Episode 36
Naturally, the upcoming inauguration of Auvergne University was attracting significant attention, not only from the Angevin Empire but also from France.
King Richard I and the Pope had even declared that Auvergne University would be a place where divine knowledge could be explored.
Although the Pope couldn’t attend the inauguration in person, a cardinal carrying a papal bull would be present, and it was confirmed that Richard I himself would attend.
Even Philip II of France sent a congratulatory message, ensuring that the university’s fame would skyrocket even before the ceremony took place.
Eventually, it wasn’t just Angevin and France; even the Iberian Peninsula sent word of their intention to send congratulatory envoys.
The Kingdom of Navarre, Aragon, León, and Castile—all the states that would later form the Kingdom of Spain—were eager to send representatives to my domain.
Navarre’s involvement wasn’t surprising, given the secret marriage negotiations currently underway with the Angevin Empire.
Though not officially announced yet, it’s expected to be publicized by next year.
The marriage between Princess Berengaria of Navarre and Richard I was a strategic alliance that benefited both parties.
Navarre, once the strongest kingdom in Iberia, had been reduced to a shadow of its former self, its territories devoured by its neighbors.
By forming a marriage alliance with the Angevin Empire, Navarre could at least stave off the threat of annihilation.
For the Angevin Empire, having Navarre, which bordered the County of Toulouse, as an ally would be a strategic advantage in case of war.
For me, with my lands bordering Toulouse, Navarre could prove to be a valuable ally.
Of course, the same could be said for the other countries.
Their interest wasn’t solely in celebrating the university’s opening.
The Reconquista, a centuries-old dream of the Iberian states to completely expel Islamic forces from the peninsula, was something they wanted to associate with me.
Though different from the Crusades, the Reconquista was also considered a holy war, as it involved Catholic states fighting Islamic forces.
The main difference was that the battles took place in Europe, and unlike the disastrous Crusades, the Reconquista was ultimately successful.
However, the Reconquista was a protracted conflict, lasting 780 years, the longest in history.
Even now, over 400 years since it began, it would take another 300 years to completely expel Islam from the Iberian Peninsula.
How should I respond if they seek my help?
While it’s not an immediate concern, it’s wise to have a plan in place to avoid being caught off guard later.
But there’s a more pressing issue at hand.
The so-called agricultural experts, who refuse to erase their skepticism, keep challenging my words.
These minor hiccups need to be resolved before the inauguration, but they simply won’t listen.
“So, you’re saying my method isn’t feasible?”
“No, as we’ve said multiple times, that’s not it. How could we doubt the words of a prophet? But even if you’ve heard God’s words, interpreting them is another matter, isn’t it?”
So, in the end, they don’t believe me.
I tried to keep the irritation out of my voice as I replied.
“I’ve said it multiple times: if you follow this method, food production will increase beyond comparison.”
“But without understanding the principles, it’s difficult for us to implement it. Farming is delicate work; a mistake could ruin the land. We can’t just ‘try it for a year and revert if it doesn’t work.’”
The agricultural experts gathered from various regions were full of excuses, refusing to follow my guidance.
They were too afraid of divine retribution to outright refuse, but it was clear they didn’t trust me.
Frustrating as it was, I understood their perspective.
In this era, farming was life itself and the foundation of the nation.
Failure wasn’t an option; a bad harvest could lead to widespread starvation, so caution was natural.
Moreover, agricultural knowledge was based on experience, and most of those summoned before me were elderly.
Whether scholars or practitioners, the older they were, the more resistant they were to new ideas.
I had hoped invoking God’s name would ease their resistance, but it seemed more concrete evidence was needed.
“The Count says that with this new method, one seed will yield tenfold, tripling our current production. If it works, it would indeed be a blessing.”
“But we’re not novices. We know how much effort it takes to increase production by even 10 or 20 percent, let alone threefold…”
“It won’t triple immediately; initially, it will double.”
Most of Europe was still using the three-field system, with some areas stuck in the even more primitive two-field system.
Their fertilization methods were lacking compared to the 15th and 16th centuries, resulting in a yield of only about three per seed, as they said.
With such low productivity, it’s no wonder commerce and technology were slow to develop.
Civilization advances only when basic needs are met.
However, by adopting the four-field system introduced after the 18th-century agricultural revolution, also known as the Norfolk system, yields could increase dramatically.
In short, it involves cultivating legumes that restore soil fertility.
Wheat, the staple of Europeans, depletes soil nutrients much more than rice, the staple of the East, necessitating fallow periods.
By growing crops like clover, which restore soil fertility and serve as livestock feed, more livestock can be raised, creating a virtuous cycle of increased manure production.
Agricultural advancement leads to explosive commercial growth, the spread of cash crops, and better farming tools.
With this cycle, production could triple in a few decades.
Of course, this would rapidly dismantle many medieval institutions, and the powerful would lose their status.
But the pace of progress would outstrip their awareness, so it wouldn’t be an issue.
If anyone opposed too quickly, they could be branded as heretics and silenced.
Despite having such a perfect plan, it’s frustrating that the people involved won’t listen.
“God couldn’t bear to see His faithful suffer from famine, so He gave us this guidance. Why not try it?”
“But as I said, we need to verify the principles and efficacy first…”
“That’s what scholars are for, to explain it.”
I could explain everything, but that would be unseemly.
It’s odd for God to detail scientific principles.
A typical deity would demand blind faith and obedience.
So, it’s best to provide the answer and let them figure out why it’s correct.
“Then we’ll test it on a small plot of land first.”
“No, if it’s too small, it won’t yield accurate results. We need to try it in multiple regions simultaneously.”
If they test it on a tiny plot, they’ll do it half-heartedly and not properly.
To truly feel the impact, it must be implemented on a large scale.
As the scholars hesitated and failed to provide a satisfactory answer, my patience wore thin.
Perhaps they needed a stern warning about blasphemy to wake them up.
But before I could say anything, I felt a chilling presence behind me.
Turning around, I saw Fatima, my squire and bodyguard, radiating an indescribable aura of menace.
She called to me in a voice as cold as the abyss.
“Apostle… just a moment.”
“Hmm?”
Already irritated, I wondered what she had to say, and her words were shocking.
“Shall I just execute them all?”
“Please, keep your mouth shut.”
“But they’re daring to question the Apostle’s words…”
“As I recall, you were the one who openly insulted me.”
”…Shall I take my own life?”
I decided to say no more, fearing it would only worsen the situation.
But I should definitely caution her later, as she seemed capable of carrying out her threat.
I sighed deeply, turned away from Fatima, and spoke again.
“Alright, here’s the deal. If anyone suffers losses by following my advice, I will compensate them fully in the name of His Majesty the King, with additional reparations. However, if there’s evidence of deliberate sabotage, they won’t escape execution.”
”…You’ll compensate and reward us? In that case…”
As I anticipated their reaction, I clicked my tongue and asked in a chilly tone.
“Yes. But do you realize that your willingness to change your mind for compensation is proof that you’re doubting God’s word?”
“Ah, no… Count, that’s not what we meant…”
“If you truly wish to repent, you’ll need to put your all into farming. We’ll discuss the rest once we see the results.”
There are always those people who can’t help but add a snide remark, no matter how nicely you put things.
That’s probably why there’s a saying about using both the carrot and the stick when dealing with people.
In any case, by this time next year, these very people will be crying out “Jesus Christ”—or rather, “Iesus Christus,” since we’re in the Middle Ages—and kissing the ground at my feet, so it doesn’t matter.
Leaving them with a word of encouragement, I headed back to the mansion where the esteemed guests awaited.
In just two days, the grand opening ceremony would take place, and dignitaries from various countries were pouring into the count’s domain in real-time.
Among these VIPs, the most notable was King Richard I, who had taken over an entire wing of the mansion to engage in discussions with international figures.
Though it seemed like the roles were reversed, I didn’t mind. It allowed me to see whom Richard was meeting and with whom he was getting chummy.
As I approached to pay my respects to the king, I greeted the guard at the entrance with the customary politeness.
“You’re doing a fine job. Is His Majesty inside?”
“Yes, he’s currently in conversation with the Cardinal who just arrived.”
“Cardinal Lothaire?”
“His Majesty instructed that you be allowed in whenever you arrive. Please, go on up.”
Curious about the conversation between the king and the cardinal, I quickly made my way to the room Richard was using for his audience.
I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but as voices drifted out from inside, I naturally paused my steps.
“I didn’t realize the Papacy was this interested in our kingdom’s university.”
“Auvergne University is quite unique. It’s a place where one can receive the word of God and glimpses of His great wisdom, so it’s only natural for it to draw attention.”
“Even so, a university is ultimately a place for worldly knowledge. The knowledge and research verified here will inevitably be applied to our kingdom first. His Holiness must be aware of this, and yet he has issued a decree, for which I am truly grateful.”
“Still, the fact remains that the knowledge that benefits the world comes through the Church. Just as life cannot exist without the warm sun, the Church is the sun that illuminates the secular state. Isn’t it clear which should take precedence?”
Leaving the main subject aside, they were having quite the lively debate among themselves.
The subtle power play between these two influential figures brought a wry smile to my lips.
Is this what they call a clash of egos between two brilliant minds?