第１４８９堀：予算の使い方 (Part2)

第１４８９堀：予算の使い方 (Part2)

It is, by all accounts, the optimal outcome—both within the budget and considering the surrounding circumstances.

But, oh, but…! Ugh! That Hairen! To think that her reckless blunder would somehow result in the "best" possible outcome!

Is this the price I pay for my husband’s constant, sour expressions whenever Hairen is mentioned—that the headache eventually circles back to me?

"I get it. I really do, boss. I was worried sick myself, but I was told to keep my mouth shut because if I tried to run it by you, you’d just put the brakes on it and waste time."

Steve nods along, earnest and apologetic.

Ah, yes. I suppose he’s right.

If they had run it by us, the time wasted would have been inexcusable.

I can understand why they chose to act in silence and simply submit the paperwork after the fact.

There is no breach of protocol.

None at all. But still…

"Shhh-huff! Sthop p-pulling on my f-face!"

"Accept your penance with grace."

To vent my mounting frustration, I give the cheeks of Steve, who is currently sitting in formal seiza, a firm, squishing tug.

"Fine, I understand the situation. So, the alliance, the town of Ewai, and the town of Wean—they’ve all become friendly with one another?"

"That’s right. I’d say this soup kitchen leveled the playing field. Everyone was genuinely happy, and it’s smoothed things over."

Well, that is far better than them turning hostile.

"I also took the liberty of reiterating that the alliance will be participating in the auction, and I advised them that unless they have business there, it’s best to keep their distance. Since so many nobles will be attending, it’s better to avoid any unnecessary trouble."

"True. If they were to wander in carelessly, we would be forced to treat them as a security risk."

I suppose being able to offer a gentle warning from the start is a blessing.

"There you have it. Has your doubt melted away, Seraria?"

"Yes, I understand. But when you explain this to Eris and Ratz later, make sure you do it with me present."

"Well, that can’t be helped. Since the budget has been completely exhausted, you’ll need the voices from the field to back you up."

Lowell nods in honest agreement.

I suppose, hearing the story, it isn't exactly something to be ashamed of, so he’s fine with it personally. But whether the people receiving the report will be able to stay calm… that’s another matter entirely.

I’ll leave the explanation to those two until after the auction.

"Right, the seiza session is over. Let’s move on to the specifics of the auction. First off, there are no issues with the venue itself, correct?"

"Yes, that is settled. All that remains is for the participants to arrive safely. The lodging facilities and the conference hall are ready. You’ve received the reports from Kirue and the others, haven’t you?"

"Regarding the proficiency of the maids, yes."

For this auction, we have deployed the maids trained here in Weed to manage the conference hall and the lodgings for the various allied and non-allied nations.

While some are newcomers, they are maids who have already proven their worth during our major conferences in Weed, so I have no cause for concern.

My only worry is the contingent from the non-allied nations, but between Steve’s men and the maids—some of whom transferred from my own personal guard—we should be able to keep them in check.

So, while I am satisfied with the maids, I must rely on Lowell for the overall progress.

"Then you understand, don't you? The maids are excellent. You can leave it to them with peace of mind. As for defense and counter-intelligence, Steve is better suited to answer than I am."

At that, I shift my gaze to Steve.

"You got it. As for the base’s defense, we’re monitoring everything through the dungeon system, so there’s no problem there. We’ve set up a twenty-four-hour rotation for the security detail, so that’s covered, too. You’ve been looking over the detailed reports I’ve been submitting, right?"

"I have. But you understand why I’d want to hear directly from you if there are any anxieties or lingering issues, don't you?"

I have discussed this type of security with Steve so many times that he knows exactly what I’m looking for.

"I know, I know. This isn't the kind of job where we can afford even the slightest mistake, so we’ve kept the number of rookies to an absolute minimum. That’s the only part I’m worried about."

"Where are they stationed?"

Lowell asks the question before I can.

Indeed, everyone wants to keep a close eye on the areas that cause concern.

And so, the final meeting before the auction draws to a close.

I’m sure Yuki is confirming various things on his end as well, but I will continue to do what I can.

Budgets are not meant to be spent down to the last copper.

There is such a thing as a reserve fund, you know. Truly.