第１８６３堀：事前の添削相手 (Part2)
"In other words, it wouldn't be a problem to force them to retreat, or even drag them back by their collars if necessary."
"Um, do you really think anyone would agree to follow along under those conditions?"
"It’s all in how you phrase it. If you tell them you're recruiting personnel for an expedition to new lands, they’ll sign up. You just add a clause stating that, for the sake of safety, anyone who refuses to follow orders will be forcibly brought back."
"Ah, that sounds exactly like something Brother would say."
"I won't deny that. Still, it’s a necessary measure to protect their lives. If you can find people who understand that, it would be a great help to us as well."
That is the crux of the issue: these researchers and technicians are eccentric, often to the point of being completely unhinged. That is precisely why you must lay the groundwork early—have them sign pledges, or at the very least, ensure their families and associates are fully aware of the risks.
Well, it would be ideal if we could just get some quiet, sensible people who don't cause trouble... but then again, such people rarely produce groundbreaking results. It’s a statistical reality—or rather, a self-evident truth. Was it Yuki who said that if you do the same things as everyone else, you’ll only ever reach the same conclusions? That’s why those who take reckless, irrational actions are the ones who stumble upon answers no one else has ever seen.
At that moment, a thought occurred to me.
"Say, speaking of researchers—though it might be a stretch to call them that—don't we have some of our own people currently stuck in a rut?"
"Our own people?"
"Hm? Who are you thinking of?"
"You’ve forgotten because they work in different departments. Think about Hivia, Wazfi, and Nairua."
" " "Ah." " "
The two of them gasped, their mouths hanging open in surprise. Aslin and Firia had been busy researching the monsters and materials we’d recovered, but those three were the ones out in the field, handling the actual collection and environmental surveys. There was also Milly, who was doing survey work for the Adventurer’s Guild, but she was already swamped with the cleanup efforts in Usano and Ae.
"Well, they seem busy enough in their own right, and we’ll need to talk to them first, but I doubt they’ll refuse. They’re clearly being held back by the current defensive lines just as much as anyone else."
"We’re off!"
"We’re going!"
No sooner had I finished speaking than they bolted from the room.
"Um, Lady Eris? What exactly happened with Lady Aslin and Lady Firia?"
This was the accounting department, so it wasn't unusual for others to be present. The one who had spoken up was Tefa, the head of the department. Since she was an advisor, she shared this office with me, though she must have been so engrossed in her work that she hadn't realized we were having a conversation.
"Oh, I pointed out some deficiencies in the plan they submitted, and they just rushed off to find a solution."
"I see. Usually, I would reprimand them, but... those two actually put together a proposal? Isn't that a bit much? They’re barely even adults..."
"True. Within Weed, they’re still considered students. But in the wider world, there are plenty of children their age working hard, so it’s not exactly late for them to start. Here, take a look."
I handed Tefa the proposal they had submitted.
"Excuse me."
Tefa scanned the document immediately. She read even faster than I did, and within moments, she looked up, her expression one of disbelief.
"You found fault with something written this meticulously? Isn't that a bit too harsh? Personally, I don't see any issues here."
"Really? They didn't write anything about how to recruit personnel, or the future prospects I mentioned earlier."
"Considering the positions of Lady Aslin and Lady Firia, I don't think they’ll have any trouble gathering people. In fact, you were the one advising them, Lady Eris. As for future prospects, focusing on executing this plan first is vital for building a track record. Besides, this isn't the level of work one expects from a student."
"Well, they’ll manage. They were under Yuki’s tutelage, after all."
"Sigh. I’m worried that Lady Aslin and Lady Firia might become too strict with their subordinates in the future."
"Are you really the one to talk?"
As we chatted, I reviewed the proposal once more and began making the necessary arrangements with the relevant departments. Honestly, I really am quite kind, aren't I?
I am feared by some as the one who holds the purse strings, but that is only because they try to force their own selfish desires through. For those who are honest and genuinely trying to work hard, I ensure their budgets are handled without issue. Yuki and the military brass try to do the same, but they are the type to constantly try and sneak in their own hobbies through every trick in the book.