The next day, Kimihito found himself back at the café.
“It didn’t work,” Polt said and threw herself onto the table with a sob, “I pitched our wholesome, health-conscious casino concept, but the client said it wouldn’t make any money, and they withdrew the offer.”
“Uh, um, hm. Sorry to hear that,” Kimihito said.
“No, I’m trying to think positive.” She wiped at her tears. “If profit’s the main priority, we’ll forget our dues to society, and Kobold Industries just won’t be the same. This might be a big financial loss, but it’ll let us keep our identity. There’ll be other opportunities in the future! And we’ll make sure they’re in health and wellness.”
“That sounds like the best call for you, Polt-san.” It was a shame her idea hadn’t worked, but she hadn’t faltered in pursuit of her true goals, and that was what mattered. He raised his coffee to his lips and drank to the satisfaction of a job well done.
“However! I wanted to apologize for the inconvenience of making you a tester on a failed project.”
“There’s no need! It was my advice that changed your plans, for better or worse.”
“For better!” she stressed. “I needed you there to remind me of the core of my business philosophy.”
“You think so? Thanks, Polt.”
“Though it does put us at a deficit this month…I’m not sure I can pay you.”
“Pay? I don’t need any pay,” he insisted, trying to remember if he’d been promised any to start with.
She shook her head. “I hired you, and you did your job. I have to make sure you’re compensated. This is what I found instead.” She slid an envelope across the table to him.
It couldn’t be money, since she’d just said there wouldn’t be any pay—what could it be?
“This is a ticket for preferential treatment from Kobold Industries,” she said.
“‘Preferential treatment’?”
“At our gyms, training facilities, and relaxation facilities—as well as our yet-to-open resort hotels and the like! You’ll be able to use any of them for free whenever you please. There are passes for your homestay girls, too, so please come by any time!”
“This is worth a lot of money, though, isn’t it?” Kimihito was in shock. If he converted this to its actual value, it was worth—no, it couldn’t be done. It was incalculable.
Polt wore a warm, self-satisfied smile. “You were knocked out cold in the line of duty! You deserve every yen.”
“Oh. Huh. Thank you.” He took the envelope. When he lifted it, the eight tickets felt much heavier than the cardboard they were printed on.
“Don’t be a stranger! All right, I’ve got a lot scheduled today, so I’ve gotta dash,” Polt said, standing.
“What’s got you so busy?” he asked.
She rolled a large suitcase from under her side of the table. “Actually, I’m headed to a negotiation! In Hawaii! Remember that resort I mentioned?”
Now that Kimihito looked, he realized there was a familiar man in the doorway of the café, tall and bearded. “Don’t forget to relax sometimes,” he said.
“Psh! It might be for business, but it’ll be fun, too. Thanks so much for all your help, Kimihito!” She gave him a sharp salute, and then, without a single backward look, left the café with her interpreter.
Despite her casual attitude, Polt was such a hardworking woman. She made him feel guilty that his own work ethic—mostly around exercise—wasn’t as good as it could’ve been. On that note! He took his tickets and stood from the table, stretching. There was still one last pilot test to go. It might’ve been an exhausting evening, but Polt’s optimism left him feeling energized.
I’ll do my best too, he thought.
Someday he’d figure out how she did it—how to come out of a failure without losing heart.