"There is no need to worry about this matter; given the current situation, special measures are warranted.
"The most important thing right now is to get the Council up and running as soon as possible. As long as a few of you handle matters impartially, it's okay to make an exception."
Org had evidently considered the identities of the four of them ahead of time and understood many mages' special feelings towards guilds.
Thus, he did not intend for them to resign from their guilds.
"Mr. Rhode and Mr. Jura just need to inform their respective Presidents and regard it as taking on a long-term task at the Council. I imagine it should be negotiable?"
Makarov nodded directly; he could definitely make this work.
The President of Lamia Scale, Ouba Babasaama, was also quite understanding, so I think she would be able to comprehend this too.
"As for President Makarov and President Brellins, if affairs within their own guild are busy, they can remain in the guild and are not required to station permanently at the Council Headquarters.
"If there are matters needing discussion, contact through the Communication Magic Crystal. Only consider traveling over for major events.
"Moreover, this is a temporary system implemented during the current period. Once the new Council's operations are on track, you can discuss new working methods again.
"At that time, if there is a new suitable candidate or if you become weary of the heavy workload, you are entirely free to choose to step down.
"I only ask each of you to work together and get through this period initially, shall we?"
Jura smiled: "I accept. Please advise me more in the future."
Rhode nodded: "I hope my child will be born into a stable world, so I accept too."
Brellins briefly said: "I agree."
Makarov thought about swapping places with Rhode but chose not to disturb the atmosphere: "I agree too."
"That's great." Org displayed a smile of relief, "Thank you all for your support; the future of the Council is entrusted to you!"
Everyone ceremoniously raised their teacups and milk cups: "We will do our utmost."
Org temporarily put away his joy and continued: "Now the next topic is: who will take on the role of Chairman."
"If you ask me, we might as well not have a Chairman," said Rhode.
"Crawford Heim's example lies here; the Chairman's authority is too high. Otherwise, even if he had Super Ancient Document Magic, he wouldn't have done so many things.
"I'm not suggesting anyone here would betray us like him, but letting one person's authority exceed everyone else's is undoubtedly not a good thing."
Org denied that: "I can understand your concern, but this approach is not feasible.
"We often encounter urgent matters, and many evaluators may not be able to gather in time each time. At such times, we need someone to make timely decisions.
"Authority can be restricted, but there must be a Chairman. Even apart from this, making too many changes to our system at once could unsettle the public."
Rhode thought for a moment, then said: "Evaluators may not always be able to gather, so the Chairman might not always be around, right? Why not decide decision-making authority according to order when facing the situation you mentioned.
"As for the Chairman, let Mr. Hayberion temporarily assume the role. His image appears mature but not old-fashioned, elegant yet steady, rather suitable to stand out at this moment. If any issues arise, we can make adjustments later."
"I have no objections."
"I agree."
"I agree."
...
Everyone expressed their stance, and Hayberion did not decline: "Indeed, it's a very suitable plan. Let's decide on this."
"This…" Org was a bit stunned.
Hayberion asked: "Mr. Org, do you have other suggestions?"
"No, I just thought…" Org paused, then chuckled, "Nothing, this is great.
"When dealing with such important matters in the past, we always argued for a long time. I didn't expect you to come to a decision so quickly… This is great."
The others, who hadn't participated in the evaluators' meetings before, couldn't understand his sentiment.
Anyway, choosing the most suitable person for the current situation is what matters.
With two of the most important issues settled, Org queried about when they planned to take office.
Hayberion, Uluvheim, and Vorod indicated they could take up the post anytime.
The other four either needed to return to their guilds temporarily to inform some matters; the latest they could return by tomorrow.
Org said: "Then let the three of you stay and prepare for the inauguration ceremony. The other four, please return as soon as possible to enter into work mode."
"One task can be completed now," Rhode proposed, "Let's take a group photo and send it to the major newspapers."
Org replied: "This can wait until tomorrow's inauguration ceremony when we'd invite journalists to take photos."
Rhode said: "Aren't we supposed to have an important task to stabilize public sentiment and deter unlawful individuals? Such matters are better done sooner than later."
Uluvheim stared at Rhode for a while and unexpectedly broke into a smile: "I'm beginning to appreciate you."
He enjoyed this kind of efficient working style, and Rhode's proposal was very much to his liking.
The others had no objections either, and everyone exited the tent, taking a group photo in front of the ruins where scaffolding had begun to be built.
Hayberion stood at the front row center, Makarov and Uluvheim stood beside him due to their 'height advantage,' while the other four stood at the back row.
The major newspapers promptly received this photo and the news that the new evaluators had been decided.
The editorial departments immediately began drafting articles, starting with discussing catchy titles, and then meticulously checking the identities and resumes of the seven Ten Wizard Saints, scrutinizing each word for additions or removals.
Whether the goal of soothing public sentiment would be achieved wasn't known until the newspapers came out.
But the effects at the Council Headquarters were immediate.
Ordinary soldiers were bewildered and speechless upon learning that the Ten Wizard Saints were to become evaluators.
But soon felt they were enveloped by a strong sense of security.
——At least the headquarters won't have to worry about being attacked, right?
...
To save time, Rhode, Jura, and Brellins used the Flying Gate to return to their guilds.
After all, Rays of the Rising Sun and Lamia Scale are both in Fiore, departing from Fairy Tail would be faster than coming back from afar.
The two of them praised the convenience of this magic and agreed with Rhode to 'hitch a ride' back tomorrow. They hurriedly left, not even stopping to stay a bit at the guild.
Many people in the guild knew them and curiously asked Makarov and Rhode what happened.
As soon as Makarov returned to the guild, he dropped his serious demeanor, and said smugly: "Starting from tomorrow, Rhode and I are evaluators!"
Just as he had imagined, the guild swiftly burst into excitement, almost everyone was astounded.
"Eh?!!!"
"You're joking, right?"
"Rhode is fine, but can a President be an evaluator too?"
"Exactly…"
Makarov: ?