The Matter of How Only a Political Rival Duke, Not My Own Family, Recognized My Worth After I Was Disowned ~When I Turned a Remote Frontier Territory Into the World’s Greatest City, the Noble Lady Assigned to Supervise Me Became the Best Fiancée~ - Episode 3: A God’s Perspective and the First Miracle

Episode 3: A God’s Perspective and the First Miracle

“…A granary belt? Here in Grindle?”

When I made my declaration, Isabella knit her brows. The expression on her beautiful face was a blend of contempt and a kind of pity one would reserve for someone not entirely sane.

“Keep dreaming in your sleep. You’re well aware of how infertile Grindle’s soil is, aren’t you?”

“Yes, of course. That’s precisely why it’s worth doing.”

“…I won’t waste my time with a madman’s ramblings. Is that all you have to say?”

She was about to turn on her heel. I stopped her with words.

“Please wait, Lady Isabella. This isn’t idle talk — it’s a plan.”

I picked up a fallen branch and began sketching a simple diagram on the dry ground.

“Grindle’s problems break down into three big ones: water, soil, and labor.”

“…”

“First, water. This land isn’t dry because of a lack of rain. It’s because water isn’t being managed. For example, about three hundred meters west of this village, thirty meters below the surface, there’s a high-quality aquifer — a massive underground water vein.”

“…How do you know that?”

“My skill, [Territory Design], lets me ‘see’ the state of the land. If we draw canals from that aquifer, we can turn a wide area green. I already have the optimal routes in my head.”

I continued without hesitation.

“Next, the soil. The soil here is far too acidic; of course crops struggle. But look at that rocky mountain. Part of it is composed of limestone. If we crush that and spread it on the fields, it will neutralize the acidity and dramatically improve the soil. I can see which rocks are limestone and exactly how much to apply for optimal results.”

Isabella listened silently. The contempt had left her amethyst eyes. It was replaced by a keen analytical glint.

“…Suppose the water and soil problems are solved. What about labor? Do you really think this village has enough people for such a large-scale project?”

“No, it doesn’t. That’s why process management is crucial. Procedures to maximize efficiency with minimal manpower. Designing new agricultural tools. All of that is within my knowledge. It’s something I learned from old books I once read.”

Of course I couldn’t say it came from a past life.

When I finished speaking, a long silence fell. Isabella kept glancing between my face and the crude plan etched into the dirt.

“…Your plan is far too specific. It’s as if you see everything clearly.”

At last she sighed.

“Very well. It’s an interesting bit of lunacy. I’ll take that bet on my own judgment.”

“Oh? Are you sure? Wasn’t His Grace the Duke’s order to make only a minimal investment?”

“I’ll report favorably to my father. However—”

She fixed me with an icy stare.

“If you fail to produce results, you will pay for insulting the Valenstein family with your very life. Is that understood?”

“I welcome it.”

Deal struck.

◇

As soon as terms were agreed, I sprang into action.

I spoke with the village elder and gathered the men.

“I’m Noah von Silford, your new lord. I need you to work for me.”

Years of poverty had made their eyes lifeless, like dead fish.

“…Work, you say. But this village has nothing we can offer as payment—”

“Valenstein will guarantee payment. We’ll pay silver as wages.”

It wasn’t my words but Isabella’s, standing behind me, that changed the villagers’ expressions.

I pointed at the spot on the west side of the village I had shown Isabella earlier.

“Here. If you dig here, you will find water.”

“…Lord, that place has been dug many times before—”

The elder spoke with a troubled look.

“Dig five more meters. If you go five meters down from there, you’ll hit the aquifer. I guarantee it.”

Skeptical though they were, silver is persuasive. They brought worn hoes and shovels and began digging at the spot I had indicated. Isabella watched with folded arms. Curiosity was written across her face.

Two hours into the work—

“—Water!”

Someone shouted.

“Water’s come!”

From the bottom of the dug hole, muddy water began to well up. Slowly but unmistakably.

The parched village erupted with a chorus of joy not heard in decades. Children ran forward, the women wept, and the men clapped each other on the shoulders.

I watched the scene quietly.

This was the first step.

I felt a gaze and turned to see Isabella staring at me.

Surprise, incredulity, and then—just a faint spark of heated curiosity. I noticed the perfect icy mask she wore fracture, just a little.

Without saying a word, she turned and climbed back into her carriage.

Watching her back as she left, I couldn’t help but smirk.

I wonder how you’ll phrase your report, Ice Rose.

Your wager on me will become the best investment of your life.

I’ll prove it — immediately.