第１５５８堀：魔術で農業をする (Part1)
Chapter 1558: Farming with Magic
Farming with Magic
Side: Yuki
We stood frozen, stunned by the sudden, out-of-the-blue remark that had just slipped from Sister Knosia’s lips. It was, to put it mildly, an absurd suggestion—yet, in a strange way, it hit the nail on the head for our current situation. Just as I was struggling to find the right words to respond...
"Excuse me. The construction of the barracks for the colonial soldiers is complete."
John entered the room with that announcement.
Good. Perfect timing.
"Ahem. Well, now that the unit captain has arrived, let’s set aside the pleasantries and get down to business."
"Oh, right. Yes."
"I know, right? I was so surprised when Knosia-chan started talking about gods and such."
"…If I were a god, then every farmer who works the land would be a god as well."
"Haha, I suppose you’re right."
"?"
John was the only one tilting his head in confusion, but I caught his eye and gestured for him to sit. He complied obediently.
From here on out, I’d just have to push through with sheer momentum. Besides, no one in their right mind would actually believe Sister Knosia’s claims about Kaya being a divine messenger or a deity. If we just kept working normally, that kind of talk would surely fade away on its own.
"Now, regarding the land we can utilize, Sister Knosia, do you have any opinions on which areas would be best?"
"I am no expert, but originally, wheat was grown on the outskirts of this royal capital, just beyond the walls. I believe that land could be put to use. Of course, it required permission, so we couldn't just take it upon ourselves to start..."
She trailed off, fixing her gaze on me.
"I see. Indeed, we have confirmed the locations of the former, now-neglected farmlands. And since they had owners, you were unable to touch them until now, is that correct?"
"That is correct. Furthermore, we lacked the manpower."
I had heard about the labor shortage from the start—or rather, it was obvious just by looking. They were barely managing to keep the church running as it was. There was no way they could produce enough crops to sustain the people of the royal capital.
The biggest issue, however, was land ownership. Even if we started farming, it would be a recipe for chaos if the original owners suddenly reappeared and claimed their rights. Legally, it would put the sisters in a difficult position.
However, we were here now.
"You need not worry about either of those issues. With this agricultural development project, the Hinsua Royal Family has declared that all land surrounding the old Vinosia capital deemed abandoned is now under their ownership. I have the documents right here."
I presented the papers to Sister Knosia. They contained the declaration I had just mentioned, the King’s seal, and a blank section stating that I had been granted full authority over the land, excluding the right to sell it.
"Th-this is..."
Just as Kaya had done, she stared at the documents with a trembling voice.
"Yes. Whoever holds these documents is recognized as the manager and owner of this entire area. Furthermore, here are the documents regarding the land reclamation and operations..."
Contracts were a nuisance, but they were a necessary procedure. We were merely here to assist and support; it had to be made clear that Sister Knosia and her group were the ones rebuilding this place.
Of course, the contract also stipulated that they would follow our orders and guidance to a certain extent. Without that, we wouldn't be able to provide proper instruction. If our opinions clashed, the matter would be reported to the upper echelons of Hinsua to decide the course of action.
"I see. You have drafted such a rigorous contract."
"Well, it is a promise between nations. We cannot afford for it to be easily broken, and it is in both our interests to ensure there are no loopholes that could be exploited."
As Sister Knosia read through the documents, her trembling voice began to steady. If one read it carefully, it wasn't as if all the responsibility fell solely on her. She had some accountability, yes, but under certain conditions, she could step down as representative, and once the old Vinosia capital stabilized, a formal governor would be appointed.
Normally, one might think the land should belong to Sister Knosia and her people for their hard work in rebuilding it, but the initial support had come from Hinsua. Besides, Sister Knosia had no ambition to create an independent nation. They were, after all, people of the Litea Church. If they tried to claim it, it might be seen as Litea attempting a takeover, which they would never do.
Well, these documents were designed to prevent such complications. After I finished explaining the details, Sister Knosia decided to sign as the representative with surprising readiness, her pen gliding across the paper.
"Knosia-chan, are you sure about this?"
"Yes. If I hesitate, the people living here will suffer. I have confirmed that the terms do not involve anything that would lash out at me, so there is no need to hesitate. Besides, if things were to go terribly wrong, I’m sure Sister Lilishe would help us."
"Of course! If anyone tries to treat you unfairly, I’ll give them a good wallop."
She punched the air with both hands, the sound of the wind whistling sharply.
*Are you planning to solve things physically?*
I prayed that a future where I was on the receiving end of those punches wouldn't come to pass, then accepted the signed documents and checked them once more.
"…Yes. Everything is in order. The contract is finalized. We shall begin our operations. Now, would you mind accompanying Kaya and me to inspect the farmland?"
"Understood. As for this place..."
"Leave it to me! Rurua-chan, Hairen-chan, Senaru-chan, Enora-chan, and Mikos-chan and I will do our best! Oh, Enora-chan, keep an eye on things for a bit, will you? Then come back."
"Understood."
"I appreciate it. As for what needs to be done, please ask Sister Magnolia. Though, it’s all just things I’ve heard from Sister Lilishe."
"It’s fine! I’m a newcomer here, after all. Oh, and John-chan! I’d like to borrow about thirty soldiers for chores like transporting supplies."
"Yes, ma'am."
Lilishe naturally snatched up the personnel I had brought for land development. Well, it wasn't as if we were starting this very second, and I supposed her judgment was correct, but I did wish she’d respect the chain of command a bit more.
…Though, saying so would be a waste of breath.
We weren't exactly strangers, and Lilishe likely acted this way precisely because we were all family. There was no reason for me to be a stick in the mud now.
"Sigh. Alright, I’ll leave the church operations to you. We’re going to follow Kaya and inspect the land."
"Understood."
"Yes."
With Deryu and Ryushi’s replies, I led the rest of the members toward the other side of the capital’s walls. I hadn't paid much attention to it when we arrived, but looking at it now, thinking of it as farmland, it was a truly desolate sight.
"…This is going to be a total restart from scratch, isn't it?"
"Though, it does look like the soil has been turned over a little..."
"I thought it was just a regular meadow because of all the grass."
"Starting with weeding? Ugh, give me a break."