“Ah, it’s progressing well. The amount of snowfall has decreased over the past two days, and there have been surprisingly few monster attacks, making the operation very smooth. It’s expected that the path to the outskirts of the Regenbach Forest will be fully cleared by the end of today.”

“That’s somewhat fortunate.”

Adel, who was initially taken aback by the mention of no monster attacks, genuinely felt relieved as Herman finished speaking. Although they had boasted loudly, the atmosphere in the castle was gradually sinking due to diminishing supplies.

She spoke hopefully, “The forest is densely packed with trees, so there might not be much snow accumulation inside. If we can hunt animals, it would be helpful for food. Also, we should check if we can break the ice on the river and catch fish.”

“When the knights return, I’ll relay that immediately.”

“Is that all for the matters?”

“Yes… No, not exactly. If it’s not impolite, I have one more thing to inquire about.”

“Please, go ahead.”

Adel closed the ledger and looked at Herman. He seemed hesitant about how to begin, but once he started speaking, he poured out his opinion without any hesitation.

“Leaving aside everything else, is there a reason why you’re taking care of the vagabonds? Most of them are likely inexperienced youngsters who may have drifted in from anywhere. Some were discontent with the rations and sneaked into the kitchen, and there have been skirmishes almost every day.”

He paused, took a deep breath, and then spat out abruptly, “In my opinion, there’s no reason for you to take care of those people. They’re unnecessary individuals.”

Herman openly displayed his aversion towards the vagabonds. Furthermore, a burning determination to drive them away was evident in him.

But for Adel, it was an inevitable choice. She hadn’t had a day of peace since Grita’s disappearance.

When the rumor spread that Ansgar Castle was welcoming those with nowhere else to go, even vagabonds from nearby villages flocked like a swarm. If Grita had left the castle on foot, she wouldn’t have gone far, and Adel considered the possibility that she might have hidden among the vagabonds, feigning helplessness to escape hunger and cold, given Grita’s personality.

But it wasn’t solely for Grita.

“There’s a shortage of soldiers to defend the castle. As the rumors go, those who have come aren’t just ordinary vagabonds. There were some who were willing to fight, and conflicts arose pretending to be fights about rations.”

Herman’s disapproving attitude prompted Adel to lift her head.

“Herman, you must remember that it hasn’t been long since the war ended. Even someone like me, who knows nothing, is aware that Ansgar struggled to cover the costs of the war.”
“That……”

“Even I, living in the castle, felt it, so imagine how tough it must have been for the commoners. Many might have lost their homes or fled due to unbearable taxes. We can’t just drive them all out into the cold.”

“……”

“If you think it’s better to let bandits run rampant around Ansgar, you could expel them immediately.”

Herman stared at Adel as if his words were stuck. It was as she said. When people are cornered, they first try to take from others.

Especially those who have survived harshly in extreme situations are likely to transform into bandits. If the refugees, who have increased significantly in the last few years, were to join the bandits, their power could swell unexpectedly compared to before.

Herman stammered, “Did you consider that situation from the beginning?”

“It would be more accurate to say I found a good excuse not to close the castle gate.”

Adel replied somewhat evasively and cleared her throat. Then, she looked out the window where the snow was gradually subsiding and continued speaking.

“First, prioritize making a list of people who won’t cause trouble, and thoroughly examine whether their character is trustworthy. During their stay in the castle, it might be okay to share some tasks with them. Like clearing the snow or doing cleaning.”

“If there are those causing problems, what will be their treatment?”

“If we drive out anyone causing trouble in this cold, they’ll freeze to death. Perhaps warning them by separating them from others and slightly reducing their rations could be effective.”

“I will do that.”

“For now, the situation is still relatively relaxed, so endure a little longer.”

Herman didn’t look completely convinced, but he seemed to like the idea of training soldiers. He took a step closer to Adel as if he had made a decision. When Adel looked at him with confusion, he whispered.

“I’ve obtained the news you asked to find out. Information about Grita.”

“Re, really…… Do you have any news after that?”

“I don’t think she’s been kidnapped or threatened by someone. At least, it seems like she left the castle of her own accord. There are people who witnessed Grita riding a carriage on the night before the snowfall started.”

Adel took a short breath.

“Who was that?”