Chapter 227: Personnel Reassignment

After parting ways with Juri, I wandered around the village for a bit and helped with video filming. It’s relaxing when I’m not in front of the camera, and before I knew it, it was already time for lunch.

Today, I had plans to go out in the afternoon, so I quickly finished lunch and started preparing to leave. Well, calling it going out is a bit of a stretch since the destination is just around the corner…

I headed to the nearby garrison to meet with head of department, Masaki.

“Long time no see, Keisuke… Well, not really.”

“Hello, are you here since this morning?”

“I’ve been here since last night. There were some surrounding maintenance matters to attend to.”

As soon as I arrived at the garrison, department president Masaki greeted me. Looking around, I could see that the fields had been cleared and a large square had been completed. Tents were set up around it, and buildings under construction… Apparently, that place was going to be the headquarters of the counter-measures.

During the walk, I exchanged greetings with familiar members of the Self-Defense Forces and moved to the tent where the temporary headquarters was located. The inside of the tent was spacious, and I could see Shiina and Yuzuno. Both of them seemed to be in work mode today, with serious expressions on their faces.

“Now, I’d like to start discussing about the other world, but… all conversations here will be recorded. Let’s get straight to the point.”

The purpose of coming here today was to reaffirm the government’s requirements. We checked the detailed guidelines and discussed if there were any inconveniences for both parties. While looking through the materials distributed in advance, I listened to department president Masaki’s explanation.

“First, regarding the age limit…”

As a basic premise, an age limit of 18 or older was set regardless of gender. Even if they were adults, those with dependent family members were exempt.

We wanted to avoid situations where children who couldn’t make their own decisions were forced… Even if I or the government approved, the public opinion wouldn’t allow it.

“It’s indeed difficult with minors.”

“It’s impossible at the moment. Maybe in the future if we accumulate achievements…”

“The dungeons managed by the government have an entrance restriction of 16 or older, right?”

“Yes, but accompanying guardians are required.”

(If the government lowers the restrictions, the public opinion should change accordingly. It might be safer to make changes based on that.)

Satisfied with the explanations, we moved on to the next item. This time, it was about resident registration, taxes, and legal matters.

Those who become villagers will register the village as their official residence. As for taxes, the village chief will pay them collectively based on the village’s population. However, profits from the sale of magic stones are not subject to taxation.

While the village is a special zone in another world, as long as we are in Japan, we have an obligation to comply with the law. Crimes like murder and assault are applicable even to villagers.

And regarding that matter, it’s scheduled to be announced publicly. It was communicated that any attempts to harm to the village will be completely ignored.

“We have no problem with that. We also want to live as peacefully as possible.”

“Yes. As the government, we promise to fully support you.”

Since the conversation is being recorded, I’ll refrain from further discussion… Full support, meaning a guarantee of cover-ups, has been secured. We also have no intention of being reckless. Unless there’s something extraordinary, there shouldn’t be any problems.

“Now, let’s move on to the detailed explanation of the acceptance procedure.”

“Huh? Hasn’t the start date for recruitment been moved up?”

In the materials distributed today, the start of recruitment was moved up by one week. It was supposed to be one month later before— is it really okay to bring it forward by so much?

Thinking so, 

“In fact, there have been many requests from the citizens, so we decided to speed up the document screening process.”

“…Well, we appreciate it. Are there any changes to the procedures?”

“Other than the start date, there are no changes. First—”

For document screening, information such as age, medical history, and family composition is required. Depending on the case, a survey of the household environment may be conducted. Those who pass the above screening will visit the village on a date designated by the government.

I don’t think there will be that many applicants, but it would be troublesome if hundreds of thousands of people suddenly showed up. Hence, the specified date and time.

Currently, on-site screenings are scheduled twice a week, with a maximum of 5,000 visits per day. If divided into morning and afternoon sessions, it should be manageable. Probably…

I couldn’t imagine how many recruits there would be now. But… at least 10,000 or more villagers were desired. We were building residences with that intention. We wanted to avoid turning it into a ghost town…

“Then, the recruitment will start in one week. The on-site screening will be conducted one month later.”

“Thank you.”

With one month, we could progress with the housing development and construction of various facilities. Moreover, there’s still more than 8 months until the group transfer date. We can proceed steadily without rushing.

***************

The next day, a summit meeting was scheduled to be held in the city of Nanasia. Key personnel were gathered at the lord’s mansion. Each of them was indispensable to the village.

“Now that everyone is here, let’s begin.”

Today’s agenda was ‘status of handover in each department.’

While activities in Japan have become the main focus recently, we can’t neglect the other world. We wanted to ensure a thorough handover and be fully prepared.

There were no changes to Vice village chief Tsubaki, Supply Officer Merinard, and Personnel Officer Haruka. The three main pillars will continue to handle both Japan and the other world. Construction Manager Rudrug is leaving the other world to his top disciple. He plans to continue his activities in Japan.

The lord of Nanasia has been changed from Drago to Wolfox. Lux, who has experience as a lord, can be trusted. Assisting him is Maria, a fish person, and Lux’s wife, who is also a former parliament member. There couldn’t be a more suitable candidate.

“Next is the change in the overall commander… Are you really not overworking yourself, Kyoko?”

“Yes, please leave it to me. I’ll fulfill my duties properly.”

“I see. If it’s Kyoko, we can trust her without worry. I’m counting on you.”

Changing from Sakura to Kyoko was decided quite early on. I asked her before, “Is it okay if you don’t come to Japan?”… but it seems she has no intention of that. If she can return anytime, she’d rather be active here. She declared it clearly.

“I’ll come over on holidays, so don’t worry. Oh, if you could make a list of new releases, I’d appreciate it.”

“Haha, I’ll make sure to have them all ready.”

As for the medical team that Kyoko was in charge of, Akiho and Hazuki will now be stationed there alternately. With 6 beastmen who have learned healing magic, there shouldn’t be any problems.

“Is Touya and Rado okay?”

“Yeah, there’s no change for the Nanashi Army. Hayato and Tachibana are also there. We’ll take turns being stationed.”

“We, the security team, will remain the same. Japanese patrols will also be entrusted to us.”

“Got it. Please adjust the details with Kyoko.”

So, that’s roughly the setup, but…

Honestly, I wasn’t that worried. Currently, there are no obvious hostile forces, and we’ve been maneuvering things to keep it that way.

Besides, everyone, including myself, goes back and forth between the different worlds almost every day. As long as we’re within the barrier, whether in Japan or in the other world, there’s no difference. With the teleportation circle and the gates to the other world, we can move immediately, so I don’t think we’ll fall behind in case of emergencies.

…About two hours later, finally, all the confirmations were made. The handover was completed without any problems, and everyone dispersed.

“By the way, Village Chief, you’re going to the Empire later, right? A messenger came yesterday, did something happen?”

“Huh? Didn’t I tell you yesterday? It seems relations with the Beastmen Country are improving. That was mentioned in the letter.”

“I see. Still, don’t let your guard down.”

“Yeah, I’ll be careful.”

If we delve any further into the conversation, it feels like we might raise some strange flags. With such thoughts in mind, the summit meeting came to an end.

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