Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 145

Fuming with anger, the man called Clement stands up and heads for the exit, while the other two restrain him by grabbing the hem of his robe. It seems like steam is rising from his shaved head—he might be able to boil water with that.

As they argue in low voices, I watch with a detached gaze and speak up, “Let’s take a break for a moment. It seems you all have something to discuss.”

After saying that, I leave the room.

Sara hurriedly follows me in a panic. “Hey, Kenji! Is it really okay to say such things to the deacons?”

I answer honestly, “I don’t know.”

Sara is left speechless, saying, “Y-you don’t know…”

But if I don’t know, then I don’t know.

I’m not quite sure how much authority clergy have in this world. I don’t really have a clear sense of it. So I intend to simply explain the attitude one should have when learning, as if it were a normal academic discussion. I might have repeated it a bit too much, saying I would inform Priest Nicolo.

I don’t mean to belittle their intelligence, but perhaps because they’ve survived in a highly competitive world, there seems to be a misunderstanding that nitpicking and taking advantage of others is a sign of intelligence.

It’s already challenging to teach something new in this world, and with that attitude, it’s not even worth discussing. The necessary personnel are not those who mistake deceiving ignorant commoners for intelligence but those who eagerly seek new knowledge and are willing to kneel and learn from a child on the street if needed.

Alternatively, even someone blinded by money and worldly gains, who would dig ditches to find small coins, could be acceptable.

Maybe it’s because they’re young and confident, but unless they can show a level of intellectual attitude that admits their own ignorance, they won’t be able to advance the business together.

In terms of intellectual attitude, Sara, the adventurer from a rural background, is far superior.

That said, there’s no helping it once I’ve made a bold declaration. I need to consider countermeasures.

First, how about apologizing for the disrespectful attitude towards the deacons, reconciling with them, and continuing the lecture?

Advantages: No additional costs, not embarrassing Priest Nicolo who introduced them, and not incurring the resentment of the younger assistant priests.

Disadvantages: The transmission of knowledge may be incomplete, which could raise the standards for evaluating the project and increase the likelihood of failure. Failure means higher taxes in rural areas and a strain on farmers’ lives.

In other words, this option is not feasible.

Next, what about proceeding without the deacons?

Specifically, I would create detailed texts that Priest Nicolo could understand and develop the evaluation criteria myself. Any discrepancies from practice would be addressed by working with lower-ranking practitioners and making adjustments through trial and error in the church’s territory. This would create successful case studies, which Priest Nicolo could then promote to the young deacons.

Advantages: Since the discussion will take place after results are achieved, it will be easier to get people to listen. My supervision will improve the accuracy of the evaluation criteria. Including specialists in the team will facilitate the establishment of a practical organization by integrating them smoothly.

Disadvantages: Higher initial costs, embarrassing Priest Nicolo who introduced the young assistant priests, incurring the resentment of the young assistant priests, and increasing my own burden.

Moreover, it seems that Priest Nicolo might be hoping to use this opportunity to educate the young deacons, who appear to be theoretical and prone to pitfalls. I don’t see why I should have to do that; I’d prefer they handle their own education.

Even without the deacons, it’s doable. If their attitude doesn’t change, that’s fine too.

With this outlook, my resolve is set.

Now, what conclusion do the deacons reach? I am actually looking forward to hearing their decision. 

When I open the door to the room, the deacons turn towards me, looking startled. “Have you reached a conclusion?” I ask them in a rather calm voice.