第１３１５堀：人数を増やせば解決することでもない (Part2)
"As for the total number, I can answer that immediately. I would like to request double the current headcount."
"Double!?"
Both Poni and I cried out in surprise at that demand.
"Wait a moment. According to these documents, we only need to replace the Resident Services staff who currently accompany the patrols, right? I don't see the necessity for doubling the staff for that."
"Yes, if it were merely a matter of replacing the Resident Services role, an increase of two people—one for the day shift and one for the night—would suffice. But the situation is not so simple. You are surely aware that with the massive influx of immigrants into the New Residential District, the number of incidents has risen proportionally."
"Indeed, I have received reports to that effect. Isn't that right, Riel?"
"Ah, yeah. I've seen those reports."
But I had just assumed it was because they were in a new place and didn't understand how things worked yet. Was that actually a problem? I mean, I’d just thought, *well, people are going to bicker when they're new to a place, so they’ll just have to deal with it.*
"That is precisely the problem. Have you ever compared the number of incidents there to those in the established residential or commercial districts?"
"Hmm. I haven't. I certainly thought the numbers were high, but I assumed that was just the norm."
"Yeah, me too. I figured that as the population grows, the number of troubles would naturally increase."
"That is true, of course. However, that does not mean we should accept the current state of affairs. An increase in incidents means that many more people are suffering. From another perspective, it could be seen as us abandoning the people in the New Residential District."
"…That would be disastrous."
"Ah, so it reflects poorly on Weed's reputation, then."
"Eh?"
When I muttered that, Poni looked at me with a face of utter shock.
"What is it, Poni? Did you think I wouldn't even understand that much?"
"N-no, not at all."
Hmph. I know you think I’m an idiot. But I’m not *that* stupid.
"Ahaha. You underestimated Riel. Even if I look like this, I think things through properly. And I’m quite good at reading the room, too. That’s why Tori and Kaya both pushed for me to manage the New Residential District."
How about that? Now you know how capable I am—the one Yuki-san himself endorsed.
"I-I wasn't underestimating you. I am well aware of Riel-san's charms. But, setting that aside, I understand the request for more staff, but doubling is impossible. We are already stretched to the limit. Riel-san and I were actually discussing bringing in ten percent new recruits to focus on training."
"Ah, right, right. I don't think it's good to leave everything to the veterans."
"Ah, there is certainly a point there. Steve, talk it over with them and figure out the balance of how many to add to each post. Aside from that—well, it’s related—I also want to increase interaction between the residents and the patrol officers. Some of our people haven't been very proactive in engaging with them, so the idea is to have them properly introduce themselves to build rapport and make it easier for residents to report troubles. You know, since the number of monsters is going to increase, right?"
"Some people might be scared by their appearance, so that’s probably necessary, huh?"
"Indeed, residents may be frightened by an increase in monsters. I believe an explanatory meeting will be necessary, but that should come after we settle the personnel issue."
"Well, that's true. So, Steve, I'm counting on you."
"Ehh? You're dumping the rest on me? Besides, doubling the current headcount is just ridiculous, isn't it? And getting rid of Resident Services entirely is out of the question. Our responsiveness would plummet. At the very least, I need them to accompany us on patrol once during the day and once at night."
Yeah, I understand what Steve is saying. We do need to keep records at Resident Services, and it is helpful to have them on patrol. If they aren't there, we have to send reports back to the General Government Building every single time.
"That is true. Traveling to the site takes time, and it is a cause of our labor shortage. How about stationing someone permanently at the police box in the New Residential District?"
That suggestion came from Prol.
Hmm, is that the most reasonable approach? Is there a way to improve it even further?
Thinking about things like that, we continued our discussion. Everywhere you look, there’s a shortage of hands. And it’s not just a matter of filling quotas. The world is truly a difficult place. But it is also a fact that we must overcome these challenges.