NOVEL NEXT Chapter 31 - Let's Talk Business
The scene shifts back to the day Tanaka challenged President Sato.
“Let’s talk business, shall we?”
As the victor, Tanaka proposes a business discussion to President Sato.
“What do you want? Money? A sales route?”
At the top floor of the towering skyscraper, the leaders of the top two equipment wholesale companies meet. President Sato, having already given up the fight, resigns himself to granting any reasonable request.
“Let’s see, there are two things I want. First, exclusive sales rights for the ‘King Series.'”
“That is…”
The ‘King Series’ is highly popular worldwide, with demand far outstripping supply. Even President Sato’s company can only secure 10 to 20 units per month.
“But this is a mercy. I have secured a stable route that guarantees over 50 units per month. Combined with current procurement, I can handle 100 units monthly.”
Though popular, the low procurement numbers mean it doesn’t contribute much to sales for Sato’s company. With many other flagship products available, losing it isn’t too painful. However, an exclusive deal would weaken the company’s brand.
“Alright… we won’t procure the ‘King Series’ anymore.”
“Thanks for your quick decision.”
With sales ten times higher, the market share would inevitably be lost anyway. Regardless of where Tanaka found such a route, it’s merely a billion yen in sales per month—not a significant loss.
“And the other thing, the main item…”
Tanaka stops crossing his legs and leans forward, his determination unwavering.
“I want the Hero.”
“What!? The Hero!?”
The Hero, also known as Reina Aoi, is a super popular model representing Japan and the world. She is currently under contract with Sato’s company, mostly inactive in adventurer activities, stationed in his son’s guild.
She is a money-maker. No one would willingly send her on dangerous dungeon explorations. Despite her wishes, President Sato kept her bound to modeling activities.
“She represents our company! I can’t just hand her over!”
“Yes, you can. I won’t let her be bound by selfish adult desires anymore.”
Tanaka’s eyes convey his unyielding resolve.
“Otherwise, I’ll reveal the deceitful contract you made with her as an uninformed girl.”
He presents the contract with Reina.
“Where did you get this… no, from her, I suppose.”
The contract, signed when she was young under the name “Sugar,” shows an implausibly low fee compared to her current success. To prevent her from buying equipment, Sato confined her to low-level guild activities.
She likely hasn’t noticed or doesn’t care due to her personality.
After some thought, President Sato nods. The contract itself isn’t illegal, so he could have defended it. However, a simultaneous leak involving his son’s misconduct would be irreparable.
“Alright… I’ll nullify the contract with her.”
“Wise decision, President Sato. Also, a word of advice: it’s better to cut weaknesses early.”
“Thank you for the advice.”
Holding his head, President Sato sighs. Considering his son’s future as a potential weakness, he’s already made his decision.
Tanaka, with no more to discuss, packs up and prepares to leave, advising Sato to deal with his son sooner rather than later.
As Tanaka leaves, President Sato speaks up, still the day’s loser but with one question.
“What do you plan to do with the Hero?”
‘Not letting her be bound by selfish adult desires’ implies no modeling. So he asks.
“Of course, she’ll contribute to our company’s sales. If she wants to continue modeling, she can. But the Hero’s job has always been clear.”
Turning, Tanaka responds. The Hero’s role, known to all, is singular.
“To lead the world to peace.”
Then he leaves the room. President Sato, stunned, watches him go.
(“From the Demon King… if there is one.”)
Tanaka’s statement is speculative. Yet, in that tower, anything is possible. If there’s a Hero, there might be…
It might not be a human occupation, but still…
(“One day, her power will be needed.”)
The Hero’s future deeds are unknown, but she will be crucial to Tanaka’s goals. Thus, he acquired her, and…
(“I want to know…”)
Riding the elevator from the skyscraper’s top floor, he looks at the distant tower and the illusory star.
(“I want to know what took my beloved family and dearest one.”)
Tanaka aims for the tower, seeking to explain their deaths, to prove they weren’t meaningless, and to find a way to save his still-slumbering loved one.
Only one person shares Tanaka’s sentiments.
“Ryunosuke…”