第１９１５堀：起こった後でしか対応ができない (Part2)
Then, Taiki and Yupia opened their mouths with wry smiles.
"Um, well, you see, that kind of agricultural technology, or rather, locust plagues, happen only once every few years, and in different locations..."
"It's something that occurs precisely because it's a breadbasket region. Until it happens, it's a vital food source. Burning it down is something that neither the local lord nor the country wants to do."
"I see. So that's how it is."
Jessica replied with a troubled expression.
I couldn't argue either.
While there might be omens of a locust plague, it wasn't a certainty.
To burn down crops that could be harvested... that's cruel.
So, it means there's only symptomatic treatment available.
"We lack the accumulation of such agricultural techniques. Besides, locust plagues still happen normally even on modern Earth. That's how difficult it is to prevent them beforehand," Yuki said, making me understand how hard it was to prevent locust plagues.
They were indeed more troublesome than any ordinary monster.
"But, Yuki-san. I know you're asking for help, so I feel strange asking this, but is the New Continent okay?"
"If you mean 'okay,' then there are no problems. The southern countries, including Ohe, have calmed down, the movements of the central army have been halted by false reports, and the Kingdom of Giardana is making moves against the Clearstream Church. The north is in the midst of a war with monsters. We are steadily gathering information in various places, so if anything is going to happen immediately, it would be the movement of monsters in the southern part of the New Continent."
"Regarding that, there have been no movements from the investigation team of Aslin and Firia so far. They're about to reach the southern tip, aren't they? Honestly, it's anticlimactic."
"Yeah. I thought there would be more going on, but it's too peaceful below the cliffs and in the valleys."
Yes, I don't know about the central and northern parts, but from the wilderness southwards, there's truly no movement.
Well, it's a situation where things could change at any moment...
"We're prepared for the south where the wilderness is expanding. Tori and Fiora will handle it."
"I'm relieved to hear that. Well, I did expect some preparations to be in place."
"Indeed. Hearing it like this brings relief. Once this problem is resolved, we can move forward with our expansion into the New Continent."
"Ah, so that's why progress has been slow."
"That's right. If we prioritize expanding into the New Continent and a locust plague occurs, Zluble, which has only just come together, will have people questioning its governance."
Certainly, Zluble has only just ended its wars, and the countries are now complying.
To neglect a locust plague and focus on New Continent ventures would be questionable, but it's easy to see it that way.
It is precisely by providing relief here that Zluble's governance will be recognized.
We also prefer Zluble to be stable.
In other words, there's no way around it.
"So, we wait until something happens. And if something does happen, we respond. The division of labor will be that Weed will handle the accumulation and transportation of supplies, and we, Zluble, will handle the extermination of locusts if they occur," Shou explained, supplementing the discussion.
Well, if that weren't the case, there would be no point in Zluble existing.
It relates to the trust we discussed earlier.
"Understood. Seraria, is that acceptable with you as well?"
"Yes. If that's the plan, our mobilization numbers will be minimal. However, there might be attacks targeting the supplies, so be careful, Jessica."
"Yes. I understand. I will inform the subordinates I send."
If the supplies we bring are stolen, it would be a significant loss, and even if we could prepare replacements, it would take time.
"Then, Jessica, Deryu, please make preparations. Be ready to move as soon as we receive contact."
And so, Jessica and I were tasked with responding to the locust plague.
Locust plagues can be prevented to some extent with pesticides, but there are times when even that is not enough.
It's a natural disaster, after all.
And, while Zluble can manage, the question remains how far the neighboring countries of Rankus will go in their response.
That becomes the issue.