After that, the individual reports began.
The executives attending this meeting were the heads of their respective departments. The Regular Meeting was held once a year at the end of March to report on the accomplishments of the past twelve months.
The agenda covered various topics: the activities of the affiliated Explorers, the inflow and outflow of funds for each department, the performance of the Sales Department, and the development progress of clan-original weapons, armor, and Magic Tools. Just by listening, I was able to get a decent grasp of the clan’s current standing. Being allowed to participate in this meeting was a significant opportunity.
Finally, Selma, acting as the closing speaker, began her report.
"Now then, I shall report for the Exploration Department. Our furthest reach in the Great Labyrinth remains the 92nd Floor. As is well known, no Explorers emerged this term capable of joining the First Unit; consequently, we kept the First Unit's exploration to a minimum and focused our efforts on training the next generation."
I had known since my time in the Hero Party that the First Unit, having lost its ace, hadn't ventured into the Deep Floors for the past year. Losing Albert—the man hailed as the absolute ace and the spiritual pillar of the party—had clearly dealt a devastating blow.
"As a result of our focus, two parties within the Second Unit have reached the 87th Floor. Their entry into the Deep Floors is finally within sight."
The heavy atmosphere that had filled the room at the start of her report seemed to lighten at the news of the Second Unit's progress.
"Additionally, as previously mentioned in the Exploration Management Department’s report, material collection in the Middle and Lower Floors is on an upward trend. Overall, the capabilities of the Explorers belonging to the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky are steadily improving."
This also matched the information I’d gathered back in the Hero Party. The caliber of the Explorers in this clan had definitely risen over the last year. It might only be a matter of time before a fourth S-Rank Party emerges from the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky.
"Furthermore, we recently conducted a Guided Exploration as a new initiative. Several A-Rank Explorers and I accompanied the rookies in training into the Great Labyrinth. Every participant reached the 50th Floor."
Ah, right.
Because the forced evacuation had triggered immediately after I slew the Black Dragon, the rookies never got the chance to set foot on the 51st Floor. Well, it couldn't be helped. Given that everyone survived such a freak occurrence, to ask for anything more would be greedy. I just hoped the sponsors would be satisfied with that result.
"Naturally, we won't be sending these rookies into the Middle Floors immediately. However, I believe the experience of consecutive days of long-term exploration will bear fruit in the near future."
There was no doubt about that. They had been cooped up in the Great Labyrinth from dawn until dusk for three straight days. Mentally, I’m sure they’d matured quite a bit. Their performance during the Guided Exploration hadn't been half bad, either. It was clear just how much weight this clan placed on education.
"Finally, regarding our plans for the upcoming term: with the addition of Orun, the First Unit is once again at full strength. Therefore, we will resume the conquest of the Deep Floors. We also intend to have our other Explorers push their progress as much as possible without overextending themselves, establishing a system for the stable supply of high-quality Magic Stones and materials."
Once Selma finished, she fielded a few questions from the other executives with ease. With her report concluded, the Grandmaster stood to deliver the closing remarks.
"One year has passed since I took office as Grandmaster. Our ability to rebuild the clan to this point is a testament to the strength of every member, including those in this room. You have my gratitude. I look forward to your continued dedication. We are adjourned for today."
With that, the Regular Meeting came to an end.
The executives began to file out of the room. I had considered greeting each of them individually, but the air was thick with the sense of people in a hurry, so I decided against it. I’d have to make my rounds eventually, though.
"Well, shall we go as well?"
"—Ah! Selma-chi, wait up!"
Just as I was about to follow Selma out, a woman’s voice called out to her. Selma certainly seemed to have a lot of different nicknames.
I turned toward the voice and saw a woman with a brown short-cut hairstyle. She looked to be in her early twenties. Like Selma, she was on the younger side for an executive—though I suppose I’m the last person who should be pointing that out.
If I remembered correctly, she was from the Exploration Management Department. During the meeting, she had been the one evaluating the various parties and reporting on the volume of Magic Stones and materials collected. Her department likely handled the logistical support for the Explorers.
"Selma-chi, do you have a sec? I need to talk to the rookie."
Wait, me? Not Selma?
"Sure, no problem," Selma replied.
"Thanksies! Now, I’ve got a mountain of work waiting for me, so I’ll get straight to the point. Hey, rookie, are you any good at teaching your knowledge or techniques to others?"
"If it’s within my area of expertise, I think I can manage. Why do you ask?"
"As expected of Golden Dawn's resident multi-talent!"
I wasn't sure what she was getting at. Did she want me to teach someone?
"Um..."
"Estella, you’re confusing him."
So her name was Estella. I really needed to memorize the names of the executives soon; since they’d only referred to each other by department titles during the reports, I was still in the dark.
"Ah, sorry, sorry! Anyway, rookie, I want you to act as the instructor for the rookie party."
An instructor? I thought the Exploration Management Department handled rookie training. Besides, I had the Deep Floor expeditions to worry about. I wasn't sure if I’d have the time, so I hesitated to accept blindly.
"I’m asking as well," Selma added. "Would you be willing to take the job?"
Even Selma was requesting it? But what about our dives into the Deep Floors?
"Well, if I’m going to be teaching them, I’ll need a decent amount of dedicated time. Is my schedule even going to allow for that?"
"Hmm? Ah, right. The Hero Party dove into the Great Labyrinth almost every single day, didn't they?" Selma realized. "In our clan, each party sets its own schedule. However, we have a rule prohibiting more than four consecutive days of diving. My party hasn't finalized the schedule for the next term yet, but we generally don't plan on diving every day. You'll find you have much more free time here than you did in the Hero Party."
I hadn't realized that. I did think the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky seemed to spend fewer days in the labyrinth. Selma had her administrative duties as an executive, after all. Since I’d likely be helping with those too, we wouldn't be living in the labyrinth like the Hero Party did.
"In that case, I’ll accept the position."
"Really?! Yay, thanks! Those kids have so much talent, I wanted to get them moved over to the Exploration Department as soon as possible. Plus, they were practically begging for you, so I’m glad you’re on board!"
Wait, does that mean...?
"Anyway, we’ll talk details later! Bye-bye!"
Before I could process her last comment, Estella had vanished. She was like a human hurricane.
As I wondered if the people in the Exploration Management Department were constantly being tossed around in her wake, Selma offered a bit of backup. "She’s quite capable, despite her appearance."
I suppose she wouldn't have made executive at such a young age if she weren't.