Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 67

Tachibana Trading Company, which trades widely both domestically and abroad in Fusō-kuni, has a store in Kahanuha County, Kashizu Province, located a little outside of the county's central marketplace. The store building, a two-story brick and wood building with a blend of Japanese and Western styles, is a novelty. There were 23 employees, including menial tasks at the bottom. However, currently, the number of personnel has temporarily increased by more than four times.

　"This building is old, so it needs a little repair recently. That's one of the reasons why I visited this city."

　While walking along the corridor of the store, the young lady of the Trading Company explains with a smile. According to her, since last month she has been visiting branches and sales offices in the southern part of the city for sales and inspection purposes, accompanied by her subordinate merchants as escorts and chores. This is the sixteenth store she has visited.

　"Phew... That's a very busy time, isn't it?"

　"Yes. It's really hard work. I don't mind if it's a branch in Shiro'oku, but in a rural area like this, many people take me lightly because I'm a child."

　Kayo's mouth was pouting and she was angry like a child. Shiro'oku, where she usually works with great skill, is the largest trading house of Tachibana Trading Company in the northern region, even though it is a branch office. Well, it should be called a branch office. But the quality of the employees differs even in stores in the same region. In other words, it was like the president's family's branch office executives were showing up at a local police box. And to make matters worse, they were accompanied by a teenage girl. I suppose it is human nature to want them to just quickly brush off the situation and move on to the next store.

　"I just pointed out the flaws in the books and the wastefulness of expenses. I've also told them that if they don't make improvements at the next financial accounting, their salaries will be reduced, so I hope they will all do their best."

　Kayo smiled again, this time with a cute smile. However, it was a little stronger than the previous smile. It was clearly a threat. Power harassment. I doubted that the employee would get away with anything more than a pay cut. Somehow I sensed the spirit of a black company.

　"Geez, I'm telling them that I didn't order them to aim for anything that crazy, okay? I understand at least the quality of the employees in the countryside. So, I told them a reasonable goal. I have also presented an improvement plan, taking into account the local and on-site situations, you know? If it doesn't work, that's my responsibility, so I won't complain."

　Seeing my reaction that I was a bit taken aback, Kayo explained further. It seemed that she was not only presenting the goals and threats but also telling her employees the specific problems and improvement plans. In addition, she seemed to be aware of her responsibility as a supervisor. If anything, it seems that she had been secretly gathering information from many people before the visit. However, even she would not be able to find out the problems and propose improvement plans in just a day or two after arriving at the site. She is a cautious young lady.

　"I shouldn't be presumptuous enough to say this, but please be careful. You never know where grudges and resentments are bought."

　Even if her action is not malicious and is done with good intentions, people's sensitivities vary from one person to another. Some may be offended, and some may resent her. If they are merchants, it is even more so because of the money involved.