"Rice, wheat…" Draconis fell into deep thought, then said, "Although the war won't spread here for now, we still need to prepare in advance."
Rice, a new crop not previously found in the territory, yields rice grains that can be used to make rice, a very important staple food.
If there were rice paddies, some Pokémon like Quagsire or Corphish could also be raised in them.
These Pokémon would eat common insects in the rice paddies, thus achieving ecological symbiosis.
"Pass down the order for the farmers and Dugtrio to cultivate as much land as possible and plant all these seeds," Draconis said.
"Yes, Your Highness!" Alfred nodded.
Draconis, meanwhile, recalled the manor economic system of this era in his mind.
From the original owner's memories, it was known that the core of the manor economy was self-sufficient agricultural production, meaning that most production activities within a territory were to meet the internal needs of the territory, not for market trade.
The main production models were agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and handicrafts.
Agriculture in this era, due to the lack of fertilizers, modern farm tools, mechanized operations, and the limited use of Pokémon's power, still resulted in very low production efficiency.
Animal Husbandry was similar to the real-world Middle Ages, raising some poultry and livestock, while Pokémon, in this context, mostly served as slaves.
Compared to Pokémon slaves, human slaves had an even lower status.
The scale of handicraft production was even smaller, and mostly used to meet the internal needs of the territory.
For example, mills for grinding grain into flour,
Blacksmiths for making and repairing farm tools, horseshoes, and weapons.
Textile industries, mainly run by women, for weaving and sewing clothes.
And brewing for producing beer and wine for trade.
Most of these jobs were handled by the farmers within the territory; five to seven tenths of what they produced was for self-sufficiency, livestock feed, and supplies for the lord's mansion, with the rest being handed over to the lord.
Draconis felt that, at present, some of the more feudal and backward systems should also be revised.
With the help of Pokémon, the productivity within the territory had greatly increased, and Commoners no longer had to spend their entire lives toiling in the fields as before.
Other Pokémon products, such as Combee's honey, Petilil's head leaves, and Mareep's wool, could all be used for trade with other territories, allowing this territory to quickly become rich and prosperous.
Thinking of this, Draconis took up a pen and wrote down his thoughts on parchment.
He handed it to Alfred and said, "I plan to implement reforms here to expand production as much as possible."
For example, distributing all the land to the farmers and collecting taxes regularly each year to maintain the operation of the territory.
At the same time, vigorously encouraging Commoners to raise Pokémon and use their products for brewing and textiles to trade with merchants, promoting commercial development.
Alfred quickly scanned a few lines, then showed a look of surprise: "Your—Your Highness, this is too bold!"
"Alfred, haven't you noticed?" Draconis said, "The old system is no longer suitable for our development."
"Perhaps you don't feel it now, but one day, Pokémon will completely change our way of life.
By then, we won't have to worry about poor crop growth, nor about barren land, nor about drought.
No one will starve to death, and farmers won't need to toil in the fields their entire lives."
"At that time, some systems will no longer be applicable.
There's no need to implement them immediately; slowly will be fine."
"Your Highness…" Hearing these words, Alfred was stunned.
He recalled his experiences in the territory these past few days.
Perhaps it was because the Commoners had witnessed the wonders of Pokémon, some Commoners even began to actively approach some small, cute, and less dangerous wild Pokémon.
They imitated His Highness Draconis and Anna, sharing their food with those Pokémon, trying to invite them to live together in the territory.
Such a thing, if it had happened when he was in the royal city before, Alfred would have found it completely unbelievable.
But now, they were indeed happening.
Their lives had become better because of Pokémon.
Just then, several footsteps were heard from outside.
Draconis looked up and saw Evan and Gerolt walk in.
The two bowed, then asked:
"Your Highness Draconis, what do you need me for?"
"Evan, I need you to go to this village and inquire about a Pokémon," Draconis handed the map he had received from Zach earlier to Evan.
Evan looked down and saw the name Lacunosa Village.
It seemed to be just an ordinary small village located in the border region.
"Lacunosa Village?" Evan couldn't help but ask, "Is there anything noteworthy about this village?"
Draconis nodded: "An Ice Pokémon named Kyurem resides near that village.
I need you to inquire about relevant information from the locals; this matter is very important to us."
Upon hearing this, Evan's expression couldn't help but become serious.
His Highness actually entrusted him with such an important task… His Highness really valued him!
Evan accepted without hesitation: "Yes, I guarantee to complete the mission!"
Then, Draconis turned his gaze to Gerolt.
"How is it going?" he asked.
"We have found the habitat of the Pokémon called Aron.
The Knights Order has begun trying to make contact with them according to your method," Gerolt reported in a deep voice, "But currently, only two Aron are willing to follow us…"
Two greedy Aron, Draconis thought.
"Since the food enticement method isn't working, let's try a different approach," Draconis pondered for a moment, then said, "Tell them that if they are willing to follow you, you will help them grow into powerful Pokémon."
"If any Aron don't believe you, you can battle them to prove your strength."
Some Pokémon, like humans, only respect the strong.
This is also how most Trainers in the anime catch Pokémon: by proving their strength to the Pokémon and gaining their approval.
Humans in the Pokémon world have special physiques, and furthermore, they are a group of well-trained Knights.
Facing unevolved and small Aron, it should not be a problem.
Gerolt understood in his heart.
He nodded and said, "Yes!"
"You may all go!" Draconis said.
"Yes!"
Everyone left one after another, and the sky outside had already darkened.
Draconis was also ready to go back and rest, as there were new matters to deal with tomorrow.
But as soon as he stepped out, he saw Megan standing timidly nearby.
Draconis raised an eyebrow, a little surprised: "Megan? What's wrong? Did something happen at the ranch again?"
Megan quickly shook her head: "No, nothing!
With the Gyarados, my brother and I are very safe!
It's just… Your Highness, the grass seeds you instructed me to sow in the pasture have all grown!"
Those grass seeds grew very fast, forming a tall layer in just half a month.
Upon hearing this, Draconis immediately became energized.
He hadn't forgotten about the Mareep.
With Mareep, the territory could produce wool and process it into various clothes.
But it was already very late, Draconis pondered for a moment, then said, "I understand.
You go back first, Megan.
I will come to see it tomorrow morning."
"Yes!"