Chapter 273 - New Headquarters, New System
After the special winter training I conducted as an instructor, every single participant managed to master Combat Body Transformation Magic. This achievement is due to the preparatory training we've been doing for a long time, which finally paid off. With everything well-prepared and as expected, I'm feeling quite pleased.
Given the difficulty of mastering such a complex magical technique, our Kikyo Society can now boast an overwhelming combat force that no one can surpass. We were already a formidable organization, able to overcome our numerical disadvantage, but now we've become even more powerful. The other members, too, have successfully completed the rigorous winter training, and there's a newfound sense of discipline and seriousness in the air at our new Headquarters.
The winter tournament concluded successfully, and in the final days, we were pulled into various meetings. From here on out, things are gradually returning to normal. It will still be a while before the snow completely melts, so we might have a bit of downtime for now. I decided to use this time to take care of necessary tasks without wasting a moment.
For a while now, I've been considering the fact that our Kikyo Society, once a small, elite group, is growing in numbers. Compared to when we restructured the organization, our membership has more than doubled. While we're still far smaller than the largest organizations, in absolute numbers, we have a considerable number of members. Our expeditions to the western continent, our dealings with the small southern nations and Donditch, Shimai's rapid expansion, our hotel business, and the management of the Arena have all contributed to a consistently busier schedule and a steady influx of new members.
While these developments are generally positive, they've also brought about various inconveniences. I want to implement changes that can alleviate these issues. That's my goal.
During the last reorganization, we changed the names of the Combat Unit and the Secretariat Unit to groups and bureaus, clearly defining the top positions, deputy group leaders, deputy bureau chiefs, and other key roles as the core leadership. We also created positions for assistant leaders to support them. This allowed us to establish a solid foundation for a flexible and future-proof organization.
This time, however, we're not changing the basic organizational structure but making minor adjustments and introducing new systems. The increase in members, while welcome, has also brought about more problems, which is the reason behind this initiative.
Once you become a regular member of our Kikyo Society, you're part of my team, no longer a stranger. I intend to remember everyone's names and faces, but with nearly a thousand members, it's becoming increasingly difficult. Remembering not just names and faces but also their affiliations and skills is almost impossible, given the constant influx of new members and the need to update their information. The effort required is simply too great.
So, I came up with a plan.
If we can make it easy to identify at a glance, that would be ideal. While name tags might be a bit uncool, something similar could be stylish. Something like a unit badge or an emblem!
As the number of members grows, it becomes harder to remember each person individually. If we can display their affiliations and abilities, it will be easier for everyone, not just me. I decided to gather opinions from the leadership during a meeting.
On a particularly cold day, the leadership meeting was held, and I proposed the idea. In the new building, which still had the scent of newness, Siegrune, who had consulted with me beforehand, presented the proposal.
"――This is the proposal I heard from Yukari-dono. I think it's a good idea to model it after the knightly orders, but what do you all think?"
In the spacious new meeting room, all the leaders were seated around a circular table, with their assistants in the chairs behind them. It was quite an impressive sight given the number of people.
Fulaveneta, the head of the Instruction Bureau, was the first to respond, raising her hand, which Siegrune acknowledged.
"If we're modeling it after knightly orders, could we also make the ranks and positions clear? The apprentices keep asking, so I think it would be helpful to have something like a rank insignia along with the vocation emblem."
"New members wouldn't know who the group leaders or bureau chiefs are, so it makes sense they'd keep asking."
Gradena's nod was followed by similar reactions from everyone else. When we were smaller, it was easier to remember who did what, but now, just listing the leaders and their assistants takes a significant amount of time. Fulaveneta wasn't the only one who felt this need.
However, we don't have a military-like hierarchical system. I had only intended to create something that would show the sections they belong to and their skills, so I also need to consider ranks.
Bonnie, adjusting her collar, then spoke up.
"I think it's a good idea, but having too many badges might be a bit bothersome. Changing them out could be a hassle, too."
"Adding a Kikyo emblem badge to the chest, along with rank and vocation emblems, does make it quite a lot," Frederica agreed.
"We don't have to put everything on the chest. We could use collar pins, arm patches, or even badges on the sleeve. There are various options to consider," suggested Siegrune.
"I think it looks cool."
"As the head of Intelligence, I'm in favor. It would be easier to identify outsiders if the badges are difficult to forge."
The discussion quickly shifted from agreeing or disagreeing to how best to implement the idea. Siegrune then proposed a solution for the rank insignia.
"――Then, for the rank insignia, I think we should modify the Kikyo emblem. Yukari-dono, do you think this is a good idea?"
"Sure, let's go with that. We have a few sample badges, so let's have a few people try them out. We'll distribute them to everyone, including spares, later."
For the rank insignia, the base of the Kikyo emblem would be colored to indicate the rank. The President, Vice-Commander, Acting Vice-Commander, Head of Operations, Deputy Head of Operations, bureau chiefs, group leaders, and advisors would have a gold base. The deputy bureau chiefs and deputy group leaders would have a silver base. The assistant leaders would have a bronze base. A gold or silver base would indicate a leader, while bronze would indicate an assistant. Gold would signify a high-ranking leader.
I immediately distributed the badges with gold, silver, and bronze bases to a few people to try on.
"――It's a strange feeling. I almost feel more important now."
"It does give a special feeling."
"Actually, it does boost my morale."
"I suddenly feel a heavy sense of responsibility."
In an organization, a clear command structure and hierarchy are necessary. While we're not a military unit, the nature of our organization means that many members are quite aware of the hierarchy. If this small addition can make them feel special and responsible, it's a positive effect.
Once the meeting calmed down, Siegrune spoke again.
"The rank insignia is settled. For the vocation emblems, we'll use arm patches. The design will be left to each section, and I expect proposals within a week. It should be clear which section it represents."
"Designing it ourselves might be a bit challenging, but we could ask Brillonvest's designers for ideas."
"Agreed. It might be better to leave it to the professionals."
For the vocation emblems, I think it's best to let the members who will wear them decide. While it's important that they be easily recognizable, it shouldn't be a chore to wear them.
In my case, I don't belong to a specific section, but I plan to match the Vice-Commander and Acting Vice-Commander badges. I'll come up with something.
Once I see all the design proposals, I'll start creating them. With the rank insignia settled and the direction for vocation emblems decided, the most challenging part was the skill emblems.
"For the skill emblems. I've decided to call them that, and I'll propose an idea. While we want to prepare various skill emblems, having too many badges like Bonnie suggested might be a bit much. So, I propose a simplified version."
I took out a sample from my pocket to demonstrate. It's a long, thin badge that can display multiple emblems. Similar to how military personnel wear ribbons to show their medals, this would be a unified way to display multiple skill emblems. The badge itself can be removed and replaced, allowing for easy changes.
I also plan to provide each member with three or four sets, including spares, so they won't have to change them frequently.
As I explained, everyone seemed to understand.
"I think it's a great idea. If we place the rack below the Kikyo emblem badge, it will show both rank and skills."
"What about the types of emblems? How will they be categorized?"
"I'll propose a base idea, and we can discuss and decide on it."
I think it's good to have various skill emblems. They can serve as a source of pride and motivation for the members. We'll have combat and administrative categories, but they shouldn't be overly complex. These emblems will also act as a qualification system within the Kikyo Society, with higher-level emblems indicating advanced skills and potentially affecting rewards. I believe this is necessary for our growing organization.
The review process should be strict to ensure that these emblems are not easily obtained. As I explained the significance and the proposal, the discussion became quite heated, with many opinions flying around, but it eventually settled down.
"In the end, we won't finalize the skill emblems today. Do you have any other suggestions or changes to the new system?"
"Can I speak?"
"Sure, Angelina."
It's unusual for Angelina, who usually doesn't speak unless asked, to take the initiative.
"Considering our future growth, I think we should add another deputy group leader. It will increase the number of leaders, but it's necessary."
"I agree. With the increasing number of members, the workload has also increased. Having more deputies will help," said Gradena.
"Exactly. This could also serve as a promotion opportunity, motivating members to aim higher," added another member.
"The same applies to the Secretariat. It would be beneficial both practically and for member morale."
"Deputy group leaders and deputy bureau chiefs, what do you think?"
After receiving positive feedback from the group leaders and bureau chiefs, Siegrune asked the deputy leaders for their opinions.
"To be honest, I appreciate it."
"Even with the current three deputies, it's still not enough. We need more hands."
"I'd also like to add an assistant, if possible. Looking ahead, it would be helpful."
Everyone understood that the Kikyo Society will continue to grow. We've already doubled in size, and we're expected to more than double again. With our expansion into old Retnark and other foreign territories, the leadership is aware of the challenges ahead.
"Frederica, is the budget not a problem?"
"No, it's not a problem at all. Promotions will come with increased rewards, but our financial situation can handle it."
"Then, we'll increase the number of leaders and assistants. Each section's leaders and assistants will decide who to promote. For smaller sections, there's no need to force it. We can discuss it when needed."
I made the decision swiftly. This leadership meeting is where the Kikyo Society makes decisions. We don't drag things out unnecessarily.
"It's decided. We'll finalize the promotions soon and submit them to the Head of Operations. Any other suggestions?"
This time, Zenobia raised her hand.
"I've had a concern about the titles for deputy bureau chiefs and deputy group leaders. In the Security Bureau, some members have started using the shortened title 'Vice-Commander.'"
"Yeah, I get that. We have that in my section too, and I almost use it myself sometimes."
Zenobia's comment was met with nods from the other members. While 'Vice-Commander' typically refers to Siegrune, the titles for deputy group leaders and deputy bureau chiefs can be cumbersome. It's understandable why they'd want to use a shorter title.
"The Vice-Commander of the Kikyo Society is Siegrune, and only one person holds that title. I think, since we're changing the system, we should consider an alternative title."
"I agree, but do you have any suggestions?"
There was a brief buzz of discussion as everyone tried to come up with alternatives. I also thought it would be good to have a different title, but I couldn't think of one.
"Ah, Onee-sama. I have a suggestion from a book I read."
"Really?"
"In a fantasy war novel I read recently, a mercenary group was divided into squads. The squad leaders were called 'Gochou,' and the deputy leaders were called 'Wuchou.' What do you think?"
Interesting. I recall a similar group from a turbulent era that used the titles 'Gochou' and 'Wuchou.' It could work.
"I think it's a good idea. What do you all think?"
"Let's see what the deputy group leaders and deputy bureau chiefs think. What do you think?"
"I've read that novel too. I think it's a good idea!"
"Wuchou sounds good."
There were no objections, and everyone nodded in agreement. Siegrune summarized the decision.
"Then, it's decided. Deputy group leaders and deputy bureau chiefs will now be called 'Wuchou.' The Public Relations Bureau will announce this internally and externally."
"Understood."
With that, today's leadership meeting concluded.
The changes decided today include the title change to 'Wuchou' for deputy group leaders and deputy bureau chiefs, the addition of one more Wuchou and one more assistant in each section, and the expansion of the leadership structure. The rank insignia will be a purple crystal Kikyo emblem with a colored base to indicate rank. The vocation emblems will be arm patches, with designs to be determined. The skill emblems, including types, designs, and acquisition methods, will be finalized in the future.
That's about it.
The next meeting will finalize the details. It will be quite detailed!