第１３１６堀：侵入者について (Part1)
Chapter 1316: Regarding the Intruders
Side: Kirika
"Here are the usual documents."
I handed the paperwork to the director of the Resident Services Division at the General Government Building.
"Thank you as always, Kirika-sama. Though, it really is strange to still be called a 'Director' when I'm only managing one division, isn't it?"
Prol, the head of the Resident Services Division, said with a wry smile.
"It cannot be helped. Given the original scale, it was only meant to be a single department. The reality is that the organizational restructuring hasn't caught up yet. I believe Master understands that now, given recent events. Still, forcing a change would only invite chaos, so I imagine things will continue to be difficult from here on out."
"I know that. After all, I’m also serving as the Director of the Information Division."
Prol flicked the documents she had received and offered a bitter smile.
Indeed, she holds the concurrent position of Director of the Information Division. She is a talent that Kirue-sama and I discovered, and we have her wearing two hats. After all, information from the Resident Services Division is directly linked to intelligence. There is no reason to go through the trouble of relaying it back and forth.
"And while it was fine to pretend that work was delayed, you know you’re perfectly capable of handling it, don't you?"
"Only you, Prol, can manage that in Resident Services. And that ability is rare. Among the upper echelons, perhaps only Master, Taizo-sama, Shera-sama, Labyris-sama, and Kirue-sama possess it."
"Oh? I didn't think you’d list anyone other than Yuki-sama, Kirika-sama. Besides, you could handle multitasking too, couldn't you? You manage the inn, after all."
"I will if it becomes necessary. But I’d be in trouble if the people of Weed couldn't handle this much on their own."
"True. The lot in the Resident Services Division has zero imagination. They’re all incompetent. They should be able to at least provide foresight."
Prol discarded them like trash, her innocent, childlike face making the statement feel deeply unsettling. Nevertheless, that is precisely why I have entrusted her with the Information Division as well.
"For someone who calls them incompetent, you certainly don't scold them too harshly, and you do help them improve."
"W-well, they are people who passed the exams, aren't they? If I just cut them loose on my own, the Personnel Department will complain, and it’s a hassle to be thought of as a scary boss."
Indeed, she is not merely a harsh superior. It is a fact that she properly follows up and nurtures her subordinates; she is truly excellent. However...
"Um... I worked hard because it was my job, but I haven't incurred Yuki-sama's displeasure, have I? I did say that he was planning to target Yuki-sama openly without a plan..."
Suddenly, Prol began to panic, as if her previous vitriol had been a lie. This girl’s weakness: she is far too fond of Master.
Prol was one of the children from the sixth migration, coming from the slums of the Ritea Holy Kingdom. She seems to have fallen for him when she was treated directly by Master at that time, but it wasn't a desire to be his woman—rather, she wanted to serve him. Well, if he gave her an order, she would do it with joy, but she would likely freeze up and be unable to work.
Yes, she loves him so much that she cannot speak to him properly unless she is in "work mode." I happened to encounter her when she was accompanying Master into town on her day off; she had frozen in place from a hundred meters away, staring at him.
Of course, when it comes to work, she possesses immense loyalty and ability, which is why she manages a portion of the General Government Building as my subordinate. The wives are also aware of Prol, and they get along well. However, if one tries to introduce her to Master, she refuses with all her might. It is a mysterious status ailment where she freezes up a hundred meters away if he enters her field of vision, so everyone has judged that it is difficult for Master to approach her to offer support.
That is why she seems so flustered now, having played the role of pointing out Master's oversight in her work mode...
"There is no need to worry. If anything, Master is grateful. He feels he caused trouble and wants to make amends. Shall I suggest a personal meal?"
"N-no! T-that would be too much! Yuki-sama, someone like me..."
"Why are you stuttering just because I made a suggestion...? For now, Master has recognized Prol's efforts in this matter, so take this as a good opportunity to fix that habit. I and the wives will provide support."
"The wives too!? T-that’s impossible!"
Ah, yes. She loves not just Master, but the wives as well. Well, it’s better than her reaction to Master, and she can talk to them reasonably well, but given this state, they simply smile wryly and dote on her. Why does she have such a strange personality? She is truly excellent in every other regard.
...No, that’s not quite right. Because she speaks so harshly and openly strikes at people's flaws, her reputation among the newcomers is not good. However, the staff who have been with us longer know she provides proper follow-up, so it feels like her subordinates are supporting Prol.
Well, she puts on a pleasant face for the Resident Services Division, but she is harsh in the Information Division. Since they are playing at being spies, they could lose their lives if they are careless, so she is strict.
"I will not accept excuses. More importantly, there is the matter of the information we’ve entrusted to you. There will be more spontaneous conversations, not just work-related ones. Do you intend to freeze up from a hundred meters away then?"
"Ugh. C-couldn't you relay the messages, Kirika-sama...?"
"I would prefer that if I could, but there are times when I cannot. The scale of our intelligence gathering grows every year, and we are short-handed. That is precisely why I decided to entrust you with some of the information regarding the interior of Weed. Don't tell me you don't understand that."
"...Yes."
"Then, fix that personality and that habit. If the dark sector is breached because of it and Master falls, that will be the end of it."
"I won't let that happen!"
"Then put that resolve into action."
She is certainly quick to respond when it comes to things like this. I will make sure to tell Master about this situation regarding Prol...
"I’ve wasted time with idle chatter, but is there anyone moving based on the information I gave you?"
"These are the three groups we have confirmed to be in motion."
Prol immediately donned her mask of a smile and handed me the documents she had prepared.