Entering a Company From Another World! – Chapter 412

When the sun rises, work begins.

It’s a rather cruel truth that the work cycle of a salaryman largely aligns with the time the sun is out.

This is the same for companies from other worlds, and it’s the same even when on a business trip.

“Well, I hope we can make at least a little progress today.”

“If Evia keeps up that pace, I’m going to be in a lot of trouble, you know?”

It’s the third day of negotiations.

The negotiations started with Evia, who showed a weary and melancholic face. Day one and yesterday saw no agreement between the Demon Lord’s Army and Japan. I suppose she must have her thoughts on that matter. By now, it’s no longer just about money; I can’t help but suspect that various other elements are at play. Calling it a stalemate might sound good, but if negotiations don’t progress, it’s counterproductive. Will seven days truly be enough at this pace? My anxieties are mounting. Evia’s remaining mana, which is like her oxygen tank, is also dwindling by the minute. Although the usage is less than initially predicted, it’s not infinite. As for me, my mana is not decreasing at all, so if absolutely necessary, I could supply her, but even so, if there’s a possibility of exceeding a week, it’s not a good sign. If both days have been at a standstill, we really need to get things moving today, the third day.

“I wish I could negotiate in your place, but I can’t.”

Operating in an environment with little to no mana directly translates to mental stress for Evia. No matter how strong her mental fortitude, continuously working in the sea while constantly fearing suffocation would be a significant burden. All I can do is properly take care of her emotional well-being. After preparing tea and offering it to her during the time until we have to get back into that oxcart, Evia accepts it with a wry smile.

“There’s nothing we can do about this. It’s a matter of authority.”

After gazing at the teacup filled with green tea for a moment, she slowly takes a sip.

“Whether it goes for the better or for the worse, considering the remaining days, we need to create some momentum today.”

“From my perspective, it looked like they were waiting for us to compromise.”

“Probably. They didn’t seem to have much discretionary power. If we go above their set boundaries, they’re probably instructed to refuse. For people in that position, it would be more convenient if we conceded.”

“So, their basic stance is to wait… That’s difficult to deal with.”

Based on the negotiations so far, the content presented by the two representatives from the Japanese government has been a constant repetition of the same thing. Although they’ve changed their wording and nuances, the core message remains the same: halt the recruitment of Testers, with no prospect of resumption, and withdraw the Demon Lord’s Army’s operations from land. That’s their end goal, so the crucial task is how to shift it.

“It’s time.”

“Roger that. Well, it’s still better than a battle to the death, since we’re resolving things through discussion.”

“You’re naive. If this continues, that opinion of yours will change.”

“Is that from personal experience?”

“Yes.”

“That’s a grim thought. The idea that a discussion is worse than a battle to the death.”

With Evia complaining that it would be better to resolve things physically than to continue this way, I follow her and get into the increasingly familiar oxcart to head to the meeting.

“Therefore, our concessions are already at the limit of what we can offer.”

“I understand that. However, understanding is one thing, and agreement is another. We cannot simply accept without the minimum necessary commitments for our work.”

An hour has passed since we took our seats. The scene unfolding before us is becoming almost commonplace at these negotiation sessions. The primary negotiator is Kase from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Akebono from the Ministry of Defense and Joseph from America primarily act as advisors.

“…”

It’s the same exchange over and over again. When we ask about Tester recruitment, they say it’s under consideration. When we inquire about trade, they state that details are being deliberated, but a plan for the outline is being made for the near future. Regarding the relocation, they claim that serious discussions will begin once this conference gains momentum, deflecting with talk of plans on paper. They can’t provide any guarantees, which is incredibly frustrating. Is this how politicians always conduct their business? I almost understand the opposition’s desire to find fault. Evia, though not irritated, seems dissatisfied with the lack of progress.

“Hmm, this won’t move forward as it is. How about we incorporate some casual conversation?”

“Oh, casual conversation?”

Without betraying any hint of her true feelings, Evia suggests to Kase and the others as if proposing a short break. She’s clearly weary of the stagnant flow of the conversation, but it’s likely a calculated move to break the deadlock. They, too, show interest, eager to hear about it.

“Well, there’s no enjoyment in just talking about profits. I thought it would be good if you got to know us a little better.”

“About yourselves? That’s very interesting.”

She changes the topic of conversation. To do this, Evia lays the groundwork. Knowing her intention, I brace myself, wondering if she’s really going to do it. Given the content, it’s a significant move.

“So then, why do we not have a country name and are instead called the Demon Lord’s Army? Have you ever wondered about that?”

“Yes, we have indeed thought about that.”

For a nation to maintain its form, a country name is crucial. It’s quite common abroad to introduce oneself as “So-and-so from the country of…” Seeing an Asian person, one might guess they are Japanese or Chinese, and with a white person, one might imagine where they are from. So why do Evia and the others not have a country name, but are collectively called the Demon Lord’s Army?

“To the inhabitants of this world, we are heretics. A nation without a country name. It’s understandable if they don’t consider it a nation.”

“No, no. Perhaps it exists, but we just don’t know about it. After all, we are currently facing such a nation.”

Kase denies Evia’s somewhat self-deprecating remark. It’s unclear if he’s speaking his true feelings.

“I’m relieved to hear that. Then, let’s proceed a little further. It’s not that we don’t have a country name, but rather that we cannot have one.”

“Cannot have one? Is it for religious or cultural reasons?”

“Cultural. That’s an apt description. It’s something along those lines. We are a multi-species nation, a gathering of different species with distinct cultures and customs. If, hypothetically, the leader of a particular species became the Demon Lord and established a country name, what do you think would happen?”

“…Within the scope of imagination, I suspect there would be dissatisfaction.”

“Ah, precisely. It would undoubtedly flare up, to the extent that it could become a seed of conflict.”

Evia explains why they are called the Demon Lord’s Army, smiling amusingly at their reactions. While the three of them dismiss it as an exaggeration, I inwardly think it’s not a laughing matter. If Instructor Kio were to become the Demon Lord and establish a country name, Instructor Fushio would undoubtedly go to war with him. Knowing them well enough to declare that it’s a plausible scenario, I cannot simply dismiss Evia’s story as a joke.

“We are so diverse a collection of species that we are called the Demon Lord’s Army, an army governed by the Demon Lord.”

“I see. That’s informative.”

The Japanese government representatives, taking it as mere casual conversation, nod in agreement, seemingly impressed. However, the Association members wear puzzled expressions. Why are they bringing up this topic at this particular timing?

“Yes, there have been attempts to establish a country name several times in the past, but none have ever succeeded. The Demon Lord’s Army is, in essence, a collective name decided by history.”

Evia, feigning ignorance of their confusion, continues to speak with apparent enjoyment.

“Within the long history of establishing a country name, there’s one rather interesting story.”

Conversation becomes boring if it lingers on the same topic. Casually changing the subject is a common tactic for devils.

“It’s something from a fairytale created through a long history. But, I wonder if many in this world seek it?”

Is this a warning, or genuine small talk? What she speaks of is truly like a fairytale.

“Would you be interested in experiencing that fairytale?”

Then, with a smile, she exchanges a glance with me, and I quietly take out an item from the bag I had prepared.

“A golden apple?”

“Yes, a golden fruit from an apple tree that grows only in certain mana-rich hidden regions. It’s a precious fruit that bears only one at a time once every ten years.”

Kase stares intently at the item I produced, a question mark on his face. A golden apple with a natural radiance that doesn’t appear artificial. An apple so beautiful that one might think its peel itself is made of gold. Without hesitation, I peel it with a magical blade, slice it neatly, and offer it to Evia.

“Mmm, it’s sweet and delicious, even after so long.”

Without a second thought, she picks up a piece and puts it in her mouth. Her action seems almost like an attempt to demonstrate that there’s no poison. I had heard about it beforehand, but her gesture felt exaggerated. On the surface, it’s just an apple that shines golden. But when presented so deliberately, human nature compels one to suspect there’s something more.

“Its effect is to grant eternal youth and longevity.”

“…”

This shakes them to their core, like a primal instinct of a devil.

“However, the effect is temporary. Just eating a single piece won’t grant that. It will only prevent aging for about three days. Even eating a whole one will lose its efficacy in about half a month.”

Evia states this as if it’s not a significant item. Then, she continues, “Other than that, it’s just a tasty apple. For devils like me, it’s no different from any other apple. But for humans, it’s truly a dream item, isn’t it? Eternal beauty, an unaging body. There are countless people who would desire it. Especially…”

Reaching for another piece of the apple, she gently brings it to her mouth. The fruit makes a crisp, juicy sound as she bites into it. Sweet juice flows from the fruit, filling her mouth with a refreshing sweetness.

“Wouldn’t those in power desire it?”

After swallowing the apple, she slowly smiles. The individuals who had been wearing relaxed expressions just moments before now regard her with suspicious eyes. Or rather, to express their feelings, it’s a state of half-belief. If magic exists, then an item that grants eternal youth and longevity is not out of the question. However, for those who cannot prove its efficacy, it could be seen as a dubious product, akin to a scam. Evia, holding the apple that has been cut into eight pieces, reaches for the third slice. Instead of bringing it to her mouth, she gently sways it from side to side.

“Can’t you believe it?”

“…Yes, it’s difficult to believe.”

The devil doesn’t miss the waver in their hearts. Everyone here is certainly not young. They all confront the reality of aging and the fact that they can no longer do what they could in their youth. They might have thoughts of not wanting to grow old.

“Heh heh, ah, there’s no need to believe it. I told you. This is just small talk, and I also said I wanted you to know about us. I’m merely conveying that our nation possesses such items. I ate it first myself for safety. Whether you eat it or not is your decision. I have merely prepared a food item with such effects.”

If such an item is presented to them, a hidden desire might form in a corner of their hearts. A wish that such a thing existed.

“And the fact that I prepared such an item here means you can consider it added to our trade list, if you wish.”

The devil doesn’t miss such an opening. While it might not be appealing to an immortal species, it’s highly attractive to humans. They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but the word “free” holds a certain devilish charm.

“Well, regardless of which judgment you reach, you’ll need information, won’t you?”

The excuse that it was offered from their side lands perfectly in their minds. And from the desire that they wouldn’t be poisoned… Seeing them exchange glances and then act positively towards a taste test, I observe from behind that the tide has indeed turned.

Word of the Day:
Flow is something you create.

Thank you as always for your comments and corrections of typos. If you find this interesting, please leave comments, ratings, bookmarks, etc.

*The first volume of the book has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA. It was released on October 18, 2018. The e-book version was released on October 31 of the same year. A second volume was released on December 19. A third volume was released on February 20, 2019. The content has been revised and expanded from the original serialization on Shosetsuka ni Naro, with the inclusion of unpublished intermissions. Please consider purchasing the new books as well!! I look forward to your continued support of this work.