Genshin Impact: I am a scholar in Xumi

“Hmm...this can’t be changed in the short term. Dinazede’s idea has given the mercenaries an opportunity. They will have the chance to earn their employers’ respect and trust on their own. Harold, as the newly appointed sage, what suggestions do you have for improvement?”

Nasita stared wide-eyed at Harold, looking completely innocent.

“We can’t cut salaries,” Harold said.

Naxida: "Oh?"

Dina Zede and Desia listened attentively, while Elhesen crossed his arms, completely adopting a spectator's posture.

Harold rested his chin on his hand: "I might be exaggerating... but when mercenaries win special handicraft jobs through low wages and strong physiques, other merchants and large-scale farmers might involve them in related work, provided, of course, they're willing to accept even lower wages than the workers in the rainforest."

But for mercenaries who used to have to take on all sorts of dangerous jobs, even these conditions were quite favorable, and they were able to quickly take over these positions.

The original rainforest inhabitants, however, will lose their jobs due to the influx of mercenaries. To survive, they will be forced to accept the same wages and workload as the mercenaries... What will happen then is not hard to imagine.

“Hmm—” Paimon closed his eyes, seemingly deep in thought.

"...Everyone's wages will decrease, with rainforest laborers being the biggest beneficiaries. Some mercenaries may see their situation improve in the short term, but the rainforest workers will resent them, and the divide between rainforest people and desert people will widen..."

Dina Zede hesitated, a look of shame on her face, "I'm sorry, I was too naive. Mr. Harold's concerns are valid..."

"Oh! I see!" Paimon finally understood after Dina Zede explained.

Desia glanced furtively at Nasita, who was cloaked in an empty skin, and muttered to herself, "...Perhaps this is what the traveler wanted to say before?"

Kavi, Tinari, Nel, and the others also appeared to be thinking, seemingly reflecting on Harold's earlier remarks.

Harold: "Moreover, these mercenaries who are hired to produce desert handicrafts are often stranded in the rainforest because of this work."

Miss Dinazede, Miss Desia, you should know that most desert mercenaries choose to return to the desert to support their tribes or families after earning a certain amount of Mora. That's why they estimate the duration of each job.

Such a stable job is like sweet, alluring nectar; it's incredibly tempting, but to gain it, you must lose something—the eagle that once lived on the cliffs finally descended to the ground, vying with the wolves of the grasslands for territory and prey. The two sides, already at odds, could no longer tolerate each other…

After saying that, he spread his hands: "This is just the worst outcome I can think of. If Lord Little Lucky Grass and the Order of the Church can mediate, perhaps all parties will be willing to compromise."

“Hiss…that sounds terrifying,” Paimon muttered to himself as he habitually moved closer to “empty”. “As expected of Harold, he can think so far ahead.”

Hearing Paimon's whispers, Harold remained outwardly calm, but inwardly thought: Hmm...that sounds impressive, but in the 21st century, even a primary school student could say the same thing, since it has happened in history.

“...Mr. Harold’s considerations are so thorough, I never thought of these things at all…” Nel’s voice slowed down in shock.

“You really understand our situation and everyone’s thoughts in Sumeru. We’ve done a lot of research on this plan, asking a lot of mercenaries and merchants for their opinions. You only listened to a few sentences and you were able to analyze it so clearly. I think it’s a waste of your talent to do research—oh no, you’re already a sage…” Dixia said with admiration.

Harold shrugged, thinking to himself: A few years ago, I might have been so embarrassed by these compliments that I'd be digging my toes into the ground, but now I've heard them so many that I can do it without batting an eye. Praise me all you want, you can't hurt me anymore.

“Oh, that is indeed a big problem.” Nasita nodded, extending her hand to Harold and Elheisen. “Do my two sages have any solutions?”

"Let the merchants and workers establish associations to supervise each other, and select a few representatives to report the contents of internal meetings to the Council of Religious Affairs."

In Sumeru, the merchants have spontaneously established several small organizations, the largest of which is led by Dolly. They should easily understand our meaning. Until all these things are settled, let's maintain the status quo for now,” Harold said quickly.

It's so satisfying to copy ready-made answers. He thought to himself.

"Anything else?" Nasita looked at Elhesen, her eyes shining.

Elhesen: "I have nothing to add in this regard. Other details need to be discussed and decided upon by the Council and the residents of Sumeru, but since Harold mentioned the Association, I'll mention one point:

Ormos Port also needs a similar organization. I once overheard a shipwright at the docks complaining about the cutthroat competition among merchants, which forced many Sumerian people engaged in maritime trade to change professions. He envied Liyue because it had long ago established the "Harmony Hall" specifically to manage maritime logistics and protect the interests of its residents.

“...I’ve heard about what’s happening over there, but everything is in ruins right now...I really can’t spare the energy,” Nasita said with some disappointment. “The thought that at this moment, some residents of Sumeru are still losing their jobs makes me incredibly sad.”

“We are willing to share your burden, Lord Little Lucky Grass.” Since he had said so much, Harold had no choice but to take on the task. At the same time, he did not forget to bring Elhesen along to reduce his own workload.

Elhesen paused for two seconds, then said, "This is the duty of the 'Agent Sage'."

“Really? Then you’ll have to work hard during this time.” Nasita clasped her hands together. “I will have notices posted on bulletin boards everywhere to announce this good news.”

“Thank you for your support, Lord Little Lucky Grass, but I have another question—what have you thought about the matter I mentioned last time?” Harold said.

"Hmm?" Nasita tilted her head, looking puzzled.

"Regarding the handling of that group of 'special criminals'," Harold said, "Don't blame me for being impatient, but we have just taken on the mission you entrusted to us, and in order not to let you down, we will certainly put in a hundred times the effort. But that will inevitably affect my research progress. I urgently need a few researchers with strong learning abilities to help me fill this gap."

“Yes, the seawater rice in Harold is also very important,” Dixia agreed.

“Lord Little Lucky Grass King, the former sage committed an unforgivable crime because of his arrogance. I also believe that only by making them engage in this research and truly contact those they persecuted can they realize their foolishness and thus sincerely repent.” Setare, who had been silent all along, spoke up at this moment to express her opinion.

“I agree,” Seno said.

He still believed that Nasita's punishment of Azhar and others was too lenient and failed to reflect the majesty of the gods and the law. However, since he could not change Nasita's mind, making the best use of these people was a good option.

“Well… since everyone says so, then they’ll be in your care, Harold,” Nasita said.