第１２７１堀：誰が管理するの？ (Part2)
"That’s the other problem. I’ve already decided on the members who will be involved as students."
"I can pretty much guess who, but why don't you say it out loud?"
"Well, Labyris and her group, of course. And naturally, Dressa and hers as well."
"Leave it to me."
"W-wait a minute. Labyris and the others are one thing, but I’m in charge of the entire navy! Vilia, Hiiro—heck, even Aslin and Firia are commanders. They barely show their faces as it is."
Surprisingly, Lady Dressa stood up to Yuki.
For context, despite her youth, Lady Dressa manages a vessel so massive it could be called a floating castle.
The first time she took me aboard, I genuinely thought an entire island had begun to move.
I believe she called it a "carrier."
She uses it to deal with monsters emerging from the sea.
Beyond that, she plays a vital role in managing the bounty of the ocean, so as someone who absolutely loves fish, I’ve made a point to stay on good terms with her.
So, I certainly understand her concern about her duties being neglected.
"No, it’s not like the head of the navy has to be on the flagship at all times. You’re basically stationed at a land base, giving orders from the rear. I mean, it was a bit chaotic when the navy was first established, but everyone’s gotten used to it by now, right? They can stand on their own. Am I wrong?"
"Hmph. I have trained them well enough for that, at least. Fine. I suppose I shall leave the ships to the captains and focus on the politics."
"See? You get it. That’s my princess."
"Don't mock me. Very well. I shall take this opportunity to float ships in every single nation that possesses a coastline."
I see. By having Lady Dressa interact with the exchange students, such a development is possible.
I think that’s wonderful.
"Oh, that sounds lovely. It’ll expand the scope of our trade. But, building a foundation for shipbuilding that can match those ambitions will be crucial. Young man, how are you planning to handle that?"
"How to build sturdy ships, huh... As for iron ships like the carrier..."
"That’s obviously impossible. Still, given the threat of monsters, we can’t just build anything shoddy. That’s going to require some research, don't you think? But I’m sure it’ll be a profitable venture."
"I like it. Aetheri and I will take on that task. Having more areas of the sea to survey is a good thing."
"Agreed. It means more undiscovered monsters and new foods to find."
Everyone seemed eager, chatting away in high spirits.
However, the most important representative had yet to be decided...
I was just thinking that I might need to speak up when—
"Yuki-sama. I understand the students from Weed, but what of the representative?"
It was Firia-sama who cut cleanly through the conversation.
As expected of our superior.
She says exactly what needs to be said.
"Hmm. Is there anyone here who isn't already juggling a dozen things?"
"Regrettably, there is not a single person who fits that description. Whoever takes the role will have to hold it concurrently with their current duties."
"Yeah, that’s what I thought. It’s not just about acting as a school official; it’s a position that involves negotiating with other countries. And I can’t just throw Rurua, Deryu, Shera, or Samantha into the mix, can I?"
"Indeed. Placing wives who were once royalty from other lands at the helm might invite resentment. Conversely, someone with too little experience or someone who looks too young would likely be looked down upon."
"Well, it’s the other party's fault if they judge by appearance alone... but there are negotiations and such to consider. It’s a hassle to have to convince them of everything, so I’d prefer someone capable of handling it properly."
"Yes, I believe that would be for the best."
Oh? That means someone who wasn't of high status originally, right?
Looking at this group...
"Then, while we're at it, why don't we finally aim for independence?"
As Yuki-sama said that...
"Ratz as Principal. Eris as Vice Principal. And everyone from the various nations as support. Think you can handle it?"
"I’m sure we can. It’s about time I stood on my own two feet, separate from the commercial representative role. Besides, Non has effectively been running things on her own lately anyway."
"That is true. I haven't been assisting Representative Tiffany much lately, so this is a perfect opportunity for me to take on a different role."
"Still, I feel bad that I can’t give you both more time to relax."
"Don't worry about it. Besides, we’ll have more free time than before, surely."
"Yes. We’ll manage things efficiently, so it will be fine. After all, there’s the budget and inventory management for the exchange student district, and there’s no one more qualified than us."
It’s true. In all of Weed, there is no one better at negotiation and managing goods and money than these two.
And so, the two of them agreed to cooperate in managing the exchange student district.
Deciding on a person in charge is always a dilemma.
Capability is important, but you never truly know if someone has it until they’re in the thick of it, and without trust, nothing gets done.
That is precisely why these roles so often fall to those within our own circle.