Grain Emergency

Calculating at 0.8 pounds of wheat per person per day, one thousand pounds could feed 1,250 people for a single day. The three hundred-plus residents of Winter Territory could survive on it for four days, and two thousand pounds would last eight days. Even if rations were halved to meet only basic human needs, it would only last 16 days.

Aurelian raised an eyebrow. What was planted on the ground was no ordinary wheat; it was Magic Seed Wheat, a form of magic potion!

Even the lowest-grade magic potion contains twice or even three times the energy required to sustain physical activity compared to ordinary crops.

If one consumes magic potions for a long time, a source of magic power will form within the body even without meditation. Those with good talent can directly advance to the Body Integration level of magic power.

"Based on this calculation, even by the most pessimistic estimates, if all this Magic Seed Wheat is distributed to the residents, it can sustain them for over a month."

A wisp of worry rose, clouding his brow.

The winter in the Frostlands is an eternal night. Beyond the plummeting temperatures, not a single ray of sunlight can be seen; the Primal Darkness will occupy this ancient land!

"Let's go! To the town warehouse."

He turned and said this, needing to calculate how much food remained in the town and how long it could last.

With this Magic Seed Wheat added, could they survive the entire eternal winter?

The person guarding the town warehouse was the son of Rune, the town blacksmith.

He stood before Aurelian with great restraint. He was not tall, reaching only to Aurelian's shoulder, and appeared to be only fourteen years old, wearing a black fur coat.

Although there was a trace of magic power in his body, it was far from reaching the Body Integration level, so his small face looked like a bright red apple from the biting cold wind.

"Good morning, My Lord. I am Charles, the guard here."

Though reserved, Charles was not as timid as the other residents, as the reputation of nobles was not exactly stellar among these commoners.

"Charles, I need to take a look inside the warehouse. Lead the way."

Aurelian, as a Duke, spoke with a tone that was gentle yet maintained his dignity; as a qualified ruler, he had to establish a tall and imposing image in their hearts.

"Very well, My Lord, this way."

Pulling out a deep black key the size of a palm, Charles walked toward the warehouse gate.

Aurelian and his two companions followed close behind.

As the only large-scale building in Frost Town, the storage warehouse was quite spacious.

Standing before the warehouse gate, which was sealed so tightly that not even a mosquito could fly through the gaps, Aurelian waited.

In front of Aurelian, Charles used the key to unlock the door, which was secured by chains as thick as thorns.

Then, gritting his teeth, he used all his strength to slowly push open the heavy, sealed doors.

As if opening a gateway to darkness, Charles led Aurelian and his two companions inside.

Whoosh—

A brilliant light ignited in Aurelian's hand, transforming into a hand lamp that illuminated the darkness.

He felt someone's gaze and looked up, meeting Charles's burning eyes.

He instantly understood that fervent look; it was an unconcealable envy and longing.

Realizing he had been spotted by Lord Aurelian, Charles shyly rubbed the back of his head, intending to continue leading the way.

Aurelian, however, asked with a half-smile, "Charles, do you want to become a knight?"

Charles was stunned by the sudden question, his expression slowly turning complex.

He suddenly clenched his fists, as if having made a firm decision, and prepared to say something.

But he choked, the words stuck in his throat. The resolve he had finally mustered faded away, and his face filled with desolation.

Charles said, "No, I don't."

"I saw the longing for magic power on your face; your pathetic disguise cannot deceive my eyes."

Aurelian said with a tone of certainty.

Hume, following behind Aurelian, wore a strange expression. In his memory, this kid Charles had always wanted to be an excellent blacksmith like his father.

He had no idea that this boy wanted to become a knight. If he truly had such an idea, Hume would bet one hundred Moon Silver Coins that Charles would be beaten by Rune until even his own mother wouldn't recognize him. Rune, nicknamed "Iron Hammer," was famous for his explosive temper and never held back when disciplining his children.

"Charles, there is no one else here. Speak your mind. My knight squad is currently short on hands. If you are willing, I can consider giving you a trainee spot. If you are outstanding enough, you will become a formal knight."

Seeing Charles keep his head down in silence, Aurelian decided not to beat around the bush and laid it out clearly.

He had no choice; his number of knights had plummeted.

Now, whenever he saw a man, he wanted to press him into service.

However, Aurelian preferred youths and teenagers, as they were at the most malleable stage of their lives and were good material for soldiers.

"But I... I have no talent. My father doesn't want me to be a knight who risks his life, either. He just wants me to focus on smithing."

Charles said, his tone filled with helplessness.

"A youth should chase his dreams. Talent isn't the most important thing; diligence can make up for clumsiness. If you don't try, how are you any different from a salted fish?"

Without any self-awareness that he had reached the Lower Rank of magic power at only sixteen, he used these chicken-soup-style words to coax him.

Even if it was just a ploy, he was determined to recruit Charles!

"Is it really true that hard work pays off? I haven't even succeeded in guiding magic power into my body yet, and my family and neighbors all say I'm not cut out for it."

Seeing the Lord speak such words, a glimmer of hope slowly welled up in Charles's eyes.

"No problem at all. When it comes to mana cultivation, talent is never the most important thing; persistence is what matters. One day, you will surely advance to the Body Integration stage of mana."

Aurelian wore a serious expression, his attitude sincere as he looked at the scrawny Charles with expectant eyes.

Charles grew excited. To think the Lord held him in such high regard—could it be that he truly possessed the potential to become a knight?

Having received the Lord's affirmation, Charles felt a surge of confidence; he was going to become a knight.

Even if his old man chased him with a hammer and forbade him from returning home, he was determined to become a knight.

"Lord, I want to become a knight, the greatest knight of all, and then defeat all the enemies of the territory!" It was as if raging flames were burning in Charles's eyes.

"Of course you can. You may report to Master tomorrow."

Aurelian's mouth twitched. So, this kid was just a hot-blooded, chuunibyou teenager after all.