The Starfield Farming Sovereign (Elizabeth Schofield) novel Chapter 278

While the team debated new recruitment strategies, Elizabeth broke in. “When you contacted people, did anyone ever think to send them our farm’s produce to try?”

She trusted her crops completely, especially their effect on mental power.

In a galaxy where mental exhaustion was everywhere, her harvest was the ultimate temptation.

It was impossible anyone would taste her spiritual–energy–packed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or strawberries and still turn down Planet A001 or this job.

Tiffany managed a crooked smile and raised her hand. “Boss, we tried to think of that. But our planet doesn’t have any standard interstellar shipping routes at all.”

Melton cut in, his voice edged with frustration. “If we hired a private ship, we could probably reach Centria for a fair price. But the people we want are scattered all over the Kingdom. Some are stuck on mining planets or outposts. Just sending a few samples would cost at least a million stellar coins per trip. That’s way too expensive. And if we start shipping mystery packages everywhere with private ships, people will notice. That’s the kind of attention we don’t want.”

Skylar nodded, resigned. “We did the math. Sending out samples as our opener isn’t worth it right now. It would just cause trouble.”

For once, Elizabeth was out of words.

She’d been sure her crops could win anyone over, but she hadn’t thought through the simplest problem–logistics and cost.

It was a real chicken–or–egg situation.

No security meant no chance to apply for official private shipping.

No shipping meant no way to showcase what the farm could do or attract top–tier talent.

No talent meant building the security team was almost impossible.

While Elizabeth frowned, lost in thought about how to break the cycle, Desmond finally spoke up from his usual post at the door, where he kept the farm’s daily patrols running. He’d clearly been listening.

Desmond had come on the Hewitts‘ recommendation as their head of security. He was steady, rarely spoke, but always had practical solutions.

He stepped forward and spoke, respectful and direct. “Ms. Schofield, you want to recruit veterans or mercenaries with solid experience to build the farm’s security, right?”

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Pupter 228 Recruitment.

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5 Pearls

Elizabeth’s eyes brightened and she turned to him, nodding. “Exactly! I want people with discipline, actual combat experience, and strong character. Do you have anyone in mind, Captain Hewitt?”

She remembered Desmond and his team were all First Military elite. Maybe he had the connections she needed.

But Desmond shook his head. “Most of the people I know are still serving or have already found steady work.”

Elizabeth’s mood dipped.

Desmond went on. “But if you want to target veterans, you could just ask Commander Hewitt for help.”

Elizabeth hesitated. “Wouldn’t that be too much trouble for the Commander?”

In her mind, Trevor was the First Military’s commander, a man who managed the fate of countless worlds. Asking him for help with farm security felt almost embarrassing.

Desmond seemed to sense her concern and answered calmly, with certainty. “If it’s about placing and recruiting veterans, I don’t think he’d mind at all. In fact, it could actually make things easier for him.”

Elizabeth perked up. “Really? Why?”

Tiffany and the others looked at Desmond, curious.

Desmond paused to organize his thoughts. “The Kingdom’s five main military branches have different specialties, but every year, each produces a huge number of veterans and wounded soldiers. Placing these people who gave so much for the Kingdom is a huge responsibility and a massive administrative headache. First Military, led by Commander Hewitt, is always on the front lines, taking the toughest missions and suffering the highest casualty rates.”

He paused, and his tone softened with respect. “Commander Hewitt is known for treating his soldiers like family and making sure they’re taken care of. Whether they retire for injuries or just finish their service, he does everything possible to give them a good future. The compensation packages here are the best of any branch. But that also means First Military, for all its strength, is probably the poorest when it comes to extra funds. Almost all their money goes into supporting their veterans.”

Melton and Tiffany both felt a wave of envy. Their own branches had cast them aside after they were hurt, and hearing about First Military’s benefits stung.