第１８４０堀：医療現場の方は？ (Part2)
It is difficult to gauge the efficacy of medical treatments without observing a vast number of patients—a reality best understood by those at the helm of nations or the heads of infirmaries run by master healers. I am struck once again by the sheer brilliance of the "Angel of Crimea," the pioneer who first introduced this statistics-driven approach to medicine.
That thought sparked a realization.
"I understand the situation regarding the use of plateau herbs. May I ask a question as well?"
"Yes, of course. Though, for matters concerning the New Continent, Rushi would be better suited to answer than I."
"Wait, really? I’m only in charge of the southern fortress. Enora is the one handling the northern town, the southern town, and the Oue royal capital..."
"True, and I haven't received any reports from Enora. Not that it’s strictly necessary, as I receive detailed updates on Oue’s medical affairs quite frequently."
Just as we were discussing this, the door to the room swung open.
"I heard you were planning to meet with Rushi. Sorry, I’m a bit late."
Enora entered, offering this explanation. "Well, it’s easier with Rurua here, too. I’ve been interested in the plateau herbs myself. Now, regarding the medical situation in the Oue Kingdom—here, first, is the report."
Enora handed the document to Seraria, and we took it from her. I decided to save the detailed reading for later.
"Thank you. Now, Rushi, can you hand over the information on the plateau?"
"Yes, I have a copy prepared for Enora as well. Here you go."
"And the potion made from the plateau herbs?"
"Thanks. ...It seems there’s no real difference between this and a standard potion."
She had appraised the potion made from the plateau herbs as quickly as I had.
"The composition is almost identical, though there are some trace elements I don't recognize. The plan is to extract those and run a series of tests."
"I see. I hope we find some beneficial properties. Now, it’s my turn. Though I have been reporting on Oue’s medical situation continuously, I’ll give you the summary."
Enora began her report on the medical infrastructure and the general health of the populace in Oue. In short, the medical system across the entire kingdom had seen a dramatic improvement since Weed joined the fold. The chronic shortages of medicine and supplies had been alleviated. Consequently, the health of the people—many of whom had been suffering due to the lack of resources and access to care—had improved significantly.
"And, as I mentioned before, the public’s approval of this support is exceptionally high. We have new recruits currently being overseen by Deryu and Hairen, and the numbers are trending upward."
"Are you serious?"
"I am. Fortunately, they are essentially reservists who continue to work their day jobs."
"That’s a relief."
As reservists, they don't require a salary except during training periods; they live as civilians and are only called upon in times of crisis. It is far better than conscripting raw, untrained amateurs.
"Exactly. We’re coordinating with officers dispatched from Oue to handle the training, ensuring that the credit doesn't go solely to Weed. The only question remaining is the extent of our supply chain, but there’s been progress on that front, hasn't there?"
"Yes. Kagura and Mikos have successfully wrapped up negotiations with the Jeyaes Kingdom on favorable terms. You’ll get a detailed report later, but it seems the northern factions are intent on making an enemy of the south."
At my words, Enora and Rushi, who were unaware of the specifics, looked on in shock.
"Wait a moment. What do you mean by that?"
"Exactly what it sounds like. The northern coalition demanded that the Jeyaes Kingdom hand over their demi-humans for execution. They told them to submit, claiming they would work together to topple Oue. The messengers, apparently, were from the Clearstream Church."
"Ugh, that is absolutely unacceptable."
"That’s... that’s just wrong."
"So, it seems a conflict with the northern factions is all but inevitable. That’s likely why Deryu and the others are putting so much effort into training the new recruits. We have a grand council coming up, so we should prepare accordingly."
"Understood. *Sigh*... Well, if trade continues to flow, things might be manageable."
"But if war breaks out, the damage will be..."
Indeed. If only trade were to resume, it would be fine, but the prospect of war complicates everything. We’ll need to figure out where to pull the budget from, and we’ll surely need even more supplies.
And so, everyone began to set things in motion to prepare for the looming war.
Even in reality, we hold great expectations for solving intractable diseases through the discovery of new species. The vegetation in unique environments like plateaus and jungles is truly extraordinary. Places where humans cannot tread remain a world of the unknown.