Chapter 5: Planting Sunflowers
Upon landing, the Magic Crystals began to grow root-like tendrils, extending outward from within. These tendrils spread in all directions, embedding themselves into the ground.
The crystalline blue glow of the tendrils remained visible even under the bright sunlight.
It was the radiance of magic power.
Very quickly, they covered the thirty-square-meter clearing evenly, intertwining and weaving together in an unexpectedly orderly fashion—like the neat furrows of a well-plowed field.
Observing this, Croyer let out a small sigh of relief. “Three should be enough for now…”
This spell was an essential tool for mages looking to farm in barren lands. Many such lands suffered from insufficient magic power, which hindered the growth of magic plants.
However, with this spell, the magic power tendrils spreading from the Magic Crystals could provide a steady supply of magic power to the plants, ensuring they had enough energy to grow.
This was merely the first step of the Magic Field Technique.
Over time, the magic power emitted by the crystals would gradually transform the soil. Once it was thoroughly infused with magic, the second phase of modifications could begin.
For example, one could incorporate Flame Potions or Frost Potions to adjust the soil’s magical properties, making it more suitable for specific magic plants.
For a mage, land was never a limitation. A competent mage could cultivate crops and extract resources anywhere.
…
Watching Croyer cast the spell, Robert couldn't help but think that leaving the Royal Capital might not be so bad after all.
At least here, his master could do whatever he wanted.
With the knights and Bartos currently busy elsewhere, Robert took the opportunity to ask, “Master, how do you plan to handle the servants?”
“Send them all back. Robert, you’ll pick a new batch.”
Robert wasn’t surprised. When Croyer had barely spared those servants a glance earlier, he knew his master had already dismissed them in his mind.
And truthfully, he agreed.
Compared to the well-trained servants raised jointly by the Mage Association and the Royal Household, these commoners were utterly unworthy.
“You can rest assured, Master. I will personally train a more suitable group of attendants.” Robert nodded.
“I leave it to you… We’ve only just arrived here and are still unfamiliar with the surroundings, so I’ll be relying on you to get a grasp on things,” Croyer said with a smile before continuing, “The lord of this land has a military force for maintaining order. That army must be firmly controlled—let Joshua and Art handle that.”
“Also, Robert, select suitable candidates whose children can be taken in as mage apprentices and knight apprentices in the castle.”
“Let Chris and Norman oversee that.”
This was a strategy Croyer had long considered.
After all, whatever was taught inside the castle was up to him. Working for a decade before receiving formal training in magic was entirely reasonable. He had absolute control here.
Since he intended to cultivate the land, he needed people to constantly monitor the growth of magic plants and record data. He couldn’t possibly handle everything himself.
That meant he needed obedient, well-disciplined students.
Raising them from childhood would ensure their loyalty. It would also give him leverage over their soldier parents—if nothing else, their physical condition would likely surpass that of ordinary folk.
After all, income determined lifestyle, and lifestyle influenced health.
Those with magical talent would help with farming. Those without but possessing strong physiques could train as knight apprentices. And those who lacked both? They could at least serve as laborers or household servants.
To be honest, had he brought more people with him, he wouldn’t have needed to implement such measures. But with limited manpower, this was the quickest way to gain control.
It was a blatant yet undeniable power move—anyone with intelligence could see through it. But who could refuse an invitation from a mage and knight from the Royal Capital?
Not to mention, he was already the lord.
The peasants of this land were born to serve him, to work for him.
And if there were any stubborn fools unwilling to comply, then the four knights would simply pay them a visit.
Croyer was certain they would make the “rational” choice.
Robert looked at his master in surprise. Had this exile somehow awakened his strategic mind? The realization filled him with satisfaction.
“You can leave it all to me, Master!” he assured.
“I knew I could count on you, Robert.”
Croyer didn’t bother bringing up additional tasks like surveying the island or conducting a population census—Robert had likely already planned for them.
Having such a reliable steward made Croyer very content.
…
Time passed quickly.
Each knight returned, accompanied by a dark-skinned man carrying a large basket on his back.
The baskets were filled with sand-loam soil—one of the best soils for growing sunflowers.
“Master, these men claim to be experienced in farming, so we brought them along,” Joshua, Robert’s son, reported respectfully.
“Good. Do your work well, and there will be rewards.”
Croyer gestured to the magic power tendrils covering the ground and instructed, “Spread the soil evenly over the tendrils, making sure to leave enough space between the mounds…”
Magic plants were both more troublesome and easier to grow compared to normal crops.
As long as they had sufficient magic power and nutrients, they would thrive without much issue. They were also resistant to pests and diseases—but if they did fall ill, it would be a significant problem.
The farmers were indeed skilled and meticulous. Before long, they had evenly spread the soil, carefully aligning it with the pattern of the magic power tendrils.
These tendrils, now buried beneath the soil, would not only provide magic power but also eliminate hidden pests and eggs lurking in the ground.
“Good work. Here’s your reward—you may go.”
Satisfied, Croyer generously handed each man a copper coin before dismissing them.
The farmers were overjoyed. After all, even a soldier in the castle’s guard only earned thirty copper coins per month—and they had just received a whole copper coin for a few hours of labor.
It was an unbelievable stroke of luck.
Suppressing their excitement, they left, eager to spread the word about their new lord’s generosity.
Croyer, however, paid them no mind.
He carefully retrieved a crystal bottle, gently taking out twelve sunflower seeds that he had personally engraved with the Sunflame Ray spell.
One by one, he planted them with the utmost care.
Only after burying the last seed did the exhilaration that had gripped him since discovering his golden finger finally settle.
Now, he simply had to wait.
There were many other crops to consider—magic plants, Poseidon Barley, and olive trees—not to mention scouting for any undiscovered magic plants native to the land.
And, of course, his studies could not be neglected.
A mage’s esteemed status stemmed from their knowledge and spells. Strength was paramount; he could not afford complacency.
‘So many things to do…’
As he pondered, Joshua suddenly mustered the courage to step forward, offering two large coconuts that he and his companions had just picked.
“Master, we gathered some White Coconuts. Would you like something to eat?”
Snapping out of his thoughts, Croyer looked at the two large coconuts and suddenly realized how hungry and thirsty he was.
Smiling, he said, “Good idea. Tell the cook to prepare a meal—I’d like to taste what Reef Island has to offer.”
With that, he descended the steps, his footsteps light and relaxed.