Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 151

The deacons, who had been confident and composed despite their fatigue, are now in a state of confusion.

“Priest Nicolo is coming? Is that true?”

“Yes, he should be arriving shortly. You’d better hurry with your preparations.” I responded to Adelmo’s question with a smile. 

They begin to scramble to get ready. 

Once they have more or less settled down, I stand up and head for the door. “I’ll go and fetch him.”

In reality, Priest Nicolo has been contacted in advance and is waiting in a separate room of the church. So, the commotion in this room is fully audible to him.

As I slowly open the door, Nicolo, true to his impatient nature, is already waiting at the door and quickly steps inside the room.

“P-Priest Nicolo.” Panicking, the deacons rush over and kneel before Priest Nicolo. What is this scene? Is there such a significant difference in rank between priests and deacons? Or is Nicolo somehow greater than his rank suggests?

Priest Nicolo simply nods with a “Hmm” and continues walking without stopping, plopping himself down in the front seat. “Well, you may begin.”

Um, that’s actually something I was supposed to say, but oh well.

The deacons scramble to their feet, bow while holding their parchments, and then begin their presentation.

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As for the content of the presentation, it is quite well-organized. The plan is solid and practical, avoiding any flashy or gimmicky elements. It seems that Nicolo’s words about gathering excellent young talent are not false.

 The presentation itself is good as well. They start by presenting the results in numbers, such as the structure of the development, timeline, costs, and profits, and then outline the development plan.

The outline is divided into chapters, detailing the plans for logging, land development, canal maintenance, and water mill construction in that order. The deacons have also solidified the evidence with supporting figures, documents, and villagers’ testimonies.

It sounds like a proper development plan for the designated village. If they follow this procedure, it looks like the village’s harvest will increase. The deacons presenting it also appear confident

Priest Nicolo, unusually for someone who rarely listens to others, keeps his eyes closed and listens in silence until the end.

“Hm… Is that all? Then I have a few questions.” He opens his eyes and continues. “The plan for the period is acceptable. What are you planning to do after the development plan is completed?”

The deacons look puzzled and ask, “After it is completed?”

They have been asked to create a development plan and have done so, so they are unsure why they are being asked about what comes after it is completed.

“That’s right. Your plan is intended to improve the lives of the inhabitants. It will change their lives, for better or worse. Those who gain more fields will increase their wealth, while those who don’t will be envious. Those closer to the canals will see increased harvests, while those in the water mill construction areas will have fewer fields. Canals and water mills require frequent maintenance, or they will quickly become unusable. Who will bear that burden? It seems your plan does not account for what happens after the development is complete.”

Faced with these repeated questions, the deacons fall silent.

They have only done what they were told. That might have been acceptable within the church organization, but it doesn’t work in reality. After all, real people’s lives are at stake. They have to continue living in that land after the development plan is finished. The deacons lack the imagination for this. Priest Nicolo’s criticism sharply addresses this point.

“There’s one more thing. What will you do if the plan is delayed due to unforeseen accidents?”

The deacons exchange glances, and Clement responds on their behalf. “Um, by unforeseen accidents…”

“Yes. For example, monsters might attack during logging. If settlers are injured, the development will be significantly delayed. What if the livestock arranged for the development fall ill and die? What if heavy rain causes flooding while digging the canals? What if the technicians for the water mill are delayed?”

This is about risk management. A plan written on paper does not fail until it is executed. However, once implementation begins, various problems may arise. How thoroughly have they considered these risks? Are they using their imagination? Priest Nicolo sternly criticizes the deacons, emphasizing the difference between paperwork and reality.

The deacons, who had been confident just moments before, are completely silenced.

“But…” Priest Nicolo continues. “For a plan developed in such a short period, it is quite impressive. It can serve as a solid foundation. Well done.”

At these unexpected compliments, the deacons’ faces brighten and they look up.

Priest Nicolo nods towards them. “I need to have a word with Kenji. You may return first.”

With that, the deacons bow and quietly leave through the door.

The room in the church becomes immediately empty, with only Sara, Priest Nicolo, and me facing each other.

“I need to discuss something with you.”

Well, that’s to be expected.

For me, this is where the real test begins.