落とし穴８３堀：年末の戦場 (Part2)
"Um, in that case, why are you here too, Milly?"
"…Obviously. An increase in visitors doesn't just mean civilians; there are bound to be tons of adventurers, too. The police can handle the general public, but when it comes to adventurers, we have to be ready to haul them in strictly if they step out of line."
"I see."
"And, sorry to put this on you, Tiffany, but with the news that visitors are going to skyrocket this year-end, we have to overhaul our security protocols. Based on that, here is the newly calculated budget for the end of the year."
"Oh, and you probably know this, but the Adventurer Guild will be increasing staff too. The expenses come out of our own pocket, but we need to discuss how many personnel we're talking about. It’s a necessary expense, so please approve it, Tefa-chan."
"So, you can go ahead and process the application from the merchant company as is."
"Thanks. Sorry about this."
A stack of documents landed with a thud in front of Tiffany.
"Of course, feel free to look them over. These are communications from our diplomats, Rurua and Shera. They should be arriving shortly..."
"Excuse me. Tefa, representative, there are documents from the diplomatic department that need your urgent attention."
"…Show me."
I peeked over her shoulder. Sure enough, in Rurua and Shera’s handwriting, it noted that a large number of people from various countries were gathering to spend the year-end in Weed. It predicted an even greater influx of people than last year, requesting coordination with other departments. That was the gist of it.
"Excuse me. I am Quar, sent by Queen Seraria. Regarding the significant increase in year-end travelers... wait, what is everyone doing?"
"Your timing is perfect! Are we talking about the budget increase?"
"Eh? Oh, yes. As Lilishe mentioned, we anticipate a rise in travelers, so I’ve brought the budget increase documents from Seraria. Please, Tefa, Accounting Representative."
"…Yes. Thank you."
Tiffany’s eyes were already dead.
It was only natural. She now had to determine the new budget allocations and draft the paperwork...
Perhaps realizing this, Quar added:
"Half of our Royal Guard will be patrolling the city this year-end. Since we fall under Seraria’s direct orders, there are no expense applications from our side, so don't worry."
"…Thank you."
That was one less document to process, but it didn't make the mountain of work in front of her disappear. Tiffany just replied with an expressionless nod.
"…T-then, I shall take my leave!!"
Feeling the suffocating atmosphere, Quar promptly fled the room.
And then, it began.
"Tiffany, I’d like you to allocate about eighty percent of the additional budget to the police..."
"Hold on a second!! Poni, that’s not happening. Right, senior?"
"Naturally. That should be used for further business expansion, so we, the merchant company, should get eighty percent."
"No, Ratz. That would make it impossible to maintain security."
"Um, if that happens, won't the church's budget be zero?"
A battle for the budget.
Tiffany stood there, all alone in the middle of the fray.
*Ah, this is bad.*
Thinking that, I took Milly and stepped outside.
"Hey, is she okay? Tefa looks like she’s about to die."
"It’s fine. It’s more worrying to keep Milly in that room."
"Huh? What do you mean by that?"
"Oh, you didn't know, Milly? The reason that girl became the accounting representative was..."
***
"SHUT UP!! BE QUIET!! DON'T MAKE A SCENE WHEN I'M THIS BUSY!! I'M GOING TO REVIEW THE DOCUMENTS AND SET THE BUDGET, SO SIT DOWN AND WAIT!! COME BACK TO PROTEST AFTER YOU'VE SEEN THE FIGURES!!"
"『『『Eek!?』』』"
***
"See?"
"…She’s amazing."
"She’s just like us. She’s scary when she gets angry."
"Ah, I see."
At any rate, it looks like we’ll make it through this year, too.
Once I drop Milly off at home, I’ll go buy Tiffany some sweets.
Many people are already finishing their work for the year, but getting hit with a mountain of tasks right at the finish line is enough to make anyone irritable.
And so, the younger generation of Weed is growing up to be quite resilient.
With that, there are only three days left in the year, including today.
Regarding the posting schedule: I will continue as usual until the 31st.
I plan to update at midnight on the 1st.
After that, I will be updating every other day—on the 3rd, 5th, and so on (odd-numbered days).
Thank you for your continued support.