8. Your path is quite novel.

“Harano, you actually came back alive?”

Ryota Takizawa stared wide-eyed at Tsukasa Harano, as if he had seen a ghost.

“What kind of thing is that to say?” Tsukasa Harano smiled and sat back down at his desk.

The chair’s wheels spun swiftly as Takizawa kicked off the floor and suddenly appeared beside Harano, grinning mischievously. “Just kidding. Judging by how you look, it seems even that ‘Ice Queen Demon Boss’ didn’t manage to do much to you.”

“Transferred from my original post to do mobile outreach work in various districts,” Harano said casually, eyes fixed on his computer.

“Ah?” Takizawa was dumbfounded.

At that moment, Genji Hiraga, a slightly chubby man wearing black round glasses with a shy expression, came over and asked with concern, “Senpai, are you alright?”

“Alrigh—what do you mean? The section chief is sending Harano down to the district’s mobile outreach. How is that any different from exile?” Takizawa snapped, slamming his hand on the desk, grinding his teeth in frustration.

Any service job is grueling.

For example, working at the ward office counter, directly facing citizens handling their health insurance affairs—nobody wants that.

Usually, newcomers are forced into those shifts.

And mobile outreach in the districts is even worse. Harsh winters and scorching summers can wear down your feet, not to mention the constant risk of being mistaken for a scammer or cultist and chased away, or having angry old ladies throw eggs at your face.

With treatment like that, it’s no better than bank employees exiled from Tokyo to Shikoku Island.

Harano patted the disgruntled Takizawa on the shoulder, signaling him to calm down. Once Takizawa settled, Harano said, “I submitted my resignation to the section chief.”

“Resignation? Seriously?” Takizawa was shocked again.

“Seriously,” Harano nodded firmly, then added, “But she didn’t accept it.”

“Didn’t accept it?”

Takizawa’s face showed disbelief. Normally, resignations are accepted, but after a moment’s thought, he seemed to realize something. In a tentative voice, he asked, “Harano, did you say something impulsively just now? If it wasn’t accepted, maybe the section chief wants to…”

Though he didn’t finish the sentence, the meaning was clear.

Harano avoided answering and pulled out his water cup, smiling. “Don’t worry, nothing serious will happen.”

Even though Harano acted normal, both Takizawa and Hiraga exchanged glances, sensing he was forcing calm. After hesitating for a while, Hiraga whispered, “Is there really no room for negotiation? Shouldn’t you try explaining again...?”

Putting aside the fact that resigning itself is a big deal, just looking at Harano’s expression, anyone could tell he had definitely crossed the section chief earlier.

In Japan, offending a superior is unwise because bosses hold almost absolute power over subordinates. Whether blocking resignations or making life difficult, it’s become routine.

Even quitting is not easy.

If one can find a good job or enter a major company as a full-time employee, few would take the local government exam to work at a ward office.

Having worked together for two years, they knew each other’s family financial situations well, which is why they tried to dissuade him.

“Who’d want to deal with that demon queen anyway...”

Takizawa was about to pour cold water on Hiraga’s seemingly hopeful words when his eyes caught Ruka Hoshino carrying a coffee from the lounge, passing by.

Takizawa’s eyes darted quickly. He suddenly stood up, taking three steps in two, blocking her path, but kept his gaze on Harano and Hiraga, as if rising in anger.

“Why! Harano, why would they do this to you?”

“Getting reported for clocking in on time, and now facing dismissal! Hiraga, after this lesson from senior Harano, we better keep our heads down or we’ll be doomed if someone reports us!”

“If just clocking in on time gets you fired, does that mean next time stepping into the ward office with our left foot first will get us exiled? I’m scared to sleep at night now!”

Takizawa yelled, ignoring other colleagues who might hear. Instead, sensing more eyes turning toward him, he performed even more wildly, crying out in despair while still blocking Hoshino’s way.

Hoshino clenched her teeth and tried to dodge left, but Takizawa, like he had eyes in the back of his head, shifted and blocked her again.

After several failed attempts, colleagues from other departments looked over. Hoshino’s delicate face darkened, especially as Takizawa twisted his words and stayed put. She could feel many eyes on her, filled with mockery and curiosity.

“Takizawa-kun, enough,” a gentle-looking young woman finally stood and pulled him aside.

But Takizawa only escalated his performance.

“Why can’t I say anything, Chiba-san? This time it’s Harano, next time it could be me. Everyone knows Harano’s work in the Medical Benefits Department is the most solid. You know, I live off this job. If I get forced out for something like this, I won’t survive. Can’t I vent a little?”

“I’m from the countryside anyway. If I lose this job, I’ll just go back home. But if I find out who’s slandering me, I’ll definitely get revenge! Even if the police arrest me, I don’t care—I won’t live in Tokyo anymore!”

While speaking, Takizawa once again blocked the quietly retreating Hoshino, which finally pushed her over the edge.

“Ryota Takizawa, what do you think you’re doing, blocking me!?”

Hoshino’s beautiful face was filled with anger.

“Oh! Director Hoshino? Sorry, sorry, I didn’t see you there earlier,” Takizawa rubbed his eyes, feigning poor vision. Though fake, no one dared expose him.

“If you can’t see, get glasses!” Hoshino glared coldly, gritting her teeth.

Takizawa nodded with a carefree shrug and a cheeky smile, “Yeah, I really should. Sometimes I mistake people for animals or something.”

“You!” Hoshino was fuming.

“Section chief is coming!” someone called out, finally ending the sudden, information-packed drama.

Sayaka Suzumiya emerged, but didn’t glance their way, seemingly oblivious to the commotion. She hurried off in high heels.

Harano didn’t look at her either but returned to organizing the unfinished forms from yesterday.

No sooner had he opened the file than Takizawa leaned over. “Feel better now?”

“I can only do this much. I can curse Hoshino, but I don’t dare curse the section chief.”

“Thanks,” Harano said sincerely.

Though Hoshino’s behavior was indeed irritating, such people often thrive better in the workplace.

Takizawa took a big risk; after all, if she got promoted, she could retaliate.

As for personal ties, resigning is a huge shock, and both Takizawa and Hiraga truly cared about Harano. Without an explanation, they might worry too much.

Harano thought for a moment and decided to reassure his concerned colleagues: “Don’t worry. Even if the section chief refuses, it doesn’t matter. Besides this job, I have other sources of income. I won’t starve in Tokyo.”

“Other sources? No wonder you’re always holed up at home on weekends. Are you secretly drawing doujinshi?” Takizawa teased.

“Why not say I’m a foot massage therapist?”

“That’s a new path!”

“Hiraga, spread the word: Harano has become the top foot massage therapist in Tokyo,” Takizawa said, turning his head with a mock-serious expression.

“Getting that far is quite an achievement.”

“True. Didn’t the recent news say male hosts in Ginza earn tens of millions a year? So envious.”

“You could do it, but be ready for the steel wool treatment. As a friend, I’d sponsor you 500 yen for the hospital visit.”

Takizawa shuddered imagining those pale, skinny hosts from the video and quickly shook off the thought. “Forget it, enough of this. Drinks tonight? That usual place?”

“Sounds good.”

“Hiraga, join us.”

“Sure, senpai.”

With the office calm again, everyone returned to their work—some flipping through forms, others sneaking glances at their phones.

Several people made frequent trips to the restroom.

The ward office, as a government agency, splits between departments serving citizens directly at the counters and administrative staff like them. Few actually work hard; most just pretend to be busy.

Harano was also slacking off.

But instead of playing on his phone or going to the bathroom, he kept his attention fixed on the screen before him.

[Target of Ill Will: Sayaka Suzumiya]

[Ill Will List as follows]

[Exciting, keep it up (White)]

[Starting an office romance? If Harano confesses to me, I’ll be coy (White)]

[Basic Rewards: Drawing at Random]

[Two Ill Will Objectives Achieved]

[Reward: Slight Physical Constitution Boost Card]

[Reward: Slight Appearance Enhancement Card]

The Sayaka brand goldmine exploded spectacularly!

Four ill will objectives completed in total!

Surpassing the Shigeda brand in one go!

Besides the rewards gained from fulfilling these objectives, recalling the scene in the office just now, his lingering fury had only just begun to subside.

Counting his unused rewards, Harano mused that some phases of his plan could now begin.

“Takizawa, Hiraga, do either of you know a car salesman?”

“Don’t know anyone. Why? Thinking of buying a car?”

“I do have that idea.”

“You’re not seriously going into that, are you? Got money to buy a car? I’ve never seen you spend that much… So, what brand?”

“Mercedes,” Harano answered without hesitation.