"Monica-san, I want to further develop this village." "Yes, that's a common goal. And I believe Yamada-san has what it takes to achieve it." "Thank you. When that time comes, we'll need to think about trade and staffing. This includes not only those who work in farming but also individuals adept in literacy and arithmetic, like the village chief." Without proper knowledge, one can easily be swindled and exploited. "That does seem likely... we'll have to hire someone from somewhere." "Yes. I have my own research to attend to, and I can't be here all the time. Plus, the village chief is not getting younger." "That is indeed a concern." Monica-san concurred. "That's why I want to hire you." "Me? I suppose I'm capable of reading, writing, and doing arithmetic, but..." "You've lived in this village for a year, and the villagers trust you, don't they?" "Do they, really?" Monica-san wore a bashful smile, clearly not displeased. "As I said, I can't always be here, and I lack the experience of a village chief. I would really like you to lend your strength. Naturally, I'll ensure your salary reflects your contribution." I'm still not sure about the market rates, but I'm willing to pay above them. "Really? But I'm just a failed magician..." "That's not true at all. I hold you in high esteem. Those with ability should work where they're most needed. To put it bluntly, someone else could do your current job, but only you can do this job!" Someone’s sales pitch comes to mind, perfectly suiting the passion I feel. "I'm... I'm needed...!" It's super effective. Truly, it's like a magic word. "Yes. I will work to develop this village. And when that time comes, you will be a pillar of our community." "Pillar... Village... Town... Nobility..." Monica-san mutters a variety of things under her breath. "Monica-san, in this village... to me... you are indispensable!" "indispensable... I'll do it!" Yes, yes. I get it. It's like looking at myself from two weeks ago... "Thank you very much. I hope we can continue to work well together." With that, I reached out for a handshake. Monica-san quickly took my hand and shook it energetically. "I look forward to working with you! I'll serve you well!" "Thank you. And Monica-san, could you please stay and talk a bit longer?" "Yes! Oh, and, please feel free to call me without honorifics. And you don't need to use formal language with me. It feels odd being addressed so formally by my employer, especially when they're also older..." Is that how it is? Well, it's another world, so perhaps I don't have to be so formal. Let's aim for a workplace that's friendly and feels like home. Although that seems like a minefield of a term... "So, that's settled. Monika, the village chief has proposed handing over his title to me. Would that be acceptable?" "Yes, if the village chief and the villagers agree and there are no issues with your character or personality, it should be acceptable. I'll report it as such."

She gets it, this one. "Alright, I'm counting on you." "Leave it to me. Also, regarding the fertilizer and farming tools, along with the magic..." Monica brings up the topics I wanted to discuss. "Is that a problem?" "Yes. I believe the magic is still safe, but those farming tools and fertilizer are problematic." "The farming tools as well?" "Yes. They're overly intricate. They are far too advanced for simple field work. If the nation learns of this technology, they might demand that we produce weapons." That would be problematic... Japan doesn't sell weapons. "Should we keep it hidden?" "Yes. That's why I won't report this. I'll just report that things are going smoothly." She's got a good head on her shoulders. Indeed, she's quite astute. "I'm relying on you. And about the fertilizer..." "It's absolutely problematic. We should enforce a gag order on the villagers." It's come to that, huh... "What's the best course of action?" "The village chief surely understands, so I'll consult with him and then talk with everyone. We can always say Yamada-san would have to leav, if the royal capital finds out." "I'm not going anywhere though?" "It's a bluff. Tadashi-sama was actually quite averse to socializing, so I thought it might work..." He was just set in my ways, that's all. "Okay, I'll count on you for that, too." "Consider it done. I'll talk to the village chief straight away. Additionally, I have a suggestion for this old me, Monica, regarding the town's future development." You seem quite eager... She is brimming with energy. "What is it?" "Since I work as an auditor, I'm acquainted with other pioneer villages and I often hear tales from friends and colleagues. There are common traits among the successful ones." Hmm, go on. "What might those be?" "A signature product. Whether it's livestock or agricultural goods, creating a specialty can attract merchants. That's one of the keys to success, as it brings in revenue and helps the town grow. Take those unique radish seeds you had yesterday, Yamada-san. If we can find something that could trend in a major city like the capital, then this town could flourish." I see. It's a valid point. "Understood. I'll give it some thought." "Excellent. With such accomplishments, you could become a prominent noble in the future, especially as the illustrious Grand Mage, Yamada-san." So motivation can transform a person this much... "We'll need Monica's expertise for this." I get it. This child thrives on compliments. "Entrust it to me! I, Monica Anett, will devote myself wholeheartedly to serving you and will certainly transform Yamada-san into a person of high nobility!" The child who once labeled themselves a failure and was negative seems to have vanished. Seriously, that's an extreme change.