jesica

Yes, I got it down after one try. Your brother did too.

But it's alright. You're the youngest, so of course you won't be as good as us right away.

Let's take it one step at a time. If you don't succeed at first, just try again. If you can't get it today, pick it up tomorrow.

As long as you eventually learn it, why does it matter if it takes you a little longer?

Reporting! I've returned the last case of etched ammo to storage, and put the equipment and materials back in their places.

Roger.

Jessica, are you really leaving?

Huh? Oh, um, yes. Sorry...

*sigh*... It's not easy for new recruits to pass our training and examinations. Now that you've officially joined Blacksteel, shouldn't you be full of excitement and fighting spirit? At least for a while?

Plus, you were trained by Instructor Eyland.

I only barely based the exam, and Instructor Eyland... Umm...

You're still new. You can't expect everything to go smoothly the first time.

Why are you so adamant on leaving Blacksteel anyway? Did getting hurt on that one mission spook you?

No, it was just a scratch, but...

Sorry.

Well, it's fine. We all have our own reasons, so if there's something you're struggling with, I won't pry.

What did you think about the explosive-resistant shield you just tested?

Huh? Umm... I think it was made from a newly-developed Raythean material, and felt like it would be effective against most kinds of projectiles.

But overall, it felt a bit unwieldy... Ah, s-sorry, I should've been incorporating more strength training into my daily exercise.

I won't deny, the design is a bit clunky for a Feline. Your judgment is as sharp as ever.

You've been great, Jessica. We were able to get a ton of data from you carrying it through the whole trial.

D-Don't mention it, I'm just doing my job... My last job here.

I suppose so. It's a shame we're losing such a capable tester.

Um...

I still have a long way to go. Sorry...

I'm off to HR now.

Sure, alright then. See you later, Jessica.

Excuse me, is Jessica here?

Jessica? She just left, and should be on her way to HR. If there's something you want to tell her, I'll pass on the message the next time I see her.

That's alright, I'll go look for her myself.

(I guess I'm supposed to wait here...)

Thank you very much. Our technical cooperation with Blacksteel has always been the most important part of Raythean's business, and we are especially grateful for your assistance, Mr. 'Clip.'

Haha, that was years ago. Plus, I'd reckon there are few suppliers other than Raythean that could meet Blacksteel's demand.

That's true. The development and improvement of etched ammo has always been one of our top R&D priorities.

I hope we'll get to chat again next quarter, after the orders have been docked.

Of course.

Good. Then, I'll take my leave.

Oh, you were looking for Brynley's daughter, right...? How's he doing? Tell him I said hello.

Haha, thank you for your concern. I'll let him know.

Good day, Madam 'Jessica.' I am...

G-Good day, Mr. Raymond. Of course I remember you.

There's no need to be so formal with me.

Yes, of course. Such is Brynley's pride and joy. Thoughtful, and unpretentious.

Um...

So how was it? Did you have a good time here?

Well... Blacksteel's training is rigorous, and I feel like I've been steadily improving. But I've still got a long way to go until I can become a qualified mercenary.

It seems like you've also found this trip worthwhile. That's great to hear.

I believe you and your father have not seen each other for two years, right? Mr. Brynley has been waiting for you to return home.

Are you through with the resignation procedures? And is your luggage prepared? I'll have someone over to load everything onto the transport.

Mr. Raymond, um, w-wait a minute please...

Hm? Is something amiss?

The last time you came here, you said that Father wanted me to return home... but if I found my own path at Blacksteel Worldwide, I'd be allowed to stay.

So, I want to know...

I see. At first, Mr. Brynley acknowledged your ambitions and allowed you to join Blacksteel, to broaden your horizons and find yourself.

But he's come to learn that Blacksteel has been smothering your abilities, and though he is filled with regrets, he still allowed you three months to decide whether you wanted to stay.

I understand... My performance here has not been enough to earn Father's acknowledgement.

Sorry. I tried my best, but...

No, I should be apologizing, Madam Jessica. I might be repeating myself here, but I hope you'll hear me out. Your father wants you to go home for a variety of reasons.

You're currently working in the Department of Equipment and Applied Technologies. Blacksteel can take full advantage of your background here, but for you, there's no denying that you're vastly overqualified.

You know I'm not very talented...

The top-of-the-line equipment you handle here at Blacksteel is nothing but the product of endless internal testing at Raythean.

Since you're interested in this work, why not return to Raythean, where you can truly flex your muscles and make a difference?

And this hardly bears repeating, but it is your family business, after all.

By your father's side, you are guaranteed to have all the resources you could ever want at your disposal, as well as the room to fully express yourself.

You wouldn't need to work your way up from a lowly equipment tester, nor would your contributions go ignored for long periods, as they are now.

Look at you. You hardly look like the scion of the Brynley family.

S-Sorry... I'm just too useless...

Come on now, Madam Jessica, enough with the self-deprecation.

By the way, I heard you were injured on a recent field mission. Is that true?

Um, it's because I didn't train enough and got too nervous in a combat situation... Sorry, I still need to polish my skills more.

I see. You understand now, right? Being a mercenary is a dangerous, life-threatening affair.

No matter how hard you train, there's always the risk of injury.

I also have a young daughter, and I also understand the love Mr. Brynley has for you, so please don't take this the wrong way.

Mr. Brynley encouraged his children to go out on their own, as a good father should, and he would've appreciated it if you were able to start something of your own, like your sister did.

But, you are his youngest daughter. Mr. Brynley still hopes that you can draw on the experiences of those who've come before you, suffer fewer hardships, take fewer detours, and return home as soon as possible.

Compared to your brother and sister, you're not as socially skilled as them, nor have you dedicated yourself to mechanical design.

Carving out a domain for yourself relying solely on your physical prowess and combat abilities is still out of your reach.

You're certainly not wrong...

I'm sorry, Mr. Raymond... I keep letting you and my father down.

Nonsense. Besides, Raythean can always make you a custom set of equipment to enjoy on your return.

If you had better protective gear, you would've been fine in a small skirmish like that.

But even if I had access to the best gear... what would I be able to do with it?

All that matters you put the equipment we've painstakingly made to good use. You don't have to think too hard about what you want to do with it.

Oh right, Fort Barron is still a fair distance away. Could you enjoy desserts made by a gold-medal chef here?

I remember when you came to my office a number of years ago, Mr. Brynley directed me to order an entire table of desserts.

Um... Training here involves strict dieting...

Though, I still buy snacks every now and then... Ugh, if only I had more self-discipline.

Please don't be too tough on yourself, Madam Jessica. I think you've worked hard enough.

Earlier, I spoke to Mr. Eyland, your training instructor, and he didn't have much of an impression of you, except the fact that you train very hard.

Even a respected, elite mercenary like Eyland found nothing lacking in your performance. Though you didn't particularly stand out either, your hard work helped you narrowly pass the exam.

What is there to blame yourself for?

Instructor Eyland...

I'm sorry... I get nervous just thinking about him...

Good grief, this is exactly what Mr. Brynley has been worried about. You've already endured so much hardship here.

But I'm glad to see that you've put up with all of it. You've now gained valuable experience, and honed your already excellent qualities. If you were to return home, I'm sure you'd...

I... I'm sorry.

I haven't finalized my resignation process yet, and... um, before I leave, I'd like to... say goodbye to my friends. Can I have a bit more time?

*sigh*... I'm afraid this will disrupt the schedule, and your father is waiting for you to return home... But of course, it's all up to you.

A-Alright... Sorry again...

I'll head back to the HR Department then...