The Empire's food supply is now extremely strained, and even the noble's tables are missing many of the delicacies of the past, transforming indulgence into a mere means to fill the stomach.

Thus, even under the name of the Eldest Princess, the amount of food that can be allocated is very limited, and what arrives is barely a drop in the bucket, insufficient to keep people from starvation.

Despite being harsh, for the Empire, the best way to handle these people right now is not to handle them, waiting for them to starve or die from illness, eliminating the problem altogether.

Because, for the Empire now, there are indeed no more energy or resources to save these people.

Even for Perfikot, tackling the problem here has become quite challenging.

Solving the food issue is relatively easy; Perfikot can apply the compressed biscuit-making technology used in the Northern Territory here. While not promising to fill their bellies, it can keep them from starving.

But resolving the food and clothing dilemma is only the first step in solving the problems here, or rather the least important step.

If these people cannot resist the cold, then even if fed, they'll succumb to freezing and disease; merely satiating hunger adds more torment during their demise.

However, enabling them to withstand frost isn't easily achieved.

Providing shelters is feasible, yet Perfikot doesn't want to just nurture them; letting them work to sustain themselves is the right path. Merely nurturing them breeds laziness and troubles, leading to no other outcome besides that in Perfikot's view.

Perhaps, this is harsh, but rational thinking leaves Perfikot skeptical of human nature.

She can temporarily supply them with food, clothing, and fuel for warmth, allowing them to survive temporary hardships without starving, recovering to a state capable of labor.

However, true salvation is allowing them to support themselves—those who do not work, do not eat—not just dragging them from hell before kicking them into a swamp.

Yet, their quality is concerning; most have never been educated, possessing nothing beyond sheer physical strength.

Throwing them into mines to work as laborers worries Perfikot that they might collapse the mines; employing them in factories or construction of shelters is out of the question.

For Perfikot, these tasks could be completed by machines, which are both worry-free and more efficient.

She uses manual labor in the Northern Territory to provide jobs for her people, not just raising them like pigs.

She can sustain these people, but she sees no reason to do so.

It's akin to certain original world countries with large populations; logically, they should realize development advantages from population dividends, but low population quality turns their population into a national burden instead.

So, Perfikot insists those who do not labor do not eat, feeling conflicted as she struggles to find where to place such inferior labor.

Despite potential employment in shelter construction, a certain level of knowledge and technical proficiency is necessary—construction work isn't for everyone.

If basic wall-building fails to ensure straightness, surrendering the job is better.

Yet, most in the slums lack this capability; had they any, they'd have found a self-sustaining job instead of enduring hunger here.

The past Empire wasn't like now, abundant job positions awaited workforce inclusion, and finding a job wasn't difficult if willing to work.

But, slum dwellers rarely find decent jobs, resorting to odd physical tasks without technical content.

Thus, even if Perfikot is willing to employ them, what they can do remains very limited.

As Perfikot ponders what they might do, she gradually leaves the worst slum area, arriving at a relatively better place.

Here, streets are relatively wider and cleaner; residents appear in better conditions nonetheless.

But to Perfikot, whether here or what they passed through, all is equally dire.

If there's any difference, it's likely food distribution occurs here, and rather than desperately competing, people queue orderly for food.

This isn't necessarily due to higher quality in these people or the distributors providing ample food to avoid strife.

"Interesting, did they exert mental influence on these poor people?" Perfikot notices the trick but remains unfazed.

Distributing food in such a place necessitates control to avoid plundering, which might lead to disastrous consequences.

So, using small tricks, according to Perfikot, is no problem.

However, coming to the slums at this time to distribute food carries intriguing intentions.

While pure good deeds exist, to Perfikot, greater likelihood lies in ulterior motives.

She won't measure others with utmost ill intent but neither with pure goodwill.

Judging one as good or bad based on action and first impression is unwise.

Some may appear charitable, yet indulge in vile acts behind closed doors.

Similarly, others commit wrongdoing, essentially driven by inescapable life pressures.

So, distributing food in the slums doesn't lead Perfikot to view them as good people, nor does it paint them as bad.

"Claudia, have Brotherhood investigate that person," Perfikot says into the air, receiving no response but knowing her female assassin has heard the command.

Perfikot then shifts focus, leaving the slum behind.

Though Perfikot fails to notice, as she leaves, the young noble-like man distributing food observed her departing carriage, eyes filled with indescribable desire.

——————————————

"Count, what are your plans for the slums? If manpower is needed, the church can assist," Shabelle proactively speaks, attempting church involvement as they sit returning in the carriage.

Perfikot merely shakes her head, then says, "The slums are more complex than I anticipated, potentially harboring unknowns, thus deciding now is premature.

While I'm pleased the church wishes to help, investigation should precede any action, for purification may be needed over salvation."

Addressing Shabelle, Perfikot incisively asks, "Given your church or other heretical sects, confronted with current slum conditions, what would you do first?"

"Distribute food and clothing, winning hearts," Shabelle answers sincerely, unoffended by Perfikot grouping church with heretical sects.

Perfikot nods, smiling, "So you think those distributing food in the slums now are merely good people?"

"That person just now? I'll have the church investigate for sure," Shabelle readily accepts the task.

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