Chapter 24: Chapter 24

The South Island is as good as she thought. Cecilia glad because she was wearing her summer dress. Because the climate is so hot.

Unlike the Capital, this island has tropical climate. Which mean they only have two seasons. Dry and rain.

She was greeted by Baron Howard Ambrose and his daughter, who called Havana, in the city hall. That is the biggest building in this island.

Baron look disappointed when he knows that the Duke doesn't come.

How come I had to work with this child? He asked to himself. My daughter is a year older than her.

"Then, lets go take a look, Baron Ambrose." Cecilia said while her knights are moving her stuff.

"Young Lady, please take a rest. You just already arrived."

"No, no. I'm okay. It's still morning anyway. We can come back at lunch."

"Well, if that what you want, please do follow me. I'll prepare the carriage."

"Thank you, Baron Ambrose. Oh, Mary and Theo, you don't have to follow me. Please just take a rest in your room."

"Yes, Miss."

"I understand, Young Miss." Both of them were agreed because they have no energy left to argue. Beside, their employer is quite headstrong.

"Let's go, Baron Ambrose. Oh, will Miss Ambrose join us?" Havana shook her head elegantly.

Her appearance was a bit different with his father. Instead of dark blue eyes and short brown hair like the Baron, she has sea blue eyes and long blonde hair.

Still, their face built is resembled to each other.

"I'm sorry, Young Lady. But, I have to prepare the banquet for your arrival."

"Banquet? Then, please make it as plain as you can. Don't spend too much money on it. Actually, it's better if it just a dinner."

The Ambrose's brows raised. Both of them exchanged the glance and sending the same signal. What does it means? She is the Duke's daughter, isn't she? But Havana still bowed and says, "As your wish, Young Lady."

Cecilia smiled and happily tailing the Baron. The Ambrose's carriage was nothing but ordinary. It was made by the cheap woods, and the horse is skinny.

"Why did the horse look so sick?"

"Well, the grass is hard to find lately, Young Lady."

"How about the water?"

"The water is okay."

"Then, can I see the horse stable?"

Baron stared her blankly, "Is there something wrong?"

"Just curious. Can I?"

Baron nodded and show her the way to the stable. The building was so small and only has two sheds with a stack of straws as their bed.

There is only one bucket of cold water.

Cecilia can't help but wondering how to get enough grass, water and place for the horses. She already brought fourteen horses. Ten from the knights and four from her wagons and carriage.

"Is there something you need?"

"Not now. Let's go."

Baron nodded and the two of them continue their journey without any obstacle.

The first place they visit is the farm. South Island is just a small island. It maybe twice bigger than the Capital. But almost half of them was barren and abandoned land.

They do find the agriculture and irrigation technique, but still it's not enough to revive the island. They need something more.

And then, they came to the residential area. The citizen of the island is about a hundred people and almost all of them was skinny.

"Why did the Emperor stay quiet on this island?"

Baron shrugged, "I doubt the Emperor know about this place. Since this is remote island which supposed to be empty.

Most of the people who stay here were the refugee from the Great War which happened a century ago. We used to be living in hidden place. But, I think this is the time for our revival."

"So that's why you sold this island to my father?" Cecilia can felt the sincerity from this man. One day, he might become a great leader.

"Yes! I once heard about your father, Young Lady. High Commander of Atrazal's Empire. A powerful man who has a brilliant mind. He is the man who will restore this island."

"You are right. But, I hope you didn't disappoint with my arrival. Since, I didn't as well as my father."

Baron gulped and wondered if this girl can read his mind, "Of course, no. We are… delighted."

"Fine, then. Tell me more about this place, Baron. I mean about the people. Like their occupation, hopes, houses, wealth, pets or anything. I'd like to know."

The two of them talked while walked across the road beside the farm. The occupation in this place consists of the farmer and merchant. They do have a tailor, carpenter or many more. But, it is just their side jobs.

They will close their stores when no one needs their services since every family owns a plot of land. After finding the irrigation technique, they mainly planted wheat, corn, vegetables and fruits.

When the harvest seasons came, they sell half of it to the merchants and keep the remaining crops for themselves.

The merchants provide a limited variety of seeds, since the farmer can't afford to buy an expensive seed, and farming tools too.

Sometimes they sell the farmers goods to another city. But, their crops aren't that striking either in quality or the variations.

In other word, the south island crops is just ordinary like the other place.

The marketplace didn't have any diversity items. Only crops, fabric, farming tools and cookware.

Just when they talked about their average income, Cecilia noticed a group of boys who happily playing kites.

All of them was skin and bones.

"What happened, Baron? I thought they had enough food to eat."

He shook his head."It's because of the crops failures, Young Lady. Pest attack."

"Why don't they use any pesticide?"

"Pesticide?" Baron tilted his head. As if it was the first time he heard about that.

"Ah, this is bad. Let's talk about this later. And how about the market? Do they have something to sell?"

"Yes, they do. But, most of the merchants buy crops from the other island, the price are getting higher."

"And they can't afford to buy it?"

I thought they had enough food to eat.

"Baron when will they finished their jobs? Can you make an announcement to make them gathering in the city hall after lunch?"

"Yes, I can. But, why, Young Lady?"

Cecilia smiled, "Let's make a feast tonight."