“Hey, Suella. I have something I’d like to discuss.”
“Jiro-san, did something happen at work?”
It may be common to encounter such things at work, but as you gain experience and your years of service increase, do you ever feel that it becomes harder to ask others about their work?
Others might interpret it as you having gained enough experience to know the answers already.
In some Black companies, even newcomers are not taught anything and are not allowed to ask questions, but even there, they will teach you something at first.
However, as time goes by, it’s a fact that it becomes increasingly difficult to ask.
Simply put, it’s probably a matter of pride and the shame of letting others know that you’re lacking in study.
However, to me, it seems less painful to be embarrassed by asking than to fail by acting without asking.
Therefore.
“I’m completely stuck on how to proceed with Minami and the others’ romance. What do you think I should do?”
“…That’s quite a difficult problem, even if it’s not related to work.”
I decided to consult Suella, who was relaxing and drinking tea in the living room, about Minami and the others, as a fellow woman.
As a man, there are many aspects of women’s worries that I find difficult to empathize with.
Therefore, it’s dangerous to apply my own values and act on them.
Even in another world, I want to hear a woman’s opinion on this.
“You’re discussing something quite interesting.”
“Indeed! I’m also interested!”
Romance stories are a favorite among women, and that’s the same in this other world.
Memoria and Himik quickly joined us.
The fact that they prepared drinks and light snacks suggests they were anticipating a long discussion.
Since I was at it, I involved Himik and Memoria as well, and explained Katsu’s current situation and the relationships between Minami, Kitamiya, and Kawasaki.
“Here, if you surrounded them all with a first wife, second wife, etc., there would be no problem, but you can’t do that in Japan, is that what you’re worried about?”
“That’s part of it… but fundamentally, I’m wondering if this method is even right.”
Honestly, Katsu’s method of being pursued by Minami and Kitamiya doesn’t receive a very good impression from the general public.
I can’t deny that I chose the quickest method.
If asked whether it was the correct approach, I wouldn’t necessarily say yes.
While I may have instigated it myself, I can’t help but wonder if there isn’t a better way.
I gulped down my beer, as if washing away my anxiety.
It’s the same when I’m working.
Was this really the best way? Is it correct? Did I miss anything? Am I mistaken? I worry.
Normally, I wouldn’t express my weaknesses because it would bring down my mood, but today, I somehow wanted them to listen to me.
“It’s alright.”
Suella gently took my hand and squeezed it.
Memoria, who was sitting next to me, placed her hand on top of mine.
Himik also moved and joined us. I couldn’t help but give a wry smile at the situation, but the warmth and reassurance were comforting.
“At a pinch, we can just transfer Minami and the others’ family registry here.”
“…Suella, your occasional bold actions are really reassuring.”
However, that sense of relief seemed to have led the conversation in a different direction.
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“Why don’t I adopt Katsu as my son? Our family is a merchant family, and we have many such people, so polygyny would be a reality.”
“But, won’t the feelings of the person involved be important? I don’t think it’s good for us to decide and proceed without confirming Katsu’s feelings, Master. Have you confirmed Katsu’s feelings?”
“Ah.”
Perhaps it was the comfort, or perhaps Suella’s occasional off-topic remarks were so encouraging, but the anxiety I had felt earlier had disappeared.
As I considered Memoria’s advice, Himik’s words made me realize that I had forgotten to ask a crucial question.
It might have been partly due to Katsu’s slight runaway behavior, but I, too, had become accustomed to this environment.
I had made a mistake in the premise.
Indeed, Himik is right.
I had assumed that since Katsu is a man, having both Kitamiya and Minami would be no problem, but is that really the case?
Women dislike men’s feelings wavering, but conversely, aren’t there men who can’t love multiple women?
“Crap, I completely forgot. It’s good that I realized it before it was too late. Thank you, Himik.”
“Indeed! I’m glad to have been of help to you, Master!”
While some might see this as obvious, it’s not just me and Kaido.
Minami and Kitamiya also seem to have been quite influenced by this company.
We’ve naturally come to accept a harem as a matter of course.
It’s good to learn that certain things are normal in another world, but we must clearly distinguish them from our own common sense.
It’s truly fortunate that I realized this at this stage.
“…That means. This is going to be a bit troublesome. However, I suppose I can’t skip that step.”
With a sigh and a slump of my shoulders, I don’t want to imagine what will happen next.
The situation was that Kitamiya and Minami intended to win over Katsu together, but this might have turned into a bad situation.
The easiest outcome would be for all three of them to come together, but if Katsu refuses, things will get complicated.
The agreement between Minami and Kitamiya, which was based on the premise of supporting Katsu together, would end.
From then on, they would become rivals, which would require dealing with, but I think it’s better if they compete.
It would be more troublesome if their emotions were suppressed and they bottled up their feelings.
I’ve heard that holding back is bad for your health, but to give up on romance, one needs physical distance from that situation.
It’s impossible to be okay with witnessing that scene right in front of your eyes.
It will inevitably become a problem later.
Whether it’s Minami or Kitamiya.
Additionally, Kawasaki has decided to join as a Dungeon Tester.
To be honest, I want to avoid further complications in interpersonal relationships from there.
In the worst-case scenario, Kitamiya and Minami might end up in a three-way struggle with Kawasaki.
I don’t think they’ll bring their private lives into work, but it’s not impossible.
I sincerely hope that Katsu has no lingering feelings for Kawasaki, but my intuition tells me this won’t end peacefully.
To avoid a daytime drama-like development, I hope Kawasaki will remain calm.
“While company romances are free, their influence can greatly affect interpersonal relationships.”
Honestly, despite talking about this, it feels like something out of a drama.
“I find it amusing to listen to. Stories like Minami and the others’ are heard with some frequency in our circles. However, Keiri-san might make a strange face if she heard it.”
“Yeah.”
If an outsider heard about Katsu’s situation, there would be various opinions, but in Japan, the vast majority of men would undoubtedly be driven mad with jealousy.
Those who have a girlfriend or are married might just manage a wry smile and say “amazing.”
Keiri-san’s subtle expression might be due to the mixed emotions unique to Dark Elves.
“Well, Katsu and the others need to keep it in mind, but I need to prioritize this over that.”
However, it’s not as if I’m constantly worrying about Katsu and the others.
When I glance at Suella’s stomach, I can see that she’s carrying a child.
I can’t just devote all my time to work.
“Suella, are you feeling alright? Himik is providing a lot of support, but…”
“Yes, I’ve entered the stable period, and my morning sickness wasn’t that severe to begin with. I’ve been able to move around recently. Thanks to that, I’m feeling more energetic.”
Dark Elves, who proverbially call children treasures.
It’s probably not just because of their race.
She herself seems to be very pleased with the child’s growth.
The way she gently and affectionately stroked her belly for a moment was mesmerizing.
Seeing that, I’m reminded that I need to prepare to become a father, not just focus on work.
The other day, when I was reading a book for men to support pregnant women in the Party Room, Minami and the others gave me a lukewarm gaze.
They teased me a little then, but this is no time to worry about that.
I’m also reading parenting books, but they’re quite difficult.
The role of the father in childcare requires effort from the man.
When I’m home, I try my best to pay attention to Suella, but I can’t say it’s perfect.
Himik handles all the housework, so there’s no concern there.
However, I still worry about not burdening her.
“Is that so? By the way, Suella, in your country, do you know the baby’s gender before it’s born? In Japan, it seems to be known quite easily.”
“In Dark Elf society, spirits tell us. Whether it’s a boy or a girl, it becomes a cause for celebration.”
“Vampires request mages to determine it. Everyone does it due to issues like inheritance.”
“We angels determine it by the soul’s vibrations.”
“It’s funny how the word ‘echo’ doesn’t come up, typical of another world.”
This company has medical facilities with better equipment than most independent clinics.
Thanks to that, regular visits there ensure that both mother and child are progressing well.
This made me wonder, and I asked, and indeed, they determine it by methods different from modern medicine in this other world.
“Then. Himik, do you already know the gender?”
“If it were inside me, I would know, but currently, it’s enveloped by Suella’s soul, so I can’t tell.”
“I see.”
“Are you curious?”
“Well, it’s my first child.”
During the clinic visits, the topic of the child’s gender hadn’t come up, so I hadn’t asked, but since the timing was right, I decided to ask now. Even Himik couldn’t tell yet. It would be a lie to say I wasn’t curious, as Memoria asked. It’s my first child. I’ll be happy whether it’s a boy or a girl. Suella and the baby being healthy is all I ask for.
“Hehe, you won’t know the gender for a little while longer, Jiro-san.”
“R-right. Maybe I was a bit premature.”
Looking at Suella’s growing belly, I can see I’m getting excited. I’ve been really looking forward to coming home from work lately.
“Haa, I wish I could have Jiro-san’s child soon too.”
“Me too. I want Master’s child soon!”
“That’s a gift from heaven, after all. There’s nothing I can do about it, other than to try my best.”
“I’m an angel, but I can’t do anything about it either.”
“It’s just a figure of speech.”
Lately, since Suella’s been coming home early, she’s here when I get home. Having her with her swollen belly waiting at home provides a sense of relief. However, there are two people who look at this scene with envy, and vampires and angels, due to their long lifespans, have difficulty conceiving. We just have to wait patiently.
“We’ll need to have a wedding ceremony once the child is born.”
“Yes.”
“There’s Suella, Himik, and Evia-sama. It seems like it’s going to be quite a large-scale event.”
“How long do you think it will take?”
“It would be nice if it could be over in about three days.”
“Seriously?”
With Suella’s pregnancy and various disturbances like the rebellion, the wedding ceremony, which had been postponed, will need to take place. However, with the matter concerning Evia-san, the wedding might turn out to be on a much larger scale than I had imagined. The child to be born, and various things will likely become busy. Newcomers will join, and with that, work will surely get busier. The hardships will increase too. Well, even so.
“I have to do my best.”
“Yes, you have to do your best for this child’s sake, Father.”
“Oh, that way of calling me is fresh.”
“Hmm, I’d like to try and call you ‘Papa’.”
“Yes, I think that’s better too.”
I won’t let go of this happiness.
In my previous company, I couldn’t see a future.
But since joining this company, I feel like I’m gradually seeing the path I should take.
“That’s also fresh in its own way.”
“In that case, shall we start calling you that now to get used to it?”
“No, I’d still prefer you to call me by my name.”
The family I need to support is growing.
The juniors I need to guide are increasing.
Someone once said that life is a daily learning experience, and it’s exactly true. I still have much to learn. Each time, I will ask, stop, learn, and move forward. That’s the cycle. Even if there are many hardships.
“By the way, Jiro-san, have you thought of a name for the child?”
“That’s the problem. Should we give it a name like Suella’s, or a Japanese name?”
“I’m more interested in this world’s names.”
“As for me, any name Master and I choose together is fine.”
I wouldn’t consider that a hardship. As long as they are here.
Today’s saying: As long as you don’t stop learning, questions will never end.
That’s all for this time.
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*The first volume of the collected work has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA.
It was released on October 18, 2018.
The e-book version was also released on October 31 of the same year.
Furthermore, the second volume was released on December 19.
The third volume was released on February 20, 2019.
The content includes revisions and additions to the material posted on Shōsetsuka ni Narō, with unpublished intermissions included.
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A manga adaptation of “Young Magazine The Third” from Kodansha was featured in issue 9.
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