第１５５６堀：こういう時は根本的な解決を (Part2)
Is it born of ignorance, or is it simply that even this meager offering is better than their current plight?
No, for them, receiving such a vast supply of goods through these donations is a blessing beyond measure; to hope for more would be presumptuous.
Gratitude is the only natural response, and yet...
"Sister Kunosia. I understand you may be able to prepare the fields, but that leaves you with nothing after two months. Are you aware of any crops that can be harvested in such a short time?"
"No, I am not, but we cannot simply do nothing. However, if we are to receive two months' worth of aid, we can stockpile the supplies from the Danademi Merchant Company, and somehow..."
Her voice trailed off at the end.
It was clear that even Sister Kunosia understood the severity of their situation.
"I see. So you do understand how dire things are."
"Yes."
"Then, I have a proposal. Why don't you grow crops here—crops intended for sale in Weed?"
"Pardon?"
The "yes" that came from Sister Kunosia was entirely different from the last.
Well, that was only natural.
Suddenly, a solution to break through this impasse had been presented.
Ordinarily, such a convenient arrangement would be impossible. After all, this is a forsaken land.
"I mean exactly what I said. If you grow the crops we specify, we will provide not only wages but also guarantee your livelihood."
"E-eh? But, um, this... this is supposed to be Hinsua territory, isn't it?"
Sister Kunosia voiced the obvious question.
We had already established during yesterday’s introductions that we were affiliated with Weed.
And though this land is abandoned, it remains Hinsua territory.
Under normal circumstances, suggesting the cultivation of Weed’s crops here could easily be construed as an act of aggression...
"Yes. That matter has already been discussed with the King of Hinsua—with the Kingdom of Hinsua itself. I proposed this after hearing that Hinsua was troubled by the current state of the old Vinoshia royal capital. If you grow crops here and sell them, you will secure your own food and earn an income."
"...Um, I don't feel like I’m the one who should be answering this. What does the Ritea home country say? If this is to be a form of employment for us, surely there must be discussions with Ritea as well..."
Sister Kunosia started to say, then froze as she looked toward us.
Indeed, if Weed were to act on its own to conduct business—or rather, to provide relief—within the Hinsua Kingdom, Ritea would lose face. But then again, Lilishe and I were both present at this meeting.
The implication was clear.
"Yes, Sister Kunosia. Ritea has already granted permission for this. All that remains is for you and your sisters to take the lead in this agricultural endeavor, which will yield little profit at first."
"That’s right~! We can send instructors, but until people here are trained, we need someone to organize everyone in the old Vinoshia capital. But given our positions, it’s difficult for us to stay here or visit frequently~."
As Lilishe said, none of us from the alliance can remain here or use the Gates to rebuild the old capital ourselves.
Doing so would drastically increase the alliance's influence within Hinsua, potentially leading to accusations that we are occupying a non-aligned nation.
Even this agricultural proposal carries that risk, but Ritea, having seen the success of the tomato farms, and Hinsua, understanding that they would eventually take over the operation, both gave their consent.
"So, what do you think? Oh, it doesn't have to be you, Sister Kunosia. Any of the sisters working at this church could serve as the agricultural leader and coordinator."
"..."
Sister Kunosia remained silent, but she swallowed hard.
Indeed.
There was no longer any reason to refuse.
All that remained was to nod, and the problems of the future would be all but solved.
It goes without saying that the scene ended with the sisters weeping in gratitude, much to the astonishment of Sister Magnolia, who had just returned.
A temporary fix is never enough.
Support that ensures a sustainable future—that is what truly matters.
It is a lesson often cited even in the modern world.