第１５６６堀：意外と畑は問題ない (Part1)
Chapter 1566: The Fields Are Surprisingly Fine
Side: Kaya
From Yuki...
"We need to think about that. Since both water and fire are relevant to the fields, we should ask the experts in those fields for their opinions."
With that, all eyes turned to me.
That said, there isn't actually that much for me to do.
Or rather, there’s nothing at all.
"Just as Yuki said, we certainly have to be careful about water and fire regarding the fields, but honestly, for the fields we manage, we don't need to worry that much."
"What do you mean by that?"
Kagura tilts her head, asking in response to my answer.
Well, she is a duke's daughter. It’s only natural she doesn't know much about farm work.
Just as I was wondering how to explain it...
"Kagura~. You’re really clueless about these things~. I think Father probably understands~."
"What is that supposed to mean? Are you saying you understand, Mikos?"
"Well, of course. I’m the one growing crops at Yuki-sensei’s request. Or rather, I think that’s a question of something else entirely. I mean, the fields were just made, right?"
"“Ah.”"
At those words, John, Faide, and the others—everyone except Yuki—exclaimed as if they had just realized it.
For my part, I was relieved. I hadn't been able to think of a way to make them understand in just a single sentence.
So, I decided to take over.
"Mikos is right. We’ve planted seedlings in the tilled fields, but they aren't exactly overgrown. The only way to burn all of that... would be to go around burning them one by one with magic or torches, which I can't even imagine doing."
That’s right. The fields were just made, and the seedlings were just planted; in other words, the fields are mostly just soil.
Burning this... would it even be possible for anyone other than me, Cleena, or Yuki to burn a wide area with grand magic?
Well, I think everyone could do it, but when it comes to efficiency, it’s probably just the three of us.
"That’s what I mean. Kagura, do you know what a seedling is? They’re this tiny! Burning them one by one... pfft."
Mikos bursts into laughter, perhaps imagining the scene.
Admittedly, it is a funny thought.
"My apologies. But in that case, couldn't you just ruin the fields with water or something? If they’re that small, couldn't you just pull them out or trample them?"
Yes, Kagura’s point is valid, but... regarding that.
"As for agricultural water, Weed manages it, so we’re fine. We built it ourselves, and it has a purification system. Mixing in that kind of poison is something we do often. The experiments Zargis and the others did at Fiora’s place are coming in handy."
Regarding the water, the production of water using magic stones was already successful at Fiora’s place, and we’ve brought those results here.
Well, even if that became unusable, as long as we are here, we can produce enough water ourselves—we could even create a lake—so I think we could manage for the rest of the year even if it didn't rain at all.
"Ah, come to think of it, you were doing that. Fiora was crying with joy."
"If anything, that’s why she came to Weed in the first place."
Just as Ria and Dressa said, that was indeed the case.
That was the catalyst for Fiora essentially marrying into Weed.
Well, it was a total breach of protocol, so she ended up in a position like a drudge or a servant.
Ah, of course, that’s just on the surface.
We wouldn't do such a thing, and Yuki isn't the type to treat women that way.
She’s useful now, so she’s indispensable.
"Zargis said the data was starting to pile up. It was the perfect testing ground."
"Yes, since there’s no way for anyone to interfere in Weed, he said he was happy to have a place for experiments that are close to nature."
"That’s true. Data close to actual combat is indispensable. Unexpected events happen all the time. So, we know the water is fine. Now, what about measures against mischief in the fields..."
"...Regarding that, there was no need to worry from the start. John and the soldier-farmers are patrolling, and this place is under our control anyway. We are monitoring that as well. No one can sprinkle salt or cause mischief because we would immediately identify the intruder."
It’s something we’ve known from the beginning, but this old royal capital is already under the control of Weed’s dungeon.
We can easily track human movement. We won't miss any mischief.
We’ve properly selected a surveillance unit from the soldier-farmers.
Of course, this has nothing to do with Kirika and the others, so it’s fine.
"...So, there are no problems with the fields. If there is anything, it’s the water they drink on their own or poison being mixed into their meals. Countermeasures for that are what’s important. It’s subtle, but the damage is significant. Since it doesn't result in deaths, it’s the most troublesome thing for us."
It’s not direct damage, so it’s not enough to warrant a retreat, but at the same time, Rurua and the others can’t just leave it alone.
And preventing it is truly difficult.
"Eh? Don't we have purification devices?"
Mikos tilts her head again.
She doesn't understand that part, huh...
"Mikos. The church isn't the only place supplying water. Everyone uses their own water sources, right? Look, there are wells all over the royal capital, aren't there?"
"Ah..."
Yuki said that, and Mikos seemed to grasp it.
That’s right. If you ask if we can install purification devices in the countless wells and drinking water spots... it’s impossible.
"As for meals~, we can identify them with appraisal if we look at them ourselves~, so that’s not a problem~. The plates, too~. But after that, it gets difficult~."
"That is true. If they are given something by the common folk under the guise of medicine, it becomes difficult."
Just as Lilishe-sama said, we can manage the food we hand out, but after that, as Rurua says, the contents could be tampered with by anyone.
Stopping this is a difficult task.
"Eh? If it’s a poison, can't you find it through dungeon surveillance?"
Kagura asks, looking puzzled.
It seems Kagura is under the impression that the dungeon is some kind of invincible entity.
"Kagura, what kind of poison do you think it takes to give someone an upset stomach?"
"That would be... laxatives or poisonous plants containing them?"
"That’s right. Laxatives or poisonous plants would work. But don't you think you could give someone an upset stomach just by putting in some dirt from around here?"
"Ah, that’s true."
Just as Yuki said, the things used to cause an upset stomach don't have to be poisons.
Even just putting in the dust falling at your feet would suffice.
The human body is truly fragile. It gets injured easily and falls ill easily.
That is precisely why we must be careful about the living environment, starting with our daily meals.
"So, even if there’s no problem with the food we distribute, there’s a chance they might accidentally eat something with dust in it. We can't stop things like that. After all, there’s plenty of dirt and such rolling around at our feet."