CHAPTER 884: CHAPTER 884: SUGGESTIONS FROM HER ASSISTANTS (PART 2)

They may even join out of curiosity, or simply for the sake of maximizing a free lesson.

"Yes, we can also do that.

Teens face a lot of changes, so such lessons would indeed be useful for them.

We can also prolong it and add more lessons if it is well-received," Arabella nodded in approval.

Eunice then noted Odette’s suggestion.

"What else?"

Arabella wanted as many activities as possible to keep the people distracted while the knights continued their work without getting more complaints from the people.

Felix raised his hand next.

"Your Majesty, we can also hold game tournaments with a variety of games that cater to all ages.

We can tap merchants who could not deliver their merchandise as among the gamemasters.

Meanwhile, we provide the rewards, or they use their merchandise, and we pay them.

This way, merchants who have been stuck can use their unsold merchandise while it’s still in season and earn while the locals enjoy some fun," Felix suggested.

"Yes, that’s great!

Merchants who had been stuck since the lockdowns had also been growing irritated and unmotivated.

They had indeed submitted complaints about their merchandise becoming out of season.

Using their merchandise as part of games or as prizes would indeed give it a new purpose since it’s unlikely the lockdowns will stop before the season ends.

This way, their losses can be minimized," Arabella was delighted at Felix’s suggestion.

’As expected from someone who hails from a duchy with a lot of merchants!’

One of the reasons Orville Dukedom was prosperous was because they had a lot of merchants who dominated the trading industry they specialized in.

Arabella approved of Felix’s suggestion, so Eunice also noted it.

Nadia raised her hand next and Arabella gestured for her to speak.

"Your Majesty, since there will be game tournaments, what if cash prizes were added, even in small amounts?

This way, those who had low income due to the pest infestation and plant disease may at least have a chance to get an additional budget while also having fun.

Many people would be more interested in joining as well once they see there will be cash prizes," Nadia suggested.

[Going to festivals with games with great rewards and cash prizes had been one of our sources of goods and budget when there were no monster-hunting jobs.]

"Yes, we can do that as well.

Cash prizes would indeed draw in more people.

It would be a win-win booth for the gamemasters and the players.

The joy of winning a game and earning money from it will surely uplift their mood as well," Arabella nodded in approval.

’As expected of Nadia to suggest something practical.’

Nadia, who had experienced having to treasure every coin, understood that the locals would treasure even the smallest amount they could get, especially if it was from a game they enjoyed.

Ronald raised his hand next, and Arabella gestured for him to speak.

"Having fun is indeed important in distressing times.

If everyone is down, then morale will only keep plummeting.

However, there may also be those who cannot stomach having fun at such times and refuse to be part of the other activities.

Since there are already a lot of opportunities for people to have fun, perhaps we can also add something for those who are more eager to learn.

For instance, teaching those who are interested to learn how to read and write will be beneficial for the Empire in the long run.

A lot of teachers can be hired for a low price if it’s only for a short time.

We can focus on the basics or have divisions for various levels so those who already have some background can also learn more," Ronald suggested.

As someone who was raised to be the next Prime Minister, Ronald was looking ahead to something they could do now that would benefit the future of the Empire.

Reading and writing lessons are quite pricey for the common people, so free lessons about them would be very much welcome.

"Yes, indeed. Surely, eager learners will sign up for this. Valeria would indeed benefit from this," Arabella nodded in approval.

Ferdinand said they had already used magic, so ashes from everything they were burning would not get spread or cause problems. Thus, learning and having fun were still possible in the locked-down territories.

’These activities should be enough for now. We can have another meeting if we need more.’

"Thank you for your suggestions. I believe these should be enough for now as immediate distractions," Arabella said after checking the list Eunice made.

"Next, what can you suggest for long-term solutions? Preferably something that could last for one season to an entire year, since even if the plant disease was eradicated, farming may not yet be feasible this coming spring, but the next," Arabella explained.

"Since it may last for an entire year, then everyone who works in farming and related fields needs a new source of income while waiting for the next planting season," Nadia voiced in concern.

"Yes, they will need new opportunities that could last for at least a year," Arabella agreed.

This was one of the most pressing concerns.

Those who can transfer to other jobs in the meantime already did where they can find one available.

However, since they are far from Riva, most of the said territories were more focused on agriculture.

A huge population of the locals were working in agriculture and related fields.

Thus, there were not enough jobs for everyone.

This was why the fear of not being able to feed their families kept them panicking.

The Empire could keep supporting them while no work was available.

However, the people were feeling insecure when they did not have their own source of income.

There may also be those who will grow too reliant from the support of the Empire and become lazy.

One year is enough to change people’s behavior and habits so they may change during that time.

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