Kays Translations

Chapter 213: Maybe I Should Quit My Job

“Well, it’s been a while since I’ve had such an enthusiastic conversation with someone of my age.”

“I’m glad to have found a like-minded individual. Now, onto the main topic—”

In the end, irrelevant conversation continued for about two hours. It wasn’t until Tsubaki brought more tea that I managed to forcefully end the conversation.

First, I conveyed what we had decided yesterday with everyone. How far they would accept it was unknown. Approval would likely take time, so we had to wait patiently.

Or so I thought, but I couldn’t help but let out a casual tone at the unexpected response.

“I see, understood. I agree to all the proposals you’ve presented.”

“Huh? You can’t just decide on everything so easily.”

“Is there any dissatisfaction…?”

“No, there isn’t, but… Is all the decision up you director…?”

“Oh, about that, you don’t have to worry.”

Listening to the subsequent explanation by the director, I understood the general flow. It seems there are allies even among the ministerial ranks. The distinguished individual leading the department where Keisuke works is a well-known politician whose name everyone knows.

The department led by Masaki-san was established under his leadership. They immediately took action as soon as videos of returnees from the other world were uploaded. It was established quite early, and he mentioned that he was appointed as the director. Furthermore, it was a top-secret matter regarding Masaki’s relationship.

When establishing the countermeasure department, almost all decision-making authority was delegated to Masaki. Only in cases where a decision couldn’t be made were they required to consult directly.

“I see. In any case, I’d be grateful if you could approve it.”

“In fact, that person also regards you as special. In a good way, of course.”

Regardless of the internal situation within the government, this was a significant step forward. Securing the autonomy of the village, in particular, was huge. The day when we could bring people from the other world might come much sooner than expected.

With our requests smoothly accepted, I decided to inquire about other matters of concern. First, I asked for information about the current situation of the student village chief and the relationship with the government, to the extent they could disclose.

According to the director, his home surroundings are currently protected by the Self-Defense Forces. Well, it’s more like ‘quarantine’… In any case, they are under 24-hour surveillance.

The barrier around the house is a small-scale one with a radius of about 20 meters centered on his house. According to his testimony, it can neither be expanded nor reduced. Whether this is true or just a bluff remains unclear. By the way, the color of the barrier is a faint light blue, barely noticeable without careful observation.

“I see… That’s the situation now.”

“He rarely goes outside. But that doesn’t mean he’s uncooperative with us.”

“Even though it’s been a while since he returned to Japan, he seems surprisingly observant.”

“Yes, this is pretty much the usual exchange.”

As he said that, the director showed me his smartphone. They seem to be communicating with each other using an unfamiliar calling app. It’s probably an app developed independently by the government.

“Masaki-san, if possible—”

“Yes?”

“I’d like to meet with him.”

If he has contact with the government, I think he would at least have a conversation with me. Also, from what I’ve heard, he seems like a quiet guy, so he might be a pretty decent person.

Of course, there’s a chance that they’re working behind the scenes or in contact with the Goddesses… but the quickest way to find out is to meet them in person. If they’re in my line of sight, I can appraise them and find out the details of their skills

“If you say so, I thought as much. I’ll make a proposal to him. Whether he agrees or not is uncertain.”

“Yes, thank you.”

—

After requesting information about the student village chief, we resumed our discussion after lunch. While Masaki and the others brought convenience store bento, I decided to treat them to Nanashi Village’s home cooking.

“Now then, next, could you tell us about the dungeons that have recently appeared?”

“Is that about the government’s operational policy?”

“Yes, please provide detailed information about that as well—”

Currently, five dungeons have been discovered. They are located in Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, and Hokkaido. No matter the region, they seem to be located in relatively conspicuous places—.

“Huh? Wasn’t the Tohoku region in a mountainous area?”

“That’s a golf course. It suddenly appeared right in the middle of the 18th green.”

“I see, that would certainly stand out.”

As for operations, it was pretty much as expected. Quarantine measures and entry restrictions by the Self-Defense Forces, and currently, they are working on acquiring magic stone resources and conducting hierarchical surveys. It is scheduled to be opened to the public once they have a certain degree of understanding.

It seems that adventurers from the other world are playing a significant role, and they are receiving quite favorable treatment as well. So far, there haven’t been any major problems, but there are still some troublemakers…

“Not having any major problems… That means something like that, right?”

“I cannot answer that. No major issues have occurred.”

(Ah, I see, they’re definitely doing it. Inside the dungeon would be convenient, and they can’t avoid bullets forever.)

Afterwards, I conveyed that if dungeons are left unattended for too long, monsters will overflow. When I said that the source of the information was the goddess, they all believed it readily. Or rather, their eyes sparkled. And then, the conversation drifted off again—.

Finally, after finishing the explanation about the goddess, we moved on to the last topic of the day.

The content was about setting up a checkpoint on the only access route to the village. We wanted to block general people and the media coming through the flatlands, leaving aside those who might intrude from the surrounding mountains. Naturally, this meant we would be isolated too, but with the teleportation circle, that wouldn’t be an issue.

Additionally, the checkpoint could be used as a reception area when recruiting new villagers in the future. The idea was for the government to register applicants, verify their backgrounds, and then check their loyalty in the village if they seemed fine. We planned to handle it in a two-step process.

It’s unlikely, but if a huge number of people suddenly rushed in, it would be difficult to handle. That’s why we requested the establishment of the checkpoint.

“I see, that would be helpful for us as well. In that case, I would like to station these two here permanently.”

“Actually, I’d like to join you too…” said Masaki, looking a little lonely, and readily agreed.

The two female employees who came along, the lively Shiina and the gentle eyed Yuno, were extremely delighted and ended up hugging Masaki. And he had the most contented look on his face today.

(This person is quite different from my initial impression. Akiho warned me to be cautious, but he feels somewhat familiar.)

—

After finishing all the planned discussions for today, we decided to test if the three of them could become villagers.

Based on the flow so far, I had a strong feeling about it. That hunch was spot on, as all three of them easily exceeded a loyalty score of 50. Given their respective positions, they couldn’t become villagers immediately, but I planned to have them come to the village in due course. Allowing government officials inside might cause discord, so it seemed best to handle this carefully.

“I’m in a bit of a bind… If possible, I want to become a villager right away. I’m seriously considering quitting my job.”

“Director! Let’s all quit together! Yuno, don’t you agree?”

“I think it’s a very attractive proposal. We’re all conveniently single, so there’s no need to hesitate. After all, we can go to the other world we’ve dreamed of.”

Well, I think they were half-joking, but it feels like the day when we can live together isn’t far off. No, I feel it’s very close.

—

“Well then, everyone, let’s meet again.”

“Keisuke-san, today was the most fulfilling day of my life. Let’s meet again soon.”

“We’ll visit again too!”

“I can’t wait to meet people from the other world…”

And so, the two-day dialogue finally came to an end.

As they were leaving, they handed me a duralumin case from the car, and I was surprised to see a mountain of cash inside. It was offered as future operational funds, but I politely declined this time.

Instead, I decided to sell about 5,000 goblin magic stones. After all, we needed cash. All in all, despite everything, this was probably the biggest gain of the day.

(Oh, I forgot to ask about the appraisal part time job…)

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