第１４１２堀：追加人員 (Part2)
"I understand your concerns. I'll need to consult with my wives regarding those matters as well. It’s not as if we can jump into the other classes immediately, and while discussions are essential, I wouldn't go so far as to say we’re drowning in work."
Hearing that, I felt a sense of relief.
It is true that meetings are necessary, but holding them doesn't guarantee an immediate solution.
Now that the Great Stampede has been repelled, the kings cannot simply sit around, locked in endless deliberation.
"Now, back to the topic at hand—how are things on your end?"
"Oh, my apologies. Unfortunately, there has been no significant progress. It is still only morning, after all, and we aren't planning any major maneuvers until the afternoon. That said, we have already completed our routine duties."
"That’s good to hear. You’ve really gotten the hang of this, haven't you? Being able to carve out time for investigations during the morning hours."
Indeed, lately, we have been finishing our routine tasks early, allowing us to get a head start on our investigative work in the afternoon.
Initially, there was talk of simply trying to finish as many routine tasks as possible, but...
*“In this situation, no matter how many routine tasks we finish, they will never truly disappear. It would be more efficient to prioritize the investigations, as that will allow the subsequent workflow to proceed more smoothly.”*
Following that sound advice from Prol, we decided to shift to investigating as soon as the routine work was done.
"Um, if there hasn't been any progress, are you not going to reprimand us?"
Yayui seemed puzzled by Yuki-sama’s lack of concern.
"It’s not as if there’s *no* progress, is it? You’re in the process of organizing and verifying the information gathered from each department, right? What’s the matter? Hasn't a single case been processed?"
"N-no, we have already sorted through thirty cases today. But compared to the total volume, that isn't a high number. Some require on-site investigation, so in terms of cases truly resolved, it’s only about forty..."
"No, that’s to be expected. There are hundreds of suspicious reports that require on-site verification. It would be abnormal to finish all of them. Besides, if information on the Dark Guilds or Dungeon Masters were so easy to find, no one would be struggling."
He brushed off Yayui’s anxiety with ease.
She seems bothered by the fact that she hasn't fulfilled the task Yuki-sama entrusted to her, but Yuki-sama knows exactly how time-consuming this work is, so he has no intention of being harsh.
He then continued.
"That said, seeing you all slumped over your desks, I suppose you are exhausted."
"T-that is incredibly inexcusable!"
"We are so sorry!"
"My apologies!"
The three who had been collapsed on their desks turned pale and began to apologize.
While their work demeanor certainly wasn't exemplary, I knew it was the result of their hard work, and since the workflow hadn't actually stalled, I was just about to step in and offer some support.
"No, there’s no need to apologize. It’s simply a lack of manpower, isn't it?"
"Yes. That is exactly it. We are still short-handed relative to the volume of work. Isn't that right, Prol?"
"Yes. Even with us and Nina-sama included, five people is simply not enough to keep up, and the burden on each individual is quite heavy. I understand that we cannot simply increase our numbers, but..."
Prol immediately agreed with my assessment.
Hearing this, Yuki-sama nodded.
"Yeah, I figured. That’s why, even if I say 'take it easy,' I know you’ll worry. I have a lead on someone—would you be open to it?"
"A lead? You mean for personnel?"
"Exactly. Additional staff."
"That would be most welcome, but... who exactly might it be?"
"Who?"
Nina-sama tilted her head, seemingly just as clueless.
"For now, we’ll start with an interview. To see if it’s a good fit. Come on in."
As Yuki-sama spoke:
"Yes! Excuse me!"
A voice echoed from beyond the door, and in walked...
" " "Ryushi!?" " "
There stood Ryushi, who had been left in critical condition by the bandits hired by the Dark Guild and the village, having somehow returned from the very brink of death.
"Haa..."
Behind her, Senal-sama was sighing for some reason.
Well, I could guess the reason...
A reassignment for Ryushi.
Then again, she hadn't been formally employed to begin with.
I’ll ask for the details later.