LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 277.2
Chapter 277.2. Capable Employee
When he frowned deeply, letting out a sigh, the man before him easily deduced the situation.
“So, your capable subordinates are mostly ‘attached’ to others?”
“I appreciate you coming to that conclusion from just my explanation. For instance, if I give the order to transport 100 tons of buckwheat flour to Sendai City, my capable subordinates will diligently arrange transportation to Sendai. Twice, somehow.”
They also take the opportunity to communicate with their respective factions. The more critical the goods, the more active their networking becomes. Their loyalty is heartwarming to the point of tears.
“Of course, the more significant the goods, the more coincidental it becomes that other companies start scheduling meetings with us in advance. When we sold 500 Breeze Shields recently, we had companies persistently hovering around.”
“Hmph. Just like Toyotomi Hideyoshi. That monkey who rose from peasantry faced his share of family troubles when he climbed too high.”
Though Ares scoffed, Katsuori could only lament his struggles. While the Hideyoshi comparison was apt, it didn’t ease his burden.
“I’ve always wondered—where exactly did Hideyoshi recruit young talents like Kato Kiyomasa or Fukushima Masanori? I wish I had similar connections.”
The comrades from the abandoned town lack practical experience. The tasks have grown too complex for someone with just a year of work under their belt. Consequently, Katsuori has had to hire people from outside districts, which has stirred rivalry, especially with Baba’s faction showing outright hostility.
“Although we’re nurturing talent from the abandoned town, it will still take time for them to become truly useful. It’s unusual enough that someone from there, like me, can excel as a top executive of Amatsugahara Corporation.”
“True enough. Illiterate youngsters who’ve never wielded a blade becoming feudal lords? It’s a strange tale.”
Seeking agreement, Katsuori found Ares shrugging in response. Ares, amused by the mystery, chuckled lightly, prompting a subtle smirk from Katsuori.
“Well, that’s why I’m grateful for you, Ares. No strings attached, efficient, and dependable in every way.”
Ares took Katsuori’s praise with a faint smile, showing neither joy nor conceit. Though often misunderstood, Ares was the God of War.
The God of War isn’t just about brute strength; that would merely make him a god of battle.
What does being the God of War entail? Securing military funds, managing provisions, preparing for wars during peacetime, including political maneuvering, and efforts to cultivate farmland—all of this falls under his domain.
In other words, unlike certain petite warrior girls who are all brawn and no brains, Ares is a capable man with a knack for administration.
Recognizing Ares’s value, Katsuori couldn’t be happier. In fact, he was probably the most delighted of all.
Even when faced with harassment, Ares had the strength to retaliate and the generosity to treat his subordinates to drinks. Baba sought to recruit him into his faction, while senior staff like Ohki were thrilled to receive his generosity. Katsuori himself had already begun relying on Ares as his right-hand man.
“Heh. The pay is good, the work is engaging, and it’s uplifting to see humans living with hope for tomorrow.”
“You sound like a saint.”
“Generous pay brings peace of mind.”
“That’s true. Money definitely fosters composure.”
As Ares smirked, Katsuori chuckled in agreement. Having grown up in the abandoned town, he understood the value of money well. Poverty might build character, but he wouldn’t romanticize it. It was clear to him that money brought the stability and empathy that allowed people to care for others.
And he belonged firmly to the latter camp.
Amid their shared laughter, Ares surveyed the shaking vehicle and the surroundings.
“This car’s interior is luxurious, but why does it rattle so much?”
Looking out the window, they had entered the outer district. The roads were paved with asphalt, so this level of shaking seemed odd. Ares voiced his suspicion.
It looked like a limousine, but something about the chassis seemed warped. Was it a salvage job?
“Oh, that’s my fault. I made this car myself! I didn’t test it enough. Sorry.”
A child in the passenger seat turned around, scratching his cheek sheepishly. Hearing this, Ares raised an eyebrow and glanced at Katsuori, who nodded in confirmation.
“The foundry just got up and running, and Jun wanted to see if he could build a car. It turned out looking like a limousine, so it’d be a waste not to use it.”
Speaking quickly and avoiding eye contact, Katsuori explained. Limousines were hard to come by, so making their own was the best option. Painted black with a long body, it resembled the real thing, so it should be fine—hopefully.
“Hehe. I’ll make a better car next time!”
“Good. I look forward to it, kid.”
Seeing the hope in the boy’s eyes, Ares smiled warmly. A child with such a gaze—perhaps this world wasn’t entirely devoid of hope.
Relieved by Ares’s calm demeanor, Katsuori relaxed. He wanted Jun to hold onto that hope.
As the rattling vehicle traversed the outer district, they finally arrived at the gates of the inner town.
“Beyond this point lies a den of snakes. Let’s stay sharp.”
“Indeed. Humanity has its share of deplorable individuals.”
With renewed determination, Katsuori cautioned Ares. Today, they had a critical meeting with key players in the inner town. While it would have been ideal for the president to handle this, he was currently flitting between cities aboard a giant crow.
Thus, it fell to Katsuori to step up and tackle the challenge head-on.
“Hey, Jun? Aren’t the brake and accelerator pedals reversed?”
“I wanted to add a unique touch, Ohki-san.”
“Don’t add ‘unique touches’ to basic controls! That’s a safety hazard!”
From the driver’s seat, the chauffeur let out an exasperated shout.