"Chief, about that issue, I still…"
After the meeting, Iino Miko couldn't be held back by Konori Mii and stormed into the headquarters office.
The headquarters office wasn't much different from a regular branch, though its primary role—coordinating and dispatching to branches—made it slightly busier.
Of course, this had little to do with Samuel. Robots swiftly shuttled documents to various offices and branches.
"…Miko-chan, I know you're upright and genuinely care about Judgment's integrity. But you can't judge others by your own standards. You come from a stable family, live simply, and hold firm convictions."
Samuel calmly outlined Iino Miko's background.
Iino Miko's father was a Supreme Court judge, her mother a staff member of an international humanitarian organization. Their influence shaped her strong sense of justice from childhood.
She might not see it, but the truth was undeniable: she hailed from a privileged, worry-free elite family.
Her starting point was so high she couldn't see those below. To her, spiritual pursuits—justice and ideals—outweighed material needs.
Thus, driven by her unwavering sense of justice, she joined Judgment to uphold order, protect safety, and champion righteousness.
She held herself and others to her own high standards.
But she was mistaken…
Not all Judgment officers were heiresses like her, nor were they all "model" citizens. They were human, with desires. In a society like Academy City, material desires dominated until basic needs were met, leaving little room for spiritual ideals.
Ideals didn't pay bills or earn money—relying on them alone was, well, a scam. Once tainted by materialism, ideals lost their purity.
"Our Judgment officers are some of Academy City's most diligent students. They're 'good kids'—some join for credits, others for other reasons, but they're the most law-abiding group."
"Yet even they have wants. Many are low-level espers with meager stipends, forcing them to work part-time. Miko-chan, don't you think it's harsh to burden them with Judgment's heavy responsibilities and expect them to work in their free time?"
Samuel teased her lightly.
"But…"
"I know what you're thinking. Won't this lead to corruption, as you said? The human heart is unpredictable. I don't want Judgment to become like feudal militias from history. By providing sufficient material support, we remove the excuse for corruption, making it easier to address, don't you think?"
"Plus, without professionalizing Judgment, those with ulterior motives will still act. They'll take bribes or let criminals go, claiming, 'My stingy boss doesn't pay enough to eat.'"
"This…"
Iino bit her lip, momentarily speechless. She wasn't naive, just principled. She knew Samuel was right, but something still felt off.
"Sigh!"
Konori Mii rested her hand on her forehead, shaking her head helplessly. She'd known Iino would be no match for Samuel.
She had to admit Samuel's logic and approach were sound. But her instincts screamed he wasn't a saint, nor the selfless patriot he appeared to be. He had his own ambitions, and this was just convenient.
"Hm…"
Iino tilted her head, racking her brain. Something felt wrong, but she couldn't pinpoint why.
It was simply her mindset struggling to shift so quickly.
Judgment's future hinged on Samuel's decisions.
With subtle guidance, he could turn this key deterrent force into his private army.
But he wouldn't. It was pointless. First, he didn't need private soldiers—his armed robots were plentiful. Second, sacrificing these kids in power struggles was too cruel.
Samuel wasn't a good person. In some ways, he was a bad one.
But he was still human. Even the most ruthless politician wouldn't senselessly expend these children.
His actions were merely to gain a sliver of leverage—a tiger's pelt to intimidate others.
Among his many pelts, this was the least fearsome.
If the lofty figure overseeing Academy City decided to eliminate him, no pelt would save him. Likewise, those pelts would remain largely intact.
Plenty could inherit them—Shinomiya Kaguya, for instance.
Without that resolve, it came down to "calculation"—Samuel's intrinsic value.
His worth to Academy City, and thus to that figure, was immense.
Why bother if it was likely futile? Because it cost him little effort or expense.
For Samuel, this was a minor financial outlay for a touch of protection, far more valuable than the cost.
Bang!
"Chief, I'm protesting! Why are there so many documents? I quit!!"
Fujiwara Chika burst through the door, brazenly venting her frustration.
Judgment's secretary, Fujiwara Chika, handled document organization, authorization, previews, and reviews.
***
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