第１６２８堀：医療でも上には必要なスキル (Part2)
"No, it’s not an emergency patient. Please, take a look at this."
As she said this, she handed over a stack of documents. I scanned through them, realizing they were detailed chemical analyses of the marine life and various creatures found in the waters near Zurable.
"Thanks to this, we’ve been able to verify the safety of the seafood harvested from the Zurable sea. We’ve also re-confirmed which organisms are toxic, though, as expected, there are some fools who insist on trying to eat the parts that aren't poisonous."
"Haha... well, I suppose that’s not unlike eating fugu, is it?"
"Even though magic can neutralize the toxins to a certain extent, there have been cases where the mages themselves were poisoned and incapacitated. I can only describe them as idiots."
They truly are idiots. Is the desire to eat that strong, or is it a matter of survival—that they have no choice but to go to such lengths? But, for now, I set those thoughts aside.
"I am grateful for the data, but why go to such lengths?"
"Well, Weed has provided us with information not just on seafood, but on flora and fauna as well. You did say that consolidating and sharing this kind of information would lead to better cooperation between our nations, didn't you?"
"Yes, that is true, but it’s hard to take it at face value..."
As my voice trailed off, Shou seemed to grasp my hesitation.
"Haha, indeed, it’s not the sort of thing that usually happens. But as I always say, we have been saved by Weed time and time again. Maintaining a strong bond with Weed is our highest priority. You can think of this as laying the groundwork for that."
"...I see. I can honestly believe your words, Shou."
"That makes me very happy, and I still owe you for personally healing my injuries, Rurua. That said, I understand why you remain cautious."
"Thank you."
Our conversation ended there, but as she looked at me, she tilted her head.
"You have quite a troubled look on your face. Is it a patient with a difficult illness?"
"Oh, my apologies. It’s not that kind of matter; it’s about one of my subordinates."
"A subordinate? Oh, is this something I should be hearing about?"
"It’s nothing I need to hide. It concerns the staffing for the new hospital being built in the port town you’re familiar with."
I spoke honestly about my dilemma. Shou’s expression went blank for a moment before she quickly tightened her features.
"I see. So, while they may be excellent doctors, the question is whether they can actually manage a hospital."
"Exactly. I’ve taught them the medical side of things, but they are completely clueless when it comes to administration."
"That makes sense. Just because someone is skilled in battle doesn't mean they are suited to be a commander."
She immediately understood my point and wore a troubled expression. As a strategist, I could see exactly where she placed her priorities.
"What about you overseeing it, Rurua?"
"I will be at the top, in name at least. But I cannot manage both places at once."
"I see. So, you need someone on the ground there to take command..."
A brief silence followed before Shou looked up.
"Hmm. Ideally, you’d want someone who can handle the administration, but couldn't that come later?"
"What do you mean?"
"Management—that is, handling hospital funds, supplies, and personnel—can be taught through hands-on experience. There are no issues with their medical judgment, are there?"
"No. They work in teams, so there is no risk of them being unable to perform treatments."
"It’s good to hear you can say that with such certainty. In that case, you have no choice but to assign an assistant. The real challenge is choosing someone who can step into that role and truly excel... are you capable of making that selection?"
"...I have methods, but nothing is certain."
"That much is unavoidable. If there were someone who could perfectly judge the character of others, they surely wouldn't be human. Setting that aside, do you have any candidates who could assist with that selection and training? It would be difficult for you to make that judgment alone, after all."
"Indeed, when you put it that way..."
I should consult with my husband and the others about this.
With Shou’s advice in mind, I headed toward them. It is true—there are many who are skilled in medicine but utterly incapable of administration. It is rare to find someone who possesses both.