第１８６５堀：どちらを選ぶかの話 (Part2)
"Ideally, I'd have a gate constructed on-site, then dismantled once the investigation concludes, but that's simply not feasible..."
Within Weed, only the most senior figures possess the capability to install a gate. While there are individuals capable of doing so for diplomatic purposes, such operations require significant security and personnel, even when dealing with friendly nations. Entrusting that responsibility to a small, four-squad unit is... well, it’s a tall order.
As I pondered this, a voice cut through my thoughts.
"Then, if there were personnel capable of managing a gate, the problem would be solved, would it not?"
"Hm? Ah, well, yes, but it’s not as if there are people I can just pull away that easily."
If such convenient talent existed, I’d already be utilizing them. But everyone is currently stretched to their limit.
"My, I am surprised that even you, Yuki-sama, have overlooked this. I happen to have someone in mind who fits the criteria you just mentioned."
"Are you serious?"
"I am. I would not have submitted this proposal otherwise. And here is the personnel list."
With that, she handed me another document. I scanned the contents, and...
"Ah, I see. A blind spot, indeed. That said, if Aslin, Firia, and Hivia are pulled from their current posts, won't we be left without anyone to oversee the investigations?"
The names listed were indeed capable of gate installation. However, they were also the linchpins of our critical research efforts in the New Continent. They weren't the type of personnel one typically sends out on field surveys; they were the coordinators, the ones who held it all together.
"That is true. But it is also true that we are currently at a standstill. Besides, there is little necessity in keeping Aslin-sama, Firia-sama, and Director Hivia divided between Weed and the New Continent."
"No, the equipment requirements for detailed analysis are specific. We can't just build that infrastructure over there; the current process is to refine the data and send it back to Weed."
"I am aware of that as well. However, in the current state, that facility is all but dormant. Setting aside full-scale investigations, the refinement process can be handled by others. Therefore, I propose a reassignment of those personnel and the formation of an investigation unit selected from among Aslin-sama and the others."
"..."
I fell into a brief silence. It was true that the research Aslin and Firia were conducting required their unique talents—Aslin for communication with monsters, and Firia for mineral analysis. They were both exceptionally gifted in their respective fields. But as Chaea noted, there were no new cases coming across their desks. If they were to head into the field themselves, the likelihood of obtaining information far beyond what we currently had was high. While sending them into the field carried inherent risks, their survival rate would still be higher than sending an inexperienced unit. And as Chaea suggested, pairing them with Hivia and her team would undoubtedly boost performance.
"What do you think?"
"Regarding this formation... what about Aslin, Firia, and the others? Are they on board?"
"Naturally. In fact, this proposal was drafted by Aslin-sama and Firia-sama themselves."
"I see."
"You don't seem surprised."
"There were parts that felt a bit naive, or perhaps hesitant in their phrasing. But the content itself is sound. If that's the case, it’s clearly the work of someone who understands my way of thinking."
"One cannot simply imitate it by looking. It is because they have thoroughly digested the concepts and made them their own. Though, they did ask Eris-sama and myself to polish it, so we did contribute to its completion."
"I see."
So, they didn't insist on doing it alone to achieve results, but sought guidance when necessary. I’ve always told them not to hesitate to ask for help. In that case, I have nothing to worry about.
"Understood. Still, I need to explain this to Seraria and the others. Gather Aslin and the rest as well."
"As you wish."
Chaea bowed and left the room.
"As expected of Show-dono's mentor. To think she could persuade Yuki-sama so easily."
Prol remarked, a rare expression of genuine impression on her face.
"I listen to reason when it's presented clearly. You know that, don't you, Prol?"
"That is, well... yes. Still, I thought this was Chaea-sama's achievement."
"Navigating situations like that is part of one's skill set. But, setting that aside, contact Seraria and the others. We need to finalize the details of this plan."
"Understood."
Now, the question is whether Seraria and the others will approve of sending Aslin and Firia into the field, regardless of Hivia's involvement. These kinds of decisions aren't about who is right or wrong, but about what one chooses to prioritize. While the term 'results' might be a stretch, it is those who leap into the unknown who lead us to new discoveries. Even if they have to bear the risks that come with it.