第１８６４堀：停滞から動くために (Part1)
Chapter 1864: Moving from Stagnation
Moving from Stagnation
Side: Wazfi
"Hmm..."
The sound escapes my lips as I read through the report.
Nairua, hearing this, seems concerned...
"What's wrong?"
As she asks, I hand her the report and open my mouth to explain.
"The usual 'no abnormalities' report. The monsters have completely stopped appearing, and there’s been zero progress."
"Ah. Well, that’s usually how these things go, isn't it? It was the same at the Great Tree Sea of the Lancer Magic Academy, right?"
"I suppose so. But compared to back then, we have people who understand our goals, we have investors, and we have far better tools and manpower at our disposal. The fact that things still aren't moving is..."
"Frustrating, isn't it?"
Havia, who had returned before I even noticed, finishes my sentence.
"How did it go?"
She had gone to see Tori to ask for a favor, and while I could guess the outcome from her expression, I couldn't help but ask.
"No good. As expected, they said there isn't enough personnel or supplies to expand the survey range."
"I see..."
Even though the environment is certainly better than it used to be, the reality is that the situation remains stagnant.
No, I know it can't be helped, but still...
"They said they can't spare any more defensive forces."
"Hmm. Is the sheer size of the land the problem?"
"No, the size of the land was always a problem, wasn't it? Even your and Havia’s survey of the Great Tree Sea was limited, and you left the construction of the defensive lines to Principal Popuri and the others, right? Or rather, you just ran off on your own."
" "Ugh." "
At Nairua’s pointed remark, the two of us clutch our chests.
She’s certainly right about that.
Back then, we had no supporters other than Nairua, and we didn't have the funds or the tools to grasp the situation as a whole like we do now.
"By the way, Havia, how did you present the proposal? Did you suggest moving forward in a limited capacity?"
"No, I just asked to expand the range, plain and simple."
"That’s impossible. We don't have enough people to spread the survey in all directions. We have to at least limit the areas we're investigating."
"Eh? Is that so?"
Havia asks back, looking puzzled.
Even I know that’s a non-starter.
"Look, Havia, you’re at the top of the space development project, aren't you? You have limited budgets and limited people, so you must be narrowing down your focus, right? It’s the same thing."
"Ah, now that you mention it, you’re right. I suppose I haven't quite shaken off the mindset from the Great Tree Sea."
"I get that. I’m the same way."
It’s just that things are different from the Great Tree Sea, and it’s difficult to get a handle on.
I’ve only recently realized that because the area is so vast, we have to concentrate our efforts on specific locations.
After all, at the beginning, the survey area was massive and information was constantly pouring in.
Well, we didn't finish investigating everything back then either, but the land is just too vast and we’re short-handed, and lately, the monsters we need to study haven't even been moving north.
Only now have I realized that the schedule I had planned was reckless.
No, it’s not like I didn't know that before, but it’s only just now, after reviewing the data following Havia’s failed negotiation, that it’s really hit me.
"Then, we have no choice but to draft a plan to persuade Tori-san."
"It’s not just Tori-san; the real problem is Eris-san and Ratz-san behind her."
"Yeah, those two hold the purse strings and the keys to the storehouse in Weed. I don't think I have the confidence to talk them into it either."
The three of us groan in unison.
We certainly want to conduct the survey, but we can't come up with a plan solid enough to push it through, nor do we have the eloquence to convince them.
The fact that all three of us are researchers and technicians is the bottleneck.
We’re good at digging deep into things that interest us, but we’re terrible at explaining that to others or convincing them to invest.
Well, until now, Principal Popuri and Yuki-sama have valued our work, and they’ve handled the requests for our workplace and what we should be doing, and they’ve readily permitted whatever we proposed, so we’ve never had to engage in such negotiations.
"...For now, let’s get a sample of a proposal document. We’ll use that as a template to create our own and persuade Tori-san and the others."
"Well, that’s the only way."
"True. Oh, can I use mine for the proposal?"
"Come to think of it, Havia, you’re in charge of space development. Are you good at writing proposals?"
"Oh, that’s amazing. As expected of someone older."
"No, for proposal-related work, that’s Chaea-san’s department."
I tilt my head for a moment, not recognizing the name, but I recall it quickly.
"Ah, the ghost lady who’s with Havia?"
"That’s the one. Wasn't she the teacher of Shou-san from the Zurable Empire?"
Yes, as Nairua says, Shou-san is the wise person said to be the pillar supporting Emperor Eupia in the Zurable Empire.
Well, due to various circumstances, they have a good relationship with Weed.
And through various twists and turns, her teacher is now with Havia as a ghost and her subordinate.
"Exactly. That’s why she’s incredibly smart. I mean, as a monster researcher and space developer, I don't intend to lose, but when it comes to paperwork and things like that, I can’t keep up at all."
"She does look like she could handle that kind of work."
"Well, she’s actually doing it, isn't she?"
I retort to Nairua’s observation.
She really does give off that vibe of a capable woman, much like Eris-san or Ratz-san.
"So, can I call Chaea?"
"I don't mind, but isn't she busy?"
"Ah, there’s so much prerequisite knowledge required for space development that she’s currently studying. She needs a break, so I’ll try calling her."
Saying that, Havia leaves the room to make contact.
"So, do you think Chaea-san will be able to put together a good proposal?"
"No, I doubt we’ll just dump everything on her."
That would be easy for us, but it wouldn't help us in the long run.
"We should take this opportunity to learn how to write proposals. Ah, maybe this is what Yuki-sama meant when he said we should become adults."
"Yeah, he did say we need to think properly about how to promote ourselves to sell our value, didn't he?"
It’s not just about wanting to research; it’s about presenting the benefits to the other party and explaining them.
He said that’s what it means to be an adult, or rather, to live in society.
Yeah, it’s extremely troublesome, but I’m realizing all over again how important it is.
As I’m thinking about this, I hear multiple sets of hurried footsteps.
Huh, that’s faster than I expected for someone who was just contacted. Were they nearby?
As I’m thinking this, the door opens.
"Excuse us."
"Pardon the intrusion."
With those words, Aslin and Filia enter.
"Eh? What’s wrong, you two?"