第１７３０堀：いつもの夫のやり口 (Part2)
"As you say. But if our fields are burned, there is nothing we can do. We have been supplementing our needs by hunting forest animals, gathering nuts, and culling the monsters that infiltrate our lands, but the surge of monsters in the south has made even that impossible..."
So, production in the south is failing, too.
Is this a checkmate?
If the enemy is aiming for this, I’d have to applaud their strategy, but it’s a short-sighted move.
They aren't trying to destroy the Oue Kingdom so much as they want to deal with the monsters, right?
If that’s the case, the Oue Kingdom will collapse entirely, leaving the forest to teem with monsters, which would strip the kingdom of its function as a bulwark.
After that, the nations bordering the forest would become the new front line, but wouldn't the defensive perimeter just become impossibly wide?
Are they aiming for a surrender before that happens, hoping to act with impunity?
Well, it’s a strategy, I suppose, but I see no future for it other than total ruin before they can even implement policies to control the nation.
Are they so blinded by their hatred of demi-humans that they can't see that?
No, they aren't unified, so that’s likely not it... but either way, it remains a nuisance.
"I see, I see. I understand the state of the northern and southern fronts. Are the other towns and villages faring well?"
"Yes. Other villages and towns exist surrounding this royal capital. They handle farming and hunting, as well as defense against monsters, but we have received no reports of enemy attacks on those locations."
"Is there no possibility of small groups slipping through the forest to launch raids?"
"I cannot say it is impossible, but with the monster population rising, traversing the forest is not just difficult—it is a death sentence. Furthermore, supply lines would be non-existent, so it is not a realistic threat."
I see. So the forest above and below this map is thicker than I imagined.
It seems the world map Luna provided is accurate, then.
Judging by Luna’s map, one would need to travel a distance spanning one or two countries; unless there were established roads, trekking through the wilderness is truly unrealistic.
Well, as Martin says, I can't rule it out entirely, but the probability is infinitesimally low.
That is the one element I can find comfort in.
It seems we only need to focus our protection on the northern and southern towns.
"In that case, is it correct to assume that what you require in this situation is both military strength and supplies?"
"Ha-ha, that is correct, but these are not things that can be easily procured."
As Martin says, if those two things were easy to come by, they wouldn't be in this predicament.
Ordinarily, at least.
"Regarding supplies, we can provide them. As for payment, we will collect it from the enemy; we can provide the goods in advance. Though, we would need to draw up a contract."
"Collect from the enemy? Is that so? We are grateful, but are you certain that is acceptable?"
Martin, the King of Oue standing beside him, and Princess Suena all looked stunned by my husband’s proposal.
Normally, it would be standard to demand payment from the Oue Kingdom.
Usually, one wouldn't feel relieved by the prospect of collecting from the enemy, as there’s no guarantee you’ll actually get anything.
But for us, participating in the conflict and demanding payment from the opposition is convenient in more ways than one.
After all, we can squeeze it directly out of the enemy.
Besides, my husband hinted at going to battle or engaging in dialogue from the very first conversation, so this should manage our income—or rather, our balance sheet.
In the worst-case scenario, we could simply secure territory and strip it of its resources.
Turning a profit through inter-state trade here will have to wait for later.
"Yes. We need to assess the current situation, but before we prepare to depart, would you mind providing us with the necessary supplies and teaching us the common knowledge of this land? We share a language, so that is fine, but we are completely ignorant of the basic etiquette required for aristocratic discourse. If we err there, we won't even be able to hold a discussion."
"Eh? Ah, yes."
The Oue Kingdom side is nodding along, grateful for the favorable turn of events, but for our part, the terms are so good it’s almost laughable.
Well, dealing with the maintenance of their country and their public image is a hassle, but I am truly grateful for the autonomy we’ve been granted.
"Now then, we shall follow suit as the men begin their movements. Begin preparations for the army."
"Understood!"
And so, the members in Weed began to bustle about.
Yuki, with his silver tongue, remains as sharp as ever.
The rest depends on how we cook the enemy.
Of course, there is the question of how to handle the soldiers and such, but we have already made moves to ensure we can operate with a degree of freedom.