第１８２０堀：パーティー終わって新大陸は (Part2)
No, while the monsters gathered in the southern town were subjugated, they weren't only gathered there. Many monsters must have also invaded the forest directly. This is something we can't confirm from our side. However, the increased monster encounter rate within the forest, along with changes in monster habitats and encounter rates, indicates a considerable number of monsters have flowed into the forest. Regarding their subjugation, we are cooperating, but since it's within the forest and involves hunting grounds, Oue is primarily in charge.
"Regarding that, it's difficult to say. While monsters in the forest have certainly increased, the forest itself is vast, so it seems they are limiting their hunting to areas near the routes between the royal capital and the northern and southern towns."
"Well, that makes sense. There's little point in extended expeditions."
It's clear that monsters have entered the forest and their territories have shifted, but the question is whether subjugating them would truly change anything. No, even with subjugation, there will inevitably be stragglers, and there aren't enough people to survey this vast forest. I heard from King Oue that there are still unexplored regions within this forest. We don't even know what might be there. It wouldn't be strange for powerful monsters to exist there, but sending forces to such a place is difficult, given the current state of war. If we poke around carelessly, they might stir. Strengthening defenses in the areas we currently utilize seems like the better option.
"Someday, I hope we can survey the forest."
"Yes. If the forest's safety can be secured, transportation will become safer, and there might be new discoveries. However, we completely lack the manpower, or rather, the personnel."
"That's the crux of it, isn't it?"
There's so much to do, and we truly don't have the time to delve into such matters. My wives are also spread out, tackling various tasks. While our overall strength has increased compared to the beginning, the workload has grown proportionally, so the manpower shortage remains.
"Regarding the forest survey, I'll ask King Oue and his people about it. Sending in a small reconnaissance unit shouldn't be an issue."
"To that extent, we can manage it. We wouldn't be annihilating all enemies, nor would we be disrupting the ecosystem."
"Ah, if we send Steve's subordinates, unnecessary conflict can be avoided. Carelessly defeating monsters could disrupt the local ecosystem. It's troublesome that it's not just about 'defeating them and that's it'."
It's a law of the world that not all harmful creatures can simply be killed. Nature functions because everything has some role. Of course, extinction and the resulting change in ecosystems can also be called natural, but humans generally dislike change. Because we've adapted to the current environment.
"I'm aware of such discussions, but for me, it's not something I have much direct experience with."
"Stacia, you're on the side that receives orders and subjugates. Adjustments are likely someone else's role. Well, to put it simply, like materials? If you take too much, they disappear."
"Ah, I see. While I feel medicinal herbs and monsters aren't quite the same, it's true that if they disappear, the amount available for hunting decreases."
"Exactly. I don't think complete extinction is possible, but if the Weed forces get serious..."
"In this forest, it's highly likely they would almost disappear. Indeed, going too far is not good."
That's right. If the Weed forces got serious, they could bring monsters close to extinction. Even if they spring forth from mana pools, that alone wouldn't be enough to cover Oue's food supply from hunting. Well, as for whether we can truly and thoroughly eliminate monsters from the forest, in reality, it's impossible... However, we can appropriately eliminate monsters from human residential areas. If that happens, those who make a living from hunting would be in trouble.
"...However, the extent of the damage also plays a role. We're about to discuss the envoy matter. I'll press for details on that as well."
"Yes. Please be careful. We will contact you immediately if anything happens."
"Alright, I'm counting on you."
Thus, I headed to the royal capital to meet with King Oue.
The party ended, and preparations for Oue's backing and support were complete. However, the situation on the New Continent has only just begun to move. It was good that the northern town was calmer than expected. It seems Stacia's royal lineage makes her particularly suited for this kind of command.