第１０７１堀：大国としての意見 (Part2)
That said, the fortunate part of the current situation is that we can forcibly secure water, even if it is only a stopgap measure.
Normally, securing water alone is backbreaking labor, and it is not something that can be easily resolved.
In fact, under normal circumstances, this is the kind of problem that would lead one to abandon a village or town entirely.
Water is absolutely essential for human life; without it, human activity cannot continue.
"So, Shou, what do you think is the proper course of action in this situation? Given the vastness of your territory, you must have encountered similar cases, right?"
"I see. I understand why Yuki-sama sought my counsel. You wish to know how we have handled such matters in the past."
"Exactly. I’m not necessarily looking to follow precedent blindly, but I want to hear how a great power approaches this."
"I would very much like to know as well."
"Very well. First, though I am sure you are aware, I must be frank with Princess Fiora. The temporary water support that Yuki-sama and his people are offering is, by normal standards, extraordinary. I trust you realize that replenishing water supplies just because there is a shortage is not a simple task. Even with a standard mage, securing a supply for a week is considered a success."
"…Yes. We have exhausted every option, hiring mages and instructing them to make the supply last for about two months, but beyond that, it is difficult, both financially and logistically."
"I imagine so. Treating mages merely as water sources is quite unreasonable. Furthermore, the volume required is immense. Managing to arrange enough supply to sustain a drought-stricken village for two months is, in itself, a significant achievement."
Well, that is precisely why they came clinging to Weed, I suppose…
"However, to be honest, there is very little humans can do in the face of natural phenomena like climate change. While conducting a survey is necessary to grasp the situation, you should simultaneously be preparing to abandon the village. If things continue as they are, you will lose everything to the conflicts that arise from water scarcity."
"…Is it really that dire?"
"Fortunately, thanks to the support from Weed, you have secured water not just for two months, but for the rest of the year. You are blessed in that you have the leeway to conduct a thorough investigation and reach a reasoned decision to abandon the village. Under normal circumstances, the state would force an evacuation without giving you the room to conduct a proper survey. That would only lead to further conflict with those who refuse to leave."
It is true. We cannot simply leave the villagers in that village to die.
If we do, they will inevitably begin to plunder water to survive.
That would only lead to a deeper quagmire. Therefore, a ruler must harden their heart.
Yuki-sama, who had been listening to me in silence until now, spoke up.
"So, abandoning the village is the best strategy after all?"
"Yes. I feel that is especially true in this case. If things continue, it will undoubtedly escalate into a full-scale conflict with neighboring countries. Considering the cost of forcing the village to remain, moving them to another land is far more economical. It is true that the people there have a strong attachment to their land and a deep sense of ownership, but as I said before, if you pander to that, you will lose everything."
It is true. If Weed’s water supply technology could be provided permanently, the village could indeed be maintained. But in that case, one would have to consider the needs of other lands as well.
After all, even in our Zurabl Great Empire, there are more than enough lands suffering from water shortages to count on both hands. If such a thing were possible, we would be the first to ask for help.
Yuki-sama asked for my opinion precisely because he understood this.
Yuki-sama could surely have imagined this general perspective and explained it himself, but for Princess Fiora, it is important that she 'heard it from a great power.'
"Then, to persuade those around us, it’s necessary that Weed conducted the survey."
"Yes. Weed’s international credibility is high. If you present those survey results, other countries will be willing to provide aid as well."
"Ah, is that what you meant?"
Only now, as the conversation progressed, did Princess Fiora seem to realize.
That is correct. If it is determined after a thorough investigation that the land cannot be maintained, then there will be no risk of being accused by the great power to which one belongs—or by other nations—of fighting over water or borders out of self-interest, or of lacking administrative competence.
Furthermore, the reputation of Aria-sama, Queen Seraria’s older sister, will not be tarnished.
And if fortune favors you, you may even receive aid from Roschur and the surrounding countries.
"Therefore, Princess Fiora, your decision was by no means wrong."
"…Thank you very much."
That is right. Even if the water cannot be obtained, the effort of coming all this way was never in vain or a mistake.
She has indeed made a choice that will save many people.
This has been a good experience for me as well. So, this is a way to handle such things.
When there are many people, there are many means available.
…I shall advise His Majesty to formally join the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance and strengthen our relations as soon as possible.
And here enters Shou, the Great Emperor’s Strategist.
In the battle of Zurabl, there was no battlefield left to turn around, so he did not have much of a chance to shine, but will he be able to exercise his brilliant mind in this incident?