Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 381

I explain the feasibility and intent behind eliminating hidden fields to those who remain skeptical.

“There is a solid basis for this plan. Even poor farmers, desperate as they are, will still choose the safest and most fertile land possible when creating hidden fields outside the fence.”

“…That’s true,” Sara agrees.

“In other words, the farmers have already conducted a preliminary survey of the land. By analyzing the harvest yields from these hidden fields, we can gauge the richness and safety of the surrounding areas. This means we can use that data to determine where to concentrate our resources for expansion and development.”

“But I don’t think the farmers will give up that information so easily. After all, it’s something illegal. If they think it’ll just be taken from them for free, they’ll keep it a secret all the more.”

“Of course. That’s why the farmers who lose their hidden fields will be compensated with a reward for their cooperation. Additionally, they will be granted certain rights over the newly cultivated land. We’ll establish a system that motivates them to willingly disclose information about their hidden fields.”

At this point, Rodolf, a noble, raises an objection. “But won’t that encourage the farmers to start clearing land recklessly, just to claim the reward or rights? Farmers can be more cunning than they appear.”

“Exactly. That’s why the rewards must only be valid for the first instance. We’ll also need to hire adventurers to survey the areas around the villages and identify actual hidden fields before issuing the decree. And if someone tries to pass off a hastily made field, it’ll be obvious,” Sara agrees.

Using adventurers for the investigation—this was an idea I had considered during my last visit to the rural areas.

“Yes. By looking at the soil and the surrounding trees, we can easily tell whether a field was recently cultivated. Besides, no matter how tempting the reward is, the area outside the fence is extremely dangerous and frightening for villagers. Unless they’re truly desperate, most won’t take such a risk.”

“I see…”

Now that everyone seems to have grasped the overall idea, I steer the long discussion toward a conclusion.

“Alright. With this, we’ve shared the findings of our preliminary investigation and aligned on the approach for land management and development.”

At my words, everyone nods in agreement.

“Now, I’ll give you ten days. Use that time to draft a detailed plan for the development of our territory.”

“What?! Then what was the point of all that discussion?” At my sudden order, Zion lets out a startled cry, and the other officials look just as shocked.

But I continue calmly. “That was just a confirmation of our policy. You now understand what I, as the governor, am thinking—how I plan to govern the land, and how the results of this development will be utilized. You also know what concerns exist and how we intend to address them. All of this has been sufficiently shared, hasn’t it?”

“Well, yes, but…”

“Exactly. So from here on, you will draft a practical plan for managing and expanding the territory. We’ll keep the two teams as they are, but discussions between teams are allowed.”

I add this as a gesture of goodwill, but upon realizing the sheer amount of thought and work ahead of them, the new officials can only look up at the sky in dismay.