Chapter 18: Cloud’s Career Consultation

"Ugh, I’m honestly fed up. To think they’d use Cloud without even consulting me. I’m certain the Vice President only factored him in as a reserve force because he knew Cloud would show up."

"Gahaha! Don't be so prickly, Scarlet. The talented are meant to be used by their superiors to produce results. No matter how strong Sephiroth is, he can’t handle everything alone. Cloud will gain good experience serving under the Young Master."

The President, Rufus, and—naturally—Palmer had headed to the Rocket Launch Pad. Meanwhile, Reeve was constantly shuttling between Corel Village and Headquarters for Mako Reactor construction.

The only executives left at HQ were myself, Heidegger, and Hojo. However, Hojo had completely abdicated his duties as acting authority, claiming he had absolutely no interest in filling the President's shoes should anything happen. That left Heidegger and me to issue orders to the employees in an emergency. But with Rufus and his SOLDIER floor currently crushing Avalanche—our primary headache—into the dirt, things were surprisingly quiet.

Apparently, Rufus discovered that the daughter of Verdot, the Chief of the Turks, had joined Avalanche. He’s been using her to leak intel while keeping her under his wing. Much like the situation with Vincent, he’s framed it as an undercover infiltration mission, fabricating a story that she was a Turk from the beginning. Such a maneuver is only possible because the Turks report directly to the President and operate under a veil of absolute secrecy.

The President seems to have high expectations for Rufus’s management of the SOLDIER department, and lately, he’s even delegated the handling of the Turks to him. Of course, since this also put Chief Verdot in his debt, Rufus's reputation must be soaring. Rufus is truly exceptional, steadily laying the groundwork for the day he takes over as President.

"With the rocket soaring beyond the sky and Shinra’s reputation reaching the heavens, my efforts in information control have truly paid off! Gahaha!"

Heidegger laughed boisterously, his mouth wide open. The only reason I was even with him was that he’d crawled into my office to brag about his achievements out of pure boredom. I could have kicked him out and told him to get back to work, but since he brought snacks for tea time, I didn't have the heart to do it.

"Here, these are the sweets distributed to the staff at the Rocket Launch Pad. Do you have any hot water?"

When I opened the box labeled Shinra No. 26, I found two monaka wafers shaped like rockets. To think he’d bring traditional Japanese-style sweets... no wonder he brought that massive teacup with him.

"It was my idea to distribute these and boost Shinra’s stock prices. The President must be proud to have recruited such a capable man as myself."

Is this man suffering from some kind of pathological need to brag? Well, I suppose handing out commemorative sweets is a peaceful and effective corporate strategy. The surface of the adorable rocket-shaped wafer was embossed with the Shinra logo.

"I have hot water and a few varieties of tea. Pick whatever you like."

Being a Japanese person in my previous life, I’m a tea lover. While most Shinra employees working late into the night are part of the "coffee cult," tea is what I’m most comfortable with. However, since "Japanese tea" doesn't exist in this world, I keep a stock of Wutaian tea, which is relatively similar.

"Gahaha, impressive as always. But listen, this isn't just an ordinary wafer. It's called Kaichu-shiruko—we used to drink this often on the old battlefields."

Kaichu-shiruko? It’s a term I haven't heard much. Since it’s called shiruko, I imagined a sweet dessert, but it looked exactly like a standard monaka.

"You put it in a cup, pour hot water over it, then crush it with a spoon..."

The Kaichu-shiruko fit perfectly into the large teacup Heidegger brought, and he poured the hot water in. The small spoon used for stirring coffee looked even tinier in his hand. But as soon as he pressed the spoon into the wafer’s surface and stirred lightly, something emerged from within.

Is that... red bean paste?

"The dried bean paste dissolves in the water to become instant shiruko, and the wafer shell becomes the topping. It supposedly originated as a Wutaian sweet. Back in the day, when instant noodles and preserved foods were scarce, this was a precious source of sugar on the front lines."

While claiming it brought back memories, the bearded old man boisterously brought the cup to his lips. My coffee cup was too small, so I grabbed a slightly deeper soup bowl, broke the Kaichu-shiruko in half, and placed it inside. As I crushed it lightly and poured the water, a sweet aroma began to waft through the air.

"Wutaian remnants have joined forces with Avalanche. In the future, we’ll need to win over the Wutaian civilian population. It’s a small gesture, but we must show that Shinra respects their hometown flavors and culture."

Unlike regular shiruko, the wafer became soft like mochi. A faint, gentle sweetness spread through my mouth. This definitely calls for tea, not coffee. It’s too much trouble to use loose leaves and a teapot, so I just use the tea bags I import from Wutai.

Ignoring Heidegger as he continued his self-aggrandizing stories, I dropped a tea bag with my favorite leaves into a teacup and poured the hot water. Coffee isn't bad, but perhaps because my Japanese sensibilities were carried over to this body as a soul, I find this scent irresistible.

The downside is that because it’s a traditional Wutaian drink, it hasn't really taken root in Shinra’s food culture. Wutaian tea isn't very popular among employees accustomed to coffee and black tea. We do have something like barley tea, but its unique, roasted flavor isn't widely accepted. I let Palmer try some the other day.

"Blegh! It's better than coffee, but it's not sweet at all! It's terrible!" he had said. So, I had him try again after dumping a massive amount of sugar into it.

"Ooh! With sugar, it tastes way better! I don't even mind the burnt smell anymore. More importantly, it’s sweet and delicious!"

And thus, I successfully gained a "tea comrade." He’s the kind of guy who puts lard in his black tea anyway, so adding sugar to barley tea as a new beverage option shouldn't be a problem. I know his doctor is always at his wit's end during his checkups, but I’m not the one to blame.

"...And that is why, thanks to me, this latest information blackout is proceeding perfectly. In terms of raw combat power, we might not beat the Young Master’s SOLDIER department, but with our sheer numbers, meticulous coordination, and my leadership, we shall never fall behind! Gahaha!!!"

Oh, was he still talking? I had been nodding along absentmindedly, but he didn't seem to notice. His subordinates have probably become experts at tuning him out. This old man loves telling his useless "heroic" war stories.

"Wait, I almost forgot the main point. Actually, the Young Master is pushing for a mock battle between the various departments soon."

"Oh right, I heard about that. We’re entering Cloud and our unmanned units as an experimental detachment."

To be blunt, now that the open war with Wutai has ended, Shinra has an excess of military power. If things stay this way, the military will become a money pit and face inevitable downsizing. However, while Shinra is a company, it’s already essentially a nation. Enemies will likely appear in the future, and anti-Shinra organizations like Avalanche are still active.

Therefore, the Vice President proposed a mock battle for all departments requiring combat capabilities, excluding Space Development and Urban Development. It’s partly a form of internal recreation, but it also serves as a showcase for each department and a means of inter-departmental exchange.

"So, here’s my proposal: why not integrate Cloud as the commander of our infantry unit?"

"Excuse me?"

"To put it simply, a joint force between Public Security and Advanced Weaponry. Public Security has always been the one leading unmanned weapons onto the battlefield, so there’s nothing strange about it."

He had a point. No matter how many machines or weapons we build, it’s humans who actually operate them.

"I understand you’ve used Cloud to create a unit within your own department, but he has no experience leading people—only managing hardware. At the end of the day, a machine is just a machine, no matter how convenient. If you’re going to call him a 'squad leader,' let him lead actual people."

For Heidegger, that was actually a very logical argument. In terms of individual combat prowess, Cloud is undeniably strong. However, I also understand how troublesome the power of numbers can be. I’ve tried to fill that gap with unmanned weaponry, but honestly, I do want more capable human resources. Currently, Cloud and Vincent are the only ones I can move under my own authority in an emergency.

"So, you want to borrow my Cloud and my unmanned weapons for the upcoming mock battle against the SOLDIER units."

"Incorrect! It is a gesture of goodwill—I am lending my elite troops to a talented subordinate!"

"Ohohoho! Why are you trying to dress it up? You just want to use my Cloud to lead a squad and kick the SOLDIERs' asses, don't you?"

He looked disgruntled, but since I’d hit the nail on the head, he didn't deny it. He’s been racking up small achievements, but the SOLDIER department is the one getting the big results against Avalanche. And their director is Rufus—the President's son and the most likely successor. Heidegger probably wants to prove that Public Security can still fight.

This is a perfect opportunity for me too. If Cloud can learn to command a unit and build connections with other departments, it’s a win-win.

"Fine, I’ll lend you my Cloud! But in exchange, make sure you give him the best men."

"I know, I know. The infantry would be the best fit. Here, I’ve pre-selected some, so take your pick."

He operated his terminal, and the screen switched to show five infantry commanders. Swiping through, I could see their backgrounds, service records, and information on the subordinates they led.

"You really got me with that Cloud business. If it were up to me, I’d have made him my own adjutant."

"Ohohoho! You couldn't handle him. Only I could have trained him to that level."

"Confident as always. Well, you have as good an eye for subordinates as I do, so I’m sure you’ll want to choose yourself. Pick whichever one you like."

He downed the remaining shiruko and tea in one gulp, causing him to choke and pound his chest. As I watched him—thinking he looked like a gorilla drumming—I turned my attention to the terminal.

If possible, I want a unit rooted in Midgar. This is a chance to build a pipeline so that if anything happens, I can get information directly without going through Heidegger. Field-level intelligence gathering is nothing to sneeze at, and I want Cloud to have connections that aren't tied to the upper brass or myself.

"How about this 'Midgar 7th Infantry Regiment'?"

"Ah, their missions are mostly centered around Midgar, so they didn't see much action in the war. But they coordinate well, and many of the members are young."

"Then there should be less friction when Cloud takes command. Fine, I’ve decided on this unit."

"Good grief. The Young Master is obsessed with Sephiroth, and you’re obsessed with Cloud. Why is it that no talented people ever come to me? My only weakness is my terrible luck."

Well, anyone with Mako aptitude goes straight to the SOLDIER department, and any other talented individuals are scouted by the Turks. I only managed to pull Cloud away using what was essentially a "cheat code." Even Vincent was only secured with Rufus’s help. Recruiting talent is all about connections and maneuvering.

"You should learn to use the subordinates you already have. It’s fine to take the credit for their work, but give them something back once in a while."

"How rude! I look after the talented ones. I’d even treat them to a night out at a girl's club... If Cloud were under me, I’d send him to a place with young girls, not some 'older woman' like you..."

"Heidegger... I’m currently developing a new weapon called the Airbuster. I was planning to roll it out to Public Security once it’s finished. Its selling point is its flashy firepower designed for large-scale bio-targets. Care to experience it firsthand?"

"Gahaha! I just realized I have so much work to do while the President and the Young Master are away! Excuse me, but I must take my leave!"

I glared at him and tossed out the threat, but Heidegger was used to it and made a hasty retreat.

Sorry for being an "older woman"!

If I was going to be reincarnated, I’d have preferred to be the handsome Rufus! Or even if I had to be a girl, I would’ve preferred someone young like Tifa or Yuffie! I’m spending a fortune on skincare and regular spa visits just to maintain my appearance. I don't share the original Scarlet's hobby of buying useless luxury brands, but I can't cut back on beauty expenses. Thanks to that, I still look like a woman in her mid-twenties. After all, for Scarlet, this "look" is a weapon in the corporate world. I can't afford to let it dull.

Since I have to maintain the persona of Shinra's top career woman, I have to use every tool at my disposal. If it helps me turn a profit, then so be it. However, perhaps because the original's tastes remain in this body, I find myself drawn to sharp clothing and expensive makeup. I just can't seem to do "simple."

Fine then! I’ll just be a sharp-tongued, "youthful" older woman for the rest of my life!!!

"No, no... getting frustrated by an idiot is a waste of time."

Compared to him, Cloud really is a straightforward, good boy. He’s my oasis in this high-stress workplace.

Later, Cloud returned to Shinra with Palmer in tow. It seemed Palmer had taken a liking to Cloud; he tried to teach Cloud some "bad habits" by offering to treat him to a night at the Honeybee Inn.

I made sure to stomp on Palmer's foot with my heel as hard as I could.