"Move the seafood ingredients to the left! Include the wet ingredients too!"
"Manager! More wood has arrived! Where should we put them!"
"3! 2! 1! Heave... Ho!"
Left, right, front, and center. Booming and boisterous voices thundered all throughout the workplace, everyone busy with their own task, some panicky and some orderly. It was a busy and bustling day, not a single second to waste.
The sun had just risen and the first bell had just rang, yet despite all that, everyone was already buried in work with barely any room to breathe. The smell of sweat and dust was abrew in the air, the sound of steps echoing everywhere.
It wasn't just the people either, horses and donkeys were also busy delivering cargo and items from one place to another, the workers unloading the wagons and soon loading empty crates back, repeating the cycle.
"Manager! The new employees have arrived!"
"That's great! We could use a couple more hands! Tell them to prepare immediately!"
"Isn't that unreasonable? We have yet to train them."
"What better training is there than practical experience? There's a lot to learn!"
"Alright! We'll guide them right away!"
A new day has arrived and after a successful grand opening yesterday, many of the shops are now low on stock, some even completely sold out from the hot passion the customers showed, flooding each and every corner of the mall.
It was already anticipated that there would be a lot of items sold on the 1st day, but the previous projections were easily surpassed by the actual event. More than triple the expected items were sold and tons of extra profit was generated.
It was a bittersweet situation. While everyone was happy that the Grand Opening was successful, now they have to make up for the lost stock, and for that, they need to work more than they ever did. It was hell.
Of course, the management already posted hiring flyers before and there are already quite a handful of new workers. However, they never thought they would have to put the new workers to work so soon. Not to mention they have to hire even more.
"Sorry about this. We're all out of hand, so we need you to work right away."
"Ohh! We're working already?! That's great!"
"Hahaha! I'll make sure to work a lot and get promoted!"
"Do we just need to carry these things?"
The new employees were full of energy and enthusiasm, everyone smiling brightly as their eyes lingered left and right. They have seen all sorts of workplaces before, but the one before them was totally brand new.
It was a factory Grey, Yuna, and a handful of engineers designed to create the most efficient workplace, equipped with cutting-edge machinery Grey had pulled out of his memories. It wasn't an exact copy of Earth's, but it was more than enough.
The hired workers weren't complete amateurs either. They all already have a couple years of experience, ready to work after passing a few rounds of screening. For those who don't have experience, they were sent to workshops.
Of course, the main source of production power was still magic and mana, hence the reason workers who can use magic were prioritized. Each and everyone of them are excited... Little did they know, hell was waiting for them.
"Umm... Excuse me... Should we also help in carrying crates?"
"Ah, yeahー wait! No! There's no need unless you're a porter, packager, or working along the inventory. For those who are hired for paperwork, accounting and such, we'll guide you to another place."
"Then how about us mages?"
"Magicians will be given a crash course. You'll be working with instant goods, right?"
"Y-Yes! That's what was said in the job description!"
"Hahaha! Great! You'll be in for a surprise!"
One of the workers said with such vigor and enthusiasm, making the others tilt their heads in confusion. They don't really know what they will be doing, but judging from the attitude of the guiding worker, it must be a nice surprise.
With a quick briefing out of the way, the inventory workers were quickly dispatched to help with the management of resources. They stretched a little bit and warmed their bodies up before lifting all sorts of things they could.
As for the accounting and administrative workers, they were soon guided to their respective offices and a few managers received them. They will be giving the new employees a quick run through their work before giving them tasks.
Then, there were the specialized jobs. The blacksmiths were sent to the smithing department, the alchemists to the alchemy department, and the enchanters to the enchanting department. Everyone had their own guides.
"Everyone, please watch closely. I will now begin the demonstration." ［Yuna］
"The key concept in making instant foods is moisture. This means the amount of water or other liquids in a certain place or item." ［Grey］
Finally, there were the mages. They were soon guided to their classrooms where their quick lessons will be held, and there, a couple familiar voices echoed ever so clearly, everyone's eyes sparkling as soon as they saw them.
They were none other than Grey and Yuna, and currently, along with other trainers, they are teaching the new employees about concepts relating to preserving food and how to make them. They have been there since early morning.
"I-It's Their Highnesses! Their Highnesses in the flesh!"
"Are we really gonna be taught by them?!"
"This is great! I knew applying was the right choice!"
As one would expect, the new employees quickly became excited at the sight of the two. Though most of them applied for work, some also just wanted to see the two in action. It was an unexpected bonus for them.
The younger ones were especially excited, their hands fidgeting nervously. They were children who just recently became adults and were applying for all sorts of jobs they could. It was a blessing to see their idols as they work.
"Though we did mention drying and dehydration, what we will be using won't be fire magic, but rather, water and wind magic. The first stepー" ［Yuna］
"Pardon the intrusion, Your Highnesses, I've brought the new employees."
"... New employees... There's quite a lot of them, aren't there..." ［Yuna］
"Oh, please come inside. Just pick and take a seat." ［Grey］
Nervously, the new employees then bowed their heads to greet Grey and Yuna, then heading inside and taking their seats as instructed. Their hearts were racing at high speeds, but they could barely contain their excitement.
With their work done, the guiding workers then bowed their heads before heading out of the workshop. Grey and Yuna also assessed the new employees. They aren't on the level of experts, but their mastery of magic was decent enough.
But perhaps the most important factor was their numbers. There were already a few dozen people under their care, and now, there are another dozen, a couple more along the way. They will be soon reaching the 3 digits numbers.
『Haah... There sure are a lot of them...』 ［Yuna］
『That's already the 4th time you said that this morning, Yuna.』 ［Grey］
『Is it...?』 ［Yuna］
They were glad that a lot of people applied and got accepted for the job, they really were. After all, it also meant they were able to help those who don't have work and grant them a stable job. It was a good thing for the general population.
However, at the same time, it also meant more work for them. They were already busy as bees before, and now, they have to handle more people. They couldn't even cry even if they wanted to... The busy workers aren't the only ones suffering.
"Ahem. Everyone, eyes on the board, please. For those who just arrived, I'll explain once again later. Just pay attention for now." ［Grey］
"Those who already understand the basic concepts can watch the demonstration. We'll practice later on, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Yes! Understood, Your Highness."
"We will be in your care!"
Despite all that, Grey and Yuna had no other choice. They were the ones who started the project and so, they must see it to the end. They quickly cleared their minds and then continued teaching the concepts and skills the workers needed.
Without further ado, Grey then added his lecture and answered a bunch of questions. Some more distinguished and experienced mages were able to understand the basic concepts quite quickly, all the mumbling to themselves.
As for the others who didn't grasp things quite quickly, Grey took his time to simplify them even further, using analogies and examples which were common to everyone's daily lives. The progress was slow but steady.
⟨⟨Dehydrate⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Vacuum⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Heat⟩⟩ ［Yuna］
Yuna, on the other hand, had started her demonstration with a cup of stew. She first removed the moisture from the stew, placed it inside a sealable cup, sucked out all the air, and finally, sealed it with heat using fire magic.
Everyone watching the demonstration was in awe at Yuna's skill and speed, unable to grasp how she was able to cast so many spells in rapid succession. Of course, they were also amazed by the making of the instant stew.
After which, Yuna then reopened the already sealed cup, poured some hot water over it and then waited for a little bit of time. The stew soon came back to like how it was before, hot steam rising towards the air as aromatic scents danced merrily.
"As you can see, once hot water is poured, the instant stew is hot and steamy again. This is simply a process of removing and adding liquids." ［Yuna］
"Excuse me, Your Highness. Can I ask a question?"
"Un. Go ahead." ［Yuna］
"Regarding the taste... Will there be any difference?"
"The taste... It may vary a little, but unless you have extremely sharp senses, you shouldn't be able to tell the difference. You can have a taste test if you want, and I assure you, the taste would be the same as before." ［Yuna］
"I see... Rehydration, and... Taste retention... Then..."
Of course, much like Grey, there were also a handful of questions hurtled towards Yuna, and the young lady answered all of them with a smile on her face. They were all basic concerns so it didn't take her too long to answer her questions.
Regarding the safety of the spells, Yuna cautioned them a little bit. The casting of such spells requires "High" level of mastery, so only High-Rankers could actually perform them. The mages will be aided by regulated magic tools.
Still, it was important to caution the mages as "Dehydration", "Vacuum", and "Heat" could be quite dangerous in certain circumstances... Well, not that Grey and Yuna haven't thought of a countermeasure anyway... Everyone was safe.
"Then, please grab the magic tools provided to you. Familiarize yourselves with them and we'll start training right away." ［Yuna］
Soon, everyone was testing out the magic tools, and slowly but surely, they all got the hang of them. They only cost a little bit of mana to operate so everyone was able to test them out as soon as they were ready.
After the testing, the practical training then came after. With Grey, Yuna, and a few other trainers guiding them, the new employees were able to create instant foods one after another. The quality was not the best, but it was a start.
"Your Highnesses, a new batch of new employees are here."
"Yeah, just guide them inside. We'll teach them shortly." ［Grey］
"Understood!... Then, everyone..."
And while they were teaching all they could, more and more new employees arrived at the workshop, Grey and Yuna leaving the training to the other instructors and just focusing on giving lectures to the new employees.
New employees arrive, they are taught the concepts, they are given a quick and simple demonstration, they familiarize themselves with magic tools, they start using them, new employees arrive, and the cycle goes on and on.
To be honest, it was exhausting to deal with an endless horde of new employees, but with the other trainers still a little bit lacking, all Grey and Yuna could do was persist and push through. Soon, the cycle was broken...
"I apologize for the interruption, Your Highness, but Sir Marcel is calling."
"The Guildmaster... Is it about the new equipment?" ［Grey］
"That's what it seems. We need help installing them."
... However, it was nothing other than work. With them the only ones knowing how to perfectly operate and install everything, there was nothing they could do other than nod their heads and just get it over with.
Grey soon stood up and handed over his role to one of the trainers, then headed to the main inventory to receive the new equipment and install them in their respective rooms. Yuna didn't stay too long in the workshop either.
"Y-Y-Your Highness! It's an emergency! The canisters exploded again!"
"You must have mixed the wrong proportions again... Did anyone get hurt?" ［Yuna］
"N-No... The explosion itself wasn't really dangerous, but the foam and smoke produced are causing problems for the production equipment."
"I see... I should be able to fix that... Excuse me, can you take over me for a minute? I'll be back in a while." ［Yuna］
The head alchemist from the alchemy department soon came and reported a problem to Yuna. It seems like one of the new recruits mixed the wrong solutions and caused a mess. It wasn't life threatening, but still problematic overall
Not another second to waste, Yuna then headed out of the workshop and followed the lead of the alchemist. She was greeted by mountains upon mountains of foam as soon as she arrived, coming in different colors and sizes.
"I-I truly apologize, Your Highness! I-I promise to pay everything I broke!"
"Fufufu! Don't worry. The equipment we made isn't that fragile. We just need to reset it, and everything should be back to normal." ［Yuna］
"R... Really...? Is that true, Your Highness?"
"Un! Thenー Ah! Why don't everyone watch as I make the repairs. Then you'll be able to reset them if something like this happens again." ［Yuna］
Explained Yuna, and everyone nodded fervently. They soon watched as Yuna fixed, reset, and cleaned the equipment, seeing the gears turn once again after all the foam and bubbles were removed. It didn't even take her a minute.
Of course, there wasn't just one machine. Taking the chance before her, Yuna had the workers act out what they just saw, the young lady guiding them properly as they moved their hands, overseeing them one after another.
Soon enough, everything was back to normal, and though it took quite a while, the workers now had some grasp on how to fix things. Her job now done and dusted, Yuna was about to return to the workshop, when...
"Manager! Bad news! We're out of Whiteshade solutions!"
... A booming voice echoed throughout the place. It seems like the stock of items in the inventory was worse than expected, the alchemy department even running out of a handful of solutions and ingredients which were vital to many operations.
"Whiteshade solutions... I think I can make some quickly." ［Yuna］
"A-Are you sure, Your Highness?! Y-You're already busy as it is! How could we dare take more of your timeー"
"It's fine. It won't take long anyways. Are there any other ingredients or solutions you're out of stock? Also include those which are depleting quickly." ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes! There's Bluebell extracts, Marigold seed essence, White Jade petals....."
The list went on and on, Yuna slightly regretting her decision. However, there was no use dwelling over it. After all, only she was capable of making such high-quality items and materials in short periods of time.
With no other choice left, Yuna soon headed to the Inventory, took the things she had to process, and soon headed to a laboratory. There, she started her task, moving her hands faster than anyone can, and showing her prowess as a Legendary Alchemist.
Yuna wasn't the only one swamped with work either. After he moved and installed the new equipment to their respective locations, he is now instructing the workers, both old and new, about how to operate them.
There are already manuals present, but it was better to give them a clear and concise demonstration. Of course, it took some time before everyone got used to them, but the moment one of the workers understood, his work was doneー or so he thought...
"Ah! Your Highness! I finally found you!"
"You're... The enchanting department head, right? Are there any problems?" ［Grey］
"A-Ah, yes! Actually, it's about the new products you showed us... You see, these runes over here always seem to conflict whenever we engrave them."
"Conflicting runes... Can I see it for a second?" ［Grey］
"Of course! Here you go, Your Highness."
... But with him being the one and only Tier-8 Enchanter in Galderia, everyone always seeks him out whenever they have questions about high-level techniques he himself invented. He was the go-to whenever any and all problems arise.
Amongst the enchanters they hired, the highest level was Tier-5, a couple Tier-4s following after him. Thankfully, with just a simple explanation from Grey, they were able to grasp the concepts and manage on their own.
Just like that, Grey and Yuna's day continued on like busy bees treading through hell. They zoomed left and right, up and down, and all over, fixing everyone and anyone's problem, making sure things run smoothly. And whenever they think they can rest...
"Your Highness! Can you teach me how to forge this alloy?!"
"There's a problem in sector 5. Sir Melchor is asking for help, Your Highnesses."
"A new batch of raw materials has arrived, Your Highnesses!"
"Your Highness, the inventory is almost full! What should we do?!"
... Another troublesome task would be thrown towards them. They don't even have time to breathe, the number of problems increasing like the number of new workers. Some were small, some were big, but troublesome just the same.
The sun soon set, and it rose back again several hours later. However, work was still far from over. Though most of the more vital problems have been solved, the smaller ones still needed a little bit of work before they were ironed out.
Thankfully, the department heads and managers weren't playing around either. As soon as they got a good grasp of things, they immediately handled everything they possibly could, solving their own troubles without troubling Grey and Yuna further.
One... Two... Three... Four... A few days went by just like that, and Grey and Yuna had been swamped with all sorts of odd and technical jobs. The days have been getting less and less busy, but there was still work to do.
And soon, on the 5th day, Grey and Yuna could finally take their break, the two of them resting themselves on their lovely couch. They rested themselves and simply lazed and cuddled around, talking about all sorts of nonsensical things.
"Grey, is it possible to make those computer thingies you mentioned a while back? I think work would be faster if we had those." ［Yuna］
"It will be much, much faster, but they're complicated to make, you know? I don't think I'll be able to make one anytime soon." ［Grey］
"Mmn... That's a shame... It would have been really useful." ［Yuna］
"That's true, but... Aren't you thinking too much about work lately, Yuna? Have you finally become a workaholic?" ［Grey］
"Mmn... Have I...?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah. I'm surprised you haven't noticed. Hahaha." ［Grey］
They've been doing so much work, all they could talk and chat about even when they were resting was work again. In fact, they have been so overwhelmed by it, they even started dreaming about work. The phantom of labor was inescapable.
RING RING RING RING RING
"... I'll go get it." ［Grey］
And just when they were already comfortable on their couch, the phone started ringing once again. Grey quickly volunteered himself and picked up the phone soon after, a couple of familiar voices ringing subtle soon after.
Grey was on the phone for a quite a while, and during the whole conversation, his face shifted expressions quite a lot. Yuna could only ponder and wait as she hugged a pillow, waiting for Grey to finish with the conversation.
"Grey, what was it?" ［Yuna］
"That's... Haah... It's work..." ［Grey］
As one would expect, quite a few problems arose in the factory and the mall once again. It wasn't really something big, but it was something only Grey and Yuna could handle right now. Their short break has been shattered to pieces.
"... Grey... I wanna hide in a hole..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha... Should I also do the same...?" ［Grey］
The phantom of labor continues to haunt them...
CHAPTER 471 END