Chapter 8: Seeds of Change

One afternoon, I sat down with Gibo, the village chief of Mitra Village, to discuss some ideas I had in mind.

as we returned from selling vegetables, potatoes, spices, and fruits in Sanderson City. He spoke with Gibo, the village chief of Mitra Village, about the plans. Joining their discussion was Oren, Gibo’son

"What do you want to discuss today, Caelan?" Gibo, the village chief of Mitra Village, asked as he pointed to a chair near the fire in his small house.

"I’ve been thinking about the village’s crops," I replied, carefully choosing my words. "When we went to Sanderson Capital, I noticed that there was an oversupply of potatoes in the market, so their price is lower compared to other staple foods like barley, rice, and wheat. Potatoes are the main product sold by Mitra Village, but because of the low price caused by the oversupply, the village isn’t making much profit. So why don’t we replace potatoes with another product?" I suggested.

"You’re right, the village doesn’t make much profit from selling potatoes, but this is the crop the farmers here are used to growing," Gibo replied.

"True, we could make more profit if we plant more expensive crops, but it’s not that easy," Oren added.

"I’m not saying we should stop planting potatoes—just reduce the amount," I explained.

"It’s not easy to just replace potatoes, but... what do you think we should plant? Gibo asked.

"I’d like to plant wheat. There’s a place near Mitra Village that’s perfect for wheat farming. It’s ideal because with spring coming, the climate will be just right," I answered.

Gibo thought for a moment while stroking his chin. "Wheat, huh? I’ve heard of that, but the farmers here haven’t learned how to grow it yet. Why do you think it’s a good fit for our village?"

I nodded, ready to explain. "Wheat is a staple crop in many places and has high demand, especially in cities. It can be made into flour for bread and other products, which have a higher price than raw potatoes. Most importantly, wheat grows well in areas with moderate rainfall and fertile soil, and we have both of those here. It’s also strong and can adapt to the spring climate."

Oren looked at me and crossed his arms. "But wheat requires care, right? Do we need special tools or knowledge to grow it properly?"

"You're right, Oren," I answered. "Wheat does need preparation, but it’s manageable. First, we need to plow the soil and add fertilizer to ensure a good harvest. I’ve noticed we have animals here—cows and goats. We can use their manure as natural fertilizer. Then, we need to plant the seeds at the right depth, about 2-3 inches into the soil, and make sure the spacing is even to avoid overcrowding."

Gibo listened carefully and nodded as I continued. "Once the wheat starts to grow, the most important thing is to control the weeds during the first few weeks. We also need to make sure it’s watered properly, especially during dry periods, but not as much as other crops. By summer, we’ll be ready to harvest."

"What about after the harvest? What do we do then?" Oren asked, clearly interested but cautious.

"After the harvest, we need to thresh the wheat to separate the grains from the chaff," I explained. "There are traditional methods, like using a wooden tool or letting animals walk on the stalks, but if we can get simple tools from Sanderson City, the process will be faster and easier. Once we have the grains, we can sell them directly or turn them into flour, which has a higher price."

Gibo nodded, his face serious. "This is a big change, Caelan, but if it works, it could really help the village’s income. We’ll need to train the farmers, and some might resist the new idea."

"I understand," I replied, looking him in the eye. "But I believe in this idea. I can help the farmers and lead the first planting season. If we’re careful, we’ll see good results. We can start planting after winter as spring begins."

After a brief silence, Gibo nodded. "Okay, I’ll call a meeting with the farmers tomorrow. We’ll discuss and plan this."

A small smile appeared on my face. "Thank you, Chief Gibo. I’ll make sure this works."

The harsh winter had settled over Mitra Village, covering it in a thick blanket of snow. Days felt shorter, nights colder, and the once-busy village had grown quiet. The laughter of children and friendly conversations were replaced by the sound of the freezing wind. But the villagers were prepared. They had stockpiled firewood, preserved food, and insulated their homes to survive the season.

Caelan woke up before sunrise every day, as usual. His breath turned to mist in the cold air of his room. The fire in the stove had nearly gone out, leaving the room icy. He quickly dressed in warm woolen clothes and a heavy cloak, bracing himself for the chill outside.

The first task each morning was to clear snow from the roof. If left too long, the snow's weight could cause damage. The wind stung his face as he climbed up with his shovel. Every scoop of snow he threw down made his arms ache, but the job had to be done.

After that, Caelan joined the other villagers to clear the streets of ice. The sound of their shovels scraping against the frozen ground echoed through the quiet morning. It was hard work, and the icy air made every breath feel sharp, but they kept going, knowing the paths were essential for getting around.

Caelan also delivered firewood to older villagers and checked on the animals in their pens. The animals huddled together for warmth, their breaths visible in the cold. Despite the constant work, there was always more to do, and every task seemed endless.

Each day felt the same—shoveling snow, hauling wood, and helping where he was needed. The cold and the weight of responsibility wore him down, but Caelan never complained. He knew the village depended on everyone doing their part.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

When he finally returned home in the evening, he prepared a simple meal—hot soup made from vegetables and a small piece of meat if he was lucky. The warmth of the food helped him forget the cold for a moment. After eating, he would collapse into bed, his body aching and his mind already thinking about the next day.

Winter in Mitra Village was not just a season—it was a daily struggle. But as the snow began to melt and the first signs of spring appeared, Caelan felt a glimmer of hope.

The village came alive again, with people preparing to plant wheat in the fields. This new crop promised a better future, and Caelan stood with the villagers, feeling determined. The hardships of winter were behind them, and now, they were ready to rebuild and look forward to brighter days ahead.

The sun was already climbing high when Caelan stepped into the field, a bundle of wheat seeds in his hands. The farmers, having gathered for the morning's lesson, stood around him, a mix of curiosity and skepticism in their eyes. They had heard of wheat but had little experience with it, preferring the more familiar crops like potatoes

“Alright, everyone,” Caelan called out, his voice steady and clear. “Wheat is a little different from the crops we’re used to, but it’s not hard once you get the hang of it. The first thing you need to know is that wheat needs well-drained soil, so make sure the ground is loose enough for the roots to spread out.”

He knelt down, demonstrating with his hands as he sifted through the soil. “You want to break up any clumps, like this, so the seeds don’t get stuck or drowned. The soil should be soft but not too loose, just enough to hold the seeds in place.”

Lyro , standing beside Caelan, raised an eyebrow. “And how deep should we plant them?”

Caelan stood up and gestured to the rows of soil in front of him. “Good question, lyro. Wheat seeds should be planted about an inch deep. Not too deep, but deep enough so they’re covered by soil. If they’re too shallow, they could dry out in the sun.”

One of the younger farmers, gary, took a step forward, holding a handful of seeds in his palm. “So we just drop them in the soil and cover them?”

Caelan smiled. “Not quite. You’ll want to space the seeds a few inches apart. If they’re too close together, they won’t have room to grow properly. You can either plant them in rows or scatter them, depending on what works best for the land.”

He took a seed from the bundle and showed them how to place it in the soil, then gently covered it with earth. “The key is to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. If it’s too dry, the seeds won’t sprout, and if it’s too wet, they’ll rot.”

The farmers watched intently, taking mental notes of the process. Caelan moved from one row to the next, showing them how to space the seeds and cover them. As he worked, he could see the farmers starting to understand, their uncertainty slowly turning into confidence.

Once they finished planting, Caelan stood up and looked over the field.

Lyro clapped him on the back. “It looks simple enough. Let’s hope the weather is kind.”

“I’m sure it will be,” Caelan replied with a smile. “We’ll check on it regularly, and with a little luck, we’ll have a good harvest.”

The farmers, now eager to get to work, began planting the seeds with renewed enthusiasm. Caelan stepped back, watching them, feeling a sense of pride. It wasn’t just about teaching them how to grow wheat; it was about giving them a chance to build something that would last.

The golden rays of dawn gradually spread across the rice fields of Mitra, illuminating the vast landscape. Caelan stood at the edge of the fields, with a hoe slung over his shoulder and a water pouch hanging from his belt. The wind was cool, but it carried the scent of freshly tilled soil. Around him, the villagers were busy with their tasks, their conversations and laughter blending with the sound of wheat grains dancing in the breeze.

Caelan was in charge of overseeing the wheat crops, a project he had suggested and initiated. Due to the surplus of potatoes in the market, he proposed planting wheat, even though he wasn't an expert in farming. The lessons he learned from his grandfather, who loved farming, were a big help when he arrived here. He suggested planting wheat not only for the village’s needs but also to generate income for the entire community. Because of his involvement with the village hunters, he discovered a location near the mountain that was perfect for planting wheat. In that area, the soil was rich and fertile, and it received ample sunlight and water from a nearby river.

"Good morning, Lyro. Is everything alright?" Caelan asked as he helped the farmer.

Lyro nodded but with a hint of concern. "Good morning, Caelan. The wheat is growing well, but some parts are too dry. We need to water them immediately, or the growth will be uneven."

"Okay, Lyro. I'll check the irrigation channels," Caelan replied, lowering his hoe and walking towards the channels they built to bring water from the river to the new wheat fields.

While inspecting the channels, Caelan noticed a clog of mud and leaves in one section. He bent down and began clearing it with his hands. As the water began to flow again, he felt its coolness on his fingers. After removing the obstruction, he stood up and wiped his hands on his pants.

Returning to the fields, Caelan grabbed a large bucket and started watering the dry parts of the wheat. Every movement was careful and precise. Though he had some uncertainties about the future, he felt that he was one step closer to his goal of helping the entire village.

By noon, the sun was high, and the villagers had gathered under the large tree to rest. Anna approached Caelan, holding a piece of bread, her eyes sparkling as she offered it to him. Their fingers briefly brushed, and Anna felt a warm sensation.

"Here, Caelan," Anna said, her voice soft and full of gratitude. "If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have this."

Caelan smiled. "We’re all working together, Anna. I also want a bright future for all of Mitra," he replied, his gaze still fixed on the wheat fields.

Anna’s gaze lingered on Caelan for a moment longer, her lips curving into a small smile. "Since you came to the village, so many good things have happened here. And... I’m happy you’re here," she said, her words almost a whisper, filled with heartfelt gratitude. Her heart raced, but Caelan simply nodded, his focus still on the wheat fields.

Anna took a deep breath, steadying herself before speaking again. "I just wanted you to know, Caelan, that... your presence here means more than you realize," she said, her voice barely audible as she avoided his gaze.

Caelan finally turned to her, his expression gentle. "I’m just doing what I can to help," he replied, offering a small smile. "We’re all in this together."

Anna nodded, her heart sinking just a little, but she smiled back. "Right. Together," she echoed, the words carrying a bittersweet note. She took a step back, giving him one last look before turning to join the others.

Caelan watched her go, feeling a vague sense of something he couldn’t quite place. But the wheat fields were calling for his attention once more, and with a quiet sigh, he returned to his work, unaware of the deeper emotions that had passed between them.

After months, it has borne fruit. Finally, the hard work and perseverance of Caelan and the villagers have paid off.

Caelan stood at the edge of the valley, his breath taken away by the stunning view in front of him. The golden wheat fields stretched endlessly, swaying gently under the warm sunlight. The shades of green and yellow across the land seemed alive, made even more beautiful by the small flowers scattered around like nature's decorations. He lifted his gaze beyond the fields, where towering mountains rose with rugged majesty. Their peaks, painted with hues of orange and purple by the setting sun, looked like a masterpiece of nature.

---