落とし穴番外：ウィード情報誌 (Part2)
"Then, I'll handle the interviews with celebrities. I have a few leads on people who come up quite often in the housewives' gossip circles."
"Alright, then Mikos-chan will look into incidents and accidents. I'll head to the police station or the general government building."
"Yes. Since Mikos-sama is the editor-in-chief and the face of this department, it is important to pay your respects in those areas."
"That's true. Though, I’m already on a first-name basis with Chief Poni and Tefa-san, so it’s not too nerve-wracking."
"Well, that makes it easier. Still, as Kirue-san said, greetings are important, so I’ll be off. If anything comes up, just tell them that Mikos-chan is the one in charge."
"Understood."
"Yes. I’ll be sure to rely on you if that happens."
With that, Mikos-chan immediately headed toward the general government building.
Since Her Majesty the Queen happens to be here today, too.
"My, it’s rare to see Mikos here for a visit."
"Hello, Seraria-sama. I’ve come to pay my respects as the representative of the newly established department."
"Hmm? Ah, my husband mentioned something about that. You’re making a magazine, right?"
"Yes. We’ve finished setting up the department and are starting production on the magazine today."
"I see. Our country’s first genuine magazine. That sounds wonderful. If you ever need anything, come to me. I can grant most permissions you might need."
"I’ll be sure to do that. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mikos-chan is off to gather some material."
"Yes. Take care."
Having secured Seraria-sama’s approval, Mikos-chan headed straight to the accounting department.
"Yahoo, Tefa!"
"Mikos? What’s up?"
"Well, look at this."
I showed her my identification badge.
"The Weed Editorial Department? Oh, so that talk about making a magazine is finally in motion?"
"Exactly! So, I’ll be counting on you from now on. Also, is there anything you’d like to convey to the public through the information magazine?"
"Congratulations. This will bring new entertainment to Weed. As for information to convey... Eris-san, is there anything you’d like to share with the public through the magazine?"
Tefa called out to Eris-san, who was working at a desk in the back.
"Let’s see... Oh, before that, congratulations on becoming editor-in-chief, Mikos."
"Thank you! I’ll do my best. So, is there any information you’d like to share?"
"Ah, that... It might require permission from those around us, but I’d like to publish this year’s tax revenue and the budget for each department."
"..."
Tefa and I were left speechless by Eris-san’s words.
"Seeing your reactions, I suppose it really isn't standard practice, is it?"
"W-well, obviously. There’s no real need for the citizens to know that."
"Exactly. The public doesn't need to know, and it’s easy to foresee the various departments complaining about the imbalance in distribution. Wouldn't the leaders who failed to secure a budget end up in a precarious position?"
"Yeah. As Tefa says, the distribution was decided because it was necessary, but the general public wouldn't understand the reasoning behind it, would they?"
"Well, that’s true. However, the various departments should understand. I believe it is the duty of the leaders to keep that in check."
Hmm. True, they probably already report on their budget acquisitions, and we don't really need leaders whose positions would be shaken just because that information was made public.
"I understand the situation. Certainly, only the accounting department can provide that budget information. However, this will require permission from all the other departments as well."
"Naturally. And we’ll have to be clear about the purpose. The goal is budget transparency. I don't want to think that anyone is wasting funds, but... you understand, don't you?"
"Ah, I see. Indeed, it would be better to make it public."
"They’re everywhere, aren't they? People who skim off the budget. Regardless, I understand the situation. And you want me to ask about this while I’m making my rounds to the other departments?"
"Yes. I’ll pave the way on my end, but I’d like you to ask as well, Mikos."
"Understood."
And so, it feels like I’ve been entrusted with a huge task right from the start, but this is all for the sake of getting the magazine out.
I’ll do my best!
The information magazine is finally being created.
This will broaden the range of material for my pitfall pranks.
After all, I can go anywhere to gather information!
I can even create the material I’ve been wanting to develop.