"First of all, there is the question of what to measure a person's value by.

Jin D. began in the tone of a discussion.

"Yes, that's right.

Alto Ervine nodded.

"One of them is the examination. There are written and practical tests. Interviews may be included in that category.

"I see..."

The mayor, Ike Niviki, and the technical vice-minister, Nahams Marrow, listen with interest to the discussion between Jin D. and Alto Elbein.

"The question is whether the test, or rather the content of the test, can really evaluate a person's value, isn't it?"

"Certainly. But isn't there a problem with the ability you want to examine?"

Here is Alto's rebuttal.

"Certainly, if it is a visible talent or ability, such as running speed or swordsmanship strength, that would be fine.

Jin D. agrees with this point.

"But is that the only way to determine a person's value?

Jin D. raised a question.

For example, a person may be weak in swordsmanship, but may have a talent for magic, right?

"I see."

"Even if he is not good at offensive magic, he might be good at healing magic.

"Hmm, that's true."

"In other words, the test can only evaluate certain items.

Jin D. made a break in the conversation.

Then he expanded the conversation further.

"One of the words that I know is <," he said.

What does that mean?

It means that it takes time for a large vessel to be formed.

Jin D explained that it means that some talents take time to develop.

"...... is interesting."

Jin D. continued.

"There is also this story. There was a man in a certain country who was looked at by a personality critic. It is said that his evaluation was <>."

This, of course, is a character review of Cao Cao as a young man in the Yanyi of the Three Kingdoms.

"What do you mean?"

Alt-Elbein did not seem to understand. So did Ike Nibiki and Nahams Marrow.

The three waited for Hitoshi D. to explain.

"Well, in a time of peace, he would be a competent official, but in a time of war, he would be a cunning hero. ...... In other words, I wanted to say that it depends on the environment whether you make the most of your natural talents or not."

I see. ......

That's what I meant.

"That's a very meaningful story, isn't it?

All three were drawn into the conversation by Jin D.

"Also, this is a fictional story, but there was also a story about people who survived the war who compiled notes on what they would have accomplished if they had not been sent off to war, and these notes were appreciated by future generations.

"Haha, I see. ......"

Alto looked at me as if he had something to say about this.

"Well, let me tell you from another aspect, I think it's fortunate for those who have the same and .

Jin D. changes the direction of the conversation somewhat abruptly.

"Some people say that geniuses need to be educated from an early age, but that doesn't mean that they are geniuses, but that they need to be taught and experience various things in order to know as early as possible what they are suited for."

"........."

Jin D. continues.

"People who were thought to be dropouts show unexpected talents."

"............"

"<>.

".................."

"It's said that in rare cases, people who have suffered brain damage can show unexpected abilities."

"umm ......"

"There's a saying that goes <>, meaning that the mercy you show to others may come back to you ......."

Etc, etc, etc.

The old man was talking more to shake up Special Investigator 99 than to shake up Alto Ervine .......

* * *

And it sure seems to be working.

After finishing his meal and going back to his room, Special Investigator 99 was ruminating over Jin D's story in his brain.

(......Mu...... come to think of it, you didn't answer my first question. ...... or is the answer that <>? (Is that the answer?)?

(...... because they want to spare the hidden talent?　Or because they do not want to reduce the population?)

A declining population means a declining national power.

(Jin didn't mention it. (Jin didn't mention it...was it too obvious for him to mention it, or is it just something he didn't bother to mention?)

No. 99's thinking had not changed.

But it is not so easy to change one's thinking that has been brainwashed and educated since one's childhood.

You know that very well.

Then, I have tried to shake your mind logically and illogically.

Because any logical thinker would have some doubts about himself.

(...... Let's observe and analyze Jin's behavior a little more...)

In fact, he seems to have developed a slight interest in Jin D's philosophy of action.

(And then there are his abilities: ......)

Using earth magic (included in engineering magic), he transformed the shore of the reservoir in no time.

Then, he used engineering magic to process the wood.

(Not an ordinary skill ...... or ability.)

The golems under his command were also quite capable.

(How did they get more than 100 of them ......?)

(How did they get more than a hundred of them? ) If all of them were for combat, the Duchy of Jagus would have to consider them a threat.

(...... really, is he human?)

(Is he really a human being?) He even thinks so.

As far as Jin D. is concerned, he is not far from being right.

Special Investigator 99 is troubled.

However, we do not have enough information to come to a correct conclusion.

And the tragedy is that they do not realize that they do not have enough information. Wrong premises lead to wrong conclusions.

There is one thing that Special Investigator 99 must determine.

(Is he a ...... harm to our country?)

What conclusion will Special Investigator 99 come to in response to that question? .......