Relief washed over Alden when he discovered his mother hadn't discarded the new ploughs. His gamble had paid off. This success reassured him that his parents might be open to further suggestions from their mysterious benefactor and willing to embrace innovation.

A satisfied smile lingered on Alden's face for the rest of the day. The success of the ploughs marked a significant milestone in his new life. He eagerly anticipated the possibilities that lay ahead.

Weeks turned into months as Alden settled into his new life. Each day, he sneaked into his brother’s study to read. He soon discovered that technological advancements in this world relied heavily on magic, fuelled by mana, making them prohibitively expensive for even minor nobility.

He learned that the land was inherently fertile, nourished by ambient mana. Certain regions had exceptionally high mana concentrations, ideal for cultivating magical crops. As such, these crops were a luxury reserved for the wealthy elite.

To efficiently cultivate these vast, mana-rich fields, nobles often employed earth mages whose magical abilities significantly boosted agricultural yields.

Alden also learned about the stringent intellectual property laws the powerful Merchant Guild enforced. His mother's partnership with the Guild proved lucrative, culminating in a fifteen per cent commission on each seed plough sold—a significant revenue stream for the barony.

Months passed, and Alden was mesmerized by Augustus' training in Lion's Inferno. Augustus' intense focus and unwavering dedication were awe-inspiring and a little intimidating. Meanwhile, his mother's partnership with the Merchant Guild continued to flourish, fuelled by the success of the seed ploughs. The fifteen per cent commission substantially boosted the barony's finances, and the demand for the ploughs spread to neighbouring territories.

Late summer arrived, signalling the start of the wheat harvest. Eager to see the results of their hard work, Alden convinced Emily to accompany him to the fields. As they walked through the vast expanse of golden wheat swaying gently in the breeze, a sense of wonder filled him.

The farmers beamed with joy, their enthusiasm for the bountiful harvest infectious. The air buzzed with cheerful chatter and laughter as they worked. Many expressed their gratitude to the Baroness for the new ploughs, which had significantly increased their yields.

Alden noticed the farmers were manually harvesting the wheat, skillfully using sickles to cut the stalks. They then bundled the wheat into sheaves, tying them securely before hoisting the heavy bundles onto their heads to carry to the storage areas. The sight of the labour-intensive process sparked new ideas in Alden’s mind.

He thought about the horse-drawn reaper, a farm implement used to cut grain crops, which had been a significant advancement in agricultural technology on Earth. This innovation dramatically increased the efficiency of harvesting compared to manual methods.

As they walked, Alden's mind raced to another invention: the wheelbarrow. A simple yet indispensable tool for moving materials, it typically consisted of a single wheel, a tray-like container, and handles for pushing and steering.

Together, the horse-drawn reaper and wheelbarrow could revolutionize farming. The reaper would dramatically increase harvest speed and efficiency, boosting food production. The wheelbarrow would streamline the movement of goods, saving time and labour.

A surge of excitement coursed through Alden. He knew he had to act fast; the harvest wouldn't wait. He decided to return to the castle and create detailed blueprints for both inventions.

Urging Emily to return to the castle, Alden slipped into his brother's study. With a surge of creativity, he began sketching detailed plans for the reaper and wheelbarrow. His hand moved swiftly across the paper, guided by clear mental images. He hoped his parents would act quickly given the success of the ploughs. With this hope, he found an opportunity to drop the papers where his mother would find them.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

At dinner, his parents were engaged in a serious discussion. His heart pounded as he realized they were talking about the designs. Their focused expressions filled him with hope. When he saw the excitement in their eyes, he knew his mother had found the blueprints. The future of Silverfield Barony looked incredibly promising.

His mother acted swiftly. Within days, the prototypes were in the fields. The horse-drawn reaper moved gracefully, its blades slicing through the wheat with ease. The wheelbarrows transformed the backbreaking labour of transporting sheaves. Farmers were astonished, their work becoming noticeably easier and more efficient.

He also saw some merchants examining the new tools. Unlike the jubilant farmers praising the Baroness, the merchants appeared surprised and intrigued. Alden edged closer to listen to their conversation.

“What is going on in Silverfield Barony? Why are there so many inventions this past year?” a merchant from Ravenwood Barony asked, his brows furrowed in curiosity.

Another merchant, an older man with a weathered face, nodded thoughtfully. “It’s remarkable. Silverfield was just a minor barony, barely notable in the grand scheme. But these seed ploughs have changed everything. They’re becoming famous in the surrounding baronies and viscounties.”

“The profits must be huge,” a younger merchant interjected, eyes gleaming with interest. “The sale of these new tools, the commissions from the Merchant Guild... Even the Guild is getting cosy with them, thinking of improving ties. They see potential investments in Silverfield's future, hoping for more inventions.”

The older merchant stroked his beard, his expression contemplative. “I’ve heard rumours that Baron Silverfield is undertaking major infrastructure projects. He’s connecting his farms in the eastern area to the village’s residential zones with new, paved roads. And there’s talk of linking the market in the central plaza with all other parts of the barony. It’s an ambitious project.”

“A project that will undoubtedly increase trade and accessibility,” another merchant added.

Excitement surged through Alden. His vision of a road network was taking shape faster than he'd imagined. While the main road from the castle to the central plaza was paved, the rest of the barony still relied on muddy tracks. The new infrastructure would transform these routes, making travel and trade much easier.

The transformation of the barony was undeniable. The sound of construction filled the air as workers laid down cobblestones and carefully smoothed the mortar. The new paved roads were wide and smooth, designed to accommodate carts and carriages, allowing goods to be transported more quickly and safely. Farmers from the eastern areas could now bring their produce to the markets without worrying about their wagons getting stuck in the mud. The once perilous and muddy paths were being replaced with sturdy, well-maintained roads.

Each morning, Alden watched in awe as Augustus trained relentlessly with Rodrick. Augustus’s movements were becoming swift and powerful, a blur of speed and precision. Towering at 160 centimetres, Augustus' physique was sculpted through rigorous training. Muscles rippled beneath his tunic, and his face, though young, mirrored the determination and focus of a seasoned warrior.

Evenings were filled with lively discussions around the dinner table. His father, Baron Silverfield, spoke with infectious enthusiasm about the transformative power of the new infrastructure. His mother, the Baroness, shared her insights into the growing partnerships with merchants and the Merchant Guild. As Alden listened, he felt a sense of belonging and warmth in his family.

Time seemed to accelerate as Alden matured. His thoughts sharpened, becoming more strategic and focused. Physical changes were evident as his once delicate frame grew stronger. The world around him was transforming, and he was at the heart of it, driven by a hunger to understand and improve.

Spring came and winter passed, the seasons blurring into one as the barony thrived. Alden turned five. Gazing into a polished silver mirror, he examined his reflection. He saw a young boy of 110 centimetres with sharp features and silver hair. His eyes, a striking shade of blue, were filled with a mixture of calmness and hunger. His skin was fair, with a slight blush from the brisk morning air, and his hair, though silver, shimmered with a hint of gold under the sunlight filtering through his window.

Two years had passed, and Alden's mind was a sponge, absorbing knowledge of his new world. He didn't provide any more blueprints to his parents. While the barony flourished, he sensed a growing vulnerability. As the barony became too prominent for its own good, he feared that the riches would attract unwanted attention, and the barony was too weak to handle any external threats. With plans constantly churning in his mind, he realized patience was his greatest weapon.

The barony had transformed in two short years. His parents became much busier, their responsibilities growing with the barony's prosperity. His brother trained relentlessly, shaping himself into a formidable warrior. The village had exploded with growth, new faces appearing daily. Prosperity was evident in the bustling market as the influx of skilled craftsmen increased.

The village Alden once knew was fading into memory. New faces and opportunities had reshaped the community. Samuel, now eleven, was already contributing to village life. Anna, his childhood friend, was blossoming into a skilled seamstress. The younger generation was finding their place in the growing barony.

As Alden walked through the bustling streets of Central Plaza, he couldn't help but notice the changes that had taken place. The sound of blacksmiths hammering away at their forges and the cheerful chatter of villagers created a lively atmosphere. A large shop with a sign reading “Mr Tolland’s Woodwork” caught his eye, and he couldn’t help but chuckle. Mr. Tolland had flourished the most with the advent of new tools. A heartwarming scene unfolded before him: a young boy, eyes twinkling with mischief, pulled a wheelbarrow overflowing with laughter as two children rode in triumphant delight. Alden paused, gazing up at the sky, his eyes filled with a ravenous ambition.

The barony's growth fuelled Alden's determination. The time for the next phase had arrived.