Chapter 20: The Development of Specialty Products

At the same time that the road construction project began, another great change was sweeping through the villages of the Arkwright territory — the specialty product development project, led by Marc.

The goal was to turn the massive surplus of crops from the recent bumper harvest into high-value processed goods. Zenon’s idea had now grown into a full-scale enterprise involving the entire territory.

In the southern wheat region, construction had begun on the domain’s first-ever ale brewery.

Using detailed recipes written by Zenon based on knowledge from his previous life, the village women tirelessly experimented.

At first, all they managed to make was sour, undrinkable barley juice. But as they learned to manage yeast, control temperature, and roast malt precisely according to Zenon’s manual, the liquid began to emit a rich, fragrant aroma.

“It’s done…! We did it!”

When the first golden, frothy liquid poured from the barrel, the brewery erupted in cheers.

Marc took a sip and widened his eyes — the flavor was rich and complex, on par with, if not superior to, the fine ales served in the capital’s high-end taverns.

Meanwhile, in the northern cold regions, the newly improved varieties of potatoes and turnips were bringing fresh prosperity.

Using small magic-powered distillers designed by the mages, the potatoes were turned into a clear, strong liquor. Zenon named it “vodka”, a drink that warmed the body to the core and instantly captivated the men of the north.

The turnips, pickled with vinegar and herbs, became “pickles,” perfect as a tangy accompaniment to meat dishes.

Across the territory, livestock farming was also flourishing.

Well-fed on surplus grain, pigs and chickens grew plump and healthy. Their meat was carefully processed in smokehouses, becoming fragrant bacon, hefty hams, and flavorful sausages.

“Amazing… It’s like magic,”

Marc whispered, awestruck by the flood of new specialty goods being created.

Ordinary crops, with just a little labor and knowledge, were being transformed into products of immense value.

Lord Zenon truly sees a world beyond our imagination.

Yet Zenon himself remained unsatisfied.

He personally tasted each finished product and delivered merciless critiques.

“This ale lacks bitterness from the hops. Give it a sharper finish.”

“The vodka’s purity is too low. Distill it twice more. Impurities cause off-flavors.”

“This ham is too salty. Balance preservation and flavor. Who’s your target consumer, laborers or nobles? The seasoning should reflect that.”

His feedback was always precise, rational, and layered with business insight.

It wasn’t just about taste. It was about quality control, market targeting, and brand strategy.

The knowledge of a man who once worked as a corporate product-development consultant in another life was being applied to perfection.

Marc and the craftsmen could only bow in reverence, feverishly taking notes and refining their products again and again.

Months of trial and error passed.

At last, the first line of Arkwright specialty products was complete.

Zenon ordered that each product bear a unified design — featuring the Arkwright family crest and a sleek, modern name.

• Arkwright Ale
• Northwind Vodka
• Forest’s Blessing Ham

These were no longer rustic local goods. They were strategic products, refined, branded, and ready to conquer the market.

“Now that we have products,” 

Zenon murmured, scanning the list.

“…the next question is — how do we sell them?”

No matter how good a product was, without buyers or distribution channels, it was nothing but unsold stock.

He summoned Marc.

“First, distribute these to merchants within the territory and have them sell them on a trial basis. Observe the market’s reaction — which products sell, to whom, and at what price. Gather data.”

“Yes, my lord!”

“At the same time, hold a large-scale tasting event for traveling merchants. No entry fee. Let them experience the quality firsthand. Word of mouth is the strongest advertisement there is.”

In this world, Zenon’s marketing strategy was revolutionary.

Tastings. Data analysis. Word of mouth.

Such concepts were unheard of.

Marc swiftly carried out the plan.

In taverns, Arkwright Ale sold out in hours.

The traveling merchants invited to the tasting event were stunned by the fiery strength of the vodka and the deep savor of the ham. Within days, word of the “marvelous new products of Arkwright” spread to neighboring territories.

The results were overwhelming.

And yet, Zenon still did not give the order for full-scale distribution.

His eyes were fixed on a single obstacle — the true gatekeeper of trade within the territory.

“Marc, how are the merchants responding?”
“Everyone is eager to handle the new products, my lord. However…”

Marque hesitated.

“…the Merchant Guild is refusing to grant wholesale permits. They’re pressuring independent traders. Threatening to cut off other goods if they deal directly with us.”

“As expected.”

Zenon’s lips curled into a cold smile.

It was exactly what he’d anticipated.

The Merchant Guild — an organization that controlled all commerce within the territory, blocking new entrants and fixing prices for their own gain.

For them, the idea of the ruling house directly distributing innovative new goods was a threat — one that undermined their entire monopoly.

“Interesting,”

Zenon murmured softly, as though studying a chessboard. 

“Let’s see how they play their next move.”

The infrastructure reforms were complete.

Now began the true battle — one against human greed and entrenched privilege.

The prosperity born from Zenon’s agricultural revolution had awakened a new enemy.

For the first time, his rational, methodical reforms were about to clash head-on with organized resistance.