“So, in the end, it was a case of returning to the original sheath.”
“It seems so.”
“Mmm, well. I was in the kitchen watching the masters interact, so it’s nothing new to me now.”
The fact that Suella’s hesitation had cleared up quickly spread to Memoria and the others. Suella, who had been shrouded in worry, was no more; she had cheered up.
Today, especially with Suella’s situation, I thought it would be good to confirm the intentions of Memoria and the others. As soon as I asked them during our post-meal time about what they thought of me challenging the General, Evia reacted like this.
Evia, slowly sipping cognac with her meal, swayed her glass with a reaction that suggested utter disbelief. Memoria was also drinking her fruit wine, but her expression was similar to Evia’s. Himik, the only one drinking a non-alcoholic beverage, also let out a rare, wry smile, as if to say, “It’s about time.” As for me, I savored the Japanese sake I received from my instructor, observing the reactions of the three.
“…I guess I’m the most to blame for assuming it was a given.”
“The fact that you can think that means you’ve improved. If you don’t make the same mistake again, I have nothing more to say.”
In the end, this issue with Suella was a matter of maintaining civility even among close relationships. I had believed that Suella would understand, that she would definitely accept it. I hadn’t fully grasped the burden she was under. That was the cause of this misunderstanding. Evia, seeing my relief at realizing this, urged me to be careful as she downed her sake. Suella was not present. She was currently putting Yukiera and Sachiera to bed. That’s why.
“That’s right. Jiro-san, I think you should fix your habit of rushing ahead alone.”
“Indeed. Your drive to challenge everything is remarkable, but going too far is dangerous.”
“Lately, you’ve also been too influenced by that Demon Lord… This is a good opportunity, perhaps a good chance to make you realize that you are the pillar of this household.”
The female group was uniting to start their lecture session for me.
“There’s nothing wrong with trying various things, but I don’t think it’s right to try to solve everything by yourself. We are here, so I think it would have been good if you had consulted us, even just once.”
“I understand that it’s difficult. I also understand that you think you’d be a burden. But still, it’s lonely to be told what you’re going to do without any prior notice.”
“From my position, it might be wrong to criticize your choices, but still, you should try to separate your professional and private lives a little more cleanly.”
“That’s bad, this is good.” “Don’t do this like that, do it like this.”
Their words, which they usually wouldn’t utter. Under the guise of it being a good opportunity, my dissatisfactions were falling upon me like a carpet bombing.
“Moreover, Jiro-san lately has been too focused on work. I understand you’re working hard to support us, but we also have our own income. If that’s the case, why not reduce your work hours a bit and spend more time with us? My parents have also been asking when we’ll have grandchildren.”
“Indeed, the cases where you’re tired at night are increasing. Being at the very limit of your physical condition means you won’t have the strength when it matters. Of course, I’ll support you in those areas, but there are limits. I wish you would aim for a more relaxed schedule. Also, lately, I’ve had more opportunities to take care of Yukiera and the others, and I’ve increasingly thought about what it would be like if they were my own children.”
“As nobles, there are many complications. We also have to consider heirs. It’s troublesome to have Tatter say various things. I think it might be worth considering resolving these various troubles at once. Oh, of course, I’ll go through the necessary procedures. First, it’s about improving your actions.”
I’m not Shotoku Taishi, yet the women were talking at me relentlessly. However, my enhanced body, fortunately, sent every word into my brain without missing a beat, allowing me to understand. While thinking it was a strength of multitasking.
If I were to summarize what they were saying, it boils down to this: “You work too much and should pay more attention to us.”
“…Understood. I will try to reduce my work hours a bit more.”
I couldn’t possibly reject their requests, so I quickly raised the white flag. Fortunately, as training has become my hobby recently, I have some flexibility in creating time to spend with them. I believed this was the responsibility of a man who had multiple women. I considered improving the quality of my training to shorten the time.
“I will explain to the Demon Lord on your behalf and try to reduce your burden, but you need to learn to use your subordinates better. From what I’ve seen, your work is concentrated compared to other departments.”
“Eh? I thought I was delegating quite a bit.”
However, as if seeing through my thoughts, Evia threw further criticism at me. In my mind, I had delegated a lot of work to the office staff like Keiri-san, which allowed me to relax somewhat.
“Fool, the number of office staff in your department and others is different. Comparing your First Division to other departments, there’s nearly a threefold difference.”
“Seriously?”
“It’s a result of your weak connections, but even taking that into account, you failed to realize that you haven’t increased personnel.”
It seemed I was the only one who thought that way; from an outsider’s perspective, my workload was excessive.
“Didn’t Keiri tell you to reduce your workload?”
“She might have, or she might not have.”
Is this perhaps what they call the “overwork problem” among Japanese people? If so, I feel extremely apologetic. Was I, with my workaholic tendencies, causing trouble for my subordinates? As Evia said, I should have realized this with a little thought. Reviewing documents, dungeon攻略, and training. On top of that, I’m handling inter-departmental cooperation and miscellaneous tasks.
“…Should I increase staff?”
“You should. If you ask Keiri, she should be able to pick out some suitable talent.”
I didn’t need to ask if it was okay for the company. Since Evia, the top executive, was saying it, there shouldn’t be any problem. It’s a business reform, or should I say, a work style reform? Increasing personnel is a very good thing. Although I can’t increase the number of Testers, whom I need the most, as it’s under discussion with the Japanese government and various countries on Earth, reducing the amount of paperwork is still better.
“Also, learn how to use people. I taught you during the previous training, but it hasn’t been reflected at all.”
“Well, I thought it was better to do it myself than to leave it to someone else… Is that wrong?”
“It is wrong.”
Then, my lingering habit from my corporate slave days was pointed out. The thought that it’s faster to do it myself than to delegate it to someone else. Such thinking has become ingrained, and my inability to break away from the habit of hoarding work is causing various inefficiencies in my tasks, as Evia pointed out.
“You are a manager. It’s not wrong for a manager to take the lead in working, but you need to choose what kind of work to do. What’s the point of taking the initiative in doing miscellaneous tasks? If you can’t effectively manage this level of personnel and keep the organization running, what will you do? When you become General, you’ll have to manage many more people.”
“You are absolutely right.”
It seems my inferiority complex hasn’t completely disappeared. While I can give instructions to others, I’m not good at the act of managing the people who are present. Entrusting a task to someone else is equivalent to discerning their abilities and being able to bear the responsibility for them. I keenly realize that Evia can do everything because she has that ability.
“If you had time, it might be good to train you in store management.”
“Give up, Memoria. He doesn’t have time for that with the selection test for General waiting. We need to find someone like Raidou’s confidant as soon as possible.”
“Instructor’s confidant?”
“Yes, he has charisma that attracts subordinates, but his miscellaneous task ability isn’t particularly high. He leaves most of the dungeon management to his subordinates. When push comes to shove, he stands on the front lines and relies on trusted subordinates for support from behind. It’s an example of organizational management. It’s a management style that’s difficult to imitate, though.”
Memoria suggested teaching me the know-how of organizational management, but as expected, it couldn’t be acquired overnight. If you ask whether a former corporate slave salaryman can suddenly be put in charge of an entire unit, the answer is no. Therefore, Evia suggested having a trusted confidant skilled in organizational management. My role would be to oversee their operations, confirm there are no issues, and make decisions, becoming the ultimate fighting force in case of emergency. The aim is to operate in the same way as Instructor Kio. Evia didn’t particularly agree with this approach of making do with makeshift measures, but if it’s the best option in a pinch, then so be it, and I will eventually develop my own way of managing.
“So, you mean someone like a strategist?”
“That would be it. But, for someone you can trust…”
“Ah, there isn’t anyone, is there?”
However, such convenient talent doesn’t just appear out of thin air. My connections, though seemingly wide, are effectively confined within this company. I have connections with the top executives like the instructor, but conversely, I don’t have acquaintances who could support a General. If I were to name anyone, I am often invited to Instructor Kio’s drinking parties, so I’ve met some Oni through those connections, but I don’t have enough acquaintance to trust them with managing the organization. This is a problem stemming from my biased network. I can’t immediately think of someone who would fit the role.
“…”
Even Evia, unable to immediately think of someone, frowned in thought. Memoria and Himik also looked troubled. As the four of us were racking our brains, trying to come up with a solution, “There is. Someone trustworthy and skilled in organizational management.” Suella, who had returned to the living room after putting her daughters to bed, must have been listening to the conversation the whole time. Without any hesitation, she immediately presented a solution. “Of course, it’s someone you know, Jiro-san.” I don’t know who it could be, but do I know such a person within my circle of acquaintances? I pondered and struggled, but no such person came to mind.
“Sorry, I can’t think of anyone. Are you sure they exist?”
“Yes, my grandfather.”
“Muil-san!?”
“I see! Muil Handelberg. If it’s him, then…”
When I straightforwardly asked, Suella easily answered, and when the name came out, I was surprised, but Evia was impressed, thinking, “Ah, this was an option!” Seeing Evia’s reaction, Himik and Memoria were unable to keep up. “No way, is Muil-san actually amazing?” they all thought, surprised. I had thought he was someone with many connections, but…
Today’s Quote: Unexpected individuals possess remarkable abilities.
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