第１５７９堀：本部も特に動きなし (Part2)
That said, when it comes to a contest against Weed, we already have established relations with several major powers, and Weed’s own population is quite substantial. I can’t help but feel that toppling a small nation at this point would be… well, a moot point.
"People who have been backed into a corner are capable of anything, you know."
"That’s true, isn't it~"
"Though, they’re already pretty far gone at this stage."
"Well, they’ve weakened to the point where calling them a 'Dark Guild' is almost an insult to the name. Still, if they’re capable of a comeback, it’s a possibility we have to consider."
As we discuss this, we keep our eyes fixed on the monitors.
They display the progress of Yuki and his group’s pursuit, as well as intelligence from Rurua and her team in the old Vinoshia royal capital.
We are also receiving data from the drones and familiars we’ve dispatched to the surrounding nations.
For now, all is peaceful.
There isn't a single sign of movement.
"For the time being, we’ll wait for Yuki and the others to finish their search as planned, then gather information from the captives we’ve taken and verify it before deciding on our next move. Seraria, does that work for you?"
"Yes. That plan is fine. Successfully securing the enemy’s stronghold was a job well done. The real question is what to do about the old Vinoshia royal capital."
"Regarding that, most of the medical treatment and guidance is already finished. The only thing left is what to do with the members who aren't involved in agriculture~"
It is true that most of the people have begun to engage in the state-run agriculture that Kaya proposed.
Yes, *most* of them.
Which means a small minority are not participating.
Those people have no work and no income.
"They’ve been cured of their major injuries and illnesses, haven't they? Can’t they just find work they want to do themselves?"
Seraria says what is perfectly obvious.
"Normally, yes. But there are always those who just won't work, you know."
"Ahaha, unfortunately, those types always exist."
Exactly. If they wanted to, there is work to be found in abundance.
But the desire to live without working is also a very honest human emotion.
Whether it’s fortunate or unfortunate, we are providing food relief, so no one is going to starve.
Seraria is not the type to be unaware of such things, but...
"Ah, those kinds of people. But shouldn't they be doing jobs like the neighborhood watch or guard duty?"
"That’s exactly right, but in old Vinoshia, the guards only really patrol the castle and its immediate surroundings. Hinsua doesn't have the resources for anything more."
And that brings us to the issue of Hinsua’s national strength.
Well, we aren't exempt from that either; we don't have the luxury of doing everything we want to do.
As for old Vinoshia, we are barely managing to dispatch enough soldiers as it is.
The situation isn't stable enough yet to even talk about sending in administrators or officials.
"That’s the thing~ Rurua and the others have realized the problem, and there’s talk that it would be better to organize a neighborhood watch~"
That is precisely why we are proposing to the guards that they form a neighborhood watch as a subordinate organization to improve public safety, but that’s not a simple matter either.
"They’ll need permission from Hinsua, and just because you form a neighborhood watch doesn't mean they can act immediately, right?"
"Exactly. That’s why half of the people guarding Yuki are going to remain in old Vinoshia to coordinate with the guards stationed at the castle and help train the neighborhood watch. It wouldn't make sense to teach them Weed’s methods, after all. Oh, and the permission has already been obtained in advance. As for the budget... well, that’s coming out of our own pockets."
At Milly’s words, Seraria can only offer a wry smile.
Normally, it would be absurd for Weed to foot the bill to improve another country’s public safety, but in this instance, we were the ones who pushed our way into the situation.
I suppose it’s only fair.
"A neighborhood watch that can't communicate with the authorities is just a recipe for trouble~"
Since there’s nothing to be done about the money, I steer the conversation elsewhere.
The reasons why Weed cannot provide direct guidance are also quite valid, after all.
"So, does that mean things won't be settled until that side of things is stable?"
"Who knows? I think if Yuki says it’s fine, then it’s fine. Rurua and the others have intervened with the church, and things are starting to calm down, so there’s no reason for Weed or the alliance to remain."
"Hinsua probably doesn't want us overstaying our welcome, though I doubt the people on the ground feel the same way~"
We have already achieved our objectives, after all.
I suppose what remains is just service work to improve the reputation of Weed and the alliance.
Besides, Rurua and her team are literally saviors.
There are no doubt quite a few people who would feel anxious if that group were to disappear.
"Sigh, we’ll have a meeting once we get back, too. In any case, let’s keep a close watch for any suspicious movements using our own intelligence network."
" "Yes." "
And so, we continued our surveillance.
Now then, I look forward to seeing what kind of information we can extract from those Dark Guild members.
For now, there’s no trouble in the home country.
We’re managing, but we can’t afford to let our guard down.
Let’s take it one step at a time.