第１９１５堀：起こった後でしか対応ができない (Part1)
Chapter 1915: Only After It Happens Can We Respond
Side: Deryu
My shift for surveying the southern region was off, and I was relaxing in Weed when I was suddenly summoned.
Well, it wasn't like I had anything else to do, and it was usual for me, so I participated in the meeting.
"A locust plague!?"
I let out a loud cry along with the other members of the meeting, taken aback by the gravity of the situation.
"...Yes. I wish it were a joke."
"Haha, I'm so sorry. But, as you can see."
"It's a natural disaster. Please, help us."
Beside Seraria, Taiki, the King of Rankus, and Yupia, the Emperor of Zuraburu, were bowing their heads with their retainers.
Normally, this would be unthinkable, but if they have accurately grasped the situation, this is the only appropriate response.
A locust plague isn't just about food shortages.
"We can suppress the famine, but it's a certainty that some fools who hear the rumors will cause trouble."
"That's exactly what we're worried about. I mean, the neighboring countries of Rankus are on the verge of famine."
"It's far from here too, and if our support is delayed, famine will be unavoidable. And those fools will definitely act."
The fools I'm referring to are bandits.
And those associated with them.
In other words, it includes the fools who, fearing starvation, resort to such actions.
No, it's not entirely their fault.
Doing anything to survive is a natural act for any living being.
However, there are also those who, facing such a crisis, still help each other to survive without resorting to evil deeds, so it's only natural to help the latter.
Suppressing the damage is also related to future reconstruction and reputation.
Of course, there's the matter of governing in a way that prevents such situations from occurring, but with locust plagues, there's truly nothing that can be done.
Literally, they devour everything, leaving behind only debris that humans cannot live on.
I've seen places hit by locust plagues during my travels... it was terrible.
The chaos from the lack of food, the dead insects, the fallen people, the abandoned houses.
Until the insect eggs can be properly dealt with, the land must essentially be abandoned.
Even with Yuki and the others providing support, immediate reconstruction is not something that happens.
It's a disaster so severe that one can only flee.
"So, there's no problem in helping. It's an opportunity to officially collect data on locust plagues, which, while it might sound rude, will help us consider future countermeasures. However, the question is, what do you need? From what I've heard so far, is it just transporting supplies?"
Hmm.
Transporting supplies is the most crucial thing for rescuing those affected.
If they have food, clothing, and shelter, they can at least find some peace.
It's the most difficult part to procure.
"Yes, that's right. We would be grateful if you could transport supplies, but honestly, we don't have time to procure them."
"It's the same for us as well, Lord Taiki. We don't have the time to gather supplies. We want you to prepare them and transport them immediately."
"Understood."
Well, that's to be expected.
There are certainly supplies, but there are many who are naturally reluctant to transport supplies for something that hasn't happened yet.
Mobilizing that many people will obviously incur costs.
Would they order transportation and even incur opposition by commanding people everywhere, knowing it might be in vain?
We know the signs of a locust plague, the "gregarious phase."
And many farmers who have lived for a while also know it, but it's not an absolute certainty.
If nothing happens, it could lead to rebellion rather than opposition.
That's why it's better to ask for the help of Weed, who understands.
We only need to contribute what we have stored.
There's no need to forcibly gather anything from elsewhere.
As for manpower, they are soldiers, so if we call it marching training, there will be no complaints.
The budget will be consumed, but if a disaster actually occurs, the country concerned can pay for it, and if not, it can be passed off as military exercises.
If it can be resolved with exercises, the budget for a short period will be lower than mobilizing warships.
"As for the field commander, Rankus is nearby, so please select someone from Jessica's unit."
"Yes. It will be a good experience for them."
"Now, for Zuraburu, we will also select someone from Jessica's unit, but I would like Deryu to be in a position to respond immediately. Is that alright?"
I see, so I'm the one who will be involved.
"Hmm. I'd like to say there's no problem, but I'm currently on a survey escort mission in the south..."
"Ah, I'll cover that. Or, if you'd prefer me to go to the site, I can."
Agil says so.
Indeed, my personal combat strength is superior, but Agil is better at adjusting morale and other aspects, so overall, Agil would be better.
"No, Deryu is only supervising. The question is whether Jessica's subordinates can take command and do well. Agil, you will continue to support Aslin and Firia, and also focus on surveying the plateau. This is not work that can be delegated."
I see, that's true.
I can't survey plants or monsters in Agil's place, no matter how hard I try.
Well, I can barely survey monsters, or rather, I can annihilate them when they attack.
"Understood. Then there's no other way. Deryu, please take care of it."
"Hmm. Leave it to me. Although, I probably won't be doing much, will I?"
"Well. And Yupia, is it okay for Deryu to be the supervisor?"
"There's no reason to object. Isn't she one of Weed's strongest assets? Right, Shouu?"
"Yes. With her power, we can annihilate those grasshoppers along with the fields."
"No, destroying the fields is a last resort. Besides, it's impossible to crush that many grasshoppers, isn't it?"
It's impossible to annihilate grasshoppers that truly darken the entire sky.
Even burning them with magic would be...
"Ah, speaking of which, what is the estimated area? And, we're only talking about supplying and transporting goods, but what about personnel to burn the fields?"
Everything discussed so far has been about what to do *after* it happens, and there's been no mention of preventing it from happening.
"Ah, about that..."
Yuki falters at my question.