第１５６４堀：募集は順調 (Part2)
"But it's not like the reception process is something we can just easily streamline, is it?"
Agil was right. Even if we jumped in, we hadn't been briefed on the registration protocols, nor had we practiced them. We would likely end up being more of a hindrance than a help. Still, standing by and claiming we couldn't do anything without even asking felt wrong.
"Lilishe, how exactly does the reception process work? If it’s something we can manage, we should be able to assist."
Lilishe’s gaze drifted, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face.
"Ah... well... I’ll be honest with you: it’s better if you don't."
"Why is that?"
"Because they only listen to the sisters so readily, and... well, you wouldn't be able to truly understand their circumstances or their feelings. It’s not that you lack consideration, Yuki-san. But the sisters are best suited for this because they share the situation and can truly empathize with their hearts. Speeding things up might be better for them in a practical sense, but that’s hardly the same as offering them support, is it?"
Lilishe’s voice trailed off, leaving the end of her sentence hanging. I caught her drift immediately.
"You mean it would feel like we’re imposing our own agenda. Optimal action ignores the human element. It’s efficient, yes, but it strips away the emotion. It’s what you’d call 'bureaucratic work.' Usually, that’s just how things are done, but..."
"I agree with Lilishe-sama, Micos thinks. Like Yuki-sensei said, what’s needed right now isn't 'normal.' This isn't Weed. I think we should focus on providing support so that the people waiting don't have to suffer."
Micos offered her proposal on how to proceed. I thought it was perfectly reasonable, but for some reason...
"Wait, Micos is saying something sensible?"
"Micos, who usually spends her time digging up dirt for articles?"
Her friends, Kagura and Enora, looked genuinely stunned, and the others nodded in agreement. Well, I suppose that was their usual dynamic. Micos, hearing their reactions, huffed.
"I know when to pick my battles. Hmph. Yuki-sensei, Lilishe-sama, how do you think we should handle the support, then?"
"Let’s see... the medical side has settled down enough that we can talk like this, so don't worry about that. I’ll stay behind to help with the rest, but I think the rest of you should focus on managing the recruitment. Yuki-san, do you have any good ideas for that?"
"Well, as Lilishe and Micos said, it’s best to leave the direct interaction to the sisters. As for us, we could check for anyone who is sick or injured, or perhaps those who are starving. While we monitor the flow of the recruitment, why don't we use the Tonden soldiers to set up containers that can serve as temporary lodging and dining areas for those who haven't finished their registration yet?"
"I see. They can wait in those containers, and when their turn comes, we can go call them or conduct the interviews there. That would certainly reduce the burden. That’s a fine plan."
Rurua jumped on my suggestion. It sounded like a solid approach, but...
"I hate to be the one to say it, but won't that just attract people who have no intention of applying, just looking for a place to stay?"
Senal’s sharp retort cut through the air. Exactly. That was part of my intention.
"Ah, that’s actually something I’d welcome."
"Huh?"
Senal tilted her head, clearly baffled. It was a bit of a riddle, wasn't it? *How can you be grateful for being taken advantage of?*
"I know you remember that our goal in opening this recruitment was to provide a livelihood for the people. But you must have been worried about what would happen to those who didn't apply, right? We can't force them to join, but if those who *did* apply see others getting the same benefits without working, it’s going to breed resentment. Isn't that right, Senal?"
"Yes... I see your point. For those trying their best, seeing people get away with cheating and slacking off would lead to distrust in us. Besides, if there are active members of the dark guilds mixed in, they could stir up trouble from within. So, by inviting them in... we can keep them under surveillance?"
As Senal answered my question, she finally realized what I was aiming for.
"Exactly. We can keep an eye on them as long as they’re in the Royal Capital, but we can't really detain them unless they actually commit a crime. But if they’re making full use of our facilities?"
"Ah, I see. You can act in your capacity as the administrator. 'Get to work,' and so on. That’s a clever plan. Though, as always, isn't that a bit underhanded?"
Hairen sounded convinced, yet she looked at me with a mixture of exasperation and disbelief.
"It’s fine. They’re the ones doing the wrong thing, after all."
That’s right. The moral high ground remains firmly on our side. That’s all there is to it. People will gather, but whether every single one of them is pure and useful is another matter entirely. The agony of the employer. And yet, the agony of the worker is just as real. The world is a complicated place.