The four duke meet. I know each of them and have a great relationship with them. For a noble knight family, the Vars family really knows a lot of elite royalty and nobility.
They were meeting today to discuss various matters concerning their province. Be it taxes to safety, their discussion is something of the utmost important. One of their topics for discussion is
"The giants and some of the lizardmen are volunteering thanks to Little Diana's efforts, but there are still quotas that need to be filled" [Duke of Fortress].
"We can't expect students to do all the work, and even I'm hesitant to let my youngest daughter join, so no one says anything when the number of parents withdrawing their son and daughter from the program keeps increasing" [Duke of Lion].
"On the one hand, the reward is certainly good, but good enough to let their children get their hands dirty, I don't think so" [Akela].
"Most of the demon clan say the same thing, they fear for their safety outside of Amleth. Even if the one guarding them is none other than the Vars family, it's a reasonable reason" [Eisheth].
Suggestion after suggestion is presented. From using an autonomous golem to using a well-behaved criminal. Some are discussed seriously, while others are rejected outright.
As for why I am here
"Hmm... I can, but wouldn't it be better if you all did it?" [Diana]
"How could we ever beat the Jewel of Amleth when it comes to this sort of thing?" [Akela]
"The Salin Event, the Succubus Cultural Festival, their popularity stems from your endless promotion, so we ask the same of you once again" [Eisheth]
"Although I don't think many will sign up for volunteering , but, better a few than none" [Duke of Lion]
"Don't worry, even if no one signs up, we won't be mad at you" [Duke of Fortress]
"I'll try my best... I'll also ask Neloufa for help!" [Diana]
"Then we will reward little Neloufa as well" [Eisheth].
Which brings us to
"I'll do my best to help!" [Neloufa]
"Thank you Neloufa, I know I can count on you!" [Diana]
Neloufa and I plan to just ask one person to another, at the market, at the playground, at the library, and so far the results aren't the best. Sure, there are some who are interested, but most of them just reject the offer. Those who are seriously considering it are those who are unemployed and want an honest job, but, they fear that they'll just get in the way, that, as well as the fact that noble and the two princesses will also be there, hence their fear and anxiety.
"I have heard from the Goddess and the other what you two are doing" [Saintess Rumia].
"You two young children are working hard while I am here doing nothing, it puts me to shame" [Cardinal Davis]
"Yes, but we didn't seem to get the result we wanted" [Diana].
"That's to be expected, no matter how much the Amlethians adore you two, they really need to think twice before volunteering" [Saintess Rumia].
What Saintess Rumia said is indeed true. Even Neloufa and I have realized this. Whether it's safety, the work itself, the precious things we'll be handling, or leaving their homes for a month or two, it's something that's difficult and not something that can be decided easily.
"Let me help you as well. Your method is good and I think I can get a better result" [Cardinal Davis].
"I will help as well. After this project, we thought of doing the same for the Holy Kingdom, so if this project fails, the likelihood of the same project happening in the future will definitely be low" [Saintess Rumia].
"Really? Thank you!" [Diana]
"Is it really okay... I don't want to take up any more of Your Holiness and Sir Cardinal's time" [Neloufa].
"It's fine! They're the one who volunteered to help us" [Diana]
An unexpected helping hand, for which I couldn't be more grateful. Saintess Rumia and Carfinal Davis are well respected, so I'm sure their explanation and persuasion will be better than the two of us. It pains me to say this, but when adults say what we say, it has more impact than we do. Such an injustice! Unfair!
"Your Holiness! Cardinal Davis!? What are you two doing?" [Vita]
"Oh my, for the two holy person to take interest as well"
"Please, let me do it in your place. I don't think it's right for the two of you to do this" [Valerie]
"I see. I guess I don't have any urgent quest that needs my attention. I think I can volunteer, or should I apply to Guild Master Khamisah as an escort?" [Oreforged]
"If the church in Amleth is interested, I think it's worth a try."
"I see, my apologies for both of you coming all the way here just to offer this to me. I'm truly grateful."
Over the next few days, the two of them reach more people than we do. Of course, seeing the two prominent religious figures going around attracts more attention than us! The two are trusted by the Amlethians and their words carry such weight that most are persuaded to join. Saintess Rumia and Cardinal Davis don't lie, and they say that the true intentions why they are interested in this project is so that they can be used strategically when the time comes to fight the Devil King, making more and more volunteers.
And now
"Thank you, Your Holiness and Cardinal Davis, for your help. Thank you Vita, Miss Valerie and Neloufa for lending a helping hand as well. I didn't expect this" [Eisheth].
"As we said, this will be beneficial to us as well, so we are helping" [Cardinal Davis].
"I just wanted to see more of our game, so I help" [Vita].
"It just doesn't feel right to let them do all the work, plus I know few people who desperately need an honest job" [Valerie].
"Thanks for your kind words" [Neloufa].
"I'm just glad everything went well" [Saintess Rumia].
And now the labor problem is solved. I can't thank them enough. They will also be handsomely rewarded for their efforts, as the four duke promises