第７６８堀：意外と敏腕 (Part1)
Chapter 768: Surprisingly Capable
Side: Kaya
We were on our way home after finishing our meeting with the New Continent.
"Ahahaha... It’s fine, isn't it? This will increase our sweet potato revenue."
Riel was the one laughing, trying to play it off. Thanks to her, the meeting had no shortage of topics from start to finish. She seemed to think she’d made a mistake, but it was just another "Riel Miracle." Riel opens up all sorts of paths with her unexpected actions and remarks. She’s completely different from a conservative person like me. Yuki even said that since he relies on empirical rules, she’s even more unpredictable than I am.
As I was thinking about that, Tori spoke to Riel, looking half-exasperated.
"Honestly, Riel. You’re going to make things hard for Kaya. And besides, Kaya, are you really okay with agreeing to that?"
"It’s fine. We decided to iron out the details later, and first and foremost, I’m just happy that Weed’s agricultural products were accepted. It also opens up a career path for the children to become agricultural instructors in the future."
As Riel said, while my workload will increase, it’s a good thing that there will be more places for the children to thrive in the future. And, eating delicious food makes everyone smile. That is the greatest joy for a farmer who grows crops.
"Right? Everyone is happy when they can eat delicious food. It makes them happy."
Riel understands that intuitively.
While we were talking about that, we returned home to find that Yuki and the others had also finished their meetings and were already gathered in the banquet hall.
"Welcome back, you three."
"We're home. So, you guys are finished too?"
"Yeah. Though, it took you three longer than I expected. Since the other side was the New Continent, did you end up talking for a long time because of the Spirit Maiden?"
Yuki offered a reason that sounded plausible, but the truth was different.
"It dragged on because of the sweet potatoes."
"..."
I answered concisely, but it was too brief, and everyone tilted their heads. Well, I suppose I would tilt my head too.
"Actually, you see..."
Tori stepped in to explain what had happened during the meeting with the New Continent...
"Ho-ho. So it was sweet potatoes, huh? That’s a good source of revenue."
"Isn't that a good thing? It means we'll be able to send agricultural instructors from Weed."
Ratz and Milly were genuinely happy for us. Both of them seemed to have guessed that it would involve Weed, just as we had discussed on the way home.
"But, regarding sweet potatoes, the If Continent also expressed a desire to import them, didn't they? Won't the absolute quantity be insufficient? What will you do about that?"
"As Eris says, our current production system isn't enough, so we need to increase the sweet potato fields. For now, I think we’ll have to make up for the export volume by using DP."
"I see. That would be best, but—though it goes without saying—make sure you think it through carefully, like how much demand there is and how much you need to expand the fields. If there are any problems, you can rely on me or anyone else."
When Yuki said that, everyone nodded. Everyone must be busy, but I am happy to have people who are willing to help me regardless.
"Thank you."
I thanked them, and that was the end of the topic. It’s a rule that we relax together when we get home. Or rather, since I have a baby with Yuki, children are my top priority at home rather than work.
"Ah-ah."
"Kikka. I'm home. Were you a good girl?"
"Ah."
My child gripped my finger as if to answer.
"Yes. Kikka-sama was a very good girl today."
"She was a very good girl. Yes, she was."
"Auu~"
"Kirue, Sasari. I say this all the time, but thank you so much. Because you two are here, we are able to do our jobs."
"That is our job, and it is only natural to support our family."
"That’s right! Oh, though our senior here says she wants to go to the battlefield once in a while."
"Hey, Sasari."
"It’s fine, isn't it? We want to go outside with Yuki-sama and the others too."
"I understand that."
Staying put at home while leaving the outside world to Yuki and everyone else is quite tough. Still, I am truly grateful to the two of them for protecting our home, so I think it’s fine to grant their request.
"Yuki. Did you hear?"
"Yeah, you mean about Kirue and Sasari wanting a vacation—or rather, wanting to work outside? That was already on the table. Once the intercontinental exchange settles down, I’m not saying it’ll be a leisurely trip, but there’s talk of taking them along if it’s to the New Continent."
As expected of Yuki. He’s quick to understand.
"Then, please take Kirue and Sasari with you. I’ll stay behind to watch the house."
"Kaya-sama. That is..."
"Don't worry about it. I don't think I'll be able to go to the New Continent anyway due to the agricultural adjustments I mentioned earlier. Well, I’ll take proper care of the children, so don't worry. The others will help me out too."
When I said that and looked at everyone, they nodded immediately.
"That’s true. We diplomats have also been taken care of by Kirue and Sasari quite a bit, so we’ll take over. Standing by Yuki-sama’s side is the true calling of a maid, after all."
"Yay!! As expected of the big-chested Samantha-sama!! I’ve always wanted to try going to the New Continent!"
"I’m sure you’re being sincere, but why do I feel like I’m being mocked? Sasari, you’re staying behind."
"Ehh!?"
Despite that little exchange, Sasari successfully won her time off and was cleared to join the upcoming New Continent survey. However, for Sasari and Kirue to enjoy their time off, we have to get the intercontinental exchange on the right track. That’s why I’m steeling myself for tomorrow’s meeting with the If Continent.
"Auu?"
"Kikka. Mommy is going to do her best."
"Uu."
Yes. My daughter is cheering for me too. I’ll do my best.
"Nice to meet you, everyone from the If Continent. My name is Kaya, and I am in charge of agriculture."
And so, I was there, doing my job. It wouldn't end with just the New Continent. Well, I thought it would just be the If Continent left, but the gazes were sharper than I expected.
"...A demi-human girl is in charge of agriculture?"
"The General was a demi-human too..."
"If you say that, then allowing the folks from White Forest to participate is also..."
And so on—those hateful whispers reached my ears. I had forgotten due to various things, but it seems the discrimination—or rather, the conflict—against demi-humans on the If Continent is still severe.
"Quiet. Don't grumble about what has already been decided. You idiots."
"Indeed. Do you intend to ruin our reputation?"
When King Zilba and King Enaria spoke up, the whispering stopped instantly.
"My apologies, Kaya-dono."
"No, I am aware of the relationship with beastmen and demi-humans on your continent, so please do not worry about it. However, I ask that you ensure that such discrimination does not harm our citizens within the city of Weed."
King August was the one who apologized. Well, in the presence of King August and the other kings, I gave a safe response, but if they actually hurt anyone in Weed, I’ll kick them out. I’ve memorized the faces of those who were making discriminatory remarks.
Actually, they were already on the list of people to watch out for that we received from the kings of the If Continent from the start—not to mention Steve and Surakichi-san.