第１４７掘：嫁さんたちへの説明と説得 (Part2)
"Isn't that for the sake of future trade? You mentioned wanting more tools to be developed, and that it would be interesting if other nations conducted their own research into mana, potentially leading to new ideas."
"That is part of it. However, in the process of researching mana, they will inevitably reach the question of what happens if mana were to disappear entirely. If the results of that research become a shared conclusion across all nations, then the problem of mana depletion will be recognized as a global crisis, rather than just the ramblings of a single person or nation."
Exactly. That had been my initial plan.
Well, I’ve also been working with Zargis to develop electrical appliances as a contingency for when the mana runs out, but still.
"But today, thanks to Luna, we have been presented with a new continent where mana has already been depleted. This is the perfect opportunity to persuade the other nations."
"Ah, I see. So we can obtain concrete proof of mana depletion."
"Yes. However, according to Luna's information, that continent is plagued by constant conflict, just like ours. And there is the mystery of the mana depletion itself. I assumed you intended for us to investigate it, find a solution, and then invite the other nations to observe our findings and request their cooperation. Am I wrong, Master?"
Whoa, Rurua is hitting the nail on the head again.
That’s exactly it. Since there’s a perfect sample available, we’ll use it as a research site.
That’s why I had Luna stop supplying mana to the new continent from Weed.
Until we find the cause, the mana supply to the new continent stays off. We don't know what might happen to the ecosystem. If a massive swarm of dragons suddenly appeared, a nation might fall.
"Correct, correct. So, that’s why we’ll be heading to that new continent to investigate, along with all my wives and a small number of monsters. Sending a massive army of monsters through the dungeon would be the same as funneling mana from this continent to the new one. So, we’ll be going on an adventure in the new continent."
"Adventure!!"
The eyes of my wives, who were former adventurers, lit up.
"That said, it’s a land of warring states. We’ll likely get dragged into the fighting... that’s the tricky part."
"Eh? Yuki-san, wouldn't it be easier if you just became the king and built a new country?"
"……I agree."
"Riel and Kaya, I’m putting you in charge of security for that country then."
"We apologize."
The two of them bowed their heads in immediate retreat.
"Hahaha. Indeed. Besides, I have enough trouble with my work at Super Ratz as it is. At most, I would only be fit for the position of a general."
"Well, having more power than necessary always draws the attention of those in authority. Deryu and Ria, especially, need to be careful."
"Eh?"
"I mean, you two are a Demon Lord and a Hero, respectively."
When I said that, the Demon Lord Deryu and the Hero Ria looked at each other, then turned back to me...
"Before that, I am Yuki's wife."
"Yes, I am his spouse."
The two people most capable of causing a massive ruckus over there seem to prioritize their status as my wives above all else.
Well, I suppose I don't have to worry about them being used as pawns by those in power.
Not that I’d ever let that happen anyway.
Now, the only thing left to decide is the composition and rotation for the adventure.
I can't leave Weed completely empty, but Seraria already dashed off to make 'adjustments,' so she’s clearly raring to come along.
I just pray that we don't end up founding a new nation on that continent!
This is Yuki's solution to the mana depletion crisis, as suggested by Luna.
Encourage the study of mana, lead them to recognize the crisis of depletion for themselves, and guide them to take autonomous measures against it.
It would be impossible to push this agenda through Yuki alone, or even just through three nations...
It’s much like the environmental issues on Earth—a strategy to tackle a global problem that even the current Earth hasn't managed to solve.
In a way, Yuki thinks it might be easier to improve here than on Earth, given the lower level of civilization and individual knowledge.
Well, first we have to make sure we can walk around the new continent freely and safely!!