Entering a Company From Another World! – Chapter 406

Kirie Sagami straightened herself, glanced at Mimamori to confirm her silence, and then began to calmly explain the Association’s current policy without hesitation.

“Well, it’s a bit strange to say it again, but the majority of us in the Association would like to establish friendly relations with you.”

“That’s good news.”

The word “majority” lingered in my mind, but I was relieved inwardly because the first part of her statement was positive. However, as I expected, Kirie continued her words with a contrasting “but.”

“As you two are aware, it’s only a majority, not all. Furthermore, I’d like you to consider that even within that majority, there are differing intentions. Only a small fraction genuinely want to befriend you; the rest are a bunch of sly foxes who are considering profits and other matters, enough that one or two wouldn’t suffice.”

As I listened to her, I inwardly agreed with Kirie, thinking that it would be rare for a human to want to avoid friendships without considering profit and loss. Perhaps Kirie and her group belonged to that small fraction, but I couldn’t entirely trust them either. I continued to listen, thinking it was necessary to maintain an appropriate distance.

“The most prominent issue would be the minority opposition force, so to speak. The so-called hawks. They are a faction that detests the intervention of other forces like venomous snakes.”

“They exist everywhere, don’t they?”

“Yes, they are truly nothing but a headache. Even a child’s tantrum seems more charming.”

“That’s unfair to the child you’re comparing them to, isn’t it?”

Evia, feeling a sense of kinship for perhaps the umpteenth time, agreed as if joking, and Kirie, saying “I can’t help it,” also let slip her genuine feelings, suggesting she was burdened with many worries.

“However, we have that part under control, so there’s no problem. The current trend within the organization leans towards acceptance. Rather, what you should be concerned about are the groups that can be called the profit faction.”

Kirie placed her hand on her teacup and took a sip of tea after stating it definitively.

“The profit faction, you mean? Can we take that literally?”

Thinking that they probably weren’t someone to be taken too seriously based on her expression, Evia asked a clarifying question. Kirie paused for a moment before replying.

“…It depends on what you mean by ‘literally,’ but generally speaking, yes. They are the ones who manage the financial affairs within our organization. If you view us as an organization that encompasses mystery, they are a rather异-like department. They are more like merchants than sorcerers.”

Although the Association was an unofficial government organization, it appeared to have funding sources beyond taxes.

“We avoid operating in the open, the funds provided by the country are only enough to support the management of shrines and temples. That’s not enough as operating capital. Therefore, we need to maintain our own funding routes.”

“Is that… alright? From the country’s perspective?”

“It’s a de facto tacit approval. As long as we don’t do anything illegal, there’s no problem. The oldest method we’ve used is setting up festival stalls, but due to recent circumstances, they’ve been facing management difficulties, so we’re exploring other methods. Our biggest source of income comes from having overseas trade routes, where we operate as antique dealers using our unique skills to authenticate items. This surprisingly brings in good income.”

It seems that having special abilities doesn’t necessarily mean fewer hardships. People need money to live. This means that an organization cannot run without it. It appears there are ways for special organizations to secure funds.

“They are constantly struggling with cash flow. I don’t think they will ignore this opportunity.”

Kirie explained that for them, this transaction with our company, which could be a major business opportunity, was like throwing a fatty piece of meat in front of a carnivore. She said they were already devising ways to intervene.

“I see, so the profit faction will interfere in this meeting?”

“Yes, without a doubt. This time, the main interactions will likely be with the Japanese Government, but they will try to use their position as intermediaries to gain as much profit as possible.”

While I didn’t have all the facts, Kirie’s explanation made sense. So, Evia and I listened intently.

“Alternatively, they may try to establish direct negotiation channels with you. Items from other realms could be considered valuable in this world. Or, even if something is worthless to you, it might hold significant value here. They likely want to secure as advantageous a position as possible before ‘foreign’ intervention occurs.”

This was exactly what we had anticipated. In fact, if it meant strengthening our connections, it was something we would have actively pursued. However, Kirie made a remark that caught my attention.

“Foreign countries… is that plausible at this stage?”

Indeed, the focus was on the movements of countries other than Japan. Evia was also constantly monitoring this aspect. However, the information available was limited.

“…As the saying goes, ‘You can’t build a gate on a person’s mouth.’ For now, there shouldn’t be a problem, but logistics are always monitored. And the government might not be monolithic. This matter might have already reached one of the great powers. As long as they hesitate whether to believe it or consider it a rumor, it’ll be fine. But if it’s fact, soon enough we’ll likely receive intervention and a proposal for talks from some country.”

Information from such sources is valuable. And Kirie, given her position, would have a certain understanding of political situations.

“…Are you warning me that the profit faction might act as the intermediary for that channel in our stead?”

“Yes. To them, you are chickens laying golden eggs. They want to become the keepers, sell the eggs, and profit from it. That would be their ideal scenario.”

Then they would understand the importance of that information. We felt the same way. As I silently listened and organized Kirie’s information, I realized that the situation was becoming more complicated. Information is sometimes something worth paying a large sum of money for. Especially if it’s economic information. The implication was that the profit faction intended to use the information they possessed, which we lacked, to acquire items at their desired price. Even though it sounded like a fantasy, knowing such schemes were being planned could easily make one angry. But getting angry over every little thing would be endless. Anyone would think of such things. The goal is always to get ahead of others; that’s society.

“…The world may change, but people don’t. It’s tiresome to hear the same kind of stories.”

“Yes, truly. This is what they mean by ‘advice not becoming advice.'”

“Then, may I ask for a more in-depth discussion?”

For those who manage an organization, such talk is merely a light jab. As the exchange concluded, Evia smoothly interjected.

“There are things I cannot answer due to my position, but if you understand that, please ask anything.”

“I understand. And I have no intention of escalating the situation and letting this matter slide.”

Such preliminary remarks felt like the calm before the storm.

“Please answer casually. It’s just a warm-up before we get to the negotiating table.”

“To lead with such a preamble, I wonder what words will follow.”

And then, the atmosphere gradually intensified. Although both sides were smiling, it was a smile plastered on their faces. It was clear from the atmosphere that there was no genuine smile in their hearts.

“…”

“…”

What was conveyed in the eyes that met in silence? The less-than-a-second interval weighed heavily, and the posture of the two shrine maidens standing behind Kirie stiffened. I felt the same. In terms of strength, Evia was overwhelmingly superior here, but Kirie’s demeanor did not lose to her. Her gaze never wavered. To my surprise, Evia was the first to break eye contact. For a moment, I thought she might have lost, but knowing her, that was unlikely, so I focused on keeping my expression fixed.

“Hey, Mimamori, the Land God. Won’t you stop playing the clown and observing people through intermediaries?”

Then, the target shifted to one of the girls who had been smiling innocently until then.

“Hmm~?”

“You can play dumb, but if you do, a portion of the lifespan of the person before you will be shaved off. Relying on others is fine, but don’t forget to show consideration.”

Mimamori, facing Evia’s sharp gaze, was suddenly addressed and tilted her head with a gesture of confusion, as if she didn’t understand at all. To anyone else, it would have seemed like a natural gesture. From my perspective, who saw her as entirely outside the main conversation and not involved in the core issue, it appeared to be an obvious action. But Evia saw it differently.

“Compared to an ordinary human, you seem quite well-trained. Being able to control your eye movements, particularly your pupils, is remarkable. However, to me, you are still quite transparent. Seeing you occasionally send confirmation signals to Kirie Sagami with natural gestures, I’d assume it was telepathic communication, or rather, a one-way revelation in this case, giving instructions to Kirie Sagami.”

This referred to Kirie’s actions. Although she had appeared to be moving normally, Evia had sensed something unusual throughout their journey and conversation. I had to admire her for observing every detail of her movements.

“At first, it seemed like all three of you were cooperating, but that was also a bluff. The two behind her were merely distractions to diffuse the attention of myself and Jiro. Kirie Sagami also played her role perfectly by feigning to be the main opponent and drawing our attention through direct conversation. But…”

Evia pointed a finger at Kirie.

“…if you had minimized your finger movements even further, it would have taken me longer to notice. You were likely using ‘yes’ and ‘no’ by subtly varying the movement of your little finger when picking up the teacup, weren’t you?”

What appeared to be a simple act of touching the teacup was, in fact, a subtle change in angle, as if caressing the bottom of the cup. This wasn’t just a slight anomaly. To an onlooker, it would have sounded like a ridiculous, paranoid accusation.

“Haha, you noticed that, huh?”

Perhaps resigned, Mimamori broke her posture and smiled.

“Kirie, that’s enough.”

“…Understood.”

Kirie acknowledged Evia’s words.

“Good work. It must have been tough sitting directly opposite her.”

“Yes, if possible, I’d rather not do that again.”

As proof, a torrent of sweat poured down Kirie’s forehead the moment she exhaled in relief. The amount of sweat indicated how tense she had been.

“I’ve realized the difference seniority makes.”

“From my perspective, you held out quite well.”

While Evia was chuckling coquettishly, I wanted to ask what on earth had happened. All I understood was that a mysterious battle of wits had occurred between the person in charge and the god, and as a result, they had managed to draw out the god.

“I never imagined that being unable to lie would be this painful.”

“All humans lie. But don’t think it will work against me.”

“Yes, I have painfully realized that.”

Leaving my confusion unresolved, Kirie and the Land God, Mimamori, switched seats, and Evia sat opposite her. As if to say, “The real show starts now,” Evia grinned.

“Well, well, as you expected, I have appeared, child of the other world’s gods.”

“You were the one who had business with us, weren’t you?”

“Oh, come now, don’t be so stiff. Just be like you were a moment ago~”

She changed her demeanor to one of bold confidence, exuding a divine aura. It was truly the aura of a god. Was the mischievous girl from before truly a facade? She smiled brightly, but there was no arrogance in her eyes. The girl hid her mouth with a fan taken from her sleeve. The contrast between her appearance and her aura was striking. Evia also seemed to be getting serious, her expression showing her resolve.

“Well, we’ve taken quite a detour, so let’s get straight to the point.”

What would emerge from this point onward? In the tensely strung atmosphere, Mimamori maintained her smile.

“If residents of your world can interact, then shouldn’t gods like us also interact? So…”

I had a bad premonition, the kind that usually precedes being handed a difficult task.

“How about we have an exchange meeting between your gods and us? It’s an invitation to a fun banquet.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll invite everyone properly,” she added at the end, but I felt an unsettling sense of foreboding.

Today’s Quote: The main player always appears later.

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*The first volume of this novel has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA. It was released on October 18, 2018. An e-book version was 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 version posted on “Shosetsuka ni Naro,” with the addition of unreleased interlude chapters. Please consider purchasing the new releases as well! I hope you will continue to support this work.