X finally understood why Angela was like an overactive air conditioner; the last time she invited the Secretary to a gathering, she didn't come—there was a reason.
The Secretary had some kind of issue, always antagonizing the Deans, like a giant hedgehog or pufferfish. Not exactly arrogant, but with a dislikeable, condescending tone that wouldn't win her favor.
Consequently, the Deans feared Angela. Even the brazen Netzach, even if still drunk, would stand and act properly upon seeing her.
This was akin to the Information Department Dean Yesod, nicknamed 'Viper', feared and avoided by employees and Deans.
X wondered if Angela enjoyed this controlling atmosphere, the fear she inspired, or something else… Did the AI Secretary not want a relationship with the Deans?
Expecting Angela to care about the Deans' well-being was impossible; she was more likely to add insult to injury, further provoking them.
X didn't know where the Secretary's sharp tongue came from; it surpassed even Yesod's. She was a bigger air conditioner than the air conditioner itself; her mere presence silenced the other Deans.
X desperately wanted to create a harmonious atmosphere but was intimidated by her AI Secretary, unsure how to proceed.
But silence wasn't an option; she was the Manager, needing to balance the Deans, acting as lubricant. Even if the AI Secretary didn't want to build relationships, she had to try.
"Malkuth, how's work lately?"
X broke the silence, discreetly checking the Secretary's expression. Angela's eyes were closed, her expression calm and unrevealing.
Good. That meant approval.
"Um, Manager… uh, I feel fine, just busy as usual, a lot to do: training employees, meetings, etc."
Malkuth replied hastily, sounding somewhat evasive and flustered by X's question.
"But I heard from Angela that your recent designs haven't been approved…apparently, the employee casualty rate is too high."
Malkuth's recent designs had been consistently rejected by the Secretary. X had seen them discarded in the trash, unceremoniously tossed by the AI.
X had seen them, but as Manager, she lacked the authority to intervene.
It seemed related to recently implemented regulations. The Control Department, responsible for monitoring employees and Abnormalities, was the second-most important center, holding considerable power.
The Control Department issues work orders and plans joint training programs with the Training Department; therefore, the Abnormality containment units are under their purview—
The Control Department has extensive access to each containment unit's surveillance feeds and the authority to command and direct on-site operations during emergencies. In other words, this department demands strict adherence to regulations.
However, due to the numerous regulations, employee burdens are high, and few perfectly comply… and non-compliant employees are dismissed by Malkuth.
As for what "dismissal" means…it's self-explanatory.
Therefore, the Control Department has a high employee casualty rate, even exceeding that of the Information Department. Any problems result in immediate disciplinary action.
Although Malkuth appears energetic and enthusiastic, she's the most decisive Dean, acting swiftly against employees.
Regarding this…X preferred not to comment; she'd only witnessed Malkuth's work style on her first day.
However, overly decisive employee dismissals increase pressure on the remaining employees, leading to more mistakes and rule violations. When employees realize their colleagues are disappearing one after another—
They become more panicked, like the employee on her first day who collapsed—after that, nothing mattered; there was nothing left to lose, so there was no fear.
One should be wary of such employees, but if most employees reach this state, it indicates a severe deterioration, and numerous dismissals won't silence them.
Rumors spread within the Corporation…
Fortunately, the elite employees, particularly the core members of each department, were sufficient. The cheap Clerks and ordinary employees were expendable, replaceable cogs or easily-removed dust, like the base ingredients in a stew—
In a large pot, only the top layer is crucial—beautiful meat or seafood. Below are the cheaper ingredients: potatoes, cabbage, bean sprouts, dried tofu, etc.
They could be eaten, but they weren't essential. If one wasn't full after eating the meat and seafood, they'd eat the potatoes and vegetables. But if one was wealthy and picky, they could simply discard them.
As the number of elite employees increases, lower-skilled employees can gradually be phased out. If they can't keep up with the elite employees, dismissal is the only option.
Deploying numerous unskilled employees against genuinely dangerous Abnormalities is pointless; they lose their will to fight at a glance and flee—what use are they? Cowardice only adds to the trouble.
Therefore, X agreed with Malkuth's approach, although it was currently extreme. The Corporation wasn't ready to discard low-level employees, which put immense pressure on Malkuth.
X cared about the Deans' mental well-being. A silent Dean wasn't necessarily free from stress; it meant they suppressed their feelings.
But if Malkuth didn't want to talk, X couldn't force her. Even if it seemed Malkuth was pretending to be fine, X couldn't make her confide…perhaps she didn't trust her.
Although the Control Department Dean was X's first Dean, and seemingly the most respectful—
X felt a sense of distance from Malkuth. Under Malkuth's smile, she saw nothing else; it was like a mask, hiding her true self.
When did this start? X pondered. Perhaps when the Control Department Dean stopped assigning her tasks. Initially, she encouraged X, urging her to manage Abnormalities effectively and handle meltdowns…
But later, Malkuth stopped; she'd make small talk but wouldn't seek X out, and X, preoccupied with other Deans, didn't seek her out either.
Perhaps…she should care more about Malkuth?
X wanted to find a topic of conversation but couldn't. She didn't know Malkuth's preferences or how she could help.
Malkuth was vibrant and energetic, always dedicated to her work; X, as Manager, even needed to comfort her, like on her first day.
Feeling inadequate, X sought Malkuth's advice.
Upon reflection, she realized she had nothing to offer Malkuth and didn't understand her needs.
Yesod needed reassurance and flawless work.
Netzach needed comfort and a drinking buddy.
Hod needed praise, encouragement, and agreement.
So…what did Malkuth need?
X looked at the Control Department Dean, someone she should know best, yet knew the least about—she had the least contact with her.
She only knew Malkuth always carried a worn notebook, a reminder of her tasks, as she was somewhat forgetful.
Beyond that, she knew nothing.
Not knowing the Deans' preferences or needs—was she a failure as a Manager?
X felt increasingly ashamed.
Perhaps she should find an opportunity to talk with Malkuth, preferably avoiding Angela…
Unaware of X's thoughts, the Control Department Dean maintained her usual energetic smile, reporting positively.
"Manager, I'm confident in my management style; it's the most efficient! You must trust my abilities; I'll get everything done!"
"Should I explain in detail the advantages and successes of my management methods?"
Malkuth confidently flipped through her small notebook, as if to verify her claims, preparing to discuss her new designs.
X glanced at the AI Secretary, who didn't object, so X nodded for Malkuth to continue.
But as the Control Department Dean was about to explain her methods, the meeting room door opened again.
Another Dean, Hod, from the Training Department, entered. She was timid, peeking in before cautiously sitting down.
"Manager, um…sorry I'm late!"
Hod sat beside Malkuth, also seeming timid, whether from X or the AI Secretary.
X suspected it was the AI Secretary who intimidated Hod, as Hod's clear blue eyes kept glancing at the AI, despite addressing X as 'Manager', seemingly monitoring Angela's expression.
With both Deans so cautious, X felt her authority was a sham; they weren't afraid of her, but the AI beside her.
Was she… so lacking in authority?
"It's alright, Hod. The meeting starts in four minutes; you're not late. Would you like a drink? I'll get it for you."
X checked the time; it was almost meeting time. Usually, people arrived five minutes early. Why weren't Yesod and Netzach here yet?
Netzach being late wasn't surprising, but Yesod being late was unusual.
Yesod, the Information Department Dean, was meticulous and wouldn't be late for a meeting.
Unless…something extraordinary happened.
X considered this while preparing to get drinks for the Deans.
"No, no, Manager, I can get it myself!"
Hod quickly stopped X, feeling it inappropriate for the Manager to serve drinks.
"Oh…don't be so formal, Hod. You can treat me as a friend, not a Manager, alright?"
X adopted a playful tone to reassure Hod, who, intimidated, hesitantly replied.
"Um, Manager…I'd like the same drink as you."
Hod's voice was soft but clear. Hearing this, Malkuth glanced at her colleague with a strange expression.
Hod seemed flustered under Malkuth's gaze.
"Um, what is it, Malkuth?"
"…Nothing."
Malkuth raised her grape juice. X, preparing drinks for everyone, including the absent Information and Safety Department Deans, arrived quickly.
All were grape juice.
That was fair, wasn't it? X thought. With only a minute left until the meeting, it was odd that the Information and Safety Department Deans were still absent. What could possibly delay them so much?