第１８０１堀：新大陸のウィードについて (Part2)
Upon hearing Stasia’s assessment, it seemed Tori, too, had come to understand that the prisoners were a monumental nuisance.
"Using them isn't a problem. I’ll have them sign slave contracts and put them to work on the fields and related facilities. Since it’s outside the town, things should go smoothly enough."
"I see. If they are kept outside, the townspeople will surely feel at ease."
"The fields, huh? I’ve heard plenty from Kaya about how that’s not as simple as it sounds."
"It’s meant to serve as both punishment and a way to drain their stamina, so it wouldn’t do for it to be easy. That said, I do want the fields back in operation as soon as possible. I’ll provide some agricultural guidance, but they’ll be using standard hoes and the like. I won’t be letting prisoners touch the cultivation machinery."
"I understand. That is a standard way to treat prisoners of war. It’s on the lenient side, perhaps, but considering there are nobles among them, it’s a safe approach."
"Is that so?"
"Well, they are soldiers of an enemy nation. Even when used for labor, treatment is often far harsher—sometimes to the point of working them to death. If there’s room for negotiation, their safety is guaranteed to some extent for the sake of ransom, but..."
"Ah, right. We can't even open negotiations, let alone demand a ransom."
Indeed, demanding a ransom was off the table. Forced labor was the only viable option.
"While we’re at it, I plan to have Lilishe and Hairen attempt a bit of 're-education'—a change of heart and conversion."
"I see. If it is the teachings of Lady Lilishe and Lady Hairen, there is a chance they might truly turn over a new leaf."
"Haha, with those two, I have a feeling it might actually work."
Stasia revered Lilishe and Hairen as goddesses, and her unwavering trust in them was evident. Tori, having known Lilishe for a long time and understanding Hairen’s free-spirited nature, offered a wry smile, clearly feeling that while it was possible, it would be an ordeal.
I felt the same. I was certain they would produce results, but I was equally certain that it would cause us no small amount of trouble.
"Then we’re set. I’ve already spoken to Kagura, but Stasia, you keep an eye on things too. There’s a chance the prisoners might try something reckless."
"Yes, leave it to me. I will ensure the safety of those two."
Stasia nodded firmly. I could rely on her; she was dependable. It wasn't as if I were dumping the burden of two troublesome, useless goddesses on her, after all...
"Right then. Next, what’s the situation in the south?"
"Indeed. I heard that a fort has been established, correct?"
"That’s right. The fort was built successfully, and they’ve begun scouting the surrounding area. Well, it’s hard to say much about progress yet, given it’s only been about five days."
The monster surveys, not to mention the land surveys, were scheduled to be updated every ten days. Unless something catastrophic happened, I needed them to report in batches, or I’d be buried alive in paperwork.
"In that amount of time, there wouldn't be any information to speak of. By the way, how were things in the southern town?"
"Ah, I’m curious about that too. You were providing supplies as well, weren't you?"
"Yes. Thanks to the prior notification, and perhaps because I am classified as a demi-human, I was received quite amicably. However, the southern town is constantly under threat from monster raids, so the humans there were already cooperating with others to deal with them. I suspect it’s because they haven't suffered the direct effects of the war."
"I see. So there isn't much prejudice between races in the southern town."
"The northern town isn't much different, either. Though, the humans arriving from outside are a bit suspicious."
Well, Ohe was a multi-racial nation that included humans. The people who had lived there from the start were already accustomed to coexistence. That said, there was no doubt that the war had made their gazes more critical. Still, if things were stable, that was a relief.
Just as I was thinking this, the time for my meeting with the King of Ohe drew near.
"It’s almost time. Do either of you have anything else you need to tell me?"
"No, that is sufficient. As for today’s discussion, I have already compiled and submitted the documents."
"Same here. Everything is in order."
"Good. Then, I’ll be discussing the future from here on out, so I’ll need your support."
"Understood."
With that, we headed off to meet the King of Ohe. For now, the actions of Weed, centered around the Ohe Kingdom, were proceeding smoothly. The only question left was what move to make next. The policy was decided, but the real test would be how the Ohe side reacted.