Read Novel Full Vol 24 Chapter 14
Vol 24 Chapter 14
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Chapter 14 – Working Hard Together…
On the day Mear-san was discharged from the hospital, we decided to visit her to celebrate her recovery. Although she was fully healed, seeing Mear-san again after so long made it clear just how severe her injuries were, as she looked terribly thin. Then, it became apparent that Donatella-san was trying to recruit her. What should have been a celebration turned into a proposal to meet about the Southern Continent Branch of Toyoumi Trading Company. Why?
“Um, I think it’s a bit much to talk business on the happy occasion of Mear-san’s discharge.”
Since the situation was unfavorable, I chose to postpone again.
“Wataru-sama, I’m fine with it. In fact, I’d be delighted to have the opportunity to be of service.”
Mear-san, no. That’s not it. I just want to leave.
Huh? Isn’t that weird?
Mear-san judges Donatella-san to be excellent. She doesn’t seem to have the slightest clue about my feelings. She seems full of drive—or rather, her enthusiasm seems to be spinning out of control.
I’ve felt it vaguely for a while, but Mear-san’s personality seems different.
We weren’t that close, so I can’t be certain, but something seems off: a fanatical, almost frightening intensity. Did they brainwash her?
Of course, I don’t think for a second that Claretta-san and the others did that on purpose.
Still, just hearing about it, you can imagine how horrific the war and hospital conditions afterward must have been. Death and despair were the norm, and then Claretta-san and the others suddenly appeared.
The hellish environment dramatically improved, and those who had been waiting for death steadily recovered.
Judging by the praise Claretta-san and the others received at the hospital, the patients were overjoyed.
Since Claretta-san knew I was concerned about Mear-san, she probably mentioned me, too.
Given her reserved nature, she probably spoke highly of me, saying that I sent her and the others to the hospital.
That probably ended up working like brainwashing. It’s just my imagination, but it doesn’t seem too far off.
I’ve heard that religion fills the gaps in weakened hearts. If it’s legitimate, it leads to peace of mind, which is fine. But if it’s a cult, that’s a problem.
What if I were the one who filled the void in her heart?
It’s flattering to be liked by a beautiful woman, but I’d rather not be the object of feelings bordering on religious devotion.
I’d prefer that, but rejecting her could cause problems.
It could directly reopen the scars on Mear-san’s heart, and I fear the backlash. Could that be why Donatella-san recruited Mear-san?
To redirect that faith-like emotion toward work? You might call it compensatory behavior: immersing her in work.
“Wataru-san, what’s bothering you about this plan?”
As I imagine frightening things, Donatella asks me a question.
Setting Mear-san aside, there are plenty of things bothering me. I hate the increased responsibility and paperwork. Hell, the pressure of something beyond my means is just that—pressure.
Regarding my means, owning a luxury liner already shows that it’s beyond my means, but that’s beside the point.
Expressing my feelings directly would be too pathetic, so I tactfully convey my state of mind.
“I see. Wataru-sama has such a strong sense of responsibility that you fear shouldering it. Responsibility stems from caring for others. Truly, Wataru-sama is a person of admirable character.”
Mear-san, please stop interrupting conversations to spout theories. It’s unbearable.
Everyone else understands that I’m just trying to escape the pressure, so I can’t help but let out a wry smile.
“Wataru-san, the paperwork isn’t the issue. From what I’ve heard, the heavy workload was largely due to the fact that the beastmen you tried to help were immigrants, which complicated the procedures. Hiring people here is basically limited to residents of this country, so it shouldn’t be that much trouble.”
“Huh? Really?”
I’m surprised by Donatella-san’s words, which completely disregard Mear-san’s statement. I’m surprised she ignored it, but the part about it not being a paperwork nightmare is far more important.
“Yes, setting up the branch office requires paperwork, but Mear-san and I will help you, so it should take no more than half a day.”
It feels like Mear-san’s participation is already a done deal.
If it only takes half a day, though, I suppose I can endure it. No, wait—the paperwork isn’t the only problem.
“Regarding responsibility and living beyond one’s means… Unfortunately, it’s too late. You should give up on that…”
My hopes were crushed. Donatella-san, if you’re going to look apologetic, don’t crush my hopes.
“No, that shouldn’t be the case.”
It’s true that I have responsibilities to the Beastman Town and that I own a giant ship. However, I’ve distributed those responsibilities, as well as my limitations, to the fictional Mage-sama. Therefore, it shouldn’t be too late.
Believing they’ll agree, I turned my gaze to the women.
“Um…maybe you should give up. At this point, one or two branches more or less won’t make a difference.”
Dorothea-san?
“Since Master can’t abandon this town anyway, why not just accept it and give up?”
Ines? I’m struggling precisely because I can’t give up.
“I think Master is wonderful for saving the weak.”
Felicia, don’t state that as fact.
“Wataru, if you’re serious, you could escape right now. But you won’t because you know that if you run, many people will suffer.”
Huh? Alessia-san, why the sudden serious vibe?
Is it because the reward for not running away is special?
“At the same time, I understand that Wataru feels pressured to save those who are suffering, and I think that’s only natural.”
Pressure to save them? I’d say it’s more like I just want to escape the responsibility.
Of course, I hate seeing people suffer, but I’m not the one causing their pain. The people who started the war are at fault. Why should I take responsibility?
Up until now, I’ve drawn a line for myself, treating it as a request from God of Commerce-sama.
However, if I open a branch and start cooperating seriously, I can’t deny that I’d become a full-fledged stakeholder in the reconstruction.
I can’t raise people’s expectations and then slip away, saying, “Well, I’ll be off then.”
“We feel the same way. It’s hypocritical of us to say this, given how heavily we rely on your abilities, but we’ll work hard together, too. Why don’t you take a step forward, Wataru?”
I’m screwed!
I know Alessia-san doesn’t intend to corner me, but I’m completely and utterly trapped!
I could refuse, but is there a man who wouldn’t try his best when a beautiful woman he has feelings for asks him to work together? If it were impossible, that would be one thing, but since it’s an attainable goal, of course he’d try his best.”
“Yes, I’ll do my best!”
So I’m not at fault for declaring it so energetically.
“Then let’s finalize the details. First, regarding the branch manager, Mear-san, could you take charge of that?”
“Yes, leave it to me.”
Huh? Isn’t that a bit fast? Wasn’t that the moment when I resolved to do my best?
“Wataru-san, regarding the land and buildings we’ll purchase, securing large, prime plots for foreigners could become problematic later. Would it be acceptable to secure just enough land for a decent-sized branch in a prime location and then acquire a large plot in a well-connected area on the outskirts of the port?”
“Huh? Ah, yes?”
“Donatella-san, monopolizing rights and land is problematic. However, if we build a dedicated Toyoumi Trading Company dock at the edge of the port, I believe we could monopolize it.”
“I see. As expected of you, Mear-san. We’ll handle this matter through the Commerce and Adventurers’ Guilds, as well as by petitioning the magistrate and invoking the contract with the God of Commerce-sama. Even if it’s just one dock, having exclusive rights is significant. Wataru-san, is that acceptable?”
“Ah, yes.”
“Next is securing employees. Mear-san, do you have any leads?”
“Well, there’s the question of whether they’re still alive, but I have a few leads.”
“I’ll be present for the interviews, but first, please secure some executive-level personnel. Meanwhile, we’ll start acquiring land for the branch office near the port and begin construction of the dock. Wataru-san, is that all right?”
“Y-yes.”
“Donatella-san, securing materials might be difficult.
“We have materials that we brought over, and gathering materials will be part of the job. As for construction contractors, are any construction-related guilds still operational?”
“That’s hard to say. The technicians were taken to the capitals of the victorious nations to work…”
Ah, I see. That’s why the restoration work in Gothenburg stood out so obviously. It was amateur work, not professional. It makes sense.
Wait, no. I said I’d try my best, but this is moving too quickly. I only gave a half-hearted response, didn’t I?
“Then let’s start with the parts requiring minimal technical intervention. Clearing the secured land and leveling the ground—even amateurs can manage that to some extent. Fortunately, we have no shortage of manpower. Wataru-san, is that acceptable?”
“O-ossu.”
“Thank you. Then, let’s start right away with the land purchase contract.”
I tried to squeeze in a response with some flair, but it was ignored. It’s sad.
“Then, I’ll go fetch the heads of the Commerce and Adventurers’ Guilds.”
…I meant to celebrate Mear-san’s discharge from the hospital. But somehow, it was decided that Mear-san would join Toyoumi Trading Company and become the manager of the Gothenburg branch.
Apparently, they’ve already identified the land to purchase and are about to enter negotiations.
What exactly does “working together” mean? I’m just nodding along while Alessia-san watches.
Well, I don’t mind it being easy…
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