第１０６７堀：あえて使い道を示すなら (Part1)
Chapter 1067: If I Had to Find a Use for Them
Side: Ratz
"My, my. That sounds like quite the troublesome situation."
I am currently consulting with Yuki-oniisan. The topic at hand is how to handle the requests for meetings with him that have been pouring in.
"Right? That’s why it would be a huge help if you could sit in on them."
"I see. So, my presence is meant to serve as a deterrent to a certain extent?"
Well, with a super-beautiful rabbit beastman like me sitting right next to him, any woman trying to make a move on Oniisan would surely think twice.
"Well, that’s a big part of it, yes. But Ratz, you manage the supplies here in Weed, and you’re well-versed in the major trade goods of other nations. I was hoping you could offer some advice to these smaller countries."
"Ah, that too, is it? Well, it’s true there are plenty of things I’d like to see them cultivate and supply, but... won't the major powers complain if we start suggesting such trade goods to the smaller nations?"
"The reason things are in this state to begin with is because the major powers aren't providing enough support for these small nations to stand on their own. I’ve already cleared it with them. Besides, if the small nations can get back on their feet because of this, it’s a benefit to the major powers as well."
"I see. So, there’s no issue with us sticking our noses in. In that case, leave it to me."
Well, I knew that being called in meant it would be a consultation of that nature. If these small nations have a way to stand on their own two feet, they’ll surely choose that over trying to curry favor by sending women to Oniisan.
"Still, the fact that these small-scale skirmishes between minor nations are leading to an increase in slavery is quite the headache."
"Nothing ever goes smoothly, does it?"
"Indeed. But it’s still far better than the major powers clashing head-on, so I suppose we just have to accept it."
If that were to happen, it wouldn't just be a single village or town disappearing. But for the individuals on the receiving end of the suffering, the scale doesn't matter—it’s nothing but despair.
"Yes, I’ll ask Eris for the budget so I can put more effort into recovering those slaves."
"I’m counting on you. For the victims who have been turned into slaves, the scale of the damage doesn't change the reality of their situation."
"Leave it to me. Besides, Eris won't be stingy with a budget for that kind of thing. By the way, I’ve already looked over the documents for the scheduled meetings, and frankly, they don't seem very impressive."
I speak my mind directly. We rabbit beastmen don't hide our thoughts; we say them clearly.
"Well, they are small nations, after all. If they had any special industries or resources, they would have already risen above the rabble to become recognized powers—like the Kingdom of Swords under Nogosh or the Kingdom of Magic under Nonoa."
"That’s true, but still. I don't see much profit in meeting with people like that."
"Well, it’s a matter of duty. Besides, if you don't properly handle their jealousy, you’ll get burned later."
"What a hassle. Well, as Kirue said, it would be nice if there were at least some useful information that could lead to solving the mana depletion phenomenon."
Yes, that is the only potential value in these meetings. We’ve already gathered a fair amount of information from the major powers who forced these meetings upon us, so if there is anything else, it would only be clues regarding the mana depletion that even the major powers haven't grasped yet.
Even so...
"Well, the chances of that are quite slim."
"Exactly. It’s not like these small nations are just sitting on such hints."
Yes, we know all too well that the world doesn't work that easily. Even with Oniisan’s Dungeon Master powers, his knowledge and technology from Earth, and the magic we’ve developed using the mana of this world, we haven't even caught a glimpse of the cause behind the mana depletion.
Well, there is also the necessity of maintaining diplomatic relations.
"As Seraria said, it would be nice if we could at least find some good talent."
"That’s the tricky part. They’re likely spies while simultaneously hoping for our support. It’s annoying."
"I agree. Any talent they send is clearly a spy. However, it’s also true that we need capable people. I think we can let them handle the basic operations of Weed, provided we are careful not to let them touch any sensitive information. Every department is stretched thin, after all."
"That’s true. And for every person we bring in, we can reassign our own people from Weed to focus on the investigation."
"Yes, that’s the safest route. Fortunately, the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance has made the investigation of the mana depletion a standard duty. Sending Weed’s personnel there won't be a problem. But, of course, that depends on their own wishes and abilities."
"Right. The residents who have grown accustomed to life in Weed aren't exactly lining up to go to inconvenient foreign lands."
Exactly. As Oniisan says, the residents who have gotten used to the lifestyle in Weed are rarely willing to go to inconvenient foreign countries and risk their lives to investigate the mana depletion.
Well, even I wouldn't help if my beloved Oniisan didn't have that obligation. If it were up to me, we’d all just stay home and happily focus on growing our family.
"In that case, why don't we try a different approach?"
"A different approach?"
"If the people of Weed don't want to go investigate, we can have the people from the small nations do it. In exchange, we provide them with a certain level of support."
"Ah, so this is separate from the issue of whether or not to accept the women they send?"
"Yes. The major powers have already requested that the small nations investigate the mana depletion, but since they have to pay for it themselves, very few are taking the initiative."
"True. Just forming an investigation team costs a significant amount of money."
"They can't justify the budget for a mere investigation. Especially since the mana depletion isn't even occurring in the Rogali Continent. They aren't facing any problems, so even if the major powers tell them to investigate, they won't do it."
That’s exactly it. The reality is quite sad—the major powers requested investigations, but only within their own borders. They haven't extended that reach to their vassal states. As for the small nations, it’s entirely voluntary.
After all, neither Weed nor the major powers have the budget for it, so we can't force them. Moving people around isn't free. From the perspective of a small nation, if they have money to spend on something with no return, they’d much rather use it to maintain their country, feed their starving citizens, or invest in other projects.
"I understand the logic, but where would the budget come from? In the end, someone has to pay."
"Well, it would have to come from Weed."
"Eh? And where would we get such a budget..."