Return to Plafard
We returned to Plafard without any particular problems.
That said, we didn’t head straight back—we made several stops along the way, surveying the state of the northwestern region from the sky before finally returning.
“So, what were the results?”
“Yes. It looks like there were some areas where proper cultivation is still being done, but within the scope of what we investigated, most of the land appears to have been abandoned. According to the Kiblinki Saltas, they probably can’t expect a proper harvest for at least a few years.”
“I see. That means the northwestern region no longer has the strength to continue waging war.”
“That’s what I believe. Ah, as I explained earlier, I received a letter from the new resistance leader. Here it is.”
I handed over the letter I’d received from Mr. Graf to Marquis Vardmoi and Duke Plafard.
After reading it, both of them looked like they’d just bitten into something bitter.
What could have been written in there?
“... Now then, what shall we do, Duke Plafard?”
“For my part, I have no choice but to accept what’s written in this letter. If we foolishly reject it and this turns into a war, this land will become even more desolate.”
Ah, I figured out what the letter said.
It must have been a request to recognize the northwestern region as an independent nation and to acknowledge the resistance as its ruling power.
But can the resistance even handle governing a territory?
In this world, territorial management is a serious responsibility usually only taught to those from wealthy or noble families.
I’m honestly a bit worried.
Maybe I’ll ask Marquis Vardmoi.
“You’re right, Lily. Your understanding is accurate. Only a small number of people have knowledge of territory management. Since we don’t know how many of them have joined the resistance, we need to exercise the utmost caution.”
“Are you concerned about the possibility of another civil war breaking out?”
“Exactly. Politics isn’t as easy as it looks from the outside. Moreover, just as in the northern region, the adventurer and merchant guilds have also pulled out of the northwestern region. If they can’t be successfully brought back, the governance system will remain unstable. That instability will turn into dissatisfaction, and eventually, there’ll be another uprising. I wonder how they intend to address that.”
“To be honest… I have no idea.”
“No, I wasn’t speaking to you specifically. It’s not something you could do anything about anyway. Once we witness Credrius and his followers’ executions, we’ll need to hurry back to the McFarlane Dukedom and await His Majesty’s decision.”
“Sigh… another expedition?”
“Even if there is another expedition, Lily, you’ll likely be left out this time. We brought you along because you were the direct target this time, but normally, politics isn’t something a civilian should be exposed to. Even though you’re our greatest asset, I believe His Majesty will understand the line that shouldn’t be crossed.”
Well, unless I’m specifically told to come along, I don’t intend to tag along anyway.
Winter has already set in, and if I don’t head home soon, all sorts of problems could crop up.
Ahh, I just want to go home already.
What do you think about this chapter?
Thanks for the treat.