By afternoon, the weather had not cleared up. Instead, a fine drizzle began to fall, moistening the already lush earth.
The manor annex had neither an attic nor a rain pavilion, which disappointed Russell greatly.
Perhaps when the baron had built this annex, he had never imagined that one day someone would come here to bask in the sun or watch the rain. This manor annex was merely a temporary resting place for the baron when he came hunting and could not return to the castle in time.
"Once I have some money to spare, I'll definitely give this manor annex a proper renovation... Mm, and add another floor!"
Standing by the window and gazing at the misty gray rain, Russell quietly made plans.
He had actually saved up a little Gold Coin. Counting the research funds he had "swindled" from his grandmother, his mother's private support, and the baron's gift when granting him his fief, he had around one hundred and sixty or seventy Gold Coin altogether.
However, he had spent quite a bit recently. Building toilets, constructing a mill, and all the subsequent projects required money.
He also had to pay the officials' salaries and provide cultivation resources for his retainers.
If he did not spend carefully, this money might not last very long—at the very least, it had to hold out until next year's potion harvest season.
"My lord."
Butler Morris entered carrying freshly brewed barley tea. He gently set it by the table, then turned and withdrew.
Russell pulled over a chair and sat by the table. He continued admiring the drizzle outside through the window as he lifted the barley tea and gently swirled it.
The rich fragrance of barley rose with the steam.
One sniff filled his nose with the refreshing scent of wheat.