Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 149

Another hour passes, and I anxiously watch for Sara’s irritation to surface. At that moment, a deacon named Michelino raises his hand.

“I have a question.”

“Go ahead.”

“The amount of wheat listed in this inventory document does not match the amount calculated from the tax records. Is there an error in the documents?”

“I see. It’s possible that there might be a mistake in the documents.”

Michelino snorts in response. “Hmph! You prepare such elaborate documents, and yet there’s such a mistake! How could this happen?”

He seems to think that the trap I have set is merely a simple error. The habit of pointing out others’ mistakes rather than solving the problem is hard to break.

Since this attitude might affect the other deacons, I decide to address it directly.

“Impressive, Michelino. It’s rare to find someone who notices discrepancies in the figures. By the way, what do you think is the reason for the discrepancy in the numbers?”

“You… please say that again… isn’t it your mistake?”

“No, it is not.” After saying this, I look around at the other two deacons. “Isn’t it common to find discrepancies in the documents and reports that are submitted? What do you think is the background and reason for this? How do you confirm the facts?”

The deacons are silent for a while, but then Clement mutters: “Divine matters are miracles of the gods; human matters are the paths of men, aren’t they?”

The other two nodded in agreement, saying, “Indeed, indeed.”

I don’t really know, but perhaps it is a passage from a sacred text. The tense atmosphere surrounding them seems to suddenly dissipate.

“If it’s not a divine matter, then we, as people, should also cooperate a little, Adelmo.”

“Yes, indeed. How about you, Michelino?”

“I don’t see any objection. It should be fine, right Kenji?.”

I reply with a beaming smile. I was waiting for those words. “Please, cooperate with each other.”

Then, Adelmo, slightly hesitant, asks, “Is it alright if we inquire about the price of the wheat from the merchants?”

“That’s very fine. Please, do so.”

Clement also asks for clarification. “I’d like to cross-check this tax revenue record with the materials in the library.”

“That’s very much appreciated. Please do so.”

Michelino asks hesitantly, “…Are there any restrictions or prohibitions?”

“There are none. Use any means you think necessary.” When I reply this way, the three deacons appear clearly bewildered.

“Well, I guess… the common people don’t respect the truth,” Adelmo says.

I answer succinctly, “Wheat does not increase with the truth.”

Sara nods vigorously next to me.

“I see, that is indeed the truth.” The deacons give a wry smile in response.

After that, the deacons begin discussing and sharing their doubts, research findings, and dividing tasks among themselves. It seems that the stagnant atmosphere in the church finally starts to change and flow.