Chereads / The Price Is Your Everything / Chapter 96 - [Chapter 96] Having Experienced Disaster Relief

Chapter 96 - [Chapter 96] Having Experienced Disaster Relief

Since no one was in the mood to leisurely enjoy their meal, an immediate meeting was convened. The messenger from Pechernon entered the meeting room and explained the situation in detail.

"It's a sudden event, so everyone is in shock. The Lord himself is out there personally clearing the mud. The water will recede as time passes due to the terrain, but this year's crops are completely ruined, and the people are sitting by the roadside."

The messenger, who had also lost his home in the flood, looked desperate.

The people in the meeting room raised their voices with serious expressions. Pechernon sought help, and the others had no objections to providing assistance.

The issue was about accountability.

"So, what's wrong with saying that if you accurately request what's needed, the Lords can divide and send the necessary aid? Of course, Pechernon should take the lead. How are we supposed to know their situation?"

"Isn't Pechernon Lord out there personally clearing the mud? So, how can Hilbrin intervene?"

It seemed that Hilbrin's stance was that Pechernon should take responsibility for the relief efforts on their own, while Rex hoped the respected Hilbrin would take charge and provide assistance. The messenger from Pechernon seemed eager for the conflict to end quickly, regardless of who won.

Upon hearing this, Hilbrin sharply questioned Neris.

"I'd like to hear your opinion. How would you handle this situation as an advisor?"

All eyes in the room turned to Neris. Especially the Mainland subordinate lords who hadn't worked with Neris yet had icy expressions.

Some were hoping to see her blush with injustice. In that atmosphere, Neris raised the corners of her mouth.

Her black veil only covered up to her eyes, so her smile was clearly visible to everyone. Hilbrin spoke with a trembling face.

"Is this situation amusing to you?"

"You find it amusing."

Neris deliberately responded with a hint of arrogance. Hilbrin stood up abruptly.

"That's disrespectful!"

"You've been thinking of shifting responsibility to the innocent victim all along. If the Lord leading a land is too busy avoiding responsibility, who will help when something happens on your land in the future?"

The messenger from Pechernon nodded fervently but stopped after seeing the reactions around him. This time, Neris turned her gaze to Rex.

"By forcing a hot-tempered and authoritarian man into a position of responsibility, how will we handle the situation if the damage worsens in such urgent circumstances? If there are people suffering at this moment, as a superior, we should pay more attention to the selection process."

Rex blinked. After scanning the others in the meeting room, he cleared his throat and said, "But currently, there's no one suitable to take on the responsibility."

"Yes. Everyone is busy with their own tasks."

"Isn't it all just talk?"

"Hilbrin, in a frustrated state, abruptly interrupted the conversation. Although he took his seat, his demeanor indicated a strong desire to leave immediately.

"That's disrespectful."

This time, Carl furrowed his brow. Unusually, he was causing discomfort openly, and the atmosphere around him turned cold.

Carl was likely unable to bear seeing his superior unfairly criticized, but his words ignited the situation. Hilbrin couldn't stand even a subordinate showing such disrespect towards him.

He exclaimed, "Then take charge yourself! Instead of a hot-tempered person like me who avoids responsibility, let the advisor handle it directly! Being from the South, you have no idea how serious this is!"

The air in the meeting room became uncomfortably tense.

Now, how would the new advisor respond? The managers felt uneasy as Hilbrin openly displayed his resentment towards Neris, and the subordinate lords seemed relieved.

Yes, were the managers daring to dictate to the direct descendants of the prestigious family brought to the Grand Court? If they were so capable, why not take charge themselves!

Taking on the responsibility of disaster relief, where several lives were at stake on unfamiliar land, was no easy task. Additionally, with the need for extensive resources and real-time reporting, how cooperative would the subordinate lords be with the Southern-born advisor?

Everyone believed she would refuse, but the words that came from her lips were different.

"I agree. Since you all seem to be making irrational judgments due to the cold wind, how about I take command and even make a fool of myself by going there?"

The conference room fell silent.

It couldn't have been quieter even if a pin had dropped. The young lady, who had seemed trivial, the toy-like advisor at eighteen years old who hadn't even made eye contact with the people in the room.

The sharp words she delivered shocked the individuals in the room. Her sarcastic tone, which would have been seen as amusing in this land, was as chilling as an ice blade.

While Hilbrin arrogantly rolled his eyes, there was a hint of less disdain towards Neris. It was a realization he hadn't quite grasped. And the same was true for everyone else in the room.

At least she had courage.

In fact... it wasn't just courage.

Leaning back comfortably in her chair, Neris, with just the atmosphere, quickly established herself as the owner of the room. What had happened in that meeting a few days ago was no fluke; it had been proven to everyone.

Since they were so overt, there was no choice. Neris addressed not only Hilbrin but everyone in the room.

"The situation is urgent, and it seems that you all are more concerned with avoiding responsibility than alleviating the people's suffering. Therefore, it's best for the Grand Court to handle this matter. I was asked for my opinion, so there it is. Does Pechernon have anything specific to say about this issue?"

"No."

The messenger from Pechernon replied with a grateful expression for reaching a quick conclusion.

Shortly after, the Lords smiled satisfactorily, while the managers wore perplexed expressions. However, since there was no one who could provide a clearer or better answer than what Neris had presented, the decision was made as such.

***

As Neris sat at her desk, Dora rolled her eyes and asked, "Why did you take on this task? Pechernon is nothing but trouble. It's far away, and the newly crowned Lord has a poor relationship with the surrounding Lords. So, no matter how well things are handled here, there will likely be issues along the way."

"Newly crowned? When was the coronation?"

"The Lord is about to be crowned by His Majesty."

Neris seemed to understand why Ellen, and perhaps even Cladwin, had assigned Dora to her.

Dora had a good grasp of the situation and was knowledgeable about the land and its people. Above all, she was quick with information.

"I see."

Knock, knock. A loud knocking sound was heard.

"Come in."

Soon, Carl Sidney and Hugh entered. Hugh was carrying only a large rolled-up paper, while Carl had a thick stack of documents in hand.

"These are the current flood situation reports and records of previous relief efforts."

Carl said brightly with a smile. Hugh placed the large paper he had brought on Neris's desk.

Upon unfolding it, it revealed a map.

"I'm not the one to interpret this; it's for you to see, Advisor."

"Understood. Thank you."

Without hesitation, Hugh pinpointed a region in the far northwest of Mainland on the map. It was a point where a fairly wide river met the sea downstream.

"This is Pechernon, but have you ever been involved in disaster relief efforts?"

"No, I haven't."

Tsk. Hugh clicked his tongue as if to say 'listen up.' Carl looked embarrassed.

"Hugh, that's rude!"

Dora's expression turned stern. However, Neris smiled calmly.

"Well, isn't that why you're here? Where should we start with the explanation?"

"I-I'll explain."

As if afraid Hugh would commit a bigger offense, Carl quickly rummaged through the documents he had brought. He then pulled out a few sheets, handed them to Neris, and said, "The scale of this flood, similar to this year's, is practically unprecedented. While Pechernon experiences typhoons every summer, they are prepared and resolved within the western region."

"I see."

There had been no or very few discussions about relief reaching the Grand Court. So, everyone in the meeting room was reluctant to take action.

The documents Carl presented didn't offer much help. Despite the claim that the issue was resolved within the western region, the central authorities before Cladwin's coronation had barely sent any aid, as indicated.

Carl awkwardly smiled.

"There aren't really any guidelines... But if we handle this well, wouldn't it enhance His Majesty's reputation far and wide?"

"Alright. You're right. Carl, bring all the documents you have here."

"Oh, if you need anything specific, I'll pull it out for you."

"We need to go through everything we have. Are there any other relevant documents besides these?"

"Yes, Advisor."

"Got it. Thank you."

Carl brought the documents as instructed by Neris and placed them on Hugh's map. Neris quickly scanned through the papers and let out a light chuckle.

Even though her expression was partially hidden behind the silk veil, it was clearly visible to those in front of her. Carl looked puzzled, and Hugh responded coolly.

"Since decisions of this magnitude were made in the absence of His Majesty, we won't know what reprimands we might face when he returns. Please act accordingly."

Dora, who had been irritated by Hugh's rudeness, made a displeased expression. Neris raised her eyebrows slightly.

Beyond the veil made of silk, a well-shaped jawline was visible. Despite the indoor setting and the shadow cast by the veil, the color was not clearly visible to those in front of her. Hugh, for some reason, felt a bit embarrassed under her gaze and fell silent.

"A bit."

It seemed to sparkle differently than ordinary eyes. That thought crossed his mind momentarily. She wasn't of noble descent, so it seemed unlikely, but...

Neris asked Carl, "When there's a flood, the drinking water in that area disappears. Is the water supply being properly managed?"

Carl looked unsure.

"Wouldn't there be enough water in Pechernon?"

"If the Lord has to go out and clear the mud, there might still be a lot of water in the houses. It's a major flood, so there's a possibility that seawater has flowed back into the river, and perhaps Pechernon is now in a situation where a huge swamp is forming."

Neris's words were based on experience.

Her statement about not having been involved in disaster relief efforts was limited to this current life. In fact, in her previous life as a princess, Neris had been tasked with providing humanitarian aid when a country in the southern part of the empire suffered a major blow from a typhoon.

At that time, she knew nothing. Vista was a vast continent, and having lived her whole life in the inland regions, it was difficult for her to imagine the situation of the people in that country, which consisted of hundreds of islands.

There was much to learn, but she had good mentors by her side at that time. She spent many days and nights pouring herself into learning.

For example, she learned to be cautious as wells in flood-affected areas could be contaminated with sewage. Special care was needed to prevent waterborne diseases, so wearing oil-coated gloves to avoid direct contact with contaminated water was necessary.

Ultimately, she was able to provide the necessary support to that country, and the royal family of that country viewed Neris favorably, considering Vista's convenience in diplomatic positions with other countries.

Looking back now, it was Abelus who had seen all the benefits.

Neris concluded seriously, "We shouldn't make conclusions among ourselves; we should bring a messenger as soon as possible for discussion. They might have a more detailed plan. We also need to know how the housing situation for the flood victims is."

"Yes!"

Hugh seemed like he wanted to say something, but Carl promptly left the office and called for the messenger, leaving no room for further discussion.

Neris glanced through the documents Carl had provided once again and smiled.