Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 155

I speak to the dejected deacons. “Now, I think you’ve realized that there is a significant discrepancy between the documents and the actual situation on the ground. I also believe you understand that imposing the plans you devised onto the village would have caused considerable difficulties.”

This is as expected. The deacons are confused and disheartened by the reality, which is different from what they are accustomed to within the church.

“Now,” I say, deliberately raising my voice to draw attention, “what kind of assistance do you think is needed to make a feasible plan from this state?”

Seeking help from others, I see the deacons lift their heads. I can almost hear their inner voices saying, When you can’t do it yourself, it’s okay to seek help from others.

Deacon Adelmo speaks up. “First, we need a surveyor. Without an accurate map, nothing can be done. We also need an agricultural expert. I cannot determine if there is room for improvement in the village’s farming methods. It might also be necessary to consider the varieties of wheat being planted.”

Deacon Michelino also gives his opinion. “The rights concerning the fields seem complex. If we’re going to conduct construction, we’ll need to have a land adjudicator or a legal scholar establish standards for land mediation.”

Deacon Clement argues in response. “We might also need to enlist the help of merchants. I saw the wheat storage; the condition of the wheat is mixed. While there’s no issue with the quantity for tax purposes, we cannot ascertain its value in monetary terms, which hinders the church’s ability to provide loans. We will need the expertise of a discerning merchant.”

I listen with satisfaction as they actively express their opinions.

From the beginning, it would have been possible to arrange for specialized personnel to assist them, but I want them to tackle the issue themselves and face failure first. Otherwise, given the deacons’ high pride, they would likely try to command the specialists rather than truly collaborate with them.

That approach wouldn’t work.

There is a significant difference between using others and seeking their assistance. The former lacks respect for the other party, initiative, and responsibility. When undertaking a major and challenging project, there will inevitably be moments where help from others is necessary. At those times, if the central figure of the project lacks respect, initiative, and responsibility, who would want to offer their help?

I want them to become good leaders who can drive the project forward. To achieve that, they must first face difficulties. They need to genuinely believe that they can’t do everything alone, or else they won’t develop a sense of gratitude towards their companions.

At that moment, Sara, who has not been participating in the discussion until then, speaks up. “We also need adventurers. We need to scout outside the village.”

I think it’s a good idea, but it seems the deacons disagree. The atmosphere clearly suggests that they view Sara’s comment dismissively. 

I encourage Sara to explain her point further. “Why do you think we need adventurers to scout outside the village?”

“It’s simple. The wheat from this village alone isn’t enough to sustain them.” Sara says matter-of-factly, but she is essentially implying that the village has hidden fields to avoid taxes..

“Are you accusing the village managed by the church of having hidden fields? The implication of saying there are hidden fields in a village with a church priest is extremely serious,” Clement says threateningly. Given his experience talking directly with priests, Sara’s comment probably feels like an insult to the church’s authority.

However, Sara is completely oblivious to the tense atmosphere and drops another bombshell.

“You idiot, even the church priests must know about it. It’s a small village; there’s no way to hide it.”

The young deacons’ eyes widen in shock, almost to the point of bursting.