第１５５６堀：こういう時は根本的な解決を (Part1)
Chapter 1556: A Fundamental Solution for Times Like These
Side: Rurua
The day after our arrival at the old royal capital of Vinosia, we finished our breakfast and morning prayers, then gathered once more to resume our discussions.
Though, to begin with...
"Regarding the necessary supplies, we are lacking in almost everything. We’ve managed to have the townspeople go out foraging and hunting, and we purchase what they bring with the funds we have. There are donations, of course, but that alone is not enough..."
Sister Knosia shook her head as she spoke.
To support her, Sister Magnolia hurriedly opened her mouth.
"Oh, but we have been able to keep going thanks to the donations from the Danadde-mi Merchant Company and, of course, the Lithea Church headquarters."
"Yes, that is true. It is thanks to the efforts of Sister Lilishe and Lady Rurua that we have managed thus far. That is an undeniable fact. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you once again."
With those words, not only the two of them but the sisters waiting behind them bowed their heads.
"It’s quite alright~. I’m just glad we could be of some help~. Right, Rurua-chan?"
"Yes. But the reason we are here today is precisely because of kind-hearted sisters like yourselves. For that, I, and indeed the entire Lithea Church, offer our sincere respect and gratitude."
We bowed in return.
"O-oh, no. A Saintess shouldn't be bowing to the likes of us..."
"T-that’s right. We chose to stay here of our own volition. There is no need for thanks."
The two of them were flustered.
I understand that feeling well. I remember how I didn't know what to do the first time Lilishe-sama bowed to me.
However, it’s become a common occurrence now. Whether it’s handing out sweets or just exchanging words of thanks for small things, she is simply that kind of goddess.
The sisters here, who can maintain that same sincerity even in these dire circumstances, are truly deserving of our gratitude.
"Hmm, I see. Do you have any documentation regarding these supplies?"
Amidst this exchange of pleasantries, I steered the conversation back to business. Some might think I’m failing to read the room, but this cannot be ignored. Because...
"I need to know exactly what is missing and whether our current stock will suffice. I understand we both feel gratitude toward one another, but if we stall here, it will directly impact the people waiting for soup kitchens and medical treatment."
"My apologies. Um, we do keep records of incoming and outgoing supplies and our current inventory. Sister Magnolia is in charge of that."
"Yes. I manage the supplies and the finances. Of course, Sister Knosia oversees everything."
"Ahaha, I just happened to become the leader by chance; I don't have the head for managing supplies or money. The only things I’m good at are physical labor and a bit of healing magic."
"That’s true~. Knosia-chan is definitely the 'action' type~. You’re all intuition, aren't you? Thank you for supporting her, Magnolia-chan~."
"Not at all. It is because Sister Knosia is so strong and kind that this place still stands, so we are the ones who should be grateful. I will go fetch the documents now, please excuse me."
Sister Magnolia stood up to leave. She had gone to retrieve the records.
"While she is getting the documents, Sister Knosia, I have a question I would like to ask you, if I may?"
"Yes, please, ask me anything."
"First, how is the current physical condition of the sisters?"
"How do you mean?"
"Ah, my apologies, that was vague. I mean, how is your level of fatigue?"
My husband began by inquiring about the health of the sisters working in this church. I should have asked this myself, but yesterday, after we ate, we were so busy with the soup kitchen and the laundry that I never found the right moment.
"Please, be completely honest with us. If you push yourselves until you collapse, it will only cause trouble for my wives and the people sent from the Church."
Yuki-san looked at Sister Knosia, telling her that the most important thing was to convey the reality of the situation without exaggeration.
Sister Knosia turned her gaze toward Lilishe-sama and me, so we nodded, encouraging her to answer.
"...Yes, I understand. To be honest, we are nearing our limit. Yesterday was the first proper meal we’ve had in eight days. Lately, we’ve been lucky if we could make a soup once every two days, using just a pinch of salt and whatever scraps of meat and vegetables we could scrape together. On top of that, we have inpatients, and townspeople come for treatment every single day. Everyone’s fatigue is at its breaking point."
It was even more dire than I had imagined. Fortunately, it seemed to be a recent development, as they didn't look emaciated. They were just barely on the thin side, and since they were able to eat the bento yesterday, they should be fine for now.
Yuki-san must have been thinking the same thing, as he looked at Lilishe-sama and me to confirm if the sisters' situation was accurate, and I nodded back.
"Thank you for being honest with us. Considering that, even if we have all the supplies in the world, there is no one left to manage them. Therefore, first, the sisters will take a break. Once you have fully recovered, you can return to your normal duties."
Yuki-san issued a perfectly logical order for operational improvement.
"Eh, but we don't have the luxury of—"
Still, it was a fact that for Sister Knosia and the others, it wasn't as simple as just being told to rest. Well, it’s not as if he didn't understand that.
"While the sisters are unable to move, we, as well as the Hinsua soldiers who accompanied us, will handle the work. In the meantime, Rurua and the others will finish the majority of the treatments, so the number of people relying on the church will decrease. Once that happens, you should be able to resume normal operations."
"I see. Indeed, if Lady Rurua and Sister Lilishe are working in the clinic, there is no doubt the number of patients will drop within a few days."
That’s right. With us joining in, everyone except for the critically injured will be able to return to their daily lives immediately. If we really put our backs into it, we could even save those with critical injuries, but that’s complicated due to our positions. People might start demanding we do the same everywhere else.
*Sigh*, but setting aside the harsh realities of the world, the conversation continued.
"Yes. However, that alone won't solve everything. We can bring in enough supplies for one or two months while we are here, but have you thought about what comes after that?"
"If you can give us two months, I believe we can prepare the fields and get things ready with the help of those who have free time and the believers."
Sister Knosia’s face lit up at my husband’s words.