第１３３５堀：ぐだぐたしていると休めない (Part2)
"That’s right. By any measure, that was work. I don't think any of us could call that a break. Well, the departments that worked to launch the international student exchange program have finally seen their efforts bear fruit, and I did tell them they were free to celebrate. But as it turns out, almost no one has actually filed for it."
"Ah, now that you mention it, that’s true. I suppose they feel it’s hard to celebrate while we’re still working."
That makes sense. Even if Brother told us to celebrate, if he were still busy working away, we, Firia and the others, would absolutely wait for him and the others to finish first.
"Exactly. So, in order for everyone to truly take a holiday and celebrate with a clear conscience, we need to take the first step and take a break ourselves. The complaints from Steve and John, in particular, have been brutal."
"Ahaha, that’s true. Steve and John understand the way you think, Yuki, but their subordinates aren't quite the same."
"Oh, come to think of it, Steve did come to me saying, 'Please, decide on the time off soon,' which is quite rare for him," Jessica said, as if just remembering.
So, it’s not just them—Steve and the others can’t take their leave unless Brother and his circle take theirs first.
"I understand the situation, but what’s the point if only we take a break? We have to inform everyone else, too."
Labyris is right. Even if Firia and the others take a break, it doesn't mean the other departments will follow suit.
"True. But if we talk about taking a break, everyone has work to do. Adjustments take time. You realize that would just lead to the holiday being pushed back indefinitely, right?"
"Naturally. Starting with Seraria, your wives are all high-ranking officials of the nation. If they stop working, the country grinds to a halt. We have to make adjustments to ensure that doesn't happen."
"Well, that’s a given. So, how do you intend to handle it?"
"In times like these, it’s better to take the break all at once. We force the issue. We’ve spent plenty of time educating the people of Weed. We’ve raised our subordinates well. People take sick leave all the time. If the organization crumbles just because of a few days off, then it’s still immature."
I see. Brother is going to exercise his authority and declare that we are absolutely taking a break. If he does that, everyone will definitely take the time off. It’s a bit reckless, ignoring the usual adjustments, but will that really be okay? Just as I was thinking that, Aslin spoke up.
"Won't everyone be confused?"
"To prevent confusion, we’ll apply the 'Holiday Celebration Rule.' We’ve done it for fireworks festivals and other holidays, so that should suffice."
Ah, I see. During festivals, they make sure everyone can enjoy themselves by splitting the shifts over two or three days so that everyone gets their turn to rest. So that’s what he’s planning for this time, too. I understand now.
"Is it really worth all that? ...Oh, I see, you're just trying to shut down opinions like mine."
"Exactly. Look, we’ve worked hard. But our subordinates have worked themselves to the bone, too. The student exchange program has launched, and that’s a result worth celebrating. But we shouldn't just stop there. This is also about making it known that this is a nation-wide celebration."
"So, that’s why you’re applying the holiday rule. But won't that require a mountain of paperwork?"
"I’ve already prepared it. I have Seraria’s approval, but I need everyone’s consent to move forward."
"Ah, that makes sense. If only you, Yuki, were to shout, 'We’re taking a break!', it wouldn't pass if everyone else opposed it."
Just as Ria-ane-sama said, Brother is taking into account that he might go off the rails, which is why he values our opinions. If it were only Firia and the others being inconvenienced, I would follow Brother without hesitation, but this involves so many people that it’s a delicate matter. That’s why he needs us.
"I understand, Brother! We’ll convince the others!"
"Good. I’m counting on you, Firia. First, we need to break through the resistance from Viria and her group. The biggest hurdle there is Dressa..."
"Ah, she’s been surprisingly serious about her duties as fleet commander lately. Well, leave that to me; I’ll handle her."
And so, Firia and the others have launched the "Great Holiday Operation"! Once you decide to take a break, you have to act immediately, or you’ll never get the chance. I think anyone who works for a living knows exactly what I mean.