第１２３７堀：お悩み相談 (Part1)
Chapter 1237: Consultation
Side: Hovis
"Mmm. Delicious. It really is soothing, isn't it?"
The one sipping black coffee with such nonchalance is my master, Yuki-sama.
He acts as if he’s completely forgotten he ever told us, "If anything happens, rely on Eupia-sama or Popuri-sama." Hmph.
I suppose he just doesn't want to rehash the conversation, but still—that is something we truly cannot forgive.
We were sold as slaves, and through some stroke of luck...? we were taken in by Yuki-sama. Sure, we’ve been dragged off to foreign lands and even to the palaces of great kings, but he treats us not as mere objects, but as human beings.
The idea of running away without even attempting to protect our great benefactor is unthinkable.
It is only logical to lay down our lives for Yuki-sama.
Even I, who everyone says is laid-back, feel this way, so I imagine Orelia and Yayui must be even angrier.
Well, I do understand that Yuki-sama said those things out of concern for our safety.
If he were truly facing an opponent who could defeat him, there would be no way for us to win regardless.
But that is no reason to abandon Yuki-sama and flee, is it?
Ugh, it’s all so frustrating, but for now, out of respect for Eupia-sama and Popuri-sama, I’ll leave it at this. I will, however, be reporting this to Seraria-sama and the others later.
Just as I was trying to calm my temper, aided by the sweet aroma of cocoa, Eupia-sama set her café au lait cup back on the table. Her face shifted, tightening into the expression of a true ruler of a great empire.
When I first saw her in the documents, I couldn't believe someone so small was at the top of a great empire, and I even felt a bit sorry for her. The same went for Popuri-sama, who has a similar build, but meeting them in person was something else entirely.
Well, if I start thinking about that, the same applies to Aslin-sama, Firia-sama, and Labyris-sama, so it’s best not to dwell on it.
"Now, since we’ve had our drinks and settled down, let us continue. It is easy to predict that there will be fierce infighting within the country to secure those student exchange slots."
"Yeah. Specifically, they’ll likely pull all sorts of strings to force their own children or relatives into those spots."
"Naturally. Being able to participate in this Intercontinental Exchange Student Program means becoming a representative of the nation. It proves that the country has produced excellent talent. There is no greater honor for a family, and they will surely assume that the individual will be given a high-ranking position upon their return."
"That is why there will be those who manipulate things behind the scenes. *Sigh.* Well, one could say the prestige of a family name is a form of ability in itself... but it is disheartening to see those with genuine talent pushed aside because of it."
So, it really does come down to that.
Hmm, I understand the sentiment, but as Lara-sama says, is it really right for those with actual ability to be sidelined?
"However, there is also the reality that those with 'genuine talent' must be able to overcome such obstacles to rise to the top."
"That’s true. We can’t lend a hand with every single thing. The most we can do is tighten the screening criteria. Besides, we can’t interfere with the internal conflicts of other nations. In that regard, wouldn't it be possible for Zlable to keep the nobles in check to some extent?"
"It is not impossible, but fundamentally, we can only issue decrees and punish those whose corruption is brought to light. As Your Majesty says, one should say that if they lack the spirit to rise to the top despite such hurdles, they will not survive. After all, it is impossible to verify every single candidate."
"I wish there were a better way..."
As Lara-sama spoke with a troubled expression, silence fell over the room.
Hmm, I can’t think of anything either.
While the others were lost in deep, serious thought, Yuki-sama, who had been enjoying his coffee alone, set his cup back on the saucer.
"Ah, in that case, maybe the trick is to 'recruit those who aren't excellent' as well."
" " "Huh?" " "
Not understanding what he meant, everyone tilted their heads in unison.
Seeing our reaction, Yuki-sama gave a wry smile.
"In the end, the competition stems from the fact that being selected as an exchange student to Weed is synonymous with becoming the 'face of the nation,' right? Then, we should just prepare a student quota that doesn't involve that kind of competition."
Hmm, what does that mean?
I feel like I understand, but at the same time, I don't...
"I understand what you are trying to say, but by what criteria do you intend to choose these 'non-excellent' individuals? We would be in trouble if they sent people lacking in manners or knowledge. Besides, the fact remains that 'being able to study in Weed' is still an honor. Therefore, wouldn't there be many who try to force their way in regardless?"
"There’s no need to issue a public decree for them like we do for the top-tier candidates, is there?"
"Ah... I see."
"I understand. That is what you mean."
I still don't quite get it, but it seems Shau-sama and Lara-sama are convinced.
"Um, Popuri-sama, did you understand?"
When Yayui asked Popuri-sama, who hadn't reacted at all, she replied:
"Ah, yeah. Well, I’m not sure if I’m right, but... I suppose it means we hold a wide-open exam under the guise of 'selecting excellent students,' but behind the scenes, we scout people who might not have had the best grades but show real potential?"
"Bingo. That way, you know for sure that the person has a longing for the exchange program and possesses the drive to succeed, right?"
Oh, I see!
That certainly allows us to bring in people who aren't necessarily "excellent" on paper but have the drive.
And that way, there’s no room for interference.
"However, the drawback is that it would be limited to those who can actually make it to the exam site."
"If we worry about that much, we’ll never get anywhere. Also, couldn't we just hold it in the Royal Capital? And have Eupia select them personally?"
"If I do that, those who are heading there based on top grades will be upset. That said, if someone else selects them..."
"Yes, that would lead to questions of 'why,' and it would only invite interference. That is precisely why it is best for Your Majesty to do it personally. It makes it difficult for others to meddle, and it serves as a reason for the candidates to strive harder. Well, considering the subsequent influence, there is a possibility of unfairness if you don't choose from commoners rather than nobles..."
"That depends on the talent of the child you want to pick, doesn't it? After all, that widely advertised exam will be based on meritocracy, right?"
"Indeed. And the children of nobles who weren't chosen in the 'selection' will likely take that exam as well..."
Hmm, hmm.
Certainly, the noble children will take the exam, but I’m sure those who do will be the ones with genuine drive.
"The problem is the leakage of the exam content. Well, we can just have Weed 'distribute it on the day of' to handle that."
"I see. That would eliminate the risk of leaks. And regarding the grading, we can collect them immediately and grade them in Weed to prevent fraud. Though, that only applies to the written portion, I suppose."