Chapter 42.2

People’s hearts are indeed fickle things.

To be honest, I didn’t feel much urgency about hiring new employees right now.

The biggest expense in running a business is, without question, labor costs. Why else do companies lay off employees first during restructuring?

However, so far, the Arad Company has incurred almost no labor costs.

At least in this regard, being an official trading company had its perks.

‘Is this their way of subtly telling me not to use High Tower personnel so freely anymore?’

Security and protection? High-ranking knights of the High Tower and the Frost Fangs handled that.

Administrative tasks? High Tower officials managed them for me.

Even manufacturing? The witches offered direct or indirect assistance.

With all this help, I had naturally grown indifferent to the idea of hiring staff.

‘It’s a shame, really.’

A legitimate operation running on 99% outsourcing, with labor costs and fees close to zero.

It was practically the ultimate form of cronyism, a perfect business-state system. But now, it seemed my secret was out.

“I’ll start hiring staff in earnest after the opening ceremony.”

“Good. When you recruit, let us know. There may still be some rats we haven’t weeded out.”

“…? Of course, Sir Balzac.”

Apparently, I had misunderstood his earlier remark. His concerns seemed to lie elsewhere, and I sighed in relief.

‘Fine. I might as well get it over with now. The sooner I wrap this up, the sooner I can figure out a way back to Earth.’

I never planned to stay here forever.

Expanding operations and building factories would inevitably require a large-scale hiring process.

And once hired, those workers would need steady work, too.

‘Looks like the laid-back days are over.’

In hindsight, my procrastination might have stemmed from growing too comfortable in this world, succumbing to laziness and complacency.

“By the way,” Balzac began again, his curiosity seemingly sated. “When do you plan to visit the land granted with your title?”

“It’s now officially Jin County.”

“Well, I’ll check it out when I have time.”

“Fair enough. That place may be called a coast, but it’s really just blocked by an ice sea and practically worthless. There’s barely anyone living there. The extreme northern orcs don’t even bother with it—there’s nothing to eat.”

“Even so, it’s the land granted to me. I should at least take a look. Who knows? It might be more useful than it seems.”

“Useful? Hardly. Why not request a better territory instead? You’ve earned plenty of merit, and several lands seized from traitors in Shuen and Narvik are available. I’m sure Her Highness would agree.”

As Balzac spoke, he threw a subtle glance at Arina.

“Indeed! I’ve been meaning to reward you for your achievements. If there’s any land you want, just say the word. I’ll grant it!”

Arina, as if she’d been waiting for this, affirmed his suggestion enthusiastically.

“That won’t be necessary. I’m not particularly interested in land. In fact, I’d prefer Your Highness to govern all northern territories directly.”

“What…?”

“Your Highness, I suggest appointing nobles with titles in the North but refraining from granting them land. Even if land must be given, ensure that taxation, personnel, and judicial rights remain firmly under Your Highness’s control.”

“??”

Arina stared at me blankly, her expression utterly baffled.

The same went for Isabelle, Haita, and Balzac, who all looked at me like I’d lost my mind.

Well, how could they possibly understand? This was the indifference of a man determined to return to Earth someday.

“In return, I have just one request: please allow Lady Mary to work at the Arad Company frequently and for as long as possible. That’s all I ask.”

Having no particular desire for land or riches (though I did have my eye on a few things impossible under the current northern circumstances), I instead made a request I genuinely found practical.

This wasn’t simply because Mary was rumored to be the future Grand Witch of the Snowfields or the illegitimate child of the duchess.

She was extraordinarily skilled with her hands and adept at administrative tasks.

Regardless of trust or affinity, finding such talent in a world where literacy rates were abysmal was incredibly difficult.

“……!”

“Ahem!”

“Ohohohoho…”

At my request, the expressions of the four—including Arina—turned awkward once more.

Especially Arina’s face, which looked… unusual.

Her pale complexion now wore a complicated, awkward, and confused expression, as though she were grappling with some internal dilemma.

“…Very well. I will do my utmost to make it happen.”

After a moment of silence, Arina finally responded, her tone heavy.

“…?”

Her answer felt slightly off, but I brushed it aside, guessing she had her reasons.

“Milady, it’s about time for us to leave.”

“Is it? Has it grown so late already?”

Isabelle’s voice prompted Arina to prepare for her departure.

“Ahem. I should be off as well.”

“May your business prosper, Count Jin. Oh! And the food was absolutely delightful. You truly live up to your reputation as the creator of Arad Salt.”

Balzac and Haita also began making their way out.

“It was a tremendous honor to have such esteemed guests visit this humble venue,” I said, hurrying to see them off in proper form.

With that, their carriages, brooms, and escort units disappeared into the distance.

“Ah! I forgot to introduce my new business venture!”

I clapped my hands as the realization struck me.

“What business venture?”

A familiar and dearly missed voice spoke from directly behind me.

Turning around, I saw her.

A young woman with striking white hair and gray eyes.

Her pretty face and demeanor seemed more fitting for a knight than a witch, and her perpetually sullen expression remained unchanged.

Mary had finally shown up, albeit late.