There can't be a Harvest Moon in the RimWorld.

that's me!

Because the ranch I took over was naturally capable of producing grain, and located at the foot of Mount Mads, it was the first place to deal with the threat of insect plagues.

Because I produce food at this crucial moment, I have a miraculous crop that can mature quickly and produce high yields in just one week.

Furthermore, as the only grain producer in the town, it is the most reasonable and beneficial choice for everyone in the town to prioritize supplying the goods I produce to the town's residents.

However, there is a problem with this.

That is, how to make me agree in a reasonable and justifiable way.

If I hadn't been told about the impending insect infestation, I would definitely have chosen to sell my grain at a higher price. Moreover, having solved my basic needs, I would likely have abandoned fast-growing staple crops and opted for other crops that are more valuable and have longer growth cycles.

Then everything would be irreversible, and Zach couldn't afford to gamble.

He has another option: to tell me.

In that case, if I don't believe in this possibility and insist on planting other crops, Zach won't be able to change my mind.

From another perspective, even if I accepted his request, I would still be forced to sacrifice for the townspeople. It's like a chivalrous hero who must commit suicide to save the world—would he die alone, or would he lead the entire world to its death? Or would he transform into a demon and take the whole world with him?

That's simply not possible!

This is blatant moral blackmail!

Therefore, using a roundabout approach was his best option.

...but it's still not right.

I feel that the previous reasoning is correct, but I still missed some factors regarding Zach's motives.

I reached this conclusion based on Zack's own interests. But the problem remains...

What if Zack also pretended not to know? He could calmly wait for the insect plague to break out, and no one could blame him. He could solve the problem with just a couple of apologies and a sigh, without having to put in any effort.

What? You're saying it's because your conscience bothers you?

With so many scheming people, can't they find an excuse to live with their conscience?

If all else fails, how about praying to God?

Therefore, Zack must have had a well-thought-out plan to take on this responsibility; he genuinely wanted to do his part for the people of the town!

Zach resolved the issue by apologizing and explaining himself because he didn't care whether his 10,000 yuan would be accepted!

His aim was to subtly convey to me that an insect infestation had occurred and the risks needed to be addressed. At this point, Zach, as an individual, had already made his own choice and was compensating me for the losses. What would I do?

In this situation, my thinking will inevitably diverge in this direction of sacrificing the small for the big, leading things in the direction that Zach hopes for.

What's even more ingenious is that, following this method, even if I have grievances, I won't blame the townspeople; at most, I can pin the blame on Zach, who "accidentally revealed" it.

What a clumsy thing!

A great villain disguised as a loyalist!

I finally understand the meaning of these two words. When applied to this seemingly honest and simple-minded Zach, they fit perfectly!

I should regret my previous underestimation of Zach's performance... He's the real player!

You didn't expect this, did you, Zack? I saw through all your schemes!

…………

"Ah!"

Zach, who was walking in the light rain, suddenly sneezed.

"You've caught a cold? Then I need to go back and change my clothes right away."

"I should have known better than to get up early and come looking for Marcus."

"He shouldn't be angry with me, right? Achoo... No, no, I need to go back and change my clothes right away!"

Chapter 118 You Have Science, I Have Superpowers

Who knew that Zack, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, would be so good at playing tricks?

I opened my umbrella, about to leave the ranch to settle scores with Zack, when just as I opened the wooden gate and turned the corner of the house, a head as hard as iron slammed into my chest.

"I'm 100% guaranteed to be killed around the corner... I actually forgot I had this cursed attribute..."

This hadn't happened for so long that I'd almost forgotten it even existed. But today, reality gave me a harsh lesson, telling me not to think that just because it hasn't happened yet, it's over...

If it were an ordinary person, it wouldn't matter, but the person who bumped into me had a completely bald head, which faintly gleamed with a metallic sheen, exuding an aura of strength. Although not tall and quite old, his physique was exceptionally robust due to years of forging.

"Old Sebala, it's you!"

I rubbed my sternum, feeling that if it had gone any lower, my ribs might have broken. What was he doing rushing to see me so early in the morning?

Could it be that he, like Zack, is plotting against me?

Thinking of this, my expression immediately turned serious, and my eyes were filled with questions and scrutiny.

Sebala, however, acted as if nothing had happened, completely unconcerned about the collision. No wonder he beats his grandson every day; he's really unnecessarily vigorous in his old age!

“Marcus, I’m here to ask you something!” Sebala looked at me seriously. “Grey has been behaving strangely lately, hiding in his room all day. Do you know why he’s been out?”

See? I told you, there was no need for you to be so vigorous at your age! It's probably because you beat him every day; now that he's going through puberty, what are you going to do? All you know is corporal punishment; you don't give him any proper guidance at all. Unlike me, I'm teaching him the spirit of Batman…

...Wait a minute, Batman?

Could it be that Gray has had some new realization and is about to go and fight for justice?

I asked Sebala, a little nervously, "How exactly is Gray strange? Tell me in detail."

“Actually, everything was normal for the past few days.” Sebala sat down on the chair in front of my door and began to recount the story.

“A few days ago, I left the town to visit an old friend and took care of some things along the way. After I came back, I could clearly feel that Gray was much more studious. He kept asking me for advice on crafting techniques and would take the initiative to craft orders every day. He was completely different from the disobedient person he used to be.”

"But after two days, he started locking himself in his room all day, doing something mysterious. Sometimes when I went out for drinks, I would find signs that the blacksmith's table had been used, but when I asked him about it, he would deny it."

“I’m at my wit’s end with Gray. On the one hand, he’s disobedient, but when it’s time to process orders, he never dawdles or slacks off and learns very quickly. On the other hand, he’s obedient, but he won’t tell me anything. Once he’s done his job, he won’t talk to me.”

Sebala's old face was filled with loneliness, just like an ordinary empty-nest elderly person talking about sad things about their children, which made me feel a little sympathetic and guilty.

"Now I don't even have a chance to hit him anymore, it's really hard to get used to! Marcus, what should I do?"

Give me back the gratitude I felt!

You old bastard, you're just itching to beat your grandson, aren't you?

What do you suggest we do? Go and reflect on your actions!

"...I think you're overthinking it. It's a good thing that Gray has his own ideas. Isn't it a natural process for children to grow up?"

Sebala thought about it and probably agreed with what I said, though she was a little unaccustomed to his sudden growth. But she still said, "Marcus, Gray seems to listen to you more. Could you go check on him and see what he's doing? If you're alright after you check, then I'll be relieved."

"Okay." I thought about it and realized I also needed to check on Gray's situation, since Batman was involved and I couldn't ignore it.

By the way, what was I planning to do when I went out just now?

Never mind, forgetting it is definitely not important.

…………

"Ah!"

Zach, who was in the seaside hut, suddenly sneezed. He quickly poured himself another cup of hot water and decided to go pick up the goods later that day.

…………

It was the familiar Sebala blacksmith shop, the walls near the blacksmith's table covered in soot, and the furnishings were just as old-fashioned.

This place is not only where various tools are made in town, but also where Sebala can make jewelry that girls like, provided you bring enough gemstone materials.

"...Old Sebala, why did you use a voice-over while I was observing?"

"Hey, I'm showing you around here, Marcus! I don't think I've told you yet, have I?" Sebala said with an innocent expression.

I said helplessly, "Since you brought it up yourself, old Sebala, then I'll just ask, do you only make farm tools and jewelry here? Don't you make any weapons or anything like that?"

If Sebala had taught Gray how to forge weapons, wouldn't all these problems have been avoided? Does Sebala lack the skill, or does he simply not want to teach?

“Weapons…” Sebala said with dissatisfaction, “No matter how many times you ask, my answer is always the same: those things are outdated. Swords, spears, and armor have long been swept into the dustbin of history; you can’t even find them anymore. The mainstream now is guns and cannons! Ships! Products that craftsmen could never produce in a lifetime!”

"I never expected that you, old Sebala, who looks like an old fogey, would have such progressive ideas!" I was a little surprised to hear him say that.

Based on Sebala's consistent image, he's completely like that kind of bookworm who's been doused with alcohol. Shouldn't he be shouting, "You have science, I have superpowers!" and rushing in to fight head-on?

Sebala roared indignantly, "What kind of stereotype is that! I'm always learning new things! I'm not some old fogey!"

He pulled several books out from under the table and placed them on it. They were crumpled from being read so much and covered with reading notes.

"I knew that swords and armor were outdated hundreds of years ago! This is a self-taught product of 'Principles of Engineering Machinery' and 'Fundamentals of Materials Science,' and it even made mayonnaise, cheese, and yarn processing machines for Muqi and Lilia!"

Hearing this, I couldn't help but applaud! This old craftsman from the countryside, Sebala, not only has advanced knowledge, but also takes the initiative to change his working methods and devote his energy to manufacturing these processing machines.

In comparison, Gray, who was single-mindedly focused on becoming a weapons master, seemed utterly outdated. Could one possibly win a hand-to-hand combat against a machine gun? And how could handcrafted weapons compare to the precision of those machined on a lathe?

Even someone like me with a cheat system wouldn't dare to fight someone with primitive weapons, right?

"Alright, old Sebala, I misunderstood you. I'll go up and try to persuade Gray. But don't get your hopes up too high; your grandson is stubborn enough to be your grandfather."

"What kind of idiotic description is that?!"

Chapter 119 Gerfred

"Gelfred, are you in there?"

"Open the door if you can hear me!"

"If I'm not here, I'll come back in five minutes."

"Start timing: one minute, two minutes, three minutes, four minutes, five minutes..."

"Time's up! Open the door now!"

I stood at the door and knocked, but there was no response from inside, so I started harassing them incessantly.

Sure enough, a weak and feeble voice came from inside the room, still expressing its dissatisfaction in a firm tone: "What kind of counting method is this! How can you calculate it minute by minute!"

After he finished speaking, the door lock clicked open.

I barged in without ceremony, spouting my nonsense: "A man can survive if he knows how to count to one and then shoot! You're too naive, Gerfred!"