Project Necro is an official initiative by Re:Library.

Report, Contact, Consult, aka the RCC of Business, is a fundamental skill for working professionals.

Even though it’s a fundamental skill, one might also say it is an endless challenge.
The idea that simply reporting to your immediate supervisor will lead to helpful advice and a solution to your problem—well, that’s something that is only acceptable for new hires or junior employees. Eventually, that alone won’t be enough. You’ll need to learn to tap into the network you’ve built yourself, consult influential or knowledgeable people regarding the issues you want to resolve, and find or follow leads to solve them.

Problems vary from time to time. No matter how much experience you gain, there’s surely no one who can solve every problem at any time. You have to keep expanding your network, improving your approach, and honing your skills continuously.

That is what the former corporate slave reflects on deeply.

.

Now, regarding this situation.

There are two people I can RCC with.
One is my dear Onii-sama. In a sense, he is like my direct superior.
Reporting to Onii-sama is a given. From my position, it is my duty.

My older brother, the Duke of Jurnova, wields immense influence. If I were to compare him to my past life, he’s probably on par with the head of a massive conglomerate from an old-money family.

And to think that such a man is a siscon… Now that I think about it, that’s absolutely outrageous…
What am I going to do now? My own brother-complex isn’t enough to keep up! How am I supposed to build a brother-complex strong enough to rival Onii-sama’s sister complex?!

Save those silly worries for when you have free time, me.
Hmm, I’ll think about it seriously someday.

So. Let’s put that aside for now.
While Onii-sama is an incredible figure, the problem at hand is Lydia-chan and the Seleznyov family.
The Seleznyov family is an independent entity, separate from Jurnova. Reporting this to Onii-sama won’t solve the problem immediately. What’s more, this issue involves the Seleznyov family’s internal affairs, and if Jurnova meddles, it could be seen as interference in their domestic affairs. That would be bad.
My super-capable Onii-sama wouldn’t do something so risky. But because he’s such a siscon, I can’t say for sure he won’t do something he normally wouldn’t!
Oh no. I’ll report this to my Onii-sama, but I shouldn’t consult him about it.

So,
I should consult someone who can influence the Seleznyov family.

.

After considering this, Ekaterina spoke to Mikhail during lunch break, who, as usual, had been begging for some grub.

“Lord Mikhail… if it’s not too much trouble, could I have a few minutes of your time after school?”
“Of course you can.”

Mikhail nodded immediately.

.

“I see. I’ll come with.”

When Aleksei blurted that out as soon as he heard the conversation at the lunch table, Ekaterina nearly slipped off her chair.
Not that I actually slipped! I am a lady, after all!

“It would be unthinkable to ask you to spare your time, not when you’re extremely busy, Onii-sama. It’s merely a minor issue regarding an event in my class. I only brought it up because I felt that you, as the head of the family, should be aware of everything. Please, do not make a fuss over it.”
“You’re such a good girl. You’re right, I do need to be aware of this matter. This tells me that the Seleznyov family has made a move against our house in an attempt to expand their influence. …More than that, I cannot forgive them for making you feel uncomfortable.”

Aleksei said that last line with a faint smile.
Onii-sama… please don’t use your sister-complex to be such a menace.
And why is Novak and the rest of your aides all nodding…?! Given their positions, shouldn’t they be the ones stopping you?!

“In any case, unmarried men and women speaking alone together is something that should be avoided. As your guardian, I will accompany you.”

Oof.
He’s hit me with his unbeatable common sense. As a noble lady, he’s absolutely right.

But somehow, from the perspective of a corporate slave, having my direct superior come along when I’m consulting someone from a different company feels totally off…
Not that I’d ever say it!

That said, if Onii-sama were just a regular older brother, having him accompany us would be perfectly in line with aristocratic etiquette. But having the head of the household, a duke at that, tag along feels a bit off-balance.

“Your Grace, I will be the one to accompany Lady Ekaterina.”

Flora looked up and said firmly.

“If I am ever able to serve at Lady Ekaterina’s side, I believe it would be only natural for me to accompany her on occasions like this. Even if the other party is Prince Mikhail, I will be very careful to ensure he shows Lady Ekaterina the respect she deserves!”

Wh-why’s Flora-chan so fired up?

“Lady Flora… I would be delighted if you would join our household after graduation, but for now, we are strictly classmates. It would be inappropriate to ask you to accompany me for my personal affairs…”
“Since it’s a class event, I want to be of service. Besides, Lady Olga was really looking forward to it—it’s just too bad for her.”

Ah, I can’t argue with that. And yeah, you’re right, I do feel bad for Olga-chan.

“Your Grace, I’ll come along too. I will protect the young lady at all costs.”

No, Yvan, we’re just going to chat with friends after school—what on earth do I need protection from…? I don’t think Lydia-chan’s going to attack us or anything.

“…Very well, then. Make sure to bring Mina along as well.”
“Yes, I’ll do exactly as you say, Onii-sama.”

Since he’d reluctantly given her okay, Ekaterina hurriedly added.
However, she still couldn’t understand the necessity of such impenetrable protection at all.

Where does all that experience from my previous life as a woman in her late twenties go in moments like this? Is it because my work-life balance was so terrible in my past life?
Maybe it’s just a matter of personal disposition.