All Poisons Can Become Medicine - 6
"What we must do... well, that's obvious, isn't it?"
She was listening intently to my words. Missing this opportunity would be foolish.
"We must offer a burnt offering."
"A burnt offering?"
"Yes. We need to let the god know that we're living such happy lives here."
The god of this world wanted its creations to live happy lives. To that end, it didn't choose passive methods like mere psychological comfort. Instead, it pressured the governors into inspections.
"It will work."
When the citizens' happiness level exceeds a certain threshold, a kind of gauge builds up proportional to that "happy time." And once that gauge surpasses its limit, offering a burnt sacrifice to the god brings a blessing in response.
A roguelike blessing—one that could yield tremendous results if the synergies were aligned just right.
The governors had to manage happiness levels if only to prevent rebellions and rally the citizens' will, or to secure powerful blessings and stabilize the colony faster.
"Is that... even possible?"
"Of course it is."
The governor knew this well. But in reality, receiving blessings through burnt offerings was something that inevitably got pushed back.
It's not an easy task.
There might not be many governors in as extreme a situation as Shatinbelle Silkraise, but even without that, right after establishing a colony, the top priority was always food stabilization. Even without variables like swarms of ants devouring all stockpiled food, provisions were always in short supply.
You couldn't adjust work hours for the citizens' happiness, nor provide luxuries they craved, quality food, or good housing. Planks, bricks, precious ingredients, spices—everything fell short.
Even knowing how powerful those blessings were, they had no choice but to endure and stabilize the colony a bit first before managing happiness.
"Since you just established the colony, the expectations from those following you won't be too high, Governor."
"True enough."
"No need to secure food, so you can use relatively less labor. You can guarantee them ample rest."
"Yes, but?"
One person covering the food for ten or a hundred was only possible after fertile land for farming and systems to process primary ingredients were in place. Right after settling, they had no choice but to forage.
And foraging wasn't an efficient way to secure food. With ninety people, at least twenty Joinkind would have been needed for gathering.
Since I provided that food, she could save that labor. Cutting needed labor by about twenty percent meant they could work twenty percent less. Those working ten hours a day could do eight; those needing fifteen could manage twelve—and the colony would hold.
"Let's cultivate moonstalks and set up a sewing room right away."
For Joinkind, that process would inspire hope. No matter how necessary, foraging wasn't enjoyable. But working to make clothes they could enjoy—that was fun.
"It can be done."
This was more than feasible. No way it couldn't.
"Radical..."
"I believe you can handle this much."
She was prideful. For a Joinkind noble, it wasn't unusual. Stimulating Shatinbelle's ambition was a sound strategy. Praising her competence, insisting someone as capable as her could manage this—it worked.
"Impressive. Have you served as governor before?"
"I won't confirm or deny."
"I thought we'd built some trust, but disappointing. If you were a predecessor, I'd have to treat you with utmost respect."
"You flatter me."
Shatinbelle tossed out a few jests, then fell silent. She was reviewing my plan.
She's far calmer than I expected...
This deviated from my prepared scenarios. I'd figured she'd either leap with excitement, shouting "That's exactly what I wanted!" or angrily refuse, stubborn as "I can't trust you."
I was ready for either. But I hadn't anticipated her seriously, calmly reconsidering my proposal.
"A grateful offer. Quite appealing. But..."
She trailed off. She knew continuing here would be pointless for both sides.
Damn, free lunch failed.
I could tell from her eyes. She'd seen through my intentions.
"Risky, isn't it?"
"Running a colony, every choice carries risk."
I knew she wasn't saying it with that intent, but I deliberately shifted the topic. She was right—this was dangerous. Not just if "the population grows too much" or "food suddenly runs short"—
Because they'll have no choice but to depend on me.
But I didn't panic.
So what will you do?
Even if my intent was exposed, her options were limited.
/////
Hah.
Shatinbelle bit her lip hard. The man was watching her.
Undeniably sweet offer.
An opportunity others couldn't get. If it succeeded as he said, securing the first blessing early would accelerate the territory's growth. Secure industrial facilities faster, build citizen happiness at speeds other colonies couldn't dream of.
But all that progress would rest on the foundation of "Jeong Isu's support." Support he could yank away anytime he wished.
Food stabilization... is far more crucial than he lets on.
The governor's doctrine prioritized it because it held that weight. Running a colony, fuel could run short. Enemies might attack, problems could spark unrest, strikes, desertions. But those were manageable.
Nothing could strangle this settlement's lifeline. The threats were just bandit packs at worst. They could kidnap forest hunters or foragers, block trade routes to impoverish the colony. But it wouldn't fall.
Fail to stock winter fuel, and some might freeze or complain of cold. But not the whole colony in one winter. Elders and children at risk, but the colony endures.
Food was different. Shortage could collapse it entirely. Better delay the queen's task than lose the colony's lifeline.
But if I follow him—
Without proper food production, we'd just expand scale, depending on him. Dependence becomes submission; soon, defying him would be impossible.
That couldn't happen. Too dangerous.
But!
Still, Shatinbelle couldn't brusquely reject him. Poison, yes—deadly, but so sweetly alluring. Like addictive nectar.
As long as he didn't betray her, didn't use food to control the colony.
She could develop it at absurd speeds.
If we continue like this...
With proper warriors and adventurers, she might achieve more than five colonies combined. As he boasted, hand the Storm's Heart to him laughing, with monumental feats.
But distrust him now, and back to square one: hounding subordinates for tiny berries, scouring ant-ravaged grounds for fallen grains.
Even stabilizing that way, she'd be just another governor. Finish food at decent time, industry decently, expeditions decently, manage happiness decently for a timely burnt offering—a mediocre one.
Trust him, and she'd outshine countless governors, etch her name in history. Not borrowing her parents' "Silkraise" glory, but elevating the house through her deeds.
Shatinbelle couldn't—no, wouldn't—give that up.
"Explain in more detail. That plan... it intrigues me."
He smiled leisurely, as if he'd expected it.
"First, after this year ends... after the blessing, we can decide more concretely."
"I see..."
"Roughly, though... devote all manpower to 'happiness' as much as possible. Minimize anyone not directly making residents happy."
"Ambitious. But still too rushed. We need some infrastructure."
Scented wine needs a brewery; sweets need a bakery. Clothes need fabric, fabric needs weaving facilities. Nothing could be half-done.
"Agreed. But with my help, we can acquire some without self-sufficiency. Planks, rebar, glass bottles... no need to make everything ourselves."
"Splendid."
Colonies needed "industrial development" because other settlements couldn't supply all necessities. Glass bottles, pipes, precious materials, processed goods—transport was lacking.
But a merchant supplying exactly what's needed, in bulk, at once? No need for self-sufficiency.
"Looking forward to working with you."
"The honor is mine, working with such a wise governor as you, Shatinbelle. Next shipment in half a year."
"Good..."
Communication cut.
Shatinbelle sighed deeply.
"Not sure if this is right, but..."
Hours ago, she worried about starvation. This was definite improvement.
"Alright. Let's do it."
Decision made. Regretting now would be foolish.
Shatinbelle left the trading post for the colony.
"Everyone, attention!"
From now on, no moment to rest. For the great colony.