第６５９堀：新部署と人材 (Part2)
"...Hmm. I see. I understand the issue. So, you're saying that aside from the dispatched personnel, we need someone from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
"Exactly."
After I replied, Cleena fell silent for a moment...
"...Hmm. Impossible."
That was her verdict. Yeah, I figured.
"It’s not just impossible; it’s unreasonable."
"Indeed. To oversee diplomats means, by position, taking over the scrutiny of the diplomacy Yuki-sama is conducting, handling the fine-tuned adjustments, and drafting the paperwork. Not only does it require appropriate knowledge and etiquette, but it must also be someone who can grasp our intentions and someone we can trust."
"...There’s no one like that. We’re already stretched to our limits as it is."
Just as Ria said, we don't have the spare capacity within our inner circle to staff the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Technically, we have Deryu and Riel from the police force, who are currently in the "Special Duty" slot, but having those two as the heads of the diplomatic corps would be... well, let's just say it’s not ideal.
Both of them are wives I’m proud of, but when it comes to this kind of interaction, I’m not confident.
Furthermore, putting Deryu aside, Riel is of a race often looked down upon as demi-humans on the If Continent. While one could argue for doing it precisely for that reason, I’d rather not stir up unnecessary trouble. Besides, both of them are terrible at paperwork.
It’s not that they *can't* do it, but they lack the motivation. They are field-oriented people.
Above all, as the police special duty unit, they are the team that needs to move immediately when a troublesome incident occurs in Weed. Their performance in that regard is solid; they aren't exactly swamped, but they aren't exactly free, either.
"If we were to make it work, we could put one of us at the top of the Ministry as a figurehead, and leave the actual practical work to a capable person we find. We’d only need to look over the finished documents. All the fine details of trade and exchange would be left to that subordinate."
"...That is a possible method."
"...But where are we going to find a capable person who can handle that practical work?"
"...Hmm. Nowhere."
"Exactly."
Someone who understands our goals, is accustomed to dealing with other countries, and can handle the practical side of things.
...I’m saying this myself, but I realize I’m asking for the impossible.
I imagine Kagura is probably screaming her head off with similar demands. I’ve received reports that Eris and Milly are currently drilling the diplomatic work in Weed into her.
Doing something new always comes with effort and hardship.
Hm? Kagura?
Something clicked in my mind.
"Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Jessica, worried, called out to me, likely because she saw me rubbing my temples.
"No, that’s not it. I just felt like I had a lead on some talent."
"Eh? Was there someone like that?"
"...I can't think of anyone, can you?"
"What kind of lead?"
"Well, I was just thinking about how hard Kagura has it as a diplomat, and then..."
As I said that, it hit me. At the same time, Jessica and the others realized who I was thinking of.
"Ah! Souta-san and the others!!"
Yes, the group of heroes from the New Continent that we’ve been sheltering in Weed. Oh, and the useless rookie goddess, too.
We immediately left the office and ran to secure our talent.
"Oh, young Yuki. Chocolate cake is delicious, isn't it!! It's amazing, Japanese food culture!!"
"Indeed. I thought so at the main temple, but even more so now that I’m here. I finally understand why Souta used to grumble about our food back then. It’s like heaven and earth."
"...It really is delicious. To think my sister and Carrie were eating such delicious things... Ugh, how frustrating..."
The group of deceased heroes seemed to be enjoying their lunch in Weed today, as usual.
By the way, as for who was guiding them around Weed...
"Oh my. Yuki-san, everyone, you're all here together."
"Oh, what’s the matter?"
"Did something happen?"
Lilishe, Hifii, and Nonoa—the caregivers for the useless goddess Luna—were all there together, acting as guides.
"Why are you guys here..."
"Eh? Well, she’s a rookie goddess, right? Isn't she cute?"
"We were asked to provide some education for Luna-sama."
"Yes. Rest assured, leave it to us."
"That’s right, they’re teaching me all sorts of things! Isn't that amazing!!"
Why are you puffing out your chest? And seriously, are you people free? One of you is the head of a nation, and another is a bishop of the house.
Well, let’s leave that aside for now.
"Souta-san."
"Ah, no, I’m sorry, Yuki-kun. I do think I should be doing more, but the women..."
"No, that’s understandable. With this many women gathered, it’s beyond noisy, isn't it?"
Actually, it’s under Luna’s orders. She’s definitely getting carried away. There’s no point in trying to reason with her. I’ll have to deal with her later.
"I came here today because I have a favor to ask of you, Souta-san."
"Of me? Not Hairen?"
"Yes. Please lend us your strength, Souta-san!!"
Earnestly, seriously, we need you to help us build the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!!
Oh, and aside from Enol-san, I don't need the useless one. As for Age-dono, I’ll leave that to his own judgment.
"You said that out loud, you know!!"
I’ll use whatever I can. Even if it’s the deceased. It’s not like I’m the one who resurrected them; it’s just a matter of effective utilization.