第５２掘：お仕事割り振り問題 (Part2)
"We're expecting three hundred people from the Kingdom of Roschur, aren't we? If things stay as they are, Ratz and the others are going to collapse. I know we planned for freedom of choice in employment, but until things stabilize, we absolutely must secure a fixed number of personnel."
"I see."
Narjia-san is right. Most of the Fairies will naturally want to work in blacksmithing or manufacturing. But if that happens, there won’t be nearly enough hands to run the shops, the bathhouses, and the like. If over three hundred people arrive, the whole system will grind to a halt. This is a crisis! If everyone collapses, that’s the end of it! I have to talk to Brother!
"Shall we help out, then? Firia-chan, was it the register? Can you handle it?"
"I can use it, but I can't calculate the change... It does it automatically, but Brother says it’s safer to be able to do it yourself, just in case..."
"It’s fine. I’ll handle the calculations."
"Understood!! Ratz-san!! Narjia-san is going to help, so we can open another register!!"
Only after I called out did Ratz-san seem to notice me.
"Oh, Firia-chan. Welcome back. And thank you! Then, please open register number two! Eris, handle the crowd control!"
"Understood. Everyone, this register is opening, so... please move to this one at your own discretion!"
As I opened the register, a crowd of Fairies came forward, their baskets overflowing with sweets.
"Right, let's do our best."
"Yes!!"
After we finally closed the shop and finished dinner, I reported the situation to Brother.
"Ah, I guess it was a bit much, huh?"
"Indeed. It was beyond expectations. The supermarket you mentioned has an incredible draw, but we are severely lacking in manpower. It’s a silver lining that we realized this thanks to the Fairies. If this had happened when the three hundred arrived, I’d be sleeping in my futon right now. Definitely."
Ratz-san looks exhausted. And rightfully so; even after the shop closed, she was busy restocking and checking the sales figures.
"By the way, how about the issue we discussed?"
"That, yes. Thanks to the security features, there were no thieves, but we had three cases where we forgot to ring something up. I feel terrible about that."
"I’m truly sorry to hear that. I’ll make sure to apologize to them later as well."
"No, that won't be necessary. I’ve already handled it with them."
"I appreciate that, Elder."
"As for the accounting, there are no discrepancies so far. That’s because the automatic calculation doesn't make mistakes. The only risk is if the transactions become too complex..."
"We’ll have to keep an eye on that for now. Usually, when people are busy or lose focus, that’s when they miscount the change."
"Yes, that’s unavoidable. We’ll just have to encourage them to stay sharp."
Phew, it seems the money was correct. I’m glad Narjia-san helped out.
"So, the immediate problem is personnel. I can think of two countermeasures. One, limit the number of people allowed to go to the shops. Two, and I apologize for this, but we may have to make it mandatory for some Fairies to serve as shop staff. What do you think, Elder? As it stands, the manpower is with the Fairies, so I would appreciate your cooperation..."
"Yes, I see this as a good opportunity to repay your kindness, so I have no objections. However, I would like to add a condition."
"And what would that be?"
"It is embarrassing to admit, but... many of the fools have already spent all the silver coins they were given, as well as their own personal funds... I would like you to provide wages in the form of a daily stipend for those who work from now on. I understand your financial situation. I was too lenient in this matter. I apologize."
"...Ah, Ratz. What were today's sales?"
"Yes, the sales were 8,561 Foru. That’s eight platinum coins, five gold coins, six silver coins, and one copper coin."
"...And if I recall, the amount we provided was..."
"That would be five silver coins per person. For fifty-seven people, that’s 2,850 Foru—two platinum coins, eight gold coins, and five silver coins. Even subtracting the stipend, the Fairies spent 5,711 Foru of their own money. That’s about 100 Foru per person. They blew through one gold coin each today."
"Whoa, that’s insane."
"Yes. Even though I set the prices high specifically to discourage impulsive buying, they didn't hesitate at all. Fairies are quite wealthy, aren't they?"
"Haa... it’s truly embarrassing. And for those fools who squandered their money to wait for a payday that they don't know when will come... well, it’s their own fault, but..."
"That will lead to dissatisfaction."
"Exactly. Pointing out the fact that they aren't being paid will have a negative impact on the future."
Brother and the others are having a difficult conversation. But today, I’m actually quite happy. You see, there’s a rule among the three of us: we take turns sitting on Brother’s lap! Today is my turn! As they talk, Brother is stroking my hair! It feels so good. That’s why I’m going to make sure to return the favor tonight!
"For now, we need to decide on the wages starting tomorrow..."
"But Brother, you’re aiming for a monthly salary system, right? You already explained that..."
"In that case, let’s assume the payroll is already calculated, and for the fools who squandered their money this time, we’ll stick to the policy of having them wait until next month..."
"...Then... and so..."
*Yawn*... I’m starting to get sleepy. Brother’s voice is drifting further and further away. I shouldn't fall asleep...
Well, too bad! Yuki was already being licked all over! Don't get jealous, haha. Setting that aside, there was a bit of trouble this time. Nothing ever goes perfectly, does it? It’s a story about needing to make various adjustments. Well, those who squandered their money only have themselves to blame.