By midday, Sean, Lucio, and Windsor returned to Riverside, dragging a 300kg wild ox.
"Feels good to live like a hunter," Lucio sighed, swinging the carcass casually. "Better than Yorn's gilded cage."
Sean smiled. "You'll miss city comforts after a month chasing boars." And I'll miss my warm bed.
Lucio laughed. "True. But once I leave, you'll need a Bronze Rank guard to hunt here."
Sean shrugged. "I'm tired of hunting. Maybe I'll return to Yorn with you."
Lucio snorted. "Sure, Your Highness."
…
At the town gate, Henry and Lucio's squires awaited them.
"Residents are settled," Henry reported. "Farmers are burning fields, shops reopening, slaves plowing the manor."
"Good. Ensure proper fertilizing and irrigation," Sean instructed.
Henry blinked. "Fertilizing? Our method is: burn weeds, plant seeds, pray. The Church says crop failures mean insufficient piety."
Sean suppressed a laugh. Prayer farming? "I have better methods. And I'll handle the Church."
…
At the castle, Sean leaned in. "Henry, I'm the Holy Light Church's Son."
Henry scoffed. "If so, why exile yourself here?"
"Eight nights ago, the Light God gave me two revelations: advanced farming techniques…" Sean whispered, "and the dwarven alcohol recipe."
Henry collapsed to his knees. "Dwarven alcohol? That's worth more than Riverside! You are the Son!"
Sean nodded. "Spread the word: Riverside's crops will thrive not by prayer, but by science. And we'll brew alcohol to trade with the dwarves."
Henry trembled. "This changes everything, My Lord."
…
That evening, Sean outlined plans with Anduin. "First, teach crop rotation and manure fertilization. Then build a distillery."
Anduin frowned. "The Church won't like this. They profit from'piety taxes.'"
Sean smirked. "Let them try to stop me. I'm their Son."
…
Meanwhile, Lucio sampled Sean's new dish: stir-fried boar with chili. "This is amazing! How do you make it taste… alive?"
Sean winked. "Trade secret. Like my farming techniques."
Lucio laughed. "Keep feeding me, and I'll stay forever."
Sean smiled. With Lucio's protection, advanced farming, and dwarven alcohol… Riverside will rise.