SMW C16 Successfully converting the skeptics

In mere minutes, the table had been swept clean. What had been abundant servings of various potato dishes now existed only as empty bowls and satisfied sighs. The speed with which grown nobles had devoured their portions would have been embarrassing under normal circumstances.

Aldric glanced around the table, noting that every adult had completely emptied their dishes. Only Alexander and little Adelheit still had food remaining—Alexander having eaten at a more measured pace, and three-year-old Adelheit simply unable to match the adults' ravenous consumption despite her enthusiastic efforts.

The sight of his youngest daughter earnestly working through her mashed potatoes with tiny spoonfuls made Aldric's heart clench. Her small hands could barely manage the adult-sized utensils, yet she attacked the meal with determined bravery.

I want more, Aldric thought desperately, his eyes lingering on Alexander's unfinished portion. Just one more taste of those incredible fries, or perhaps another spoonful of that heavenly stew. But his position as lord and patriarch made such a request impossible. He could hardly beg his six-year-old son for scraps like a common beggar.

He cleared his throat awkwardly, forcing himself to adopt the measured tone befitting his station. "I believe this meal was more than fruitful. The taste of these potatoes, prepared in various dishes, was incredible beyond description."

Ermelinde nodded enthusiastically, her earlier reserve completely abandoned. "I agree completely! These dishes are unlike anything I've ever experienced! The flavors, the textures—it's as if we've discovered an entirely new world of cuisine."

Reinhard, still looking somewhat dazed, spoke quietly. "I was so absorbed in eating that I didn't realize I had finished everything on my plate." He stared at his empty bowl with something approaching mourning.

Father Hensfried remained silent, but his satisfied expression and the careful way he dabbed at his lips with a cloth napkin spoke volumes about his own culinary revelation.

Fritz and the mess boys, who had been watching anxiously from the sidelines, beamed with pride at the overwhelmingly positive reception. Their young lord's bold experiment had succeeded beyond their wildest hopes.

Alexander smiled contentedly as he observed the reactions around the table. Perfect. With this response, I should be able to convince Father to authorize potato cultivation throughout the entire Barony of Eisenfurt. But he knew better than to celebrate prematurely.

His gaze fixed meaningfully on Father Hensfried, waiting for the priest's official verdict.

Father Hensfried felt the weight of every stare in the room. His cheeks flushed as he cleared his throat nervously. "I..." The words stuck in his throat. How could he admit that everything he'd preached about the cursed roots had been utterly wrong?

Finally, he summoned the courage to speak. "All I can say is that the dishes our young lord and head chef have prepared are truly delicious and... refreshing." His voice dropped to barely above a whisper. "And as a priest, I must admit that I have gravely misunderstood these roots for as long as I can remember. I failed to see beyond my own prejudices, but today, my eyes have been opened to the truth."

He looked directly at Alexander with genuine gratitude, then stood and performed a deep, respectful bow. "Young lord, you have opened my eyes to the divine truth that was before me all along. It is beyond doubt that these potatoes, as you call them, are indeed a miracle from God Himself."

Alexander's face lit up with triumph at these words.

"And I humbly apologize for ever doubting you, my young lord," Father Hensfried continued, his voice heavy with remorse.

Alexander waved his hand graciously. "Think nothing of it, Father. I am simply glad you are finally open to the truth."

"Truth..." Father Hensfried repeated the word reverently, his eyes taking on an almost mystical gleam as he studied Alexander's young face. "Yes, now I understand that you have been speaking God's truth all along, young lord. The Almighty Himself has made you His instrument, chosen to reveal the miracle of what we foolishly called cursed roots."

His expression grew deeply reverent, almost worshipful. "Young Lord Alexander, I pledge that both myself and the churches of Eisenfurt will serve you faithfully, recognizing you as God's chosen vessel in our midst. Your divine mission to reveal these blessed foods shall have our complete support and devotion."

A stunned silence fell over the Great Hall at this extraordinary declaration.

The adults stared in shock at Father Hensfried's unprecedented offer of loyalty. Little Adelheit continued innocently working on her mashed potatoes, oblivious to the significance of the priest's words, while the mess boys exchanged confused glances—sensing the gravity but not understanding the implications.

But Aldric, Ermelinde, and Reinhard fully grasped what they had just witnessed. While local clergy often showed loyalty to their lords, for Father Hensfried to publicly declare Alexander as God's chosen instrument was significant.

It meant the priest would actively support Alexander's endeavors rather than oppose them, and could potentially influence other clergy in the barony to do the same. Within Eisenfurt, such backing from their most respected priest carried considerable weight, and those familiar with local politics recognized the importance of gaining ecclesiastical support.

Alexander fully understood the implications of the priest's pledge. He couldn't help but smile inwardly as he thought: This is genuinely unexpected but incredibly valuable. A local priest actually pledging his loyalty to me personally? I can definitely use his influence, especially when I inherit the barony and work to develop the territory and improve my people's lives. Religious backing will make implementing changes so much easier.

He wouldn't waste such an opportunity. Meeting Father Hensfried's earnest gaze, he said solemnly, "I accept your pledge, Father Hensfried. I believe you are the priest of our barony for a divine reason." He paused meaningfully. "Perhaps God assigned you to this territory knowing that one day you would meet me."

Father Hensfried felt the truth of those words resonate in his soul. Remembering the incredible tastes still lingering on his tongue, observing the remarkable intelligence of the child before him, and having witnessed him gain mysterious strength from potatoes blessed by God—everything seemed to form a divine pattern.

How else can I explain what I've witnessed? he thought with growing awe. The way the young lord transformed those cursed roots, his sudden surge of power, his wisdom far beyond his years... It can only mean Alexander is truly chosen by the Almighty. Even his name—Godric—suggests divine appointment.

The more he contemplated it, the more incredible it seemed. Goosebumps rose on his arms as he considered the possibility that God had deliberately placed him in this seemingly poor and forgotten barony specifically to assist His chosen vessel.

As a priest who had often complained about being assigned to such an impoverished territory, far from the grand cathedrals and influential positions, he now felt uniquely blessed. To think that the Lord would use me—humble Father Hensfried—in His divine plan!

"You may indeed be right, Young Lord," Father Hensfried said, his voice filled with newfound reverence. "God is all-knowing, and He knew that I would be convinced by your demonstration today. And truly, you have opened my eyes completely."

Alexander smiled and spoke with the quiet wisdom that had amazed his tutors: "God works in mysterious ways, Father Hensfried."

The phrase struck everyone present like a revelation. Father Hensfried's eyes widened as he repeated the words slowly: "God works... in mysterious ways." The simple yet profound expression captured something he had always felt but never heard articulated so perfectly.

Aldric leaned forward slightly, intrigued by his son's wisdom. "That's remarkably well-spoken, Alexander. Where did you learn such insight?"

Ermelinde nodded approvingly. "Those words carry great truth. God's divine plan often unfolds in ways we cannot foresee or fully comprehend."

Father Hensfried seemed to savor the phrase, turning it over in his mind like a precious gem. "Mysterious ways... yes, that captures perfectly how the Lord operates beyond our understanding. Young lord, your words are as nourishing to the soul as your dishes are to the body."

Alexander smiled wryly to himself. It's just a quote I borrowed from my previous life, he thought with mild amusement. If they only knew how many "divine insights" are actually just common sayings from the modern world.

Still, he saw no reason to correct their assumptions. "I am flattered by your praise, everyone," he said graciously. Addressing his father's question, he added, "Those words simply came to me in the moment. Perhaps God did inspire me to speak them."

Everyone accepted this explanation readily. It was far more palatable than any alternative Alexander might have offered about previous lives and borrowed wisdom.

Aldric's voice took on an authoritative tone as he addressed the table. "Now that everyone is convinced my son spoke truthfully about these roots—that they are blessed rather than cursed—I will officially support their cultivation throughout my barony." His amber eyes gleamed with newfound hope. "Since these potatoes grow everywhere, even in harsh conditions, they will provide crucial sustenance during winter months when other crops fail."

Alexander's heart soared at these words. Perfect! This is exactly what I hoped for—official support for widespread potato cultivation. I've actually completed my first real mission to improve my people's lives!

Aldric pointed directly at his son. "Alexander, since you possess such extensive knowledge of these potatoes, I want you to personally oversee their introduction to the people of Eisenfurt." His voice carried complete confidence. "I trust you can handle this responsibility?"

Alexander could barely contain his joy. "I will do my very best, Father! You won't be disappointed!"

Suddenly, a familiar transparent interface materialized before his eyes:

[You have completed a hidden mission: Convert the skeptics and establish potatoes as blessed food rather than cursed.]

[Reward: 3 System Points]

The unexpected notification caught Alexander completely off guard, though he managed to maintain his composure outwardly.

He smiled inwardly. So the system was tracking this objective all along. Excellent—more points to work with.

Immediately, his thoughts turned to future possibilities. This is just the beginning. I won't stop with potatoes. I'll use every advantage to transform this entire territory!

Curious about his options, he mentally accessed the System Store interface. As expected, his current status limited his available purchases. The lord-career section offered only basic improvements—guides for castle sanitation, elementary food preservation techniques, and simple administrative reforms. The more advanced territorial development options remained locked with the message: "Requires official lord status to access."

That's fine, Alexander mused. I can still accomplish plenty using my modern knowledge combined with these basic system guides. I managed to revolutionize their understanding of potatoes without any system assistance—imagine what I can achieve now with additional resources.

His mind raced with possibilities. Improved hygiene practices, better crop rotation methods, enhanced food storage techniques, more efficient administration—all within reach even as a mere child heir.

The foundations I lay now will make everything easier once I officially inherit the barony, he thought with growing excitement. By then, I'll have both the authority and the knowledge to truly transform Eisenfurt into something remarkable.