Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 158

That night, a reflection and study meeting takes place at the village church, with the deacons and Sara in attendance. The deacons seem particularly struck by the scenes from earlier in the day and remain notably quiet, so I take the initiative to start the discussion.

“Now, what shall we do next? I believe this is an opportunity to test your positions and the scholarly knowledge you’ve developed.”

Encouraged by this, Deacon Adelmo speaks up. “We should provide aid to that peasant woman.”

Deacon Clement and Deacon Michelino express their agreement with remarks like, “Yes” and “Indeed.”

I ask the three deacons, “How much help do you think is needed?”

Deacon Michelino answers, “Perhaps one sack of wheat per month. That should suffice for the time being.”

I continue with my questions. “And for what duration do you consider this aid should be provided?”

Deacon Michelino replies, “If we consider until the youngest child reaches adulthood, it would be about ten years.”

I follow up. “That amounts to 120 sacks of wheat. Do you believe the church here has enough to spare?”

Deacon Michelino hesitates, and Deacon Clement takes over the discussion. “It is not impossible. From what I observed, there seems to be a surplus of wheat stored in the church’s warehouse.”

I then ask, “Will the central church view a reduction in donations from this village church favorably?”

Deacon Clement is at a loss for words, so I continue to press. “To what extent do you have in mind?”

Deacon Adelmo asks for clarification. “What do you mean by ‘extent’?”

“I mean the number of people to be helped. Do you think only that household in this village is struggling? There must be many children in similar situations in other villages. Does the church have the resources to help all of them?”

Deacon Michelino replies, “It’s not impossible. But…”

“That’s right. There’s no reason to give. There’s no hope of repayment, so there’s no hope of investment. Isn’t that right?”

Michelino’s voice turns bitter as he answers, “…Yes, that’s right.”

I continue, “Deacon Michelino, the church is investing in land development, correct? How significant is the difference between that amount and what you would allocate for aid?”

Michelino responds, “…The difference is probably close to 1 and 1,000.”

I nod in agreement. “That’s about right. Such a large disparity must exist. Funds naturally flow to where they are increasing. There’s no point in resenting it. Just as water flows from high to low, we cannot go against nature. Therefore, let’s bring that large amount of money to this village. Open up fields, create irrigation channels, and run watermills to enrich the village. Ensure that jobs during the off-season are available for everyone—from children to women. Increase the incoming funds and return them. By doing so, more funds will flow in. Use this as the first example for a virtuous cycle. Everyone, this is the time to use your wisdom.”

At this point, the deacons finally begin to consider positive measures. However, not everyone is convinced.

“But that doesn’t mean the child will be saved…” Deacon Clement says.

I decided to address the concern. “If that child has nowhere to go next year, we’ll take them in at the workshop. We’re expanding and need more hands. Sara, is that alright?”

Sara responds with a beaming smile, “Of course it is!”