Chapter 96

What about the travel descriptions?

It’s fine already, isn’t it?

Every day, we just played around—having barbecues, making curry rice with rice cooked in a mess tin.

There wasn’t really any event worth mentioning.

Or rather, that seems to be the normal state of things.

Of course, it makes sense. We, the students, are still just trainees with a bit of experience under our belts, so there’s no way we’d be in any serious battles.

At most, we’d visit what used to be the frontlines during the war, listen to the stories of experienced mages and soldiers who fought there, and maybe cull a few monsters here and there…

Honestly, it’s really just a ‘school trip.’

And… we’re still on the road.

As expected, the Marquis’ territory is quite far.

I mean, sure, if we floored the gas pedal, we could get there in a day, but apparently, that’s a no-go…

So, I used the in-car SNS app to hold a meeting with my executives (not for a card game)…

‘Today’s agenda includes one item on testing a new game, and another on product ideas for the collaboration campaign with a convenience store…’

‘Ah, Alan. And also, regarding that, I want to push forward the “TV plan” for a few years from now…’

‘Understood. Regarding that, this team will…’

Hmm… Even though I’ve been reincarnated into another world, I’m doing the same things I did back on Earth.

But it can’t be helped.

No matter where I go, what I can do doesn’t change.

If anything, it’s more unusual to suddenly gain cheats and start putting in new efforts after being reincarnated.

In general, shouldn’t any regular working adult have a few skills that are useful, even in another world?

I don’t know what age is typical for reincarnation, but by the time a person reaches their thirties, they should have matured and acquired enough skills and self-sufficiency to live on their own.

You hear phrases like “Now, in my second life, I’ll make the most of it!” but if someone couldn’t live their first life properly, wouldn’t they fail no matter how many times they reincarnate?

Even if you start trying hard after your second time around, you’ll lose to those who’ve been working hard since their first life, right?

Basically, a person without any skills won’t change no matter how many times they reincarnate.

A loser remains a loser.

But I, on the other hand, have accumulated results, qualifications, education—everything.

The knowledge and skills I’ve built up can be somewhat useful in this entirely different world, and above all, the very fact that I have amassed experience and results gives me great confidence and self-assurance…

‘…With that, the regular meeting is adjourned. Next, we’ll move on to progress reports from each member.’

‘Ah, go ahead.’

‘I’ve almost finished the e-learning courses, so now I’m in the middle of independent research. Simultaneously, I’m helping Exas with the exam questions for the “Mage Qualification System”…’

‘Excellent. Good job, Alan. I know how much effort you’ve been putting in, and I can say your abilities as an executive are developing well.’

‘Th-thank you so much!!!’

And it’s the same with these guys.

I created milestones like e-learning so I could praise them each time they accomplished a task.

The sense of self-worth that comes from accumulated results is a far more valuable asset than the results themselves. At least for the person in question.

That’s why I praise my subordinates.

I want them to have confidence, to feel proud.

To take pride in being a part of our company.

Pride, honor, and dignity—don’t underestimate them.

Most living creatures easily discard these things when it comes to survival, but humans are different.

Humans will give their lives for pride.

That’s why I give my subordinates pride. I help them have it.

Only then will I have subordinates who are willing to risk their lives for the organization… for me.

…It might sound like I’m doing something bad, but it’s really just a good deed.

It’s all in how you phrase it, right?

From my perspective, I’m instilling company loyalty into these kids who were hardly ever praised by their parents, turning them into loyal agents… But really, I’m gathering orphans, educating them, and turning them into elite mages of this world.

That’s the reality… or rather, it’s all there is to it, and because of that, Grace sincerely respects me.

On the other hand, Fran-chan, who was born into a high position, looks down on orphans from the lower castes, seeing them as nothing more than trash, and adopts an indifferent attitude.

Fran-chan might seem like a victim who’s always complaining, but deep down, she’s a full-fledged aristocratic lady.

Yuki is neutral… or rather, she’s mostly uninterested in anything outside of herself and her hobbies. She’s quite indifferent.

It might seem like a problematic organization, but in this world, as long as you have power, you can force things through, so it works out.

‘…Ah, it’s finally over.’

‘Good job!’

‘Thank you very much!’

The executives closed their Magia Pad devices and collapsed onto the beds in the RV.

‘Ohh~ Being an executive in a secret society is so busy!’

Fran-chan grumbled.

I’ve been making sure to give her time off, though.

Well, Fran-chan has been doing research on the robotic weapons she’s sending back to her family, so she’s probably been swamped with work.

‘Fran-chan, good work. You too, everyone.’

I handed out orange juice from the fridge.

‘Thanks.’

With a light snap of her fingers, Fran-chan cast a spell without any incantation, popping the cap off the orange juice bottle.

Wow, she’s already able to use magic at this level.

“Chantless casting” is apparently a special skill of the Elves, a legendary magic race from somewhere in this world…

But now, it’s standard for my executive class.

…Maybe I should try looking for these Elves?

I’ve never seen one before.

Though I do see a lot of half-beasts…

Well, there’s no need to rush. I can look into it during the next long vacation.

‘Ahhh, delicious… This juice really hits the spot…’

‘If you’re that busy, how about taking a little “break”?’

I said that as I wrapped my arm around Fran-chan’s shoulder.

‘Ahhh~♡… Hehe, yes? Shall we “take a break” then…♡’

Fran-chan leaned against me and… took off her jacket…