"Alright, for our first Talent, I want you to understand our goals!" With enthusiasm, Apolonia slams a whiteboard mounted with a map. Althea stands across from it while Selene sits in front, notebook and pen in hand, ready to take notes.

  The map shows a continent, bordered by nations at every edge.

  "Our agency's goal is to become influential across the entire Centralis continent!"

  "For that reason, first we must expand our influence in our home nation, Aurelia Sovereignty." Althea circles a nation at the western edge of the continental map.

  "Aurelia Sovereignty once serves as a colony of Siegelfeld Kingdom. We gain independence from them about 300 or 400 years ago?" Apolonia explains, glancing at her sister. "400 years ago," Althea confirms.

  "Indeed, after winning the war of independence, Aurelia declares free from Siegelfeld and adopts the concept of Sovereignty." Apolonia continues.

  "Then they build this nation around the 'Frontier Spirit' identity and the 'Aurelian Dream.'"

  "The foundation lies in our belief that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success in Aurelia," Apolonia elaborates.

  "For that reason, Aurelia attracts people from diverse races, even from various nations seeking their fortune. Not just from this continent, but from others like Vitalium Dukedom from the west or Jinzhi Empire from the east," Althea adds.

  "Ooh..." Selene jots down what she hears.

  "That is why we also strive to achieve our own Aurelian Dream!" Apolonia pounds the whiteboard with fervor. "Our first goal: succeed and become the freelance-for-hire agency recognized across all Aurelia Sovereignty!"

  "Alright, after that..." Apolonia calms down.

  "Our next target is Siegelfeld Kingdom itself!" But she reignites with passion, slamming the whiteboard again and pointing to the location above Aurelia on the map.

  "Siegelfeld Kingdom stands for nearly 800 years," Althea explains. "Since they still maintain a monarchy, you’ll find chivalry, knights, nobles, and aristocrats throughout the nation."

  "Yes, unlike Aurelian Dream, Siegelfeld's national identity centers on 'Tradition and Elegance,'" Apolonia adds.

  "But still!" Apolonia emphasizes. "If we open a branch in Siegelfeld, we could gain substantial income from the nobles and aristocrats, and their trust greatly influences our agency's reputation!"

  "Good idea, Lony!" Althea praises her sister. Meanwhile, Selene resumes her notes.

  "Alright, our next target is Yamaumi Empire." Apolonia points to the eastern side of the map.

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  "Yamaumi Empire lies on this continent's eastern edge, protected by natural defenses of mountains and ocean, hence the name," Apolonia explains. "Though ruled by an emperor and monarchical government, they uniquely embrace modernity rather than clinging to tradition like Siegelfeld."

  "So if anything, Yamaumi's national identity becomes 'Progress Forward, Honor the Ancestors.'"

  "Aaaaand Al here loves Yamauminese cartoons and comics," Apolonia nods at her sister. "The proper terms are anime and manga, Lony," Althea corrects.

  "Yeah, yeah," Apolonia waves her off. "But Yamaumi also makes an excellent spot for our next agency branch. Beyond business, they highly value efficiency, and that boosts our reputation."

  Selene resumes writing.

  "That covers our agency's current targets. Any questions?" Apolonia finishes explaining.

  "I do." Selene raises her right hand.

  "What is it?"

  "You explain three nations as expansion targets, but the Centralis continent map shows five countries." Selene studies the map on the whiteboard. "What about the other two? And why not prioritize them?"

  "Hm..." Apolonia eyes the map she mounted herself. "Good point."

  "Alright, let me explain." Apolonia points to the central region. "This is Aleksandra Federation. I omit it from priorities because they are a bit unique."

  "Though called a 'nation,' it more resembles an academy," Althea offers.

  "Academy?" Selene puzzles.

  "Yes, the largest academy on this continent, perhaps on the entire world," the youngest Odessa says. "Many scholars advancing global technology originate from Aleksandra or once studied there."

  "Ooh..."

  "So Aleksandra functions as a massive academy, offering every education level from elementary school to university, not to mention laboratories, libraries, and vast archives," Apolonia adds.

  "They also claim historical archives reaching back 1,000 years ago," Althea notes.

  "I exclude it from priorities because, despite their nation status, they uphold strict neutrality and focus solely on study, learning, and research."

  "I see..." Selene murmurs.

  "And finally..." Apolonia reluctantly points to the east side from Aurelia Sovereignty's position. Just below Aleksandra.

  "This is Croesus Pluto. I exclude it from priorities because Laxmi Corp controls it."

  "Hm? What do you mean?" Selene puzzles.

  "The nations we mention earlier operate under royal families or government bodies, right? Despite their own interests, they govern with national goals," Althea explains. "Croesus Pluto differs."

  "Why does it differ?" Selene asks.

  "Because Croesus Pluto belongs to and operates under a corporate board of directors, thus they govern to gain money," Apolonia clarifies. "Instead of a king or emperor, their leaders consist of Laxmi Corp's CEO and directors. Their citizens are staffs and employees."

  "Huh?"

  "See, you find it strange too," Apolonia responds to Selene's reaction.

  "But that’s the truth," Althea elaborates. "Laxmi Corp's wealth and power prove so vast they secure their own territory for employees, and then in turn, it was recognized as a 'nation.'"

  "I omit Croesus Pluto because I refuse dealings with Laxmi Corp," Apolonia states with clear disdain. "Yet ironically, Laxmi Corp offers the perfect path to credibility and trust."

  "That's Lony’s dilemma," Althea tells Selene. "She understands small companies' struggles, but outfits like ours must curry favor to corporate giants..."

  "..."

  Selene notices Apolonia's angry expression.

  RRRIIING

  The office computer phone rings suddenly. "I'll get it!" Althea grabs the headset and answers.

  "Hello, Odessa & Co. Jack-of-All-Trades for Hire here~"

  Althea speaks with the client.

  "Right, we can handle that."

  She writes something on paper.

  "Thank you for trusting us!"

  Althea ends the call.

  "Lony, we land a monster subjugation gig! The client offers 500 sims!"

  "Perfect. This serves as Selene's first field training." The eldest Odessa grabs her sword and dons a coat. "Come with me, Selene."

  "Understood." The white-haired girl closes her notebook and stands. "Ah, if you're about to train Selene, I join too!" Althea snatches a staff before following the pair out of the office.

  To be continued.