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Translator: penny
Chapter: 3
Chapter Title: The Pillar Named Report
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First, there are a few points I need to clarify upfront.
Honestly, most people would wonder how a single report could improve an organization's structure and operations.
That's a perfectly reasonable question.
No matter how much of a romance fantasy this world is, these are people who handle money, right?
They must have their own ways of reporting and keeping ledgers.
So, introducing modern-style reports would bring about such groundbreaking improvements?
At first glance, it might sound absurd.
But there's one thing we mustn't forget.
This world is, above all, a chaotic blend of the medieval era and the Victorian age—before it's a romance fantasy.
Reports here are incredibly dull and pedantic.
Want an example?
This is an old report from the slave business side—what we call the 'Asset Management Department'.
—[Today, one beastkin slave was sold to the Heydam Merchant Group for 130 gold, but we received 80 gold upfront, with the remainder due on the full moon next month.]
...Already giving you a headache, isn't it?
Surprisingly, this was the standard report from the Asset Management Department.
The purpose of a report is simple: clearly convey information to the higher-ups.
But what is this diary-like scribble?
To check which slave was sold to whom for how much, you have to dissect every single sentence.
And there's no official seal or separate signature—transactions rely purely on 'trust'.
Inefficiency at its finest.
That's why we introduced this new 'report format'.
📋 NEW REPORT FORMAT 📋📊 Asset Evaluation: Race (______) / Gender (______) / Age (______) 💰 Acquisition Cost: Purchase Price or Shipping: ______ 🔧 Maintenance Cost: ______ 📉 Depreciation: Illness / Injury / Old Age / Young Age 🛠️ Skills Held: ______ 💵 Projected Sale Price: ______ 💎 Final Profit: ______ —(excerpt)—
This drastically cut down on time.
If we prepare these reports for each slave?
You get an instant overview of every product's status.
No unnecessary verbiage, making analysis a breeze.
And if we standardize this format and distribute it to all sub-departments...?
Wouldn't that create an even more efficient structure?
And moreover.
"...Morio, according to the old records, three slaves were sold on this date."
"Y-Yes...! Admiral Ricardo, sir."
"But when we did a full audit for these new reports, two are missing? What should we do about this?"
"W-Well, when I asked the staff, they said the slaves died midway—"
"—And what were those staff doing that they didn't report this?"
In the process of enforcing standards through these report formats.
A comprehensive audit takes place.
"Th-That is... Those guys tried to hide the deaths due to negligence, and..."
"Slaves died? Haha, right. If we lost three products to negligence, how much did our family lose right here today?"
"Um... 400 gold..."
"Morio, how much is your monthly salary? Does 400 gold of my money seem like pocket change?"
"I-I'll fire them immediately!"
"That's right. Let's hire someone actually diligent this time."
A full grasp of all the previously omitted details in narrative reports.
And at the same time, the brutal impact of cold, hard numbers right before their eyes.
You can enforce discipline with just a sheet of paper—no need for swords or guns!
What a comfortable setup.
...But then I realize one fact I'd overlooked.
"...S-Sir Admiral. These are the merchant group's records from the past five years."
"Y-Young master? I did as you asked, but... something's off. Does this mean someone embezzled? Why is money missing?"
"I've completely rewritten the slave business reports! Please review them!!"
Our Del Mar Corporation's structure is highly centralized, politically speaking.
I take a large share of the profits, but that means all authority and responsibility fall on me.
Why did those executives subtly disregard me before?
A good-for-nothing playboy taking a big cut without doing anything.
Honestly, it was impressive they hadn't embezzled and had focused on their jobs this long.
But now, things are different.
I'm fixing the Del Mar Corporation from the ground up.
In that context, I was their guiding light.
"...Just leave it there for now."
"Yes! As expected!! I knew I could count on you, Admiral Ricardo!!"
"Kyahaha—!! The young master is the one!!"
"Understood! But about the slave business, I have a few more questions—"
"—Hold on. I'll handle the reports, but I'll be visiting every site personally soon.
If the work environment isn't improved by then, be prepared."
"..."""
"What are you waiting for? Get out."
...As you can see, I was carrying some seriously heavy lumber.
'This isn't right. Sitting all day staring at paperwork? No way.'
This won't do.
Our company—our fleet—has plenty of funds but can't put them to work.
To grow even bigger, there are more than one or two areas where I need to get hands-on!
We need manpower.
No matter how much salary we offer, we need talented people.
So, I made a decision.
📜 RECRUITMENT NOTICE 📜Please... let some decent candidates show up.◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
...When we posted the recruitment notices all over the city, I didn't have high hopes, honestly.
No matter how much we're reforming, it's a job under the 'Southern Admiral'.
In terms of my public image, it's like a Brazilian cartel.
Except this cartel directly runs the city.
We have public authority, judicial power, and handle security.
Still, with roots in trade and slaves, I didn't expect many applicants.
I figured maybe a few sharp ex-cons at best.
But then.
'...Why did this girl apply?'
Looking at one name on the applicant list gave me a slight headache.
Lian de Delua.
The head maid said she'd been diligently cleaning the mansion lately.
Apparently, she'd even visited southern tourist spots and famous eateries in her spare time. So why apply here all of a sudden?
Very suspicious.
Of course, she's no slouch as talent.
In the original story, she becomes the heroine's right-hand and runs businesses.
From that angle, a smooth handover and she'd do great.
However.
'...The problem is that she's destined to become the heroine's right-hand.'
Lian herself is the issue.
I haven't even started properly building my reputation yet.
Working with her in this situation?
Just imagine this reaching the ears of that knight here—prim and proper-looking, probably just as rigid.
'That vile Southern Admiral! Forcing grueling work on an innocent young lady! Unforgivable!' It wouldn't be surprising.
Besides, these positions require all-day desk work.
Can't place a person of interest there.
So, I steeled my resolve.
'...Reject her.'
Excluding her application.
I firmly believed it was best for me and the Del Mar Family.
"...Sigh. None of these applicants look normal. Hope it works out."
A bit disappointing, but what can you do.
I didn't want to invite trouble voluntarily.
No matter how I thought about it, this was the best choice.
"...Ha, guess I should at least set an interview date."
With that, I quickly set the date and marked the qualified applicants.
Praying desperately for good talent.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Ex-Excuse me, make way."
"Uh, uh...!"
Lian eyed the Del Mar Corporation employee posting the notice with strong anticipation.
Naturally so.
Who in the south has any real scholarly nobility?
Anyone who can read is top-tier; if they can write, they're elite.
That's the south's talent pool.
But who is she?
A lady from the imperial capital's nobility—fallen now, sure.
She couldn't imagine not getting hired for simple clerical work.
But.
"...Huh? Um, excuse me, this seems wrong."
"Pardon? What's wrong?"
"My name... it's missing from the list..."
Why wasn't her name there?
Filled with unknown family names and obvious commoners.
No doubt about it—Ricardo had deliberately omitted her.
'...Am I not good enough? He looks all rugged, but why so petty?!'
Lian felt intense bewilderment.
Just a month ago, she'd been full of hatred and resentment toward him.
But earning and spending money lately had dulled her hostility toward Ricardo considerably.
All that remained was regret.
5,000 gold a month plus benefits wasn't chump change.
Her own market value exceeded 50,000 gold.
Considering her family's total debts...
She couldn't help but feel regret.
"...No, wait. I just need to prove my skills."
A good idea flashed in her mind.
She'd already seen the new report formats everywhere since Ricardo distributed them.
So.
What if, instead of hitting eateries after work, she did some independent research?
'Kehhehe. What, Lian? Can't get enough of me? Fine, I'll make you my aide!' And scoop her up with those muscular arms—
'—What am I even thinking...!'
...Anyway, couldn't she enjoy a 5,000-gold lifestyle?
'Yeah! Let's do it. One year at 5,000 a month pays off my price and more!
Back to the capital... the empire... um, do I even want to go back...?'
Various thoughts raced through her head briefly.
'F-First things first! Everything else later!'
She snapped back, slyly pocketing a sample report form.
She no longer resembled a haughty imperial lady.
In just one month, she'd become truly southern.
'Hehehe... 5,000 means chewy cookies—'
Her adaptability was top-notch, good or bad.
And soon, interview day arrived.
—BAM!!
"Hah, hah...! Ri-Ricardo, sir...!! I-I...! Found the Del Mar Corporation's hidden losses...!!"
She kicked open the interview room door.
"Hic...! If you don't hi-hire me...! The Del Mar Corporation will suffer a huge loss... hah, hah..."
And thrust her work at Ricardo.
Of course.
"...???"
From Ricardo's perspective, he had no idea why or how she'd shown up.