The journey to the farm seemed to stretch on endlessly, with the winding roads pulling them ever further from the village. Filled with excitement for his first visit, he eagerly peered out of the carriage, taking in the sweeping landscape of undulating fields dotted with quaint, scattered farmhouses.
As they arrived, Alden and Emily discovered Samuel and his father busy tending to their modest plot. The air was rich with the scent of freshly turned soil and the distant sounds of livestock. Samuel's face erupted in surprise and delight as he saw Alden disembark from the carriage. He hurried over, wiping his hands on his trousers, his excitement palpable.
"Alden!" Samuel exclaimed, his voice breathless, his eyes wide with surprise. "What brings you here?"
Alden grinned broadly. "I came to see you," he replied warmly. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a piece of candy and presented it to Samuel with a flourish. "A little something for you."
Samuel's eyes widened in delight as he accepted the candy. "Thanks, Alden!" he exclaimed, his face lighting up as he unwrapped the treat and popped it into his mouth. The sweetness seemed to intensify his joy, and he beamed at his friend, his eyes sparkling with happiness.
Emily watched as the two boys chattered excitedly, their laughter filling the air. Alden's presence was a ray of sunshine for Samuel, and the feeling was undeniably reciprocated, their infectious joy warming the entire scene.
After a brief catch-up, the boys were eager to play. Samuel led Alden to a nearby field, its open expanse ideal for their games. Without hesitation, they launched into a game of tag, their laughter echoing through the air as they darted around the farm, weaving in and out of the tall grass and scattered patches of wildflowers.
"You're it!" Samuel shouted, tagging Alden before dashing away with a burst of speed, his laughter trailing behind him.
Alden laughed, his eyes sparkling with exhilaration, and took off after him. The boys raced through the fields, nimbly avoiding the occasional cow and clump of bushes, their boundless energy and infectious laughter filling the air.
Emily watched them with a blend of concern and amusement. She noticed villagers stealing glances their way, some smiling at the unusual spectacle of the young lord playing so freely. It was a heartwarming scene, a vibrant contrast to the farm's usual tranquillity.
The boys' game continued with breathless energy, their movements fluid as they darted around the farm. With a burst of unexpected speed, Alden managed to tag Samuel, who let out a delighted squeal before turning to chase Alden with determined fervour.
"You're faster than I remember!" Samuel gasped, his face flushed with exertion but alight with joy. A wide grin spread across his features as they collapsed onto the grass, laughing in breathless relief. The warm sun bathed them in its golden glow, and for a moment, they simply relished the farm's tranquillity and each other's company.
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Alden's gaze wandered across the tranquil scene. Villagers were diligently tending to the fields, using ploughs with metal bottoms reminiscent of the ancient Ard. Men ploughed the earth, followed by women carefully tilling and sowing seeds. Their synchronized movements were hypnotic, a testament to their skilled efficiency.
The Ard, a primitive but essential tool in early agriculture, was one of Earth's first ploughs. Simple in design, it primarily scratched the soil's surface rather than turning it over. Despite its limitations, it laid the groundwork for more advanced agricultural implements. Alden marvelled at the simplicity of the design while understanding its pivotal role in farming's evolution.
Alden's mind drifted to the advancements that came after the Ard. He recalled reading about the heavy plough, developed around the 8th century AD on Earth. Unlike its predecessor, the heavy plough featured a mouldboard, a curved metal plate that overturned the soil. This breakthrough revolutionized soil cultivation, enhancing aeration, weed control, and drainage, leading to bountiful harvests. The heavy plough was instrumental in Europe's medieval agricultural revolution, driving economic growth and population expansion.
The seed plough, another groundbreaking agricultural innovation, also came to mind. By combining ploughing and sowing into a single process, it dramatically reduced time and labour. Its ability to precisely distribute seeds at optimal depths further boosted farming efficiency and productivity.
As Alden observed the villagers' diligent efforts, an idea began to solidify. His first venture in this world would be introducing the heavy plough and seed drill. Given the superior strength of the animals here, he could make a few modifications to adapt these tools to their capabilities, potentially revolutionizing their agricultural practices and boosting productivity.
His mind raced with potential designs and improvements, envisioning the sweeping changes these innovations could bring to the villagers. Increased efficiency, bountiful harvests, and reduced labour would revolutionize their lives, creating a more sustainable and prosperous farming community.
"It's time to go, Alden," Emily's voice gently interrupted his reverie, snapping him back to the present.
Turning to Samuel, who was also standing up, he promised, "I'll be back soon to play," his voice filled with excitement and a touch of future anticipation.
Alden waved to Samuel and his father as he and Emily made their way back to the carriage. He glanced back at the farm one last time, the wheels in his mind still turning with possibilities.
The journey back to the castle began with a growing sense of frustration. The execution of his plan seemed daunting, especially given his current limitations. As a toddler trying not to stand out, he faced numerous obstacles. Finding a skilled blacksmith to craft the new tool was essential, as was gathering knowledge about local materials. The challenges were immense
A deep sigh escaped Alden's lips. For now, the immediate challenge was to discreetly draft the blueprints and find a way to share them with his parents without them knowing. This approach might mean sacrificing personal profits, but the long-term benefits for the barony were undeniable. While Silverfield was not impoverished, its resources were stretched thin. A prosperous populace, eager to spend, was essential for his vision to become a reality.
Emily, noticing his furrowed brow, broke the silence. "Alden, something's troubling you," she asked, her voice filled with concern and curiosity.
Alden, snapping back to the present, looked at Emily and smiled.