The introductions had finally reached their final stage—it was Kuro’s turn. Even so, everything went exactly as I’d anticipated; there weren’t any problems at all.
Kuro was such a natural socialite that she’d hit it off with Aoi and Hina instantly, and she managed to bond with Mom and Dad in just a matter of minutes.
However, the tension hadn’t completely vanished from my parents' faces. It wasn’t that they were dissatisfied with their conversation with Kuro; rather, they were likely anxious about the upcoming discussion regarding Kuro hiring the two of them at her trading company.
Kuro seemed to sense their state of mind right away, and she spoke with a gentle smile.
"Now then, that should be enough for our introductions. Akari and Kazuya are probably curious, so shall we talk about the work?"
"Ah, yes!"
"We look forward to it."
The discussion about employment—the main event for Mom and Dad—had finally begun. Kuro took out several documents and began her explanation as she handed them over.
"I think you’ve heard the gist of it from Kaito, but what I’m proposing is a one-year program to train you as Magic Tool technicians. Um, I believe in your world it was called a Technical Intern Trainee? I’ll explain the details of that now."
As she said this, Kuro pointed to a sheet of paper—likely showing the annual schedule—and continued.
"To explain the flow very simply, you’ll have classroom learning in the morning, where you'll study the basics and the theoretical side of magic. Then, in the afternoon, you’ll move on to practical training. You'll start with very simple tasks where you’ll study while actually handling Magic Tools, gradually leveling up. Once the year is up, you’ll take a simple exam. If you pass, you’ll be formally employed as Magic Tool technicians."
"Um, Chrome-sama... What happens if we fail that exam?"
Hearing the word "exam," Mom asked with a slightly worried expression, but Kuro’s gentle expression didn't waver.
"You don't need to worry. We won't fire you just because you failed an exam. Of course, dismissal is possible if you slack off on your studies or if there are problems with your everyday behavior, but we won't abandon you if you study hard and still fail. In that case, you’d just study for an additional ten days and take the exam again. As long as there are no issues with your attitude, you can try as many times as you like until you pass."
"I see. Thank you very much."
"Right. Are there any other questions? If not, I’ll explain the daily routine next."
After confirming that Mom had let out a sigh of relief, Kuro began explaining while pointing to a second sheet of paper—this one showing a daily schedule.
"Explaining this simply as well... you’ll start at ten in the morning and do two hours of classroom learning. Then, after a one-hour lunch break, you’ll do another two hours of practical training starting from one in the afternoon."
"Um, Chrome-sama? Does that mean it’s only five hours in total?"
This time Dad asked with a bewildered expression, to which Kuro replied with a smile.
"Yes, that's right."
"Is that only during the training period?"
"Eh? No, it’s the same after formal employment. The time slots might shift around, but the total working hours won't change."
"Five hours on-site, four hours of actual labor... I-Is that really enough?"
"Is it strange? It’s the average working hours in this world, but... ah, perhaps the working hours in your world are a bit longer? Around five hours of labor, maybe?"
Both of them were speechless. Honestly, I was just as shocked. Having lived in Japan, I had an image of a typical workday being eight hours or more, so this was a massive surprise.
While processing that, I suddenly became curious about something and decided to ask Kuro.
"Kuro, what will Mom and Dad’s salary be?"
"That's definitely an important point. All right, let's go over the compensation. I feel bad about this, but while you’re studying, the salary will be lower compared to formal employment. Also, the annual special salary—the bonus, I think you called it?—that will also start only after you are formally employed."
Kuro spoke somewhat apologetically, but this was something I, Mom, and Dad had already expected. It was common sense, so it wasn't surprising at all.
From their perspective, they were getting paid while being taught magic, so even if the salary was a bit low, they wouldn't have a reason to complain. Or so I thought.
"So, the salary during your studies will be 3,000 R per month."
"What!?"
"Ah, the taxes owed to the country will be paid by the trading company, so rest assured your salary won't decrease. Also, while there are no bonuses during training, as long as there are no problems with your study attitude, the salary for the Month of Light and the Month of Heavens will be double, so you can look forward to that."
"Are you serious!?"
Wait a minute. 3,000 R was equivalent to 300,000 yen. On top of that, it jumped to 600,000 yen during the Month of Light and the Month of Heavens. And that was take-home pay after taxes?
That meant they were getting a take-home pay of 300,000 yen with the equivalent of a two-month bonus every year just for being trainees.
"By the way, Kuro... what about after they're formally employed?"
"Once you're formally employed, the base pay for a Magic Tool technician becomes 5,000 R. Of course, there are raises! Also, bonuses are given twice a year, in the Month of Light and the Month of Heavens. Each time will be three months' worth of salary!"
A monthly take-home pay of 500,000 yen, with a bonus worth six months of salary per year? That put them in the 10-million-yen annual income bracket instantly. It was insane. As expected of the world's largest trading company.
Hearing Kuro's explanation, Mom and Dad were stunned. In fact, Dad started clutching his head.
"Four hours of labor for 500,000 in take-home pay? A six-month bonus? It’s a worker's paradise... This world is... an absolute paradise..."
"Um, Kazuya? Are you okay? Is there something on your mind?"
"Ah, um... how many working days are there in a month?"
"It’s not set in stone because shifts can change after formal employment, but it’s roughly fifteen days a month."
"Half the month off, 500,000 take-home for four hours of work... This world is incredible... it's in a whole different league..."
Come to think of it, wasn't the company Dad used to work for back on Earth considered a "good" company? Even so, it was strange how it now felt like a sweatshop compared to the conditions at Kuro's trading company.
"Hey, Kuro? Just to be sure, are those the same conditions for other trainees?"
"Yes, they are."
"I see. That's amazing... those are incredibly good conditions."
"Hmm? If you're talking about conditions, I think Shaltier's place is even better than mine. Shaltier's subordinates have similar conditions to ours, but their bonus is ten months' worth of salary twice a year."
"This world is seriously incredible."
The same words as Dad's slipped out of my mouth. I couldn't help it. This world really was on a completely different level.
Bonus: Respective Conditions
Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company (Technical Position) Base Pay (Take-home): 500,000 R (with raises) Bonus: Twice a year, totaling 6 months Time on-site: 5 hours Actual labor hours: 4 hours Annual leave: 180 days (paid leave system available) Provision: Technician's uniform, transportation expenses, various technical books Notes: No overtime
Phantasm King's Subordinates Base Pay (Take-home): 300,000 R (with raises, allowances provided during infiltration missions) Bonus: Twice a year, totaling 20 months Time on-site: Average 8 hours (varies by mission) Actual labor hours: Basically, unless there are specific instructions, they just submit a report covering 8 hours of content. The reports don't have to be detailed, taking about 20 minutes on average to write. Annual leave: 120 days (paid leave system available) Provision: Transportation expenses, uniform, various weapons Notes: No overtime, side jobs allowed