Chapter 24

“That’s why I believe that Franz-san will eventually become someone truly great. Though, that’s just my own personal belief,” President Kelkel said, giggling mischievously this time.

“Of course, it’s possible that Franz-san turns out to be a completely useless employee, or perhaps he’ll be scouted away by another company. Even if that happens, it’s fine. What I am doing is an investment in a person. That is what an investment is supposed to be.”

Perhaps because of the alcohol, the President was even more talkative than usual.

“For example, when I first started working, to be perfectly blunt, I was a useless employee myself.”

It’s hard to imagine the President as a hopeless rookie, but after living for five centuries, she must have had a period like that.

“If you asked if I produced any profit for the company back then, the answer would be ‘No.’ But the company naturally paid me my salary regardless.”

“If companies only gave money equivalent to the profit produced, new recruits wouldn’t be able to survive,” I added.

“Exactly, exactly. Now, does a company pay that money out of charity? No. It’s because they believe that once that person becomes great in the future, it will result in profit for the company.”

“Indeed,” Cerulia chimed in with a serious nod. Her face was slightly flushed from the wine.

“A company must educate its new employees so that they can produce a profit. The very idea that a rookie who knows nothing of the company should walk in and produce massive profits immediately is fundamentally flawed.”

I feel like there are a lot of companies lately that expect exactly that kind of convenience. But if you think about it calmly, it’s as absurd as asking a child who has just learned how to cut vegetables with a knife to prepare a full-course gourmet meal for paying customers.

“Yes. This company is, in a way, an educational institution that follows after the magic school,” President Kelkel explained, using a different perspective.

A company as an educational institution. That expression made a lot of things click into place for me. If you think only in terms of immediate loss and gain, education can never truly exist.

“So, in a sense, bringing you to a restaurant like this is also part of your employee education. If you only knew cheap taverns, you might choose such a place for a business meeting and end up offending the other party, wouldn’t you?”

“That’s true… someone struggling on a low salary wouldn’t have the knowledge to suddenly entertain a guest at a high-end restaurant.”

“When we talk about ‘rookie training,’ it usually means passing down the knowledge and techniques held by the company. But I want to take a broader view; I want to raise Franz-san himself into a fine member of society.”

The President’s eyes looked soft and shimmering.

“That way, even if Franz-san eventually works and succeeds in a different company or field, I can proudly say that I raised a good man.”

“President… your virtue is practically on par with a saint enshrined in a church,” I muttered.

I didn’t know someone with such values actually existed in this world. I want to repaint every CEO in the country with this woman’s philosophy.

“Master, you truly have found a wonderful company,” Cerulia said. Even from her perspective, it was clear that this was the best possible environment.

“I agree, without the slightest doubt.”

“And I have also found a truly wonderful Master.”

Cerulia said something that made my heart skip a beat.

“Th-thank you…”

“Yes, I already had a guarantee regarding Franz-san’s excellent character beforehand,” the President added.

“Wait, where did you get that from…?” My personal information seemed to be leaking all over the place.

“It was Lise-chan, the regular at the cafe.”

Of course! I forgot the President and Lise-chan were friends.

“Lise-chan told me that Franz-san is a very serious, good person, and that even if Dark Magic is difficult, he has the grit to grow without giving up. She praised you using all sorts of expressions.”

So there was someone supporting me like that behind the scenes? I really can’t sleep with my feet pointed toward Lise-chan.

“I also heard quite a bit about your grades. Or rather, Lise-chan volunteered the information. She told me how you weren’t a top student when you entered—just average—but how you slowly and steadily climbed the ranks. She even mentioned how reviewing your incantations in the dining hall after your bath was part of your daily routine.”

I’m certain my face was bright red by now.

Back when I was failing my job hunt, I wondered if all that effort was for nothing, but it turns out those efforts were actually connecting me to my future. And even though Lise-chan helped me get this job, she didn’t gain a single copper coin from it. She acted out of pure goodwill.

I felt myself tearing up a little. When I was struggling with the job hunt, I felt so alone. But I wasn’t.

Cerulia gently patted my head. “It’s okay to cry more. There isn’t a soul here who would mock Master’s tears.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Senior Farphistanya gave a small, firm nod of agreement.

“People are watching—they see your efforts and how you live your life. Of course, that goes for the bad things too; if you keep doing wrong, it’ll catch up to you eventually,” President Kelkel concluded.

“I… I’m definitely going to pay everyone back. Lise-chan, and you too, President.”

“Personally, I’d be happiest if you worked for us for a long time,” she replied.

On that day, about a month into my career, I made a firm resolve inside that ultra-high-end restaurant.

Starting next month, I’m going to work my heart out! I’ll do it until I’m worthy of being called a Great Dark Mage!