The young emperor was not bound by tradition, had a strong desire to develop the empire more than anyone else, and was wise enough to listen to the words of scholars, even those who were not of noble birth, as he was not captivated by prejudice.

This was also why Crot could express his lifelong aspirations to the emperor without reservation.

“I emphasized the importance of agriculture once. However, the nobles think that getting their hands dirty with soil is a task for commoners or slaves, and they look down on it. That hasn’t changed even now. Ironically, those who beg most desperately for food are the nobles themselves.”

Kai listened quietly without interrupting. Crot’s expression now sparkled like an adventurer who had discovered a new continent, brimming with vitality.
“I thoroughly examined all the princesses who came to the empire, not just in the Plant Zone, but there were very few who put on the same dress and accessories they wore before. Even though they came here as potential brides, they couldn’t easily discard their princess pride. Perhaps, being here made them want to prove themselves more visibly, like wearing dresses, to assert their identity. Continue.”

In Crot’s expression, there was a vibrant assurance, like that of a confident person. Kai wanted to clearly understand what conviction he gained from Stella.

“Princesses who personally cultivate gardens with expensive flowers and trees are indeed present, but I have never seen anyone cultivating crops even once. Your Majesty, Princess Stella is already embodying the greatness of agriculture with her own body. She personally manages every step, from sowing seeds to harvesting. She gets her precious hands dirty with soil. How moving is this? I have never seen a noble in the Kredeion Empire who holds such noble thoughts. Princess Stella truly understands what is truly valuable. That’s why I have decided to hold Stella’s hand.”

Though the speech was long-winded, what caught Kai’s attention was the statement that Crot had decided to hold Stella’s hand.
“There is no need to go as far as holding hands, is there?”

“No, there is. Princess Stella may become the hope of the empire. Just knowing that she can live in the same era as her makes me feel overwhelmed to the point of waking up abruptly in bed.”

Crot’s passionate expression, with his hand on his chest, seemed sincere to anyone who saw it.

“So, in the end, you knew about the cultivation of sugar peanuts. Even though you knew the palace was looking for it, you kept your mouth shut. Is that right?”

“…Uh, well.”

Crot, who had been speaking eloquently until now, suddenly avoided eye contact and seemed to be searching for excuses. Kai was not known for his leniency.

“It seems like you want to serve Princess Stella more than me.”

“Oh, no! Your Majesty, you are mistaken. Absolutely not.”

Crot fluttered like a fish sprinkled with salt.

“Well, then, what do you plan to do from now on?”

In response to Kai’s question, Crot quickly turned sullen but soon changed his expression to a resolute one.

“If Your Imperial Majesty permits, I would like to continue assisting Princess Stella. Surely, there is a majestic power in Princess Stella’s garden that is difficult to express in words.”
Upon hearing Crot’s words, Kai tensed for a moment. Could it be that Crot sensed the aura of the Earth Fairy? Unaware of Kai’s thoughts, Crot, immersed in hope, continued to express his thoughts fervently.

“The power of agriculture! The power of nature! And the noble value of sweat! Ah! Your Majesty, do you know that? Whether noble or royal, everyone sweats.”

Listening to Crot’s grandiloquent speech as if proclaiming a great invention, Kai couldn’t gauge how to respond.

“Honey, please grant me the honor of joining this great journey with you! And above all!”

Crot bowed his head humbly, then lifted it suddenly.

“Speak.”

“Princess Stella’s crops are incredibly delicious. I have never felt that something tasted good even once in my entire life. Your Majesty, you know that too, don’t you? The reason I don’t enjoy food.”

“Isn’t it because you’re picky?”

“When I, who couldn’t appreciate taste well, put the food made from Princess Stella’s crops in my mouth, I could fully feel the rich flavor. If I miss this precious opportunity, I might go through my whole life without properly enjoying delicious food and die.”

Watching Crot, who now even put his own life on the negotiating table, Kai shook his head in amusement.