The Work Never Ceases
“What is this? Yesterday, we visited six workshops, the orphanage, the Merchants’ Guild, and the Adventurers’ Guild all in one day. This morning, I’m handling trade talks with villages in the territory. Isn’t the sheer number of new products abnormal?”
In the company’s meeting room—effectively the administrative officer’s office—I was venting to my colleagues Damian and Rosetta. Even though they’re younger than me, they gave me pitying looks.
“Rosa, the company handles products we sell, plus the award-winning items for the new district exhibition, so there’s still plenty more.”
“That’s right. We’re commissioning developments not just in the capital but in various villages.”
“There’s more?”
““Plenty.””
They told me that whenever Young Master Reinhardt wanders the territory, the workload only increases.
“The company staff tremble in fear when Young Master Reinhardt returns from the villages. And everything he brings back sells. They’re baffled about how he finds them.”
Have I taken on an impossible job?
Young Master Reinhardt left behind the award-winning dishes and sweets from the exhibition, so for lunch, Damian, Rosetta, and I ate them in the meeting room.
“To think we get to eat the first-place cocotte fry and cocotte-coated bake from the cafeteria and food stall categories.”
Rosetta beams as she eats.
“You recognized them just by looking?”
“I got to taste every dish at the exhibition.”
“There were so many entries.”
“Yes, I conquered them over several days.”
“The lord’s family all ate their way through over several days too.”
“Really? Isn’t it usually just for the winners?”
“Maybe, but everyone was eating.”
“It’s not a task for new hires, but the food and benefits here make it worthwhile.”
“True. The cooks here make delicious meals. Honestly, it’s almost too good for employees.”
“The first bite shocks you. Plus, during development, they bring out sweets and dishes you’d never normally taste, all under the guise of sampling. The hot springs are great too.”
“Rosa, have you adjusted to life here?”
“Every day is full of surprises; it’ll take more time.”
“You’re assigned to Young Master Reinhardt, after all.”
“You two are too.”
“We handle the new district, so we work with him a lot, but from now on, our focus will be interviews and contracts with incoming residents and shops.”
“Rosa, you manage the Westland company, villages, workshops, and communications with Young Master Reinhardt. It’s tough—the work only piles up, never decreases.”
“……”
“Keep at it. We’ll listen to your complaints.”
I can’t help but slump onto the desk.
“I get it. On our first day, Young Master Reinhardt told us, ‘You’re in charge of the exhibition, nice to meet you.’”
“That’s right. The next day, he dragged us to the Merchants’ Guild and Adventurers’ Guild, just like you, Rosa.”
“… You’re both first-years, right?”
“Yes.” “That’s right.”
“… He works people hard.”
“Brace yourself.”
After dinner
“It’s modest, but let’s have a welcome party that doubles as a girls’ night.”
Invited by Rosalina, I visit her room.
Maria, Rosetta, Marissa, and an unfamiliar beastkin were there.
“We gathered the five of us connected to Young Master Reinhardt. She’s Natalia, Maria’s bodyguard.”
“Maria’s bodyguard?”
“Maria’s a person of importance, so she needs protection when going out. Natalia is close with Young Master Reinhardt too.”
“‘Close’ is wrong—it’s more like he helped me.”
“We owe Natalia, so please get along.”
“I don’t know many people here, so more friends are welcome.”
“Thank you. I’m happy to make friends since coming here.”
“We’re all tied to Young Master Reinhardt—Maria’s a magic tool artisan, that makes sense, but Rosalina and Marissa, you’re maids, right?”
They were apparently roped into making tea pack and stuffed animal prototypes.
“Stuffed animals?”
“These.”
She showed me stuffed versions of the Westland family’s familiar creatures, made from unfamiliar fabric.
“They’re cute, but I’ve never seen this material.”
“It’s fabric under development in Westland.”
“They’re making them as souvenirs for the new district.”
“Young Master Reinhardt didn’t mention it.”
“He probably forgot.”
Rosetta nods. “He’s spread too thin to keep track himself.”
From there, the five of us share stories of the chaos Young Master Reinhardt dragged us into, and I can’t help laughing.
“So, welcome to the group.”
“Thank you. I’m relieved to be accepted. I was so anxious.”
“Of course. A big company’s young lady abandoned everything to come to Westland.”
““Eh?”” “Really?” “Is that true?”
“Why do you know?”
“Only a few people do, so don’t worry.”
“But how…”
“Young Master Reinhardt and the madams were talking about it.”
“… I see.”
“And that you turned down marriage proposals, threw everything away, and came here.”
“““Eh?””” “What does that mean?”
“Did they say anything else?”
“Yes, something like ‘A woman in love has incredible drive.’”
““““Eh?””””
““Who?”” “Who is it?” “Someone we know?”
Everyone stared at me.
“… And this is a girls’ night?”
I puffed up in annoyance.
“Of course it’s a welcome party, but also to cheer on your love and send encouragement for the busy days ahead now that Young Master Reinhardt has his eye on you.”
“So, who is it?”
“The company president?”
“W-Why?”
“You’re a big company’s young lady, so the person you’d run into most is the company president, right?”
“The company president, huh~”
Everyone grinned mischievously.
My face heat up; I fanned it with my hand.
“Quite a few people have their eyes on the company president, so good luck.”
“You meet with the company president often for work, Rosa, so make a move!”
“We’ll cheer you on. Where did you meet?”
A barrage of questions from all five.
I ask half-desperately how things are for them, and Rosalina casually said she was dating a knight, Marissa someone from the company. The other three have been here less than two years, so they had no one.
From there, we talk nonstop about dates, the exhibition, and more until bedtime.
I’ve never had friends with such a comfortable bond before—it was embarrassing at times, but a fun gathering.
What do you think about this chapter?
