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Alger's eyes widened. Thinking he had misheard, he asked, "What did you say?"
"I think this Mr. Frank's ideas are very interesting," Richard answered thoughtfully. "Hybridization really can increase crop yields. My teacher said that if you plant cold-resistant plants alongside drought-resistant ones and cross-pollinate them, after several generations of selection and breeding, there's a chance of producing crops resistant to both cold and drought. But can it be done between plants and animals? I've never considered that... I'll discuss it with my teacher later."
Dizzied by a barrage of technical terms in Loenese, Alger hastily interrupted Richard. This was not his area of expertise at all. "Planting and farming are farmers' business. Failing that, they're the Earth Mother's business. They have nothing to do with you. Aren't you involved in charity?"
Richard answered him very seriously. "Charity isn't just about helping people stay alive. More importantly, it's about teaching them how to survive."
"If you only give them food without helping them support themselves, it's fine in the short term, but over time, you'll harm them instead. Open factories to employ people, teach children to read, write, and sew. That way, at least they won't starve."
"Increasing food production is another good way to help people. I really would like to talk to that gentleman."
The Ghost Captain frowned. He did not stop him outright, but offered a relatively tactful reminder. "...Mr. Ernst, the weather will be good tomorrow. If you wish to set sail as soon as possible, please prepare all the supplies today. We haven't discussed our route yet, either. Those are the pressing matters."
"You're right!"
"No need to be so polite."
"All right. Thank you for understanding, Mr. Wilson."
Alger suddenly felt something was amiss. Richard was looking at him with an irresistibly sincere