第１７５９堀：オーエ王国の経済状況について (Part1)
Chapter 1759: On the Economic Situation of the Oue Kingdom
Side: Kagura
Yuki and the King of Oue have been moving forward with discussions regarding the future, and we have just secured their cooperation for the investigation into the monsters.
Under normal circumstances, this would take much longer, but considering the state of the Oue Kingdom, they wouldn't be able to cope unless they moved at this speed.
Just as I was thinking that...
"Now, for the next topic, Kagura."
"Yes."
"I hear you've compiled a summary of the things that need to be done while we remain here."
I see. Yuki is tossing the ball to me, trying to time the moment to ask about the King of Oue’s injury.
Hmm, it’s a bit awkward to bring that up right away, so perhaps I should start with the matter of the supplies we mentioned earlier.
"Then, perhaps I should begin by discussing the support regarding supplies. The supplies we brought this time will last, at a stretch, for about a month. If they are consumed without restraint, perhaps seven days?"
"Is that more than you expected? Or less?"
You’re questioning that?
Well, I suppose it’s true that without knowing the total volume, one wouldn't know if it’s a lot or a little.
"I have been told that the total population of Oue is approximately 100,000. Perhaps it is easier to understand if you think of it in those terms?"
"Ah, when you put it that way, that’s quite a lot."
"Indeed. We are receiving substantial support."
Yuki is convinced by my explanation, and the King of Oue honestly expresses his gratitude for the aid.
It’s clear that an amount capable of feeding 100,000 people for seven days is an astronomical figure.
Even so, that amount will only last for seven days.
"However, it is embarrassing to admit, but it is still not enough. My senior vassals were negotiating that point with Lady Kagura and Lady Eris, but..."
"That is why we are speaking to Yuki-san now. He is the second-in-command in our Weed, and he holds full authority here in Oue."
I make sure to reiterate that Yuki is the one in charge.
I want them to understand that there is no point in trying to curry favor with Eris or me.
Though, if they present a proposal using proper data that holds merit, I will accept it.
"So, where is the data demonstrating that necessity?"
"Yes. I shall explain. Please distribute the documents to everyone."
With that, Eris instructs the maids to hand out the documents we prepared.
We’ve even translated and printed them so the Oue side can read them.
Honestly, I’ve gotten quite used to registering fonts on the PC...
If the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance finds out we’re adding new languages, the language research team over there is bound to make a huge fuss.
*Sigh*, I can already foresee the Princess summoning me after the announcement at the completion party for Glass Port Town.
Well, that’s beside the point. Once I confirm the documents have been distributed, I begin the explanation.
"This is information we received from Oue's Minister of Supply Operations..."
It’s a department that seems to combine the roles of Ratz and Eris in Weed.
Every country has its own unique way of naming things, don't they?
Still, it’s worrying to have someone managing everything from supplies to money in one go—the risk of corruption is high.
Well, since it’s another country, I can’t really voice that concern.
I proceed to explain the state of food production across the Oue Kingdom.
Specifically, agriculture in the northern and southern towns—it’s technically done in the royal capital too, but it’s surrounded by forests and the scale is too small to count.
Then, there is the bounty from nature through hunting and gathering.
In this regard, there is more to be found within the forest.
However, the risk of encountering monsters increases, so we cannot expand that too much.
Finally, imports from other countries.
This accounts for about 40% of the Oue Kingdom’s supply.
It seems the Oue Kingdom’s primary industries are specialized weapons, armor, ornaments, and tools, which they sell to other countries in exchange for food.
Well, demi-humans—or rather, elves and dwarves—are naturally skilled at that sort of work.
And those specialized items—or rather, the enchanted, magically imbued gear that people like Narjia-san create—are highly valued.
My personal thought is that it makes no sense for them to be ostracized when they have such value.
Regardless...
"Due to the northern alliance and the northward movement of monsters, imports from other countries and harvests from the fields have been cut off. We are in a critical situation not only for this year's food supply but for other materials as well. Regarding the specific figures..."
"Yes, I have calculated the estimates, which are listed on the next page, so please take a look. Starting from the top..."
With that, Eris explains the finer details of the numbers.
It’s not as simple as just handing over the requested supplies.
Food will rot if given all at once, and consumable goods degrade.
Medical supplies, while it sounds strange to talk about "freshness," have expiration dates.
In other words, we need to transport the appropriate amount at the appropriate time.
After all, we don't know how long this will last.
Especially regarding food...
"Therefore, regarding the duration of this support, as long as the northern situation and the northward movement of monsters are not halted, domestic food production is hopeless. Even if we stop them, it will take months of cultivation, so I believe it would be best to provide support for at least half a year. Of course, if diplomatic relations with the friendly nations in the north are restored, imports will resume, which will make things somewhat easier, but..."
"That depends on future developments. Nothing is certain yet... Come to think of it, you mentioned medicine for illnesses in the documents..."
Yuki touches upon what we prepared.
At the request of the clinic, they’ve asked for help with treating the sick.
However, this also costs money, so we can’t just do it on our own, and it’s not just an issue for that one clinic.
No, if it were only a problem for that one clinic, it would mean something is spreading there.
"Yes. As I told the King of Oue, since Eris and I can use recovery magic, we have been helping out at the clinic."
"Ah, I am very grateful for that. You two seem to be quite skilled."
"We are no match for Rurua, but we can handle the basics. However, there is a problem at the clinic; while we can handle injuries, treating illnesses is outside our expertise, so we are proposing the import of doctors and medicine from Weed."
"Ah, illnesses cannot be cured unless you treat the root cause. Well, if you keep using recovery magic, there is a possibility that the body’s own immunity might heal it, but..."
That’s exactly it.
Because people think recovery magic is omnipotent, many believe it works on illnesses too.
Explaining this is truly difficult.
After all, they have absolutely no foundational knowledge.
"Hmm, Yuki-dono. I don't know much about illness, but it cannot be cured with recovery magic?"
"Yes. Unlike injuries such as external wounds, it is a malfunction within the body. Of course, if one has solid medical knowledge, it is possible to eliminate the source of the illness, but... well, that’s impossible here."