“Trade with the South.” River thought of the past.

Before heading into this war with the Empire, how much effort had he put into securing provisions from the South?

Although the South was formally part of the Empire, it was a region with a strong autonomous nature, just like the North.

However, the South did not consider the North’s situation. Perhaps they were mindful of the Empire’s watchful eyes.

“There were no attractive goods in the North that could rival the Empire.”

Gemstones and precious metals had already been exhausted in trade. Trying to secretly trade under the Emperor’s watchful eyes, they had to part with them at a loss with tears in their eyes.

Even after this, the South turned away from the North.

Well, okay. He understood. Even River might have made the decision to turn away from the South to protect the North.

In any case, because of that, he couldn’t think of trading with the South as a solution.

“But what if it succeeds?”

In recent years, the North suffered from famine, but the warm climate of the South meant abundant crops even during the same period.

If the South focused on trading goods worthy of their name, even if famine hit the North in the future, it wouldn’t be as devastated as it is now.

River had always judged trade, even now, as uncertain of success or failure.

A success rate of around 50%? However, compared to the less than 1% chance before, it was a much higher figure, 50 times more.

What raised his confidence, undeniable, was Brody.

So, he decided to listen more to what Brody had to say.

“If a fortress is built in this area, what can be secured is not just a port. You can also secure farmland in the relatively warmer area south of Perdan. The staff considered it difficult to manage, so they left it as a free zone, but no matter how you think about it, it was too precious to give up. It may not be as fertile as the South, but it will become a granary for the North.”

River quickly ran the calculator in his mind.

The cost of building the fortress and the benefits to be gained from securing future trade and farmland.

He weighed them, but it seemed ambiguous to choose, especially considering only securing farmland.

What if a huge expense was incurred, and in the end, they failed to build the fortress? Even if they succeeded in building the fortress, if the national finances collapsed, what then?

Seeing River’s contemplation, Brody urged him.

“We need to make a decision as soon as possible.”

“It’s not a decision to be made recklessly. For now, it’s left alone like a neutral zone, so the Empire will stay still. However, if they try to take even that region, they won’t stay still.”

“So now is the opportune time. Now, when the Empire is at its weakest.”

“Are you saying we need to build a fortress even at the risk of being reckless? Right now, the North is exhausted. It’s not easy to mobilize manpower.”
“Ah, manpower. I’ve also considered that.”

He considered that too? River and Aidan had puzzled expressions. It was because Brody had consistently provided answers that surpassed expectations.

“It’s not about distributing relief food but paying wages to the hired labor. Somehow, the food supply this winter is more abundant than before.”

“Food? Are you talking about the food we received from the Empire? Use it as wages instead of solving it as relief supplies?”

“There are people who find it difficult to come to work, so it’s impossible to pay entirely in compensation. But if we pay more, people who want opportunities will flock in. If we build a fortress, new villages will emerge. If we also support them financially, people with nowhere to go due to the war might immigrate, reducing the number of vagrants, it’s a win-win situation.”

“…….”

River absentmindedly stroked his chin, lost in thought.

Her words were correct.

It might seem harsh immediately, but thinking about the distant future, it made sense.

If they simply distribute the food they’ve obtained now, it won’t be more than a one-time relief effort.

Moreover, there was a need for strength to rise from the ruins. Hope moves people.

“If we build a fortress, it could create jobs, and it could also serve as motivation. It would provide a basis for distributing food reasonably without exploiting the labor force. We won’t have to waste a lot of time debating how to distribute food while discussing whether there will be another famine next year or not. Securing farmland, securing a port. I don’t know how beneficial it will be, but at least it’s worth trying.”

Doing what they’ve been doing, or challenging something new.

If they stick to what they’ve been doing, they will only be able to deal with the same problems when faced with them again.

Perhaps, if, even if trade fails, securing farmland south of Perdan in the long run might be profitable.

If they can’t secure it… as long as it doesn’t collapse to the point where they can’t rise again.

“As long as it doesn’t collapse to the point where… well, you know. Whether we have that much leeway is the key.”