knights are naturally skilled with knives!' Unaware that Ian's knife skills were the result of Dominic's persistent coaching.

Sizzle!

Dominic poured a generous amount of oil into the heated pan and commenced frying a thin batter made from grated potatoes, flour, and salt.

The edges turned a golden brown, and the delightful aroma of the cooking oil wafted through the air.

"Laki, see that black sauce?"

"This one?"

"Yes, just dip a little and try it."

"Okay!"

Before they knew it, after swiftly consuming the hangover soup, everyone watched eagerly as Dominic prepared potato pancakes.

Their eyes held a sense of longing, much like baby birds waiting for nourishment.

'We owe him, but that looks too delicious!'

Should they depart or stay?

The decision was straightforward, but they hadn't reached a consensus.

They still didn't own the land. Even if the farmers decided to stay, they would have to vacate if the new landowner wished it.

"Sir, all we've ever known is farming. If... if you'd permit us, could we continue farming on this land?"

Laki's father asked nervously, wiping the sweat from his palms onto his clothes while uttering those few words, a clear indicator of his anxiety.

"Oh, thank you!"

He bowed deeply.

However, as if all their concerns had been groundless, Dominic wore a smile and clasped the weathered hand of the farmer.

"Ah, I was quite anxious that you might decide to leave the farm. Hahaha! Shall we draw up a labor contract then?"

"Pardon?"

"My terms are straightforward. Your main task is to manage the farm effectively. Ah, but I would like to claim all the crops. I'm barely making ends meet as it is. Instead, I'll pay you in gold coins, divided into four installments throughout the year. How does that sound?"

"Well..."

"I will compensate you generously. You might need to work harder since we won't be using fertilizers. And if you require additional assistance during the harvest season, simply let me know, and I'll hire more laborers. I believe these terms are fair."

Dominic began enumerating the terms of employment as if he had been eagerly awaiting this moment.

The farmers simply nodded, their expressions somewhat vacant.

"It might be better to take things slowly."

"Excuse me?"

"Have you noticed their expressions?"

"Ah! I suppose I was too preoccupied with what I wanted to convey. Take your time to consider it, and inform me when you're ready. I plan to stay here for a few days."

With Ian's intervention, Dominic finally ceased speaking.

The farmers still appeared bewildered, as if they couldn't fully grasp the situation.

It was evident that Laki would have a lot to explain that evening.

"Can we use that watchtower?"

"Certainly. It was used by the managers, so it should be comfortable enough for a few days."

The sun was now setting.

**

"So, you had intended to hire them all along?"

"Absolutely."

"Out of sympathy?"

"Out of necessity."

The view of the sunset from the watchtower was truly breathtaking.

Dominic and Ian, seemingly in unspoken agreement, conversed as they watched the fading light.

"While I may not be well-versed in farming, I do listen. Different lands and regions have varying planting and harvesting times, levels of rainfall, and so on. Even the depth at which seeds should be sown and the amount of water required can differ. Where could we find someone more knowledgeable about this farm than these people?"

"I see. But you seemed certain they wouldn't leave. How did you know?"

Though Dominic had initially asked, "Do you have any plans to leave?" Ian realized that Dominic had been confident that the farmers would stay.

"If I were in their shoes, I would have been eager to leave this farm. I would have wanted to depart the moment I gained my freedom."

"That's because you're resilient."

"...What?"

"People like you, the strong ones, can easily change their residence or surroundings. You can live wherever you please and then return to your hometown. But ordinary folks can't do that. If they have a family and land, that place becomes their hometown. What's so special about a hometown?"

Struck by Dominic's casual words, Ian was left speechless, his lips trembling. Yet, he couldn't find the words to respond.

'So, the ability to leave was indeed a privilege.'

The young knight, Ian, who had departed from his hometown, was beginning to feel a surge of emotions.