第１５９９堀：人の確保のために (Part1)
### Chapter 1599: Securing the Personnel
**Side: Yuki**
I had briefed Sisua and Sona on the disaster situation, and we had already begun the process of constructing the port. However, such a thing could not be completed in a day or two.
Well, as long as the conceptual design was solid, I could use the dungeon’s abilities to manifest the buildings—the "boxes"—and their foundations in an instant. But in this world, simply building a town didn't mean people would just flock to live there.
"Yuki-sama. The town's design is coming along, but what is the plan for the people who will actually come to this port town? Should we be the ones to arrange that as well?"
Sisua, who had returned to the office and was working on the port town's design in consultation with Sona, asked this as if it had just suddenly occurred to her.
"Ah, now that you mention it, that is true. And what about the security guards and the police force? How are those being handled?"
Exactly. As the two of them pointed out, merely creating the container didn't mean people would spontaneously settle inside. I had been pondering that very issue myself...
"I suppose gathering the people is my job. You two should focus on the design. That said, I’d like to avoid bringing in commoners who might struggle to coordinate with you two."
"That is true. It is a new location, and above all, it is a region inhabited by powerful monsters."
"Commoners should only be brought in after safety is confirmed. That means no tax revenue during that period, I suppose."
"As for tax revenue, that won't start until the fishing-related operations at the port are up and running."
On this, our opinions were in agreement. After all, this was a region where monsters in the level 30 range roamed. While I could ensure a degree of safety for the town and its immediate surroundings through "Dungeonization," the land above—that is, the area outside the dungeon—was a different story. Monsters from the outside would inevitably wander in, and I had no way of knowing how much that would impact the town.
I couldn't possibly call for immigrants from Weed without having that data. It would be far too dangerous.
"In that case, I have no choice but to pull from the administrative and military sectors."
"Well, that is true, but..."
"Do you think you can actually poach them?"
Yes, as they said, talent was in short supply everywhere. The question was where I could possibly pull people from.
"...I'll go consult with someone for now."
"Please do."
"We truly appreciate it. We don't have the authority to go around poaching personnel ourselves."
They were right. Even if people knew about this project, they wouldn't necessarily say no, but whether they would actually be useful was another matter. After all, these would be subordinates assigned to two people without a proven track record. It would require someone of appropriate caliber. But if I went myself, things would likely go smoothly... or so I hoped.
"So, that’s why you’ve come to me..."
Before me, Seraria had stopped her administrative work and was looking at me with a look that clearly said, *I’m in a bad mood.*
"Even if you give me that look, this is a necessary conversation."
"I understand that. But couldn't you have handled this without bringing it to me?"
"I can't do that. The person responsible for the General Government Building—or rather, the person responsible for the country—is clearly you, Seraria. Right, Quar?"
"Yes. That is undeniably true."
Seraria looked even more displeased at Quar’s confirmation.
"You know exactly what you're doing, don't you? You know that if I give the permission, the hate will be directed at me."
"It’s not so much 'hate' as it is that I can't afford for people to be stingy with their talent."
"If that’s the case, why don't you just consult with Eris, Ratz, or Tori directly? Your authority is second only to mine, after all."
"It wouldn't be right to bypass the proper channels. It’s better to have the documents signed and sealed. Isn't that right, Quar?"
"As Yuki-sama says. While I can personally attest that your marriage is harmonious and there is no discord between you, to an outsider, it could look like you are acting on your own authority. A letter or permit from Her Majesty is essential in times like these."
Yes, yes. Quar understands perfectly. My coming here to get permission also included that kind of political nuance. Well, the biggest reason was...
"Haa~. You’re so logical it’s boring. Fine. Since I’m the one who’s going to take the heat for this, don't go poaching anyone strange."
"I don't intend to. That’s exactly why I came here."
Yes, I had come here specifically to avoid the kind of "strange poaching" Seraria was worried about.
"Well, a direct request from Yuki-sama would likely be seen as an honor, regardless of any talk of promotion. Besides..."
"You’re too soft, you know that? If you poach a huge chunk of our staff, it’ll be a disaster, and the staff will end up resenting you."
"That’s why I’m here. Write down that there will be no promotions based on favoritism of that sort. And specify the number of people to be poached."
"Ah, I see. So you want to set a limit right here."
"Indeed. If a subordinate says they want to follow Yuki-sama, their superior will be wary of offending him and will find it difficult to refuse. So, that strategy is sound."
Finally, Seraria and the others were convinced and began preparing the documents.
"I understand the situation, but you’ll end up with nothing but youngsters, you know? Given the location."
"The threat level of the surroundings is different, after all. We will station guard units and keep watch, but sending seasoned staff into that environment is..."
Yes, I understood the difficulty there. They wanted to avoid the risk of losing experienced personnel. Even if they weren't that worried, they would naturally want to avoid having their best staff poached for such a task.
"For that part, I was hoping they could be sent as temporary instructors. Though, that depends on how Sisua and Sona fare in practice."
"That is true. Those two and their subordinates need to try it for themselves first, don't they?"
"Naturally. While instructors would certainly be helpful, they should try to manage it themselves at first. That will be the foundation for their growth. By the way, where are those two?"
"They’re currently designing the port town. I came here alone because I’m handling the personnel poaching under my own name."
"I see. Well, even if those two had come to ask for my permission, it would have been a bit delicate."
"It would be difficult for them to push through demands like I can. They have always been the ones supporting Her Majesty and me. Furthermore, it is easier for resentment to be directed at them than at Her Majesty or Yuki-sama..."
I suppose so. The reason those two hadn't been that famous until now was likely due to that very fact. They had been conducting themselves with a proper awareness of their position as members of the Imperial Guard. They didn't push their own agendas; they maintained the balance between their captain—the Queen, Seraria—and her vice-captain, the Imperial Guard Captain, Quar.
A self-willed, runaway princess and the vice-captain who supports and restrains her.
Yes, balance is important. And that was exactly why I wasn't sure if those two, having been caught in the middle, would be able to get their wishes granted if they stood before the Queen and her superior.