Entering a Company From Another World! – Chapter 251

I’ve often recognized women in the workplace as potential romantic partners.
I’m a man, after all.
Given my age, there were times I considered marriage.

My previous company was busy, but even then, I still had some of those feelings.
It was undeniably a black company, and despite its high employee turnover, a silent, preferential rule had formed among the male employees: certain women, those considered cute or beautiful, were given lighter duties.

The men’s desire to prolong even their limited opportunities for encounters led them to extend their overtime, a tearful effort to increase their communication time with women.
As a result, it could be said that the reason more female employees stayed longer than the men, despite it being a black company, was the fruit of their efforts.

However, such efforts often yielded regrettable results.
The more they tried, the more the male employees left.
This was because, before their efforts to secure time with a woman could bear fruit, they would either break down physically or reach their mental limit, and the fear for their lives would outweigh their desire for a romantic partner.

Thus, under such circumstances, I had experienced seeing female colleagues as potential partners on occasion.
But in my case, even if I found a woman attractive, I was the type of person who prioritized tomorrow’s work deadline over interacting with the opposite sex, so I unfortunately never had a girlfriend at my previous company.
Or rather, it’s more accurate to say I couldn’t have one.

It was the sad fate of a corporate slave, prioritizing time to prepare for tomorrow’s meeting documents over the time needed to court a woman I liked.
Living through those days, I was supposed to be an ordinary man who had largely given up on romantic feelings, considering marriage something that might happen if it did. Yet, now, three women have confessed their feelings for me, and I’ve managed to accomplish the extraordinary feat of dating all three simultaneously.

You never know what life will throw at you.
The world might call this “three-timing,” but in my case, the women are aware of each other and we can continue this relationship with their consent, so I don’t believe it counts as cheating or three-timing in the eyes of Japanese society.
Regarding such romantic entanglements, I found myself in a situation that my past self would have deemed impossible, facing an even more impossible dilemma.

“Was I this desperate for women?”

That day, at the end of dance practice.
I saw the supervisor’s back and, for some reason, saw her not as a superior, but as a woman.
Despite dating three women of different types—Suella, Memoria, and Himik—I was bewildered by my own thoughts, which still sought other women. During lectures, when I could concentrate on the class, it was fine, but alone, that image would flash in my mind. I’d recall my own thoughts leaking with desire, open the window of my designated room in the Jigen Room, smoke a cigarette, and wallow in my despair.

Fortunately, or perhaps not, I had some self-awareness that my feelings for women were overflowing.
Since coming to this company, or more accurately, since I started fighting, perhaps?
I sought solace in the warmth of women, and my survival instinct for procreation that proportionally intensified made me feel like I was seeking women. I felt like I was seeking women, as if my sons, who wouldn’t have been so energetic at my previous company, were now displaying a vigor that suggested they had regained their youth.

My first day with Suella was a time of mutual desperation, akin to that of beasts embracing each other, especially after we became intimate.
After repeating our intimacy many times, and even when Memoria joined us, the intensity didn’t wane; if anything, it increased for me.
Now Himik has joined us as well, yet the momentum has not lessened.
In fact, sometimes they even complain, teasingly, that I’m too passionate.

“…What’s happening inside me?”

While this is something a man could brag about, the problem is that my values regarding women have changed so drastically that it’s starting to become the norm.
My past self wouldn’t have considered this normal, and comparing my past and present selves, I’m starting to worry that I might be losing myself.
Reflecting on my past, I recall that I wasn’t naturally prone to such feelings, and my self-diagnosis confirms this.
However, the average among men for such matters is vague and not very helpful.
Therefore, I can’t discern whether what I’m experiencing now is normal or abnormal for an adult male.
But this much I can say.
If I start indiscriminately pursuing women, it’s over.

“…”

The best way to resolve such a situation and address self-doubt is to gather objective opinions and perform self-analysis.
It’s best not to rely on my own internal rules and values to solve this.
I can’t help but think, “What’s the point of a harem-goer like me worrying about this now?” but it’s probably time to set some limits.
Now, about the matter of those limits.

“The problem is who should I consult?”

If it were about work, I could consult someone without hesitation.
However, this consultation is clearly a personal matter.
Furthermore, given the content.
First of all, the women are out of the question.
No, though consulting Suella and the others immediately should be considered, I can’t do so in my current environment.
Naturally, the women in Kitamiya’s party are out of the question as well.
Consulting the supervisor herself or her attendant, Tatte, is out of the question.
This narrows the scope to men.

“Kaido and Katsu are out.”

For the former, I apologize, but I can foresee the conversation turning into, “Is there a problem?” followed by a recommendation for a harem and the sentiment, “May your happy love life explode,” meaning I won’t get an objective opinion.
As for the latter, it might be a matter of pride, but what can I consult a minor about?

“That leaves the two instructors as the most reasonable option…”

These two also operate under the standards of otherworldly common sense.
Whether it will be helpful is a question.

“I can’t afford not to. I have to do it.”

Not consulting is not an option.
If this change in values is linked to some factor that is leading to mental disorder, I must address it before it’s too late by not leaving the problem unattended.
With that thought, I extinguished my cigarette by pressing it into the ashtray and, with a body heavy from today’s lectures and a mind heavy from worries, I got up and left my room.

“Kaka-kaka, I see, so that’s why you’ve come to me.”
“Sorry to bother you so late.”
“Not at all. The night is when everyone sleeps. For me, who cannot sleep, it’s a welcome distraction.”

And so, the instructor I chose to consult was Instructor Fushio.
Instructor Fushio had also seen the interactions with the supervisor, so I thought he would be a suitable person to consult with.
Instructor Fushio, sitting in an armchair in his private room provided by the Jigen Room, holding a wine glass in one hand, might have looked like an elegant noble if he weren’t a skeleton.
What was in the wine glass didn’t look like wine, but the aroma tickling my nostrils was that of alcohol.
It felt bad to intrude on his private time after lectures had ended, but the instructor welcomed me readily.
By the way, the reason I didn’t ask Instructor Kio for help was…
I had a feeling I’d receive a manly response like, “Just push her over, it’s a one-shot deal!!”
Keeping that thought to myself, I explained the situation to Instructor Fushio, and he nodded, as usual, as if he understood.

“I see, a change in values. There’s nothing inherently strange about that itself. However, by Jirō’s common sense, that change is abnormal… How troublesome. We wouldn’t fault you for simply following those feelings?”
“Unless one is an extremely wealthy person or an incredible charmer, it wasn’t an environment where dating multiple women was permissible. The feeling of naturally wanting other women when I’m already dating someone is disorienting.”

Then, he poured a drink into a glass brought by magic and offered it to me.
His intention to have me accompany him in exchange for his advice was clear. I accepted the glass of ice and alcohol and took a sip.
The faint aroma indicated not a drink to be savored in large quantities, but a richness that lingered on the tongue, meant to be sipped.
A close comparison would be whiskey.
Gratefully for the somewhat comforting taste, I asked about his opinion on my change, rather than seeking advice on what to do.

“I understand. I myself have transitioned from a human to this form. I can comprehend the change in values Jirō speaks of. From my perspective, those values are commonplace in this world. However… you don’t seem to be seeking that kind of answer. If I were to provide an answer based on human norms, it would only appear as a person stimulated by their survival instincts trying to procreate. In that case, is Jirō’s concern about one’s reason?”
“That’s exactly right. It’s the nature of a salaryman concerned with public perception.”
“And what are you concerned about now? A man who presents a lineup of Dark Elves, Vampires, and Fallen Angels should not be saying such things. It wouldn’t be a problem even if demons were added to that group.”
“You’re absolutely right. That’s a painful thing to hear.”

As the instructor said, why should I be concerned about my current situation?
Objectively speaking, it might be a case of “again?” if I were to add more.

“Based on Jirō’s story, the point to be cautious about is self-control.”
“There’s nothing else, is there?”

Regarding my condition, the instructor pointed out the most basic of basics.
I had no choice but to agree on that point.
Simple is best; enduring is the best solution.

“Indeed. Lusting after other women is a man’s—a male’s—instinct. I have no experience with that now that I am in this form, but I have the knowledge from my past. If I were to derive an answer from that, it would be to exercise self-control and suppress those feelings. That would be the solution.”
“Indeed, that’s true.”

It’s entirely true.
It’s better than not getting a response that implies being monitored by someone.

“And the change in values that Jirō is concerned about is likely due to a change in environment.”
“A change in environment, you say?”
“A person who was previously in a peaceful environment is now in a battleground. This alone will exert mental stress. If you endure that, the environment that stimulates survival instincts is sufficiently prepared.”
“Does that mean the only fundamental way to improve is to change the work environment?”
“I believe so. You have no choice but to place yourself in an environment where you are not in danger, away from battle. At least, it won’t settle down in your current state.”

Then, regarding the change in values that I was also concerned about, the instructor’s opinion was that my common sense had changed due to the drastic environmental shift.
If I wanted to return to my original values, I would need to create a suitable environment.

“Fortunately, you have three partners. You should unleash that pent-up impulse on those three.”
“So, the key is to be careful not to look elsewhere, meaning self-control? I see.”

Since I have no intention of changing jobs, I just need to know where to focus my attention.
And this change in thinking is an external factor, but the problem lies within myself.
It’s sufficiently manageable.
With that reassuring thought,

“However, if the other party is Evia, then the story might be slightly different.”
“Why is the story different if it’s the supervisor?”
“Before I explain, let me ask you one thing, Jirō. Have you ever harbored feelings for Evia that were different from those you have for the Dark Elf girls?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“This company has many beautiful women. Even so?”
“…Yes, I don’t think so.”

From the time I started dating Suella, I felt those kinds of feelings directed towards her.
Despite all that, I’ve never been the one to make the first move.
Memoria and Himik confessed their feelings to me.
As the instructor said, even from my perspective, this company has many beautiful women.
Among people I know, Keiri-san is also a beautiful Dark Elf, different from Suella.
However, if asked if I have ever seen her as a potential romantic partner, I would have to say no.
Our relationship is more like that of work colleagues, or Suella’s friend.
It might be the same for other female employees and party members.
Thinking about it that way, I feel like I have self-control.
Though I was puzzled by the instructor’s cautionary words, I gave the same answer.

“Then, it means there was something about Evia that attracted you.”

To that answer, Instructor Fushio seemed to have something in mind as he continued speaking.
It was as if the supervisor held a special place for me.
Rocking in his armchair, he stood up and moved to the window, and I fell silent, waiting for his next words.

“…”
“Well, if what Jirō felt was indeed that, then things get quite interesting…”

Knowing that there was something with the supervisor, the instructor hesitated, wondering whether to speak or not.

“Hmm, it would be better for the person involved to hear that story directly.”

He easily decided not to tell me.
“Instructor.”
“Don’t make such a pathetic sound. It can’t be helped; this isn’t something that can be easily discussed.”

My voice, lacking any strength, sounded so pathetic that he became exasperated.

“However, sending you away without any advice might be too uninteresting… Hmm.”

However, seeing my reaction, the instructor slightly reversed his previous statement.

“…Very well, as a reward for noticing the atmosphere surrounding Evia, I shall offer you one piece of advice.”

After thinking for a few seconds, he nodded as if he had reached a conclusion. He slowly turned back to me, his blue-flamed eyes fixing on mine.

“Think about what your feelings towards Evia stem from. That will be the trigger.”
“Feelings stemming from what?”
“Kaka-kaka, think carefully. However, tomorrow morning comes early. Let’s end here for today and get some rest.”
“Yes, thank you for taking the time.”
“No need. Just entertain me during the latter half of the training, and that’s enough.”
“It was a costly lesson. I’ll do my best.”
“Indeed, I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Although the advice was vague, I understood that it wasn’t meaningless.
I considered that to be a sufficient outcome.
With a quick sip of the drink he poured, I bowed and decided to rest to prepare for tomorrow.
Thanks to today’s consultation, I’ve become even more vigilant, but I’ll consider it necessary expenses.

Today’s Saying:
A change in values is surprisingly difficult to notice, and even when noticed, it’s difficult to know how to handle it.

That’s all for this time.
Thank you for pointing out any typos and for your comments.
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*The first volume of the book has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA.
It was released on October 18, 2018.
An e-book version was also released on October 31 of the same year.
The second volume was released on December 19.
The third volume was released on February 20, 2019.
The content has been revised and expanded from the novel posted on Shōsetsuka ni Narō, with the addition of unpublished interlude chapters.
Please consider purchasing the new books as well!!
Furthermore, a comic adaptation has been decided for Kodansha’s “Young Magazine The Third.”
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