第１８２６堀：新大陸の各員の状況確認 (Part2)
"Yes. Regarding the northern town, the fort owned by Weed is completely secure. My subordinates seem to have adapted to the environment, and there are no particular issues. As for the townspeople, they are not afraid of our army, thanks to our daily interactions and material support."
"That's for the best. I'd heard about the progress, but I'm grateful it's continuing."
"Indeed. I feel the same, but concerns are emerging regarding the Oue army stationed in the northern town."
"Has something happened?"
"Nothing has happened so far, but it feels like the public's support is leaning towards Weed. For now, it's just vocal..."
"..."
Tori and the others nodded in agreement.
"Is it that blatant? Everyone seems to feel it?"
"It's not so much blatant as it is... cheers, shall we say..."
"Right? I also notice it when I go to the northern fort and visit the town. People approach me, and shopkeepers give me things."
"I've experienced it too. Well, if it were just one or two, it would be fine, but..."
"When they gather, it becomes a lot. Mikos-chan is surprised too. The children try to give things to Mikos-chan and the others, so we have to politely refuse. Even if we accept them, they just go into the army's reserves or become our dinner for the day, so it doesn't really mean much, or rather, it's just circulating."
"Well, for now, Weed is supporting almost all the supplies. So, if they give it to us..."
As Mikos said, it's truly a circulation, or rather, they're just giving back what they received.
"They are making purchases, so there is a monetary exchange. For the people of the northern town, it should be a loss to give these things away for free, but it happens quite often. And yet, refusing them is also..."
"It's difficult. However, does this mean the Oue army in the northern town is being treated poorly?"
"No, that's not the case either. As allies, the Oue army, which stands shoulder to shoulder with Weed, also commands respect and receives cheers and gifts in the same way. The problem is that, due to the current war, a large number of people are volunteering to become soldiers, which is only natural."
"Of course, their homes were attacked."
The northern town was attacked.
A considerable number of people died.
It's natural for people to want to do what they can, starting with becoming soldiers.
"However, Oue does not have the capacity to hire more soldiers. They were already at their limit for soldiers, and they lack the supplies, including food, to support them."
"That's right."
Oue's situation, though I'm not sure since the war began, had about 5% of its total population, 5,000 people, serving as soldiers.
If they were to hire more soldiers, they wouldn't be able to pay them or provide them with weapons and armor.
In that case, there would be no point in being a soldier.
"Therefore, there's talk of being hired by Weed."
"Oh? Well, in terms of having spare capacity or not..."
"We do. It's a lull in the fighting right now, and Oue's military strength will undoubtedly increase... but for Weed to hire and support the people of Oue..."
"That's a big problem. However, it's not wrong for the populace to seek employment... and the employer is just Weed."
"No, no, it can't just be that Weed is hiring them. Even Mikos-chan understands. It's dangerous."
As Mikos said, it's a dangerous situation.
It's an unbelievable situation under normal circumstances...
"What do General Daua of the Oue army stationed in the north and the lord think about this?"
"Both of them have troubled expressions, but they agree that it's not wrong in terms of stimulating the economy and that it will increase Oue's military strength."
"That's true... Hmm, I understand. Kagura, this needs to be addressed, so I'll discuss it with Eris, Ratz, and Seraria."
"Please do. I can't make this decision alone."
And so, while there were no major problems, I understood that something delicate, or rather, something that could cause a severe burn if handled incorrectly, was occurring.
Whether they win or lose, the consciousness of the populace changes.
If it's an appropriate shift in awareness, it's fine, but it's problematic if they become overly enthusiastic or lose their motivation.
It's difficult for those in charge to maintain that balance.
In that sense, protagonists who act alone or in parties as adventurers are truly convenient.