CHAPTER 40: THE CONSPIRACY

Would it be weird if Aegon said he felt intimidated before Bailish?

In a normal situation, Bailish was a kind uncle who always doted on the kids, but right now he was the King of Moonrise Kingdom, a completely different person.

’A 7-Star Mage is really scary, especially if he’s a King.’

Aegon threw aside the useless thoughts and began to recount everything they had encountered. Of course, he left out the details of them blowing up a building.

Throughout the talking, Bailish just nodded his head without a change of expression. Aegon had grown quite skilled in reading people, but he still wasn’t able to guess what Bailish was thinking.

"So, what’s happening, Father?" Xavier asked. "You didn’t tell me our Kingdom was going through something like this."

"You were in the Academy and telling you would accomplish absolutely nothing," Bailish said. "As for the situation, it’s nothing of your concern. I’m handling it well."

"People will die, Father!" Xavier protested.

"They won’t die!" Bailish scowled. "Grow up. You’re not a kid anymore."

"Then, can you tell us what happened?" Xavier didn’t mind being scolded by his father. He just wanted to know if everyone would be safe.

"It’s confidential information," Bailish responded after a pause.

Soon, Sansa entered the room and presented them with the Cherry Tea which was famous throughout the Moonrise Kingdom. Understanding the situation, she just silently sat on the side.

"So, it really is a conspiracy, huh," Aegon said with a thoughtful look. "The lands are affected by something, wells are likely drained too and even the river water is being blocked."

Bailish grunted, giving a silent agreement to his words.

"But how did it happen?" Aegon was confused on this part.

It wasn’t like no one had thought of blocking the river water upstream to affect the Moonrise Kingdom, but they had always been unsuccessful due to the King’s preparations.

He had learned about it.

So, what changed so suddenly?

"I have a guess," Sansa spoke for the first time, as she stared at Aegon strangely. "A decade ago, when you awakened, there was a Monster Tide throughout the Kingdom. Although we were able to resolve it easily, it did make a hole in our defence for some time."

"That must have been when our enemies sneaked in," Bailish continued on. "We expected that so we did a thorough sweep and captured many of them. But they were more patient than we thought. They hid and slowly spread their seeds, only to use them now."

’So it is related to me.’ Aegon hummed in understanding and said, "That’s troublesome."

"Not that much," Bailish smiled and said. "I have always prepared for days like this, so I can assure you that everyone will be fine. It’s just a matter of time where they have to suffer a little before everything returns to normal."

"But you’re using all your resources to get the river back, find a solution to the soil and also grow food in different environments?" Aegon asked.

These resources mostly included the mages and capital to hire more mages. That was how Bailish was growing stuff despite such a famine.

"You catch on fast," Bailish nodded. "Yes, that’s the reason I can’t really help the farmers much aside from monetary aid. But they will be safe and alive this season too with the food I’m preparing."

"But it will affect the economy," Xavier pointed out. "Especially with all the expenses we are incurring."

"It’s inevitable if I want to save my Kingdom," Bailish said. "Without sacrifices, one can’t achieve anything. Besides, I am confident in bringing the economy back to its standing."

"I’ll be helping him in that," Sansa giggled softly and said. "So, really, there’s nothing for you kids to worry about. We will handle it."

"It’ll take months," Aegon muttered before asking, "What if I say we can save the Kingdom without sacrificing the economy too much?"

"I’m all ears," Bailish said, as the other two also stared at him with their eyes sparkling.

They were well aware of the way his mind worked and how he had many things that brought convenience in life. He had the brain of his mother, who was a prodigy, but her field of research was completely different.

If Aegon really had a solution, they were confident in it.

"I’m not entirely sure, so don’t bring your hopes too high," Aegon reminded them. "And I will also need your help for it."

"Just tell us already, Gon." Xavier shook his shoulder and said.

"Fine! But stop shaking me," Aegon threw Xavier onto a different chair and turned towards Bailish. "Why aren’t there farms in the best locations of the Kingdom? The slopes leading to the Moon River."

"Because the Moon River gets too volatile and it can rise very high," Bailish answered without a change in expression. "And if we make farms too high, the problem of water will be there. How will you bring the water so high?"

"That’s why we focused on parts where the canals and channels can reach, making farmlands in such places," Sansa added. "Normal citizens can’t afford to bring water so high, especially considering the amount they would need."

"And now the river flow is too low," Xavier said, rubbing his chin. "If we make farmlands too low, they’ll get swallowed up when the river returns to normal. And if it’s too high then the problem of water will become even bigger."

"And that’s considering we would need to change the terrain everywhere, which will cost us even more resources," Sansa explained. "It isn’t practical to make farmlands there."

"And what if I can solve those issues for you?" Aegon smiled and asked. "The farmlands will be high so that people can reach them easily and will be away from the destruction of the river. And I will also resolve the irrigation problem."

"And ordinary farmers can use that?" Bailish asked with a light frown.

"Yes, they can afford it."

"How will you do that?" Xavier asked, wondering what his best friend was thinking. Still, he was happy since this meant the kingdom would be saved.

Aegon stared at the Randle Family and smiled mysteriously.

"I will just show you by doing it. I also don’t need your resources. All I want is a permit to change the geography of the capital. Then, I’ll give you all a surprise."