CHAPTER 885: CHAPTER 885: LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS

The best option then was to introduce new jobs and opportunities that the locals could do in the meantime.

However, they also needed to ensure that the people would be willing to return to farming again. Or else, the food supply in the said territories would dwindle if the farmers greatly decreased.

Likewise, they cannot simply meddle in the territories’ overall management since the other nobles would fear they were using the disease as a way to remove more power from the ruling households.

Thus, they had to make it clear that whatever they would introduce now would only be temporary.

If the work is likely to last for long, it has to be from something already possible in the territory itself, only expounded.

This way, they could get the nobles to cooperate as well by making them part of it.

"As top passers in the Civil Service Exam, I believe all of you have studied the general geography and economic activity of all territories in Valeria," Arabella said.

"Yes, Your Majesty," they all nodded in agreement.

"Good," Arabella smiled and gestured to Eunice.

Eunice brought out a map from Arabella’s drawer and handed it to her.

"This is the most updated resource map showing the natural resources and economic activity of the locked-down locations and those surrounding them. Please consider it when giving your suggestions," Arabella gave the map to her assistants.

They carefully spread it on the table and checked for whatever updates they did not know.

Arabella remained silent and let them ponder about their suggestion deeply as they checked the resource maps.

"Sibruh and other nearby territories seem to have a lot of mines but are barely operating. What if all the mines there operate fully? It means more people will be employed there. In some parts of Fidelis, we continue mining even during winter since our people have gotten used to the cold temperature. If guided properly, the people in Sibruh and other areas with mines can also do it," Norbert suggested.

"If that’s feasible even in winter, then that’s good indeed. But what about the hazards?" Arabella inquired.

She did not know much about mining, but she knew that mining in winter can be dangerous.

Likewise, comes spring, the mines can be flooded once the snow begins to melt.

"We can borrow some experts from Fidelis to help guide them. Further, with the help of locals who have in-depth knowledge of their weather patterns, an appropriate schedule can be established to prevent accidents and casualties. Mining operations may be stopped when not weather conditions worsen and when the snow begins to melt," Norbert explained.

"I see. I’ll include this and speak with His Majesty. We may have to discuss this with the lords of the said territories before it can be approved. Do you already have experts in mind that you think would agree to head there?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I can contact them immediately if necessary," Norbert responded.

"I see. That’s good, then. I’ll have you informed in case we need them summoned," Arabella said, and had Eunice note Norbert’s suggestion.

"Your Majesty, a part of Orville also specializes in mining. I can also tap some of our experts for help in case you need more people adept in the mining industry," Felix volunteered.

"Oh, right. Of course, how can we forget about the duchy with the most productive mines in Valeria? I’ll have you informed as well. Please be ready to contact them as well," Arabella smiled.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Our duchy will be more than honored to be a part of this venture," Felix responded.

[I can’t possibly let the Fidelis Dukedom outshine us when it comes to this. Mining in winter may not be our expertise, but we mine in all the other three seasons and have produced great results.]

"If mining operations are capacitated to be fully operational, then we can also involve more people in metallurgy and smithing. I believe weapons are always a necessity in the Empire, especially with monsters attacking in winter. We can have the others learn about this and craft weapons," Oscar suggested.

Arabella nodded as she pondered about Oscar’s suggestion.

’We indeed need more weapons since Valeria may be involved in several wars in a few years. And once the Secret Alliance attacks, all of Valeria may need to participate.

"We can indeed include maximizing those fields but with careful diligence to ensure the weapons are not used against us," Arabella noted.

There is the concern of equipping the said frustrated and fearful people with weapons they could use for a revolt, but they simply need to put regulations to ensure weapons are not used for other purposes aside from the ones they were intended.

Alwin’s surveillance magic tools can be used to monitor them at all times, as well as to ensure that no one breaks the regulations, and those who do are punished.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I believe some knights stationed to watch over them and stay on guard may also help," Oscar had also thought about the possibility of it working against them.

"I have experienced being in the mines, and even with my trained body, it’s quite a difficult task for ladies, especially with the difficulty breathing underground. Since mining jobs are more appropriate for men, then there should be other tasks for the ladies like craftswork," Nadia said.

Nadia’s fellow assistants gawked at her when she mentioned so casually that she had worked in mines.

They were reminded that Nadia was far from a normal person with all the suffering she had experienced in life.

"Nadia’s concern is indeed true. Mining is not for everyone, so there needs to be more tasks. What about weaving and sewing?" Odette suggested.

"Yes, it should be possible once the pests and diseases are either fully controlled or eradicated. Weaving and sewing are currently not possible with all the sources of thread burned due to the plant disease. However, processed threads and yarns are not vulnerable to the disease, so weaving and sewing can continue soon," Arabella explained.

Likewise, fabric, thread, and yarn can be hiding places for the pests that carry the plant disease, so they cannot be distributed or continued yet.