Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 152

“Kenji, what do you think of the plan devised by the deacons?”

“I believe it is a good plan that covers the basics well.” That’s my response. “As expected of excellent young men. It’s impressive how they managed to create a plausible development plan given the information they had.”

“Hmph,” Priest Nicolo snorts. “No need for flattery. Speak your honest opinion.”

“I’m sorry. I still believe the plan is well-made. However, reality often doesn’t go as planned. It seems the plan lacks some flexibility and consideration for adjustments.”

“Hmph. That’s true.”

The inability to step beyond the information provided is likely a habit ingrained from their long years of church life. Improving this in a short time seems challenging.

“By the way, about the case study method…”

As expected, Priest Nicolo’s interest isn’t just in the deacons’ progress but also in the educational methods and materials used.

“The approach of using a fictional village to practice planning is intriguing. What inspired this method?”

Since I can’t reveal how I learned the case-study method, I craft a plausible explanation.

“I’ve heard that when building a cathedral, even stonemasons draw up plans. Similarly, generals use maps to strategize battles. Since village development is a similar type of work where planning is crucial, using maps and materials to practice planning seems like a natural idea.”

“Natural, you say?” Nicolo murmurs, seeming unconvinced. “Indeed, when you put it that way, it is natural. But it is also unnatural because it is so natural. New attempts usually come with various issues. Yet, the case study method’s effectiveness is remarkably high. The transformation of the deacons, who knew nothing of the outside world until a few days ago, proves this. Honestly, I thought it would take years of practical work to get them to make practical plans. Kenji, you could create another case study material, couldn’t you? That way, you might be able to train a large number of capable individuals in a short period.”

As always, Priest Nicolo pointedly addresses the challenging aspects.

“I appreciate the compliment, but I believe there is still room for improvement.”

In reality, I feel the need to refine the case study method based on Priest Nicolo’s feedback. It would be beneficial to introduce additional scenarios, such as a flood occurring, to prompt adjustments to the plan based on environmental changes. Also, providing several versions of the development plan for different time frames—such as one year, five years, or ten years—would broaden their perspective and improve the method.

“Hmph. I’d like to entrust a territory to you, Kenji, or perhaps incorporate this into the training for a magistrate.”

Priest Nicolo mentions something rather alarming, and I quickly respond with denial. “Priest Nicolo, you’re being hasty. Shouldn’t we first properly train the deacons to become capable managers of such projects?”

When I say that, Priest Nicolo looks at me in surprise. “Hmph? Isn’t the training for the deacons finished?”

I reply with a smile. “What are you saying, Priest Nicolo? The education has only just begun. They’ve merely learned how to swim on land. Now they must be thrown into the raging river of reality and learn how to swim for real.”

Priest Nicolo raises one eyebrow and says, “Kenji, you really enjoy tormenting yourself, don’t you?”

I am about to respond but hurriedly swallow my words.