"Now then, let's go over the situation again. According to the report, the first transport fleet carrying the reconstruction supplies will arrive around noon today. From here, we will help receive them, assign workers, supervise the work, and check everything."
Even the office next to mine has basically turned into a workspace for our team members. At this point, I have no idea what's going on anymore, but whatever.
Until yesterday, many of the girls wore clothes that showed their chest a little or showed their legs, but today is different.
They all changed into pant-suits close to our own uniform.
I didn't give any orders, so why are they all matching like this…?
Ah, did they match the style of the Silent Step guards?
Well, they probably have information about that.
"During this work, the Celestial Dragons will all be resting in the northern area, where the damage is small… but we cannot restrict their actions. Just in case, the CP members will inform us of everything they do, but whether we can use that information to prevent trouble depends on us."
They are motivated.
Unlike yesterday, every girl is extremely fired up. Some are so nervous their faces are completely pale.
What happened?
— It's obviously because of the giant-monster fight yesterday!!
— Seriously! You should think more about how your actions affect everyone!!
The two people on my left and right mutter complaints like a tiny stereo.
So they think I have influence now, and if I don't show results, something bad might happen?
Damn it, I thought I could take my time learning the work, but…
It might be better to choose one of the girls to act as a model, like Amisu, instead of trying to manage many at once.
If that's the case… instead of skill, I should pick someone who follows instructions well.
Government workers like these girls all have a certain level of skill. They passed tough requirements, and many are ambitious elites. Some couldn't climb high enough, some had their legs pulled by others, and some lost motivation because reality didn't match their dreams.
I've been watching three candidates.
Among them, the easiest to work with is…
"You there."
A small girl jumps as her shoulders shake.
"Could you tell me your name again?"
"Je… Jenetta…"
Yeah, I know.
Sorry for asking again.
But I've been watching her for a while.
While the others spent their time using half-baked seduction or digging for info around me, she was unreliable but always completed every job she was given.
She would make a good "Amisu role" for this group.
"Your jacket and blouse fit you very well. They're important to you, aren't they?"
"Um… yes."
"The stitching at the collar is from a tailor contracted by the Harmet Company. You must be from the East Blue… around Scottish Island?"
…Um.
Why is she suddenly looking like someone who just received a death sentence?
I'm not like those Celestial Dragon idiots! I won't force you to do crazy things or hurt you!!
"If that company operates in that area and sends good students to become government workers, that means you're a graduate of Shultrue University, right?"
"Y-yes… Sir, you are right."
"You're impressive."
Really.
Getting into that place costs money, the exams are hard, and the entry requirements are unbelievably strict.
Her parents must be wealthy. The clothes are probably a gift from them. She has a good family relationship, but she's not good at fights or conflict. She might have good relations with siblings, or she's an only child.
She's probably an only child.
A sheltered daughter raised with care, tired of political battles full of sabotage, not clean competition.
Until yesterday, the other girls clearly looked down on her. She probably picked the wrong faction at the start.
In a normal company in my old world, this wouldn't matter much, but in a rigid organization like this, one wrong step can ruin everything.
Even Spandine beside me looks bitter and nods slightly.
The more she tries to recover, the more extra work piles onto her on top of her normal tasks. A pit of stress. The more stressed she gets, the more mistakes she makes, falling into a loop. And on top of that, super unpredictable bosses… Damn it, I'm remembering too much and it's making me sick.
"Jenetta, you were part of the joint inspection with the Navy recently, right?"
"Yes…"
"During that time, did you think anything was necessary?"
"U-um… I was doing my best just to follow along…"
"But you still must have felt something. Can you tell me honestly?"
…Hmm?
I thought the other girls would glare at her more, but they're giving her sympathetic looks.
Do they seriously think I'm like the Celestial Dragons in a bad way?
This is very upsetting. I will sue.
"…The stone materials…"
Even if she's wrong, we can still use it.
My job is to find their strengths, make a place where they can use them, and keep things running well.
"…If we don't review the stone-material transport plan for the second delivery onward, the construction sequence might become messy… maybe…"
Well, in this case we don't need to worry, but still.
See!? A hidden gem!! Government, polish your people properly!!
Not just her—there are other girls who were thinking the same thing!
There are capable people besides the ones I had my eye on! Why did they assign them to pointless honey-trap jobs instead of using them properly!?
I quietly crushed the plan I meant to fix this morning under the desk.
It will double the work, but if I think about the total efficiency, it's better to increase the number of capable people now.
It's fine. I'm used to this kind of work. In fact, I'm more used to this kind of work.
Since the budget and the power balance with other departments are mostly solved, if I push my brain to its limit, I can turn seven or eight out of these twenty people into useful workers.
Luckily, we have plenty of funds, and the Five Elders even told me I can request more if needed.
I won't use more, though.
If I do, they might squeeze the member or non-member countries in some strange way to get it, so I will manage with the budget we have now.
"If the consumption goes over the estimate?"
"Y-yes… and also the quality… the Celestial Dragons like flashy things…"
…Them too!?
Even now, we're using high-quality stone, but… we might need even better?
Ughhh, if we order a large amount of higher-quality stone, the budget… the budget will get crushed fast… No, we still have room, and I can make it work but—!
But her judgment as someone working inside the government is probably right.
I glance at Spandine, and he quickly looks away.
You little—! So you suspected this too!?
Hina, low kick! Hit him in the shin hard!
Why are you holding back in a crisis like this!?
I told you to say everything that bothers you!!
"Jenetta, I'm appointing you as my temporary secretary. I'm sorry, but I need your knowledge to help me."
"B-but I can't work!! They told me… my looks are the only good thing about me…!!"
Spandine, Spandine, let's crush her old boss together.
I need to write that name at the top of the useless list.
…Hey, stop holding your shin and crying.
"That's not true. Your sense is worth as much as gold—no, even more to me."
Strictly speaking, she's like a raw gemstone.
Raw gemstones have value, but they must be cut and polished to shine.
"If people say you have no value, they're wrong. It's not that you have no value. It's that the people using you have no value."
I understand the pain of training staff. It's enough to make you sick.
If you have ten subordinates and three are usable, that's already good. If half grow well, that's amazing.
A complete, stable, motivated group like Silent Step is basically a miracle.
But judging from Spandine's experience, it feels like the World Government has no idea how to train or use people properly…
I stand and bow.
I must earn her trust, or nothing will grow.
"Once more—I'm asking you. Please help me."
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