Entering a Company From Another World! – Chapter 422

The conference room was silent.

This silence was the result of the dialogue between humans and gods.

Seeing this scene, I honestly felt like I had blurted something out.

Gods are truly selfish.

We had made our own plans.

And Evia had intended to see this conference through to the end.

But it all crumbled due to Mimamori-sama’s actions.

There was no time to consider whether this was good or bad.

They were trying to extract concessions by avoiding the point that this country seemed to be their only option.

This was probably done to save face for Kirie-san and the association who had arranged this conference.

From my perspective, that could be seen as sincerity and a way to draw a clear line.

This was because the Demon Lord’s Army had summoned testers from various countries, not just America, but also the Middle East, Europe, South America, and Asia. This suggested they might be proceeding with arrangements to establish contact with magical organizations in other countries.

I didn’t know the details, but I thought that possibility was quite high.

Despite this, they had downplayed their ability to negotiate with other countries.

I had assumed that card would be played as a trump card, but unexpectedly, Mimamori-sama had spoken for them.

“What are we going to do now?” I thought.

Kase, sweating profusely, was on the verge of hyperventilation.

Mimamori-sama, on the other hand, looked as if she were watching something uninteresting.

And Evia, who was next to me.

“…It looks fun, doesn’t it?”

“Ah, it is fun,” she replied honestly to me, who was subtly telling her to hide it, as her eyes gleamed with enjoyment.

The more the situation was thrown into disarray, the more Evia seemed to enjoy it.

Was this a racial trait of demons, or her personal disposition?

I knew she enjoyed the thrilling sensation of gambling rather than being in dire straits, but I could only offer a wry smile, wishing that she didn’t have to enjoy herself at a time like this.

“What are we going to do about this? The atmosphere in here is completely ruined…”

I knew that given her personality, she wouldn’t stand by and do nothing.

However, it was also true that intervening at this particular timing required quite a bit of courage.

So, I asked her, partly for confirmation.

“However, there’s no doubt that this has flowed in a considerably favorable direction for us,” she replied with a smile playing on her lips.

I thought, “That’s so like Evia,” and looked forward.

“Indeed.”

Her eyes conveyed that now was the time to act, and I could agree with that thought.

As if to support this idea, Mimamori-sama turned her face towards Evia.

Satisfied that she had said what she wanted to Kase, she smiled, likely noticing that Kirie-san was holding back a sigh.

Without a care, she stood up as if to take a step forward.

With cute little footsteps, she stood before Evia.

Naturally, all eyes turned to me.

“Then, is it your turn next?”

She looked up at Evia as if a child wanted praise from a parent.

Receiving the expectation of the god who cast such innocent glances, Evia still stood tall and bold.

“Ah, I understand.”

Kase looked at Evia with a pleading gaze, but Evia completely ignored him and looked straight at Mimamori-sama.

Then, nodding, she turned her gaze to Kase.

“Well, the words I was holding back were spoken by that god. Shall we get this talk moving?”

“That’s—”

“That is?”

It was like a hunt.

Every escape route was meticulously closed off, leaving only one path straight ahead.

But a beast wouldn’t be foolish enough to charge at a hunter holding a shotgun, yet if it didn’t, the waiting outcome couldn’t be changed.

While I felt some sympathy for Kase, who was desperately trying to find words, it was only up to a point.

“Is that really okay! If, by any chance, this matter is taken to other countries, the relationship between your country and ours will be completely strained! Not only our country, but America’s impression of your country will also not be good!!”

His desperation was palpable.

He clenched his jaw, held his breath, and frantically spewed out words as if he had to say something.

Did humans who had their choice of words stolen in this situation, where they had to remain calm, become this honest?

“You’re misunderstanding again…”

Seeing Kase trying to manipulate the situation with those words, Evia sighed exaggeratedly as if she were fed up.

“Whether or not to break off these negotiations is not for me to decide.”

Then, her expression, after exhaling, pierced Kase with a chilling sharpness.

“Eeek!”

Kase, a seasoned diplomat, let out an involuntary scream from the piercing gaze that froze his very spine.

“Whether you utter words I cannot accept, or speak words I can accept, you will choose.”

It couldn’t be helped.

She was that serious now. Evia’s voice, imbued with a seriousness that made one wonder if cold air itself resided within it, put pressure on the room with every word.

“Choose. That’s all you can do for now.”

With those words, as if she didn’t care which choice was made, Evia fell silent.

All eyes then turned to the person who should speak next.

In the silence where no one dared to speak, Kase was the only one permitted to voice a word. He opened and closed his mouth like a carp seeking food, seemingly choosing his words, but no words came forth.

After all, Kase’s words would determine the future of international relations.

If he said he couldn’t, Evia would undoubtedly abandon diplomatic relations with Japan and begin working on establishing them with another country.

While I hoped he wouldn’t say that, thinking it was a bluff or a hollow threat, if he agreed, the conditions she initially presented would be fulfilled.

“…”

However, it was a choice too heavy for one individual to bear.

Kase could only respond by looking down in silence.

Evia was about to dismiss it as an answer. Just as she closed her eyes and was about to take a deep breath, a man slammed his fist on the desk and stood up.

“Understood! I, Akebono, will take responsibility for conveying your demands to my superiors and persuading them!!”

“Ah, Akebono-san?”

Akebono from the Ministry of Defense, who had remained silent until now. The man who had been silently watching the proceedings stood up at the last moment. His action was so bold that it stole Kase’s attention.

“Kase-san. Didn’t you say yourself that the most important thing to avoid was the failure of this conference and the collapse of negotiations? If that’s the case, there’s something else we should be doing.”

Akebono said to Kase, who looked on in astonishment, as if admonishing him. Then, with the resolve of a man who could no longer turn back, Akebono spoke again.

Evia remained silent, but showed that she would listen to his words, captivated by the man’s spirit who had grasped the hem of the situation at the last minute.

“The securing of the talent you seek. We will make it officially recognized by the state.”

“You can say anything. The man next to you tried to delay this by making it difficult. Are you asking me to believe the words of someone who tacitly condoned that?”

Believing that his passion was genuine, Evia asked Akebono for proof.

He accepted the words as natural and nodded, taking a document out of his bag and presenting it.

“What is that?”

“It’s my trump card, given to me in case of any eventuality.”

He carefully took out a document in a clear file from a slightly thick brown envelope and showed it to Evia.

Naturally, I could also see its contents.

“This is an official document signed by the Prime Minister and other key figures in the government. It is a directive to report the full details of this conference.”

The number of signatures was unusual for someone from the Ministry of Defense, clearly showing the Japanese government’s seriousness regarding this conference.

“Please read this sentence: ‘Yasushi Akebono shall appear at the Cabinet Office and report orally.’ This means I can meet with the Prime Minister regardless of the outcome.”

“In other words?”

Evia, who had a vague idea of what he meant, urged Akebono to continue.

“I intend to convey the details of this matter to the Prime Minister directly, even if I have to appeal to him. Therefore, I ask for a little more time for this matter! I will definitely convey your country’s opinions and give you a response within a month, no, within this month. Of course, we will also consider restricting the activities of the testers during that period.”

Appealing directly to the highest authority meant that Akebono’s position might be jeopardized. Making a statement beyond his authority, bypassing his direct superior, was undeniably a risk to his social standing. Despite this possibility, Akebono, with the document lowered and bowing sincerely, knew this matter could not be allowed to fall apart.

“…”

Covering her mouth with one hand and tapping her cheek, Evia could tell that there was no lie in his words. If there were a significant lie, she would have dismissed the matter immediately. The fact that there wasn’t meant it was worth considering. The Demon Lord’s Army also wanted to avoid conflict with other countries. Therefore, his actions, showing a certain degree of sincerity, were worth considering. However, from my perspective, it was weak.

“Furthermore, we will work to consider positively the establishment of a recruitment agency for your country’s dungeon testers.”

Anyone could make such a promise, but it couldn’t be taken at face value. I felt sorry for Akebono, who was pleading so desperately, but it was all just theory. Postponing the discussion would ultimately impede the recruitment activities of the dungeon testers. If it didn’t work out, they would have lost during that period.

“May I speak? I’d like to assist him.”

Before Evia could say anything, another man, Joseph, requested to speak. His expression seemed somewhat relieved, and he had an air of resigned acceptance. He showed respect to Mimamori-sama and was asking for permission.

“Sure!”

Mimamori-sama granted his request with a smile. Joseph, after thanking her with a smile, turned to Evia.

“His words alone lacked a certain punch. So, I’d like to play a card of my own.”

His smile turned into a serious expression. It seemed he also realized this was a crucial moment, and his words carried weight.

“Our country will also request cooperation from the Japanese government to your country…”

He lowered his tone and spoke fluent Japanese, slowly and clearly. After a brief pause, as if hesitating whether he should really say it, Joseph, his eyes filled with determination, finally spoke.

“My words, as a mere diplomat, might not be enough, but I have been entrusted with negotiations with countries for many years. I have connections that others don’t. These are, of course, useful in diplomacy. I will use them to make various considerations.”

While it wasn’t a definite guarantee either way, they had shown considerable sincerity.

“…Specifically?”

“If you want specifics, I can arrange a meeting between the President and you.”

It was up to Evia to decide what to do about that.

“We will also appeal to the Japanese government. Therefore, please give it consideration.”

“Of course, I will also offer my cooperation.”

Kirie-san and Naniwa added their own statements, launching a further offensive.

“…Understood. We will agree to discuss the details of this matter again after receiving the Japanese government’s response. However, the deadline for the response will be one month. Is that acceptable?”

“Thank you very much!”

It wasn’t that she was swayed by their passion, but Evia probably realized this was the best compromise. Akebono thanked her and bowed his head.

“We will also refrain from tester recruitment activities for one month. However, I state here and now that if no response is received, or if the response is unsatisfactory, we will take appropriate measures.”

“Yes, that is acceptable.”

Kase, standing next to Akebono, nodded with an unreadable expression. With this, the difficult negotiations were temporarily concluded.

In the end, it seemed that nothing had been decided, but it was odd for national negotiations to be finalized in a week. It was a relief to at least have established the framework. By the time I noticed, dusk was falling outside.

“Then, we will conclude for today.”

And so, the talks took a significant step forward.

Today’s Word: Compromise is necessary.

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*The first volume of the book is 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.
Volume two 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 Shosetsuka ni Narou, with the inclusion of previously unpublished interlude chapters.
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