Chapter 16: Chapter 16: The Little Seed Prince

Jack was originally just a small seed merchant in the South, barely making a living by selling grain and fruit seeds.Although life wasn't wealthy, at least there was enough to eat and drink.Until a few months ago, he overheard fellow merchants boasting at the tavern:Since the "Northern Territory Pioneer Order" was issued, many nobles have flocked to the Northern Territory to open up land, creating a huge demand for seeds, far exceeding supply!This piece of gossip set his heart racing.In the South, seed merchants were as plentiful as horse manure on the roadside, with hundreds scrambling for a piece of the pie, making it almost impossible to make a fortune.But the North was different, he'd heard it was barren and seeds were hard to come by; once supplies arrived, they were sure to sell!"This is an opportunity for wealth!"Excited, Jack converted all the savings he'd accumulated over the years into seeds.He filled his small cart and rushed to the North, dreaming of getting rich overnight.However, when he stepped into Frost Halberd City, he was dumbfounded."Isn't this the largest city in the Northern Territory?"The city was rundown, the streets muddy, the passersby in tattered clothes all looking weary, with not a sign of prosperous business opportunity.Jack's heart skipped a beat, a premonition of doom washed over him."I'm doomed, I won't lose everything, will I?"But since he was already there, he couldn't just leave empty-handed.So, with determination, he set up his small stall on an empty lot on the east side of the market."Are you the seed seller, Jack?"He hadn't even set up his goods, when three knights rode over, bringing with them the dust of travel, their armor splattered with mud, their expressions somewhat anxious.Jack was stunned for a moment, his heart pounding.How did they know his name?Could it be that the fame of the little seed king had spread from the Central Province to the Northern Province?But, a visitor is a guest, so he quickly straightened his back, cleared his throat, and was just about to introduce his products."What would you gentlemen like? We have potatoes, rye, oats, wheat."The lead knight interrupted him directly: "We'll take everything.""Wh- what?"