Chapter 34: If There Is No Bread, Eat Kelp
“Kelp is a type of seaweed. By drying it, it becomes lightweight, compact, and has a long shelf life. It can be eaten as is, but consuming it in large quantities may lead to health issues. If you plan to eat it daily, it’s better to rehydrate it in water first, as this helps dissolve any harmful components.”
“…I see. As a temporary food source, it’s not bad at all. Above all, its lightness and compactness are advantageous. It’s ideal for storage in the warehouse and transport by cart.”
At this moment, the Communicator Android controlled by Ringo was pitching kelp to Kuravia Terek.
“So, Zwei. I doubt this will serve as a staple food… are you aware of that?”
“I understand. We are not producing enough staple grains to sell. I apologize for that.”
“No, no. That’s not a problem. There’s no need to apologize. This is something we should have prepared ourselves. So, I regret to say that if you bring too much kelp, we won’t be able to exchange it…”
As expected, the Guild Master was only considering her own town’s situation. It was within the realm of expectation; she wouldn’t be thinking about the refugees who had settled outside the town. They were complete strangers, after all, not former residents or relatives. Even though they were technically fellow citizens, given the political climate and current circumstances, they were more like neighbors to be wary of.
“I would like to provide these, or equivalent food supplies, to the refugees outside…”
“…!? That is…!”
The sudden mention of refugees made Kuravia Terek gasp.
“You may have noticed, but they will soon turn into a mob. To prevent that, we must provide food and earn their goodwill.”
“Well… I had indeed considered that…”
“There’s also the option of complete extermination, but I think that’s a bit extreme. Ideally, we want to incorporate them. Above all, we are in desperate need of manpower.”
Kuravia Terek pondered over Zwei’s words, controlled by Ringo. The fact that she didn’t immediately dismiss the idea indicated that she found some merit in the proposal. Naturally, there was also the consideration that Ringo held the fate of Port Town Terek in her hands.
“…Understood. I will convene a meeting with the guild regarding the distribution of food to the refugees. How much kelp do you have prepared this time?”
“This time, we have approximately a thousand pieces in this box size. If there are no issues, I will bring a full load next time. Also, as I mentioned earlier, we have water here.”
“…Water? Is it in that… white container?”
Next, they introduced a cellulose container holding 50 liters of drinking water, created based on a proposal from Commander Eve. It had been sterilized, so as long as the container remained intact, it wouldn’t spoil and could be stored indefinitely. Practically, the expected shelf life was around five years.
“Yes. It’s sealed, so it won’t spoil. When you need to use it, just break the container. This town seems to have no issues with water, but I suspect the refugees do.”
“The water source… yes, that grassland should have spring water. I haven’t confirmed it, but with that many people staying there… it may already be contaminated. …So, what about this?”
“I will provide it. Originally, I didn’t intend to release this much. I loaded it as ballast. This box is sturdy but fragile. It will break if subjected to impact, so please handle it with care. After use, it can be burned as fuel.”
“Understood. I will add the water issue to the agenda.”
The refugee situation was a problem that Port Town Terek was struggling to handle. They couldn’t ignore it, yet they were forced to leave it be. If there was a way to manage it, it would be advantageous for Paraiso.
“Also, I would like to conduct a small experiment regarding food.”
“…An experiment?”
Zwei raised her hand, and the Communicator Android, Drei, placed a bag on the table.
“I brought some tubers. If cultivated successfully, they should be ready for harvest in about 90 days.”
“Tubers, huh…? I’ve heard that the kind of tubers I know doesn’t grow well in this climate.”
The tubers in question were likely a type of taro. They had been secured by the invading bots from nearby villages.
“Those are probably cultivated in colder regions. These, however, are grown in warmer areas. I want you to cultivate these so we can secure at least some food.”
“…You’re right. We will need to make such efforts going forward…”
“We could effectively incorporate the refugees and have them work as farmers. If we don’t push them too hard, even women and children can contribute.”
Indeed, after discussions among Ringo, Commander Eve, and the five sisters, the decision was made to assign most of the refugees to agricultural work. While there was no land available for farming around Port Town Terek, it seemed feasible to turn the plains where the refugees were gathering into fields. Although there were some undulations, for the time being, that would have to suffice. In the future, clearing the forest for farmland would be a good plan.
“Yes, if we prepare food and provide work…”
“The men can be trained as soldiers. Women and children can be assigned to farming tasks. For those who cannot work… we can either think of a job allocation for them or have them do piecework if they can manage. Even if we can’t distribute wages, we should be able to sustain them for a few years by offering food as compensation.”
“…Heh. You’re thinking quite well. I wish you could join our meetings.”
“If necessary. However, for now, you will have to take charge.”
“I know, I know. Honestly, your capabilities are quite intimidating.”
Having successfully persuaded Kuravia Terek, Ringo decided to play her next card.
“If we are to clear farmland, we will need tools. We will provide those.”
“I see… Yes, that’s right. Please do. This town truly cannot handle it. Essentially, I will follow all your instructions. It’s rather pathetic, but…”
Ringo felt relieved at his response. If he had been obstinate here, it would have only lowered the chances of success for their future plans. With general agreement reached, Ringo decided to initiate the plan.
“Ma’am. We have gained the support of Kuravia Terek. May we commence the plan?”
“Yes. Please proceed, Ringo. Keep me updated on the progress as necessary.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
First, securing food. Some of the harvested kelp would be sent for drying. They would catch schools of sardines and turn those into dried fish as well. Additionally, they planned to venture into fish farming this time. Fortunately, there were papers on aquaculture in the library, so as long as they built the necessary facilities, they could proceed immediately. They intended to create rafts within The Tree and conduct aquaculture off the coast of Port Town Terek.
These included the equipment and agricultural tools needed to produce food, the bots for covert infiltration, and several combat machines to be used as ambush units. Above all, they would load the urgently mass-produced dried goods and drinking water onto the second cargo ship and send it out with the escort destroyer, Charlie.
“Did we load a lot of cutters this time?”
“Yes, Ma’am. They will be used for fishing in nearby waters and managing the aquaculture. We will also produce fish fertilizer, anticipating a large crop yield. Ideally, we would like to conduct cultivation experiments first, but time is not on our side.”
“Indeed. If we had decided sooner, we could have conducted tests on some land beforehand.”
“Yes, Ma’am. We will take this as a lesson and strive to improve.”
“Hehe. I look forward to your efforts, Ringo.”