Megami Buchigire - Chapter 44

Rice crop.

In Japan’s case, this came over to Japan from the eastern Asian continent from even before 0AD, which means there is more than 2,000 years of history. But as it turns out, Japan is a pretty difficult place to grow rice in.

The problem is not with the environment. The problem is Japan’s high temperatures and high humidity, which leads to a very large population of harmful insects.

In the first place, Japan is known for having many insects. When foreigners hear stories of insects coming into homes in Japan, they almost unanimously reply with “Are you kidding?!” and shiver in fear.

In contrast, the Japanese themselves are familiar and used to insects, to the point where listening to the sounds of insects makes them feel the seasons and refinement. Again, this is something that many foreigners do not get.

Which is why it’s awful that fireflies (fire / fly) have that name.

Not even a shadow of refinement whatsoever.

“I know that it’s a huge undertaking to take countermeasures against harmful insects, but specifically what is it that I’ll have to do? We don’t have pesticide here, and even if we did, we can’t very well spread that all over the place in another world.”

The one currently puzzling over such insects is Asuksan in the village of Fito within the Republic of Keros, who is currently planning out how to get started with rice planting.

She already started a bit as a test, and it seems that the species she picked was a good one as the paddy fields before her are already filled with verdant rice-plants. It was worth it asking everyone else in the village to help carry water over.

Asuksan had also activated Athensama’s protection to its utmost, digging a canal with the momentum of a human bulldozer.

It needs not be said that the sight caused the grandpas and grandmas of the village to worship in reverence and the young men of the village to draw back in aversion.

But the rice planting has only begun, and there are still many problems.

Asuksan does have a certain amount of agricultural knowledge, but all of it is for modern day application. Most of it is unsuitable for a world with a cultural level similar to that of medieval Europe.

“Nn, if we’re looking at next year, then there is a way to ensure that the harmful insects die off during the winter. But since we need immediate results, oil is probably our only option.”

“Oil?”

The one offering advice to Asuksan in the midst of her troubles is the diminutive giant Sukunabikonsama.

Perched on top of Asuksan’s shoulder, he has completely turned into a mascot character.