Chapter 81 - Subordinate's Opinion
In the late afternoon, the moment Dahlia entered the Merchant Guild, she was caught by a group of women.
Afterward, she was relentlessly questioned about Volf, and it took her quite a while to shake them off.
Feeling a bit exhausted, she made her way to the second floor, where she found Ivano just bringing in some documents.
"Good afternoon, Dahlia-san. Are you tired?"
"I'm fine. It just took a bit longer to move around."
Ivano had mentioned that he had rented a business room within the guild, which brought a sense of relief to Dahlia.
Recently, they had used conference and lounge rooms quite often, and she had been concerned about disturbing others.
Fortunately, the business rooms on the second floor were less popular than the ones on the first, and there was space available.
They quickly moved to the newly rented room. Dahlia listened to Ivano's reports about finances, shoe insoles, and some office staff matters.
"Just a moment ago, I received a message from Orlando & Co. saying 'fairy crystals will arrive soon.' When they do, would it be alright for me to go pick them up?"
"It would be a great help. Please, go ahead."
With the "fairy crystals," Volf's spare glasses could be made. Even if his glasses broke, he wouldn’t have to limit his outings.
Relieved by the resolution of that concern, Dahlia was about to relax when Ivano spoke in a lower tone.
"Dahlia-san, if I may, I’m considering returning to my original surname..."
"Your original surname wasn’t Badoer, Ivano-san?"
"Badoer is my wife's family name. My original name was Ivano Mercadante. Oh, and the church’s covenant magic remains valid even if my name changes, so there’s no issue there."
"I’m not worried about that. Mercadante, you say? It’s the first time I’ve heard of it."
"Yes, I don’t think you’ll find any in the royal capital. It’s quite rare."
"Mercadante sounds rather impressive. It seems fitting for you, Ivano-san."
Ivano smiled, or more accurately, his face twisted into a semblance of a smile.
His eyes carried an odd chill, causing Dahlia to instinctively tense up.
"...Let me tell you a bit about my past. I was the eldest son of a company owner in another town. When I was nineteen, the company collapsed, and my family died. I fled with my wife and came to the royal capital. Since then, I’ve been using my wife’s surname and working for the guild."
"...I see."
"It’s all in the past now. But since I didn’t have any relatives with this surname, I thought it might disappear if I didn’t claim it, and it’s been on my mind lately. It’s a name connected to a collapsed company, but would it be alright if I used the Mercadante name?"
"Of course, there’s no problem. Is there any reason you’re concerned?"
"Well, there’s the bad omen, and if someone from the past recognizes me, they might say something like, 'The Rossetti Company hired such a useless bloodline,' or something like that."
"Anyone who says that can be ignored. Ivano-san, you’re capable, after all."
If one were to worry about superstitions or the words of others all the time, there would be no end to it. Dahlia understood this well now.
Earlier, when she had been asked about Volf, there were indirect questions about whether he was a temporary lover or patron, or if, conversely, the company was supporting him.
If she answered that they were friends, they would ask for an introduction next, which was a laughable situation.
Rather than caring about the evaluations of people she wasn’t close to, Dahlia trusted Ivano, the person she actually worked with, far more.
"Besides, wouldn't it be alright as long as you make a name for yourself as Ivano Mercadante in the royal capital?"
"...Ah, yes. It would be nice if people started saying, 'There’s a Mercadante in the Rossetti Company.'"
The man closed his eyes, nodded, and then smiled with his usual expression.
Later, Dahlia was handed the documents for the foaming pump bottles from Fermo of the Gandolfi Workshop.
She reviewed the contents and added her signature as a co-developer on all of them. The progress was much faster than she had anticipated.
"Fermo-san is quick both in making and submitting the documents, isn't he?"
"Yes, when I received these, I was explained the details, but I was still shocked by both the quantity and the contents."
"I'm glad I consulted someone familiar with designs. Fermo-san made versions I hadn't even thought of, and he's taught me so many things. He's been a huge help."
"Is that so? Glad to hear that."
The man nodded deeply, but then, his presence shifted in an instant.
After clearing his throat, his deep indigo eyes fixed directly on Dahlia.
"Dahlia-san... no, Chairwoman Rossetti. I have something to bring up as your subordinate. You might get upset, but would you please hear me out until the end?"
"Yes, please."
Dahlia adjusted her seat.
She wondered whether it was about the specifications of the shoe dryer, the joint design issues, or perhaps a complaint about her behavior at the royal castle—there were so many possibilities that she couldn’t tell for sure.
"Dahlia-san, you're being too deferential. Earlier, you were caught by the female staff at the staircase’s landing, weren't you? Even when they asked about Volf-sama, you didn’t have to answer at all. You could have just said, 'It would be rude to discuss that,' and brushed it off. I'll make sure the guild takes note of it. It's disrespectful to both the chairwoman and the count’s family, and there’s a management issue with staff wasting time during business hours. If anyone remains persistent about it, tell me. I'll take care of it properly."
"...Yes."
"Also, please just call me 'Ivano.' I’m an older man, so I understand it might feel awkward, but this is the 'form' of a company. I aim to be your 'right hand,' so you’ll have to get used to it from now on."
"...Understood, I-Ivano."
Just like with Gabriella, this was an unexpectedly high hurdle. It seemed like it would take her some time to get used to it.
"Next, regarding the Gandolfi workshop, that's a place where our company sends work. It's fine to get friendly with them, but Dahlia-san, within the guild, please avoid speaking in a way that might make people think of Fermo-san as your 'master' or 'teacher.' It could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings."
"Uhm, what do you mean by 'unnecessary misunderstandings'?"
"People might say that, while Fermo-san did all the development work, you're just putting your name on it. Sadly, in the field of technology and development, there's a strong tendency for young women to face jealousy. I’m not joking when I say you’ll probably face double, even triple the amount of envy."
"I’ll be careful..."
Since she had been taught by him, it was natural to feel that he was like a "teacher."
She never considered that it could be twisted into something like that.
"Lastly, I'd like you to handle prototypes carefully. I heard that you gave his wife a pendant magical tool at the workshop, and there's been a request to make a payment for it."
"That wasn't through the company, though..."
"Yes, I know you gave it out of kindness. I've heard the story, so I understand. But think about it—you’ve invested in materials and production time for that, right?"
"But it’s not a finished product; it’s just a prototype. The effects aren’t even clear yet, and we can’t be sure how long they’ll last. Also, my father always said never to accept any money for prototypes..."
"That’s probably the perspective of a magical toolmaker. I get that. But Dahlia-san, you're not just a magical toolmaker—you're also the chairwoman of a company. As a member of the company, I’m here, and there are guarantors for the company. We’ll soon have more clients, and it’s our responsibility to make a profit."
"I understand..."
"It’s not that Carlo-san is wrong. He never said you shouldn’t give it away. But the person you gave it to isn’t 'family.' In this case, it’s Fermo-san, so it’ll likely benefit you in the future, but what if someone tries to take advantage of your goodwill? If someone comes to you saying they’re in need and asks for your prototypes every time, would you continue giving them away?"
"No..."
As the chairwoman of a trading company, she should prioritize profit.
She had thought she understood this, but perhaps because she had always given prototypes to her father and Tobias, it hadn't fully sunk in. Looking back, there were times when she simply wanted to be helpful, without deeply considering the consequences.
"Also, Dahlia-san, as a magical toolmaker, you’re a professional, right?"
"Yes, that's what I aim to be."
"As a professional, when you create a prototype, shouldn’t you explain the functions clearly, set timelines and reports, and go through the proper steps? Did you consider that if you just hand a prototype over casually, the other person might perceive it as 'a charity' or feel 'looked down on'?"
"Oh..."
The words struck Dahlia's chest sharply, leaving her unable to speak.
She had just wanted to help Volf, even in a small way.
She had seen Fermo’s wife and was reminded of her mother in her past life; she simply wished to ease her pain.
She didn’t intend to act superior or give the impression of giving charity. Yet, from another perspective, she realized how easily she could have hurt the other person without even realizing it.
The blood drained from her face as the realization hit her.
"...That’s all. I’m sorry for speaking so harshly."
It was clear she looked distressed.
Because when she looked up, Ivano had bowed his head in front of her.
"No! Please don’t apologize. I’m glad you said it. I didn’t realize. The importance of profit and considering the other party... When it comes to prototypes, there should be clear agreements. If it’s a finished product, there should be compensation. It’s about not imposing things unilaterally, but having proper discussions, right...?"
"I think that's what it should be. But this might be me imposing things as well. So, in the end, the decision should be made by you, 'Chairwoman'."
"'Chairwoman'...?"
"Oh, would ‘Boss’ sound more modern? Personally, I think 'Chairwoman' suits you better, Dahlia-san, but 'Boss' has a younger vibe, doesn’t it?"
"Please don’t use either..."
Her voice was so flustered that Ivano couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Perhaps drawn in by his laugh, Dahlia finally relaxed her tense expression.
"Dahlia-san, to be honest, have you wanted to quit being the chairwoman?"
"Well... no. I’m still happy that I can do more things now than before."
"If it ever becomes too much, you can always just put your name on the company and appoint a proxy. If it gets really tough, just let me know. You’re a magical toolmaker first before being a merchant, after all. There's no need to push yourself to the point of breaking your heart."
"Yes. If I feel I can’t do it anymore, I will let you know."
"If you ever don’t understand something, feel free to ask. Even if I don’t know, Gabriella-san is here. We can also look for experts. I’ll support you wherever I can. And if you make a mistake, we can fix it then. I might make mistakes too, so if that happens, don’t hesitate to scold me."
After finishing his words, Ivano quietly apologized to Dahlia’s father, Carlo, in his mind.
As far as Ivano could tell, Carlo had always aimed for a position where, even if the profits were smaller, he wouldn’t make enemies and could instead be protected as an ally. It seemed Carlo had raised Dahlia with that in mind.
Outwardly, the father and husband stood in the front, walking side by side with their business partners. Perhaps they hoped for peaceful, secure days without drawing attention to her talents.
But as the company grows, that protective barrier would inevitably crumble.
Dahlia would shine, but she would also face the wind and storms.
However, Ivano knew he wasn’t part of her family, and though he wanted to protect her, he didn’t think he could fully do so.
All he could do was support her as a professional magical toolmaker and as the chairwoman of the company.
The rest, Dahlia herself had to gather strength and grow.
Still, Ivano couldn’t help but wish she wouldn’t get hurt. Perhaps it was because he had daughters of his own.
"Um, Ivano, you seem to be looking pretty troubled..."
"Actually, I’m not very good at giving warnings or scolding people... I even need to prepare myself to scold my kids at home."
"That’s surprising. I thought you were the type to scold and teach well, almost like a 'teacher.'"
Her sincerity wasn’t lost on Ivano, and he felt a bit embarrassed by the compliment.
"Please don’t flatter me too much, 'Boss.'"
"Ivano-san, is it decided that I’m going to be called 'Boss' from now on?!"
Dahlia’s flustered reaction, quickly reverting back to using "-san," made Ivano laugh.
It was easier to laugh than to scold or give advice.
Still, Ivano was resolute.
If necessary, he would speak the hard truths, and repeat them as many times as needed.
He would act with the best interests of Rossetti Company, Dahlia, and Volf in mind.
He would strengthen and expand the company, build trust and wealth, and reach higher and higher.
"The Rossetti Company has a Mercadante."
One day, he would be able to say that with pride, reclaiming the pride of the surname he had cast aside.
Comments
Post a Comment