第７６９堀：治安の問題 (Part2)
Others: 23%
"Ugh. This is pretty bad."
Since about half of the violators claimed they didn't know about the rules regarding restrooms, Riel was right—it was a disaster.
"It seems that explaining it verbally isn't enough to convey that there are dedicated places for excretion. They simply don't understand the concept of a 'toilet'."
"Well, that’s true. Toilets are rare, so I knew of them, but even we were surprised when we first saw the ones here in Weed."
"Yeah, yeah. Super surprised. They use disposable paper, and there’s even a bidet function."
I thought to myself, *What kind of world is this toilet from?* But then I realized, since it’s an otherworld toilet, it’s only natural.
"Toilets in Weed are the standard for us now, but I’ve heard many stories from Weed citizens who travel to other countries after the gates opened, saying they’re in trouble because there are no toilets."
"I’ve heard that too. Or rather, I’ve experienced it firsthand."
"Yeah, yeah. It’s really tough when foreign countries don't have toilets, isn't it?"
Answering the call of nature in the If Continent or the New Continent was a real hassle every single time. Oh, wait—the New Continent was a bit better, maybe because Sota-san had been working hard to promote the spread of toilets? But in the If Continent, there were almost none. At best, people used chamber pots and tossed the contents out the window, which resulted in a terrible stench.
"I’ve accepted it now and use them with gratitude, but I was shocked the first time. Actually, I never imagined I’d end up in a position like this."
Poni said this with a shrug and a smile.
"Poni, you started as a slave, right?"
"Yes. Seraria-sama purchased me as part of the reparations from Litea. It was around the same time she began accepting Litea refugees."
"Is that so? That was quite a long time ago now."
"It’s been about five years. But, let’s save the trip down memory lane for another day. Right now, because of this situation, I’m in the middle of brainstorming improvements for the restroom issue."
So that’s how it is. It doesn't end here. If anything, with tourists increasing more and more, we have to come up with these measures quickly or we won't be able to keep up.
"Besides, we have a meeting with the If Continent tomorrow."
"Though it’s completely unclear what they want to ask about."
"They’re probably trying to pry into Weed’s military strength or the organizational chart of our police force."
I suppose that’s the price of being the center of attention—you’re also the center of suspicion.
"When Tori-fukushocho (Vice Chief) and Riel-tokumu (Special Duty) participate as generals, I will be attending as the head of the police. Please leave all police-related matters during the meeting to me. The problem is the trouble that might occur while we’re away..."
"Won't everyone left behind do their best to handle it?"
"Yes. I’ve given instructions to that effect, but I still worry."
Well, that’s understandable. I was worried at first whether Riel could handle being a Vice Chief, too. She was famously bad at paperwork and would immediately run off to the front lines. Thanks to that, Poni was often called in to help, and whether you’d call it a blessing or not, she gained the practical experience and merit of assisting the Chief, which is why I recommended her for the position. It seems Poni shares that same anxiety.
Just as I was wondering what to say to encourage her, Riel spoke up.
"It’s okay, it’s okay. Everyone will do their best. Even back when it was just us, you and the others worked hard, right? So, Poni, everyone will help you too. Right, Tori?"
"Yeah, that’s right. You’re not just 'Chief Poni' on your own. There are people who will help you—well, you’re already being helped by so many people right now, aren't you? So, I think you can trust in them, Poni."
"If a problem arises, we’ll all work together to solve it."
"...You’re right. Yes. I will trust everyone."
Poni gave a wonderful smile in response. However, her expression quickly turned serious again.
"That said, we still need to create methods for restroom guidance and revise the response documents for any issues that might arise tomorrow, so I’ll need your help."
"Yes. Understood, Chief Poni."
"Eh? If it’s paperwork, I’ll go to Yuki-san’s place and act as a guard..."
"That’s fine. I’ll just report to Yuki-sama that Riel-sama abandoned her work and ran away."
"Yes!! I’ll do my best with the work!!"
Perhaps the reason I thought Poni was suited to be Chief is that she’s the only one who can make people like the impulsive Riel or the free-spirited Deryu listen to her.
Now, I’d better do my best so I don't get reported to Yuki-san either.
When more people gather, trouble occurs. That leads to a decline in public safety. Especially during festivals. Even in Japan, long lines for toilets or scattered trash—and the recent trouble during Halloween—are well-known. But it’s precisely because these troubles exist that we continue to make adjustments, aiming for better public order.
Well, if you overdo it, everything becomes tied up in red tape, so it’s a difficult balance. I just wish everyone would act with common sense and good judgment.