Chapter 53 - Titles and the Autumn Reform
Summer passed in the blink of an eye, and before I knew it, we were deep into autumn. The weather had become much more pleasant.
Our Kikyo Society continued to run smoothly, with no major issues arising.
Not that everything was perfect, of course. We had our fair share of problems, like the organization growing too large and various other issues.
Still, it was a relatively calm period, which made it the perfect time to address some long-overdue matters.
It would be too late if we waited until a crisis hit. Being prepared is the responsibility of the president. We must always be ready for anything.
In the Kikyo Society, the only official position is that of the president, which I hold.
I often wonder, what would happen to the Kikyo Society if something happened to me?
If we want to be prepared for any eventuality, we need to put measures in place now.
So, I decided to formalize the roles that everyone has been handling informally, giving them official titles.
They say that position shapes a person, and there might be some positive effects from this.
First, I would draft a proposal and consult with key members before making a final decision.
So, what positions should we have? I thought it would be a good idea to list them out.
First up, the Vice-Commander. This person would take over if something happened to me.
In a world where strength is essential, combat ability is the most valued. The best person for this role would be someone from the Combat Unit.
Between Siegrune and Gradena, they both show strong leadership. One of them should be the Vice-Commander, and the other the Acting Vice-Commander.
Next, the Head of Operations. This person would handle the organization's management, finances, and other tedious tasks. Frederica is the obvious choice, as she's already doing this.
I decided to start by discussing the two main roles with Siegrune and Gradena.
After the usual day's activities, I called them to my room that night. They seemed a bit nervous, as I rarely do this.
"I have something to discuss. Please, have a seat."
They tensed up, wondering what it could be, but I served them tea and began to explain.
To prepare for any eventuality and to maintain the organization's structure, we needed to formalize our roles. I asked them to take on the positions of Vice-Commander and Acting Vice-Commander, assuring them that they were the best candidates.
But Gradena didn't seem enthusiastic.
"I'm not good with complicated stuff. Siegrune can handle it."
"Gradena, you can delegate the complex tasks to others. As the president's representative, you just need to lead with confidence."
"Exactly. I rely on Frederica and Josephine for the tricky stuff too. What you need is strength and the trust of the members."
Siegrune's support was helpful. The most important qualities for a leader are strength and the trust of the members.
While other members also possess these qualities, I believe the two of them are the best fit for these roles. I really want them to take on these responsibilities.
"...Fine, but I prefer being the Acting Vice-Commander. That way, I won't have to do much, right? Besides, I don't want to think about something happening to both you and Siegrune."
"Fair enough. But it's also unlikely that something will happen to the president. Regardless, I agree with this arrangement. We should also decide on the other positions now."
Great, Siegrune will be the Vice-Commander, and Gradena will be the Acting Vice-Commander.
Siegrune, being a former member of an organization, was supportive of this structure. It made sense to her.
"For the administrative positions, I'll consult with Frederica. For the Combat Units, I plan to appoint a few squad leaders and distribute the remaining members accordingly."
"That sounds like a good plan. Assigning specific responsibilities to each squad will make operations smoother. How do you plan to divide the squads?"
"Based on their skills and magical abilities, I think."
The conversation flowed smoothly. It was going well.
After that, we tentatively assigned squad leaders and members, though this was just a preliminary arrangement.
Next, I needed to discuss the administrative roles.
I had already decided that Frederica would be the Head of Operations.
"Frederica, you'll be our Head of Operations."
"Though this is sudden, I accept. April can assist me, right?"
I like people who get straight to the point. Frederica is a reliable friend.
"Of course. I'll continue to entrust all administrative tasks to you and April. This is just to formalize your roles."
Frederica has been working with April since our days at the Camp. They make a great team and will handle the other administrative members and trainees well.
I summarized the provisional assignments:
President: Me
Vice-Commander: Siegrune
Acting Vice-Commander: Gradena
Head of Operations: Frederica
Deputy Head of Operations: April
Secretary-General: Sophie
Head of the Headquarters Secretariat: 14 members (Orchid Lily and 8 others, 5 trainees)
First Combat Unit Leader: Angelina (Deputy: Verone, Roberta, Violante, 2 others, 5 trainees)
Second Combat Unit Leader: Mary (Deputy: Brittany, 4 others, 6 trainees)
Third Combat Unit Leader: Albert (Deputy: Mia, 4 others, 6 trainees)
Fourth Combat Unit Leader: Paula (Deputy: Lili, 4 others, 6 trainees)
Fifth Combat Unit Leader: Ruby (Deputy: Shelby, 4 others, 5 trainees)
Combat Support Unit Leader: Shelby (3 others)
Vanguard Captain: Ophelia
Chief of Intelligence: Josephine
Deputy Chief of Intelligence: Ortlinde
Junior Members of the Intelligence Division: 9 members (Graylease and 4 others, 4 trainees)
Head of Presidential Security: Valeria
Advisors: Rosabel, Colette
The leaders, deputies, and advisors would be treated as senior members. This formal structure would help in making important decisions for the Kikyo Society.
With more trainees joining, we needed a clear organizational structure.
I particularly appointed Charlotte as the deputy leader of the Fifth Combat Unit. Her combat skills and noble upbringing, though minor, made her a suitable choice. She carried herself with dignity and had the potential to be a great leader.
The number of members in each Combat Unit was now ideal.
This setup allowed us to rotate duties such as patrols, security, training, and leave. If needed, the president, vice-commander, and members of the Intelligence Division could step in. The administrative team could also serve as reserve combat forces. The Kikyo Society now had a robust fighting force.
The president and vice-commander wouldn't have dedicated combat units during peacetime, but they would lead multiple units if necessary.
During peacetime, I would focus on self-training, research, and mentoring new members. If needed, I might go on assignments. The vice-commander would likely have a similar role.
If there were any special tasks, members could pursue them freely.
Rosabel-san and Colette-san, as advisors, would serve as senior members, providing guidance on various matters, from organizational and work-related issues to personal concerns. Their experience was invaluable. They would also assist with healing and restocking recovery potions.
After some preliminary discussions, I announced the new structure to everyone. Some trainees were surprised, but most understood the necessity and convenience of the changes.
A few members suggested that things were fine as they were, but no one was strongly opposed. We decided to proceed with the new structure.
After all, the day-to-day responsibilities wouldn't change much.
"Hey, Yukari, what exactly does a Vanguard Captain do?"
Ophelia, who was appointed as the Vanguard Captain, seemed unsure about her role. It was understandable, as it was a new position.
"Ophelia, I expect you to operate more freely, even outside of Exembra."
Ophelia's combat style is versatile, and her experience as an adventurer makes her well-suited for special missions. I want her to be ready to act quickly if needed.
"I see! I'm used to working outside the city."
"Right now, you'll mainly operate within the city, but your role will be the opposite of the Intelligence Unit."
"Opposite?"
"The Intelligence Unit operates discreetly. You, Ophelia, will be more visible. You'll gather information and assess situations openly."
"That makes sense. It suits me."
If a mission is dangerous, I or someone else will accompany her. We might also send a select team from the Combat Units to support her.
The Vanguard Unit is still a test case, with Ophelia working alone for now. If more members are needed, we'll expand the team. It's a flexible role, and such personnel will always be necessary.
"President, is it true that I'm the deputy leader of the Fifth Combat Unit?"
Charlotte, appointed as the deputy leader, asked with a slight blush.
I understood her hesitation. She was the only new senior member.
"It's true. I believe you can handle it, but if you lack confidence, we can reconsider."
I teased her a bit, but she was clearly enthusiastic. She had the right attitude.
"That's not the case. But are you sure I'm the right choice?"
Charlotte's demeanor is somewhat haughty, but she's a hard worker and a good mentor.
Other members from her cohort could have been considered for the role, but I believed she was the best fit.
"The other squad leaders agree. If you want to change, I won't force you."
"No, it's an honor. I'll do my best as the deputy leader!"
She clenched her fist, determined. I was glad to see her enthusiasm.
Another promising member, Graylease, was initially slated for a Combat Unit but was reassigned to the Intelligence Division due to her proficiency in Shadow Magic. If she was willing, we had no objections.
The Intelligence Division welcomed many new members, including Graylease.
Their tasks included reconnaissance, information gathering, and data analysis. Josephine and Ortlinde were happy to have more help, though they had been managing with a smaller team.
However, handling sensitive information required careful selection. This department would become even more crucial in the future, and I expected a lot from them.
The Kikyo Society had grown significantly, including many trainees. But numbers alone don't make a strong organization.
With this reform, I believe we have achieved a better balance in terms of combat skills, roles, and numbers. This should lead to better performance.
We might continue to grow. While we can't expand indefinitely, I want to make the Kikyo Society as large as possible.
To support this growth, we need new sources of income.
Perhaps it's time to start our own casino.
We should also establish branches before the ranks overflow. We have room for now, but it's better to be prepared.
Now that everyone has official titles, our organization is taking shape.