Chapter 470

Preparations for Going to the Isles of the Eight Gods
The selection of Kiblinki Saltas to be sent to the Isles of the Eight Gods was completed quickly.
As expected, many of the volunteers came from those already working on the trial cultivation land.
They're all highly motivated, excited at the prospect of being able to farm in a new land.

(Contractor, you've really brought us a great opportunity. To be able to work in an island nation whose flora is likely different from this region—how marvelous!)

“It’s great that you’re excited, but... you did properly hand over your duties here, right?”

(Of course. I’ve documented all the necessary knowledge and passed it on to the juniors. Everything’s in place to avoid any issues.)

“Good. Now, as for those who’ll be going to other areas within the country...”

(Hmm. Not many have gathered for that. If, like at Connie’s place, there were known new crops, they’d go. But if there are no unusual crops being grown, nor any chance to go searching for new ones... well, you can guess the rest.)

So, they’re dissatisfied with the conditions on that end, huh.
If there’s no improvement in that area, it’ll be hard to gather enough numbers.
I should consult with Marquis Vardmoi about this.

“I see, so that’s how the Kiblinki Saltas feel.”

“Yes. They’re reluctant to leave this town to go work in other towns under harsher conditions, doing things they could already do here.”

“That’s understandable. So, what do you think would motivate them?”

“The quickest way would be to let them go foraging for new crops in the wild.
They’d be exploring lands in McFarlane that are different from your sphere of influence, so there’s a chance they might discover something new.”

“Then the issue becomes: monsters wandering around freely might get attacked by adventurers who don’t know the situation, or they might scare off merchants traveling the roads.”

“At first, we’ll need to send soldiers to accompany them as guides and to explain the situation. And if even that doesn’t work out, I’ll lend the Kiblinki Saltas out under the condition that they’re free to return if they wish.”

“It's not easy to approach mind-reading beings without any ulterior motives, but that sounds like a reasonable compromise.
Just as you said—if the Kiblinki Saltas are made to endure hardships without just cause, then they should be free to return.
I’ll make final arrangements on that point with His Majesty.”

“Understood. I’ll go look again to see if there are any who would agree under those conditions.”

“I’m counting on you.”

If they’re forced into uncomfortable situations, they’re allowed to come back.
By including that condition, I was finally able to gather enough Kiblinki Saltas to send to the royal faction regions within McFarlane.
No one wants to suffer, after all.
Both Marquis Vardmoi and I allow them their freedom as long as they don’t attack people, and we maintain a relationship based on mutual respect.
It would be a problem if that relationship were to break down.
That part needs to be made perfectly clear as well.

What do you think about this chapter?