第１７３３堀：まずは先立つ物 (Part2)
If that happens, the people, driven by anxiety, will begin to flee or turn to crime, causing public order to deteriorate rapidly.
I believe this is the true reason why the nobility of old—whom I once failed to understand—made such a point of wearing impeccably tailored attire.
Though, to be fair, there are plenty of fools who have forgotten that fundamental duty, wearing such finery merely as a hollow symbol of their own decadence.
"Then, if you would please follow me here."
"Understood."
Before I knew it, my brother and Lord Martin had settled on a location in front of the barracks warehouse, and in the blink of an eye, a dungeon entrance was manifested.
"Very well, I shall issue the order for transport."
At my brother’s command, the goblins emerged from the dungeon entrance, carrying crates as if they had been waiting for the signal.
"Ohhh!"
Though they were surprised by the sight, there was no fear. My brother had already explained that he was employing—or rather, contracting—the monsters, and since the Kingdom of Oue already utilized monsters as a military force, there was no need for any special considerations.
Admittedly, there were no high-ranking monsters like dragons present, which would have required caution, but since they weren't being used for logistics, it was perfectly fine.
One of the goblins bypassed the designated collection point and headed straight for me, setting down its cargo.
"Here. The items you ordered."
"Understood. Holy, could you assist me?"
"Certainly."
Since I am currently in the form of a small child, I rely on Holy. I then step forward to stand before my brother.
"Brother, here are the samples of the supplies to be replenished, as well as the gifts."
"Ah, thank you. Now, King of Oue, Lord Martin, as I showed you in the conference room, we shall now confirm the items we have transported."
"Yes."
"Please, proceed."
"Right, go ahead."
"Understood."
Following my brother's instructions, Holy and I open the crates and begin arranging the contents on the prepared tables.
The interiors are clearly partitioned between supplies and gifts, so Holy and I can retrieve them without any confusion.
That said, the supplies themselves are nothing particularly flashy.
There are simple field rations for the soldiers, restorative potions, and for the populace, wheat along with dried vegetables and fruits.
While I refer to the soldiers' rations collectively, they include everything from hardtack and nutrient-dense cookie blocks to instant soups that can be prepared with hot water.
Naturally, they come in a variety of flavors.
The wheat and dried foods for the commoners are intended to be distributed to ensure they have sustenance that lasts.
After all, water is something they can secure on their own.
Or rather, one simply cannot survive in a land where water cannot be secured.
"Oh, this is delicious. May I have a taste?"
"Yes, of course. But, Lord Martin and your aides—should you not be testing these for poison first?"
"Ah..."
My brother offers a wry smile and a word of caution, but before he can stop him, the King of Oue has already picked up a chocolate-flavored nutrient block and popped it into his mouth.
"Mmm, delicious. The soldiers will surely be pleased with this."
"Your Majesty, please, wait a moment."
"We must be the ones to taste it first."
"Oh, don't pretend; you just want to eat some too."
"..."
They have no rebuttal.
My brother offers a wry smile and turns his gaze toward me. As Holy and I bring out more nutrient blocks, everyone begins to sample the flavors they prefer or those they haven't tried yet.
"I am glad to see they are to your liking. And these are the gifts of friendship."
My brother moves the conversation forward. After all, if we dwell on that point, the discussion will never progress.
"Are these... jewelry?"
"Yes, jewelry and small accessories. I thought items that were easy to carry would be best."
He then begins to explain the gifts.
The rings adorned with small jewels are defensive rings—a lower-tier version of the ones we wear ourselves.
Even so, they not only render poison ineffective but can also deploy a triple-layered shield, making them quite difficult to breach.
We showed these to the King and his key officials, along with other truly convenient, portable tools—such as canteens that provide a constant supply of water and lighters that ignite with ease—and it was a good thing to see them so delighted.
Yes, nothing can move without the necessary foundations.
Supplies, and capital.
They are truly the most important things of all.