Chapter 628: Personnel Matters
At the castle that served as the lord’s residence, Tauro sat down to discuss future plans with Robin, the dogkin woman from the Garfish Trading Company who had been serving as acting administrator.
Robin’s real hope was to hold a formal inauguration ceremony for Tauro as lord as soon as possible, making his position clear to the neighboring territories and the people, so that she could return to her original role as manager of the Garfish Trading Company’s Sugar branch.
Robin’s abilities had played a major role in rebuilding the territory’s economy. Even so, she was a merchant at heart and wanted to concentrate on that work.
However, the Garfish Trading Company headquarters had instructed her that supporting Tauro was the highest priority because it would ultimately benefit the company as well. With that in mind, she made a proposal.
“Until now, I’ve refrained from making decisions on key personnel without your approval, Lord Tauro. But perhaps it’s time to establish a proper administrative structure by appointing a steward to assist the acting administrator and a captain of the territorial guard to maintain order. With those positions filled, governance should continue smoothly even when you’re away.”
“How have you been handling those roles until now, Robin?” Tauro asked.
He realized he had left almost everything to the capable acting administrator and had barely thought about personnel matters himself.
“Until now, I’ve had my subordinates from the Garfish Trading Company temporarily handle those duties. There’s no immediate rush, but I’d appreciate it if you could begin selecting suitable candidates.”
Robin seemed to believe that it would be unhealthy for a single trading company to remain so deeply involved in governing the territory indefinitely.
“…I see. Okay. It may not be right away, but I’ll start deciding on responsible individuals as I find the right people.”
Tauro nodded—and then naturally followed up:
“By the way, would it be impossible for someone as capable as you to stay on in this role permanently?”
“Eh!? I was only doing this under orders from the chairman. I’m not suited to a permanent government post! And I’m still an employee of the Garfish Trading Company!”
Robin firmly declined once again.
After a year of administering the territory, Robin clearly had mixed feelings. She had found fulfillment in restoring it to profitability, but she had also come to understand the weight of the responsibility involved.
Until now, she had been able to shoulder that burden because she was acting under company orders; formally accepting the post as her own would be another matter entirely.
“Someone as capable as you would make things much easier for me. I can trust you with the territory, and considering your achievements, you’re the most suitable person… But I suppose I can’t simply take one of the Garfish Trading Company’s best people for myself. Then, for now, could you continue as acting administrator a while longer?”
Tauro asked again, looking sorry.
“If it’s only continuing as acting administrator, then I accept!” Robin readily agreed.
Tauro then told her that dwarven miners would soon arrive to formally reopen the mine, that he wanted to put Rogas in charge of the site, and that he also intended to reopen the trading post now that relations with the Dwarven Autonomous Region had been restored.
“Bringing in a mining expert is a great help. If he’s someone you trust, Lord Tauro, then I have no objection. As for the trading post, I recommend inviting the long-established local Busasen Trading Company to discuss it with us.”
“The Busasen Trading Company… I see. They’re a long-established local firm and probably know far more about how the old trading post operated than we do as outsiders. They may have better ideas.”
“At that meeting, I’d also like to participate as manager of the Garfish Trading Company’s Sugar branch,” Robin added, showing her merchant side.
“Haha, you’re welcome in either capacity—as acting administrator or as the company representative. This territory wouldn’t be functioning without you. Even Busasen spoke very highly of you.”
Tauro once again praised Robin for everything she had accomplished.
“Please don’t praise me too much—I might get carried away!” Robin said, blushing.
“Next is the captain of the territorial guard… Maintaining order throughout the territory is a major issue. As we saw from Zion, Seth, and the Rock-series puppets, monsters are still appearing around the mountain villages near the mines. So—Ankh, could you serve as acting captain for now? I’d like you to train the soldiers, develop officer-level leaders, and identify promising people.”
Aeris and the others, who had been quietly listening around the discussion table, were all surprised when Tauro suddenly turned to Ankh.
“M-me!?”
“As a former mercenary, you have a good eye for soldiers. You’ve served under all kinds of commanders and know how to judge them. I’d like you to identify people you think are capable and train them if necessary.”
“…That’s true. I’ve seen all kinds of commanders… I suppose I’m suited to it. But, Leader—my top priority is still adventuring with everyone. You understand that, right?”
“Of course! You’re the vanguard of ‘Black-Gold Wings,’ after all!”
Tauro replied, placing his trust in the dependable red-haired warrior in black who stood tall and strong.