[ The cause of the famine, it seems, is the construction of a dam not too far from the village. While it would be all too easy to break the dam down with her power, the group decides to play it safe and talk their way into this. It is difficult, however, to convince government officials when you were parading as mere merchants. If only Kougyoku was still in some position to speak... The official Izumo was talking to was an idiot.

Kougyoku isn't going to let this chance to accomplish something slip by without saying anything again. She loses her patience in the middle of Izumo's negotiations. ]

Um! [ She finally steps forward. There's no turning back. ] All our master is trying to do is to inform you of your lord's foolishness. ...I apologize for speaking out of turn. I couldn't help but notice how this dam will give your lord a great disadvantage in the near future.

[ Disadvantage? More than curious about what she had to say, the official in charge is appalled. ]

Although the seat of power in this territory is beyond this dam, the arable land in that vicinity is lacking. [ She's just guessing. ] That is why all your food comes from this village, correct? [ She heard it from a local while snooping around (and not asking directly like a normal person). ] I understand that water is a valuable resource, but wouldn't it be wiser to distribute these resources where they are necessary? At this rate, your lord won't be able to feed both his people and himself.

We are not making this request out of pity. We are simply giving you advice.

[ The murmuring of the soldiers and look on the official's face tells Kougyoku she's spot on, but he tries to strike back with his words: Hmph! Since when did a wench like you have the right to tell us what to do? Kougyoku steps back and her eyes widen at the insult. The outcome of this negotiation will all depend on the group's next move! ]