第１４３０堀：訪問調査方針について (Part1)
Chapter 1430: On the Policy for Visitation Surveys
Side: Stasia
I gaze at the magnificent, ornate bracelet adorning my wrist. It is a piece my younger sister, Firia, worked tirelessly to craft for my safety. In my homeland, its performance would qualify it as a national treasure—something almost too sacred to actually wear.
It isn’t just about the aesthetics, either. While it is true that the design only came to be because Narjia-san collaborated on the enchantments, the fact that it was made with our well-being in mind fills me with an indescribable joy.
And it seems I am not alone in this.
"Hehehe. It’s so cute, isn't it?"
"Indeed. It is the greatest gift we could have received from our sisters."
Ria and Deryu are looking at their own bracelets and charms, their faces softening with affection. The others are exactly the same. These ornaments were prepared for us as we head out to conduct surveys of the two nations. They do not compromise our status as envoys, and yet, they carry the heartfelt wishes of the children. It is a wonderful impression to leave. Anyone who would dare lay a hand on us while we wear these would be nothing short of a villain.
"Now then, shall we start with the Kinauf Kingdom? I believe the generals are being transported there as well, aren't they?"
I direct my gaze toward Agil to confirm.
"That’s right. They’re being moved by the Suurus side. It’s a bargaining chip, I suppose. It’s surprising that Princess Hasnia is going herself, but I imagine they want her to gain the experience. Plus, it serves to signal just how grave this situation truly is."
That is correct. As Agil says, Suurus intends to intervene in this survey as well. On the surface, it is to lodge a protest and demand reparations from the Kinauf Kingdom for their invasion. Behind the scenes, however, the goal is undoubtedly to forge a relationship with us.
"They did, after all, occupy the eastern town of Suakania and clash with the coalition forces. They are a higher priority than the Irinau Kingdom. Above all else, the cost of maintaining the prisoners is mounting."
Jessica is right. The Kinauf Kingdom chose to fight the coalition and was defeated. The only saving grace is that there were no fatalities. The combination of rain and lightning, followed by the freezing temperatures brought on by a blizzard, effectively neutralized the army’s combat capability. We didn't even need to deploy tanks. Had we used such weaponry, the casualties would have been catastrophic.
Nevertheless, the fact that so many are alive means the maintenance costs are high. In a conventional war, the standard practice is to execute the majority of the soldiers, keeping only high-ranking officers and nobles as prisoners to be ransomed for gold. But in this specific instance, due to the shadow dealings of the Dark Guild, that is a path we would rather not take. We cannot afford to have the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance branded as ruthless murderers.
More importantly, the conscripted men are farmers—the very human resources needed for the development of the land. Every nation is suffering from a labor shortage. If we utilize the land reclamation methods brought to us by Yuki-sama, along with the diverse crop seedlings and animal husbandry techniques, our nations can flourish even further. It would be a waste to kill the very people who form the foundation of that growth.
My father and the others are surely thinking of how to absorb them while keeping them alive. After all, this allows us to bring people in legally. Normally, due to concerns over population fluctuations, moving between towns—let alone migrating—is not easily permitted. Occupations are often fixed, and it is the rule that a farmer's child must become a farmer. These were necessary measures to maintain national strength, but...
With the establishment of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance by Yuki-sama and his companions, the need to dedicate so much effort to defense against hostile nations has diminished. We have learned mass production systems and how to better utilize human talent, even providing jobs to those in the slums. Since we can improve the lives of those who were previously starving, it is a win-win situation.
But I digress.
In short, we must head to the Kinauf Kingdom and follow the proper channels to ensure these farmers are accepted as motivated workers rather than being treated as slaves. If we are lucky, we can even bring their families along. That could serve as a substitute for the reparations...
"They won't exactly pay the prisoner maintenance costs willingly, so is this a case of taking farmers in their stead?"
"Well, who knows about that. It’s true that every corner of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance is short on hands right now. In Enaria, they’d be happy to hire any farmer who comes with three meals a day."
"The same goes for Zilba. We have land to spare and the capacity to cultivate it. The only danger is the monsters."
"Findar is in the same boat. They’ll likely think that if they can settle the debt with farmers, it’s a fair trade..."
"Though, in the long run, they’ll be losing their workforce, so they’ll eventually be in a bind, won't they?"
Agil says this, following up on my words. Yes, no matter how much land one possesses, it is meaningless without people to inhabit and cultivate it. The rulers on the other side likely think that farmers will just multiply on their own, but it takes over a decade for them to become capable workers, and if the base population shrinks, their tax revenue will naturally decline. They should be treating their farmers with more care, but I doubt the Kinauf Kingdom has the foresight for that.
"Furthermore, their reputation after this battle is at rock bottom. If things go poorly, more villages might start pledging loyalty to other nations. That would only accelerate the decline."
"Even in that case, it would cause friction, but international law is in effect, so it wouldn't be recognized. Well, at least among the allied nations."
"And that would lead to even more refugees and a further exodus of the populace..."
The future of the Kinauf Kingdom looks bleak indeed.
"Still, Litea has likely anticipated a scenario of this magnitude. If such things were to happen, the stability of Litea's sphere of influence would be further shaken. They won't want any more trouble, so they’ve probably already accounted for that."
"...However, Lilishe-sama is the representative this time as well, isn't she?"
"..."
We fall silent at Jessica’s sharp observation. As I wonder what to say, a voice cuts through the tension.
"Now, now, there is no need to worry. You saw Lilishe-sama speaking in the Suurus royal capital the other day, did you not? That woman is perfectly capable of handling such matters, so you need not fret. If anything, you lot have been too heavily influenced by Yuki. If you underestimate her, you’ll find yourselves in for a rude awakening."
"That's right. Lilishe-sama is someone who can get the job done properly."
Deryu and Ria, sitting in the back seat, offer us a gentle reprimand.
"Ah, yes. You're right. Indeed, that is true. I suppose we have been poisoned by Yuki's influence, haven't we?"
"To some extent, I imagine. Besides, there are hostile gods out there, and it is a fact that even among the gods who joined our side, there were some who could only be described as fools."