Chapter 9 - I - The hero of Arles

 

Ah yes, hello once again.

 

Well, I knew it was kind of sudden, but I decided to search for a job.

 

Yep, you read that right; I needed to work.  It’s not because the provisions being given to me back at the Holy Palatial Gardens were inadequate, in fact, the Saint there was too generous I’m feeling bad for myself for freeloading.  The second was, I had to save enough money as soon as possible so that I could finally buy a house in the city of Kamran.  And also, not to mention, I’m getting freaked out by that stupid paladin, the Marquise of Monfort, proposing out of nowhere that I marry into the Braunhauer house through her half-sister, Eris.  I mean, it’s all too sudden and spontaneous for me.  And Eris was still a kid; by the time she grows into a beautiful lady, I’m sure I’ll be an old sop.

 

Well, it’s not like I’m considering that child to be a potential partner, but yeah, it’s impossible for me.

 

Besides, I don’t think I had the confidence to become someone of equal stature to the ladies of the Holy Palatial Gardens.  They’re princesses and nobles; I’m just an ugly, powerless, and freeloading idiot from another world.

 

“…”

 

Saying that repeatedly to myself hurts, but it’s the reality, anyway.

 

And so, I looked for something else to do with my free time.  And since the Gardens was near Arles, I tried my luck in that town.  After all, most of its residents were well-to-do people; I’m sure there would be opportunities for me if I did my search well.

 

“…”

 

It took a while reaching Arles when we went riding on a cart before; but this time, I’m just walking, so I’m expecting a tedious journey.  Of course, I couldn’t ask Her Holiness for a ride this time, or I’d be imposing too much on her.  I also didn’t show myself to Lily and Eris; since I’m afraid that they’d come along with me, and I won’t be able to refuse them.

 

I want to be alone, after all.

 

So, after informing the guards at the gate of my intent, I proceeded on my way.  Honestly, I didn’t know how they do job applications in this world.  Questions like, ‘should I bring a resume?’, or ‘how about a coat and tie?’ had been pestering my mind since I last slept.  But anyway, since this was a different world, I guess those things didn’t matter too much.  I mean, fantasy worlds like this one should be simple and easy to deal with, right?

 

“…”

 

On the approach at the main gates of the town of Arles, the militia stationed there stopped me.

 

“Got any identification papers, sir?” a soldier asked me.

 

Oh right, Eris isn’t with me so it’ll be natural that they’ll be tight on security with me.

 

“Uhh…honestly sir, I’m from the Holy Palatial Gardens and was searching for work here in your town.” I answered, taking great care to give that guy a significant amount of respect so that he won’t be too suspicious of me. “And I don’t have any identification papers with me.  May I ask how to get those?”

 

“…” the soldier only stared at me, unsure if he’ll believe what I just said or not.

 

“Let him in.” another soldier approached us. “He’s a companion of Miss Eris before.”

 

The first soldier, upon hearing the assurances of his companion that I’m not a threat, immediately backed down and let me pass.  The second soldier then accompanied me.

 

“Ah, thanks, sir!” I bowed in gratitude to the guy who helped me.

 

“Nah, don’t mention it.” the soldier smiled. “I saw you before with Miss Eris riding a cart from the Holy Palatial Gardens.  Why isn’t she with you today?”

 

“I went alone.  I wanted to look for a job here, where it’s convenient.”

 

“I see.  Well, many of our boys like to see Miss Eris come by.” he revealed. “She’s pretty popular around in these parts, see?”

 

“Oh…” I didn’t quite expect that.  Well, given that Eris is cute, it’s a possibility.

 

“Well, they have to content themselves with looking at her, though.  She may be a pretty girl, but she’s a member of the nobility.  The gap is too wide for them to cross.”

 

Aren’t you considering the fact that she’s also a child, as well?  

 

“I also have a painting of her in my room, you know?” he whispered, “But don’t tell her; it’s a secret between us men.

 

Well, I guess they will not do that, huh?  This world has a weird standard.

 

“So anyway, if you’re going to work, at least you need to have proper identification papers with you at all times.”

 

“Okay, but how do I get that?”

 

“You lost yours?”

 

“Well, let’s say it’s almost like that.” I’m unsure whether or not to tell this guy my situation; but in the end, I decided to lie since it would take a while if I get honest with him.  And also, chances were, he’d cast doubts on me because of my circumstances of arriving here were too extraordinary to believe.

 

“That’s unfortunate…” the friendly soldier sighed, “Anyway, come with me.  I’ll help you get your identification papers.”

 

“Oh, again, thank you sir…?”

 

“I’m Osmond Hein Rilley.” he offered his hand, “Just call me Osmond.”

 

 

Sir Osmond led me to a modest house somewhere near the walls of Arles.  If I’m not mistaken, I guess this was their headquarters—a far cry from the gigantic fortress of the Palatial Armory of the Paladin Corps.  After knocking three times, he opened the door, and we both came in.

 

“This is the office of the Arles militia.” Sir Osmond explained as he gave me a brief tour of their headquarters, “We issue and re-issue identification papers here.  Please, have a seat.”

 

I took a vacant chair near the tables.  Behind those was a small, bespectacled lady, busy with some paperwork.

 

“Misha, this man lost his identification papers.” Sir Osmond talked to her, leaning by the table, “He’s a companion of Miss Eris Braunhauer of the Holy Palatial Gardens.  Will you re-issue it to him?”

 

The girl named Misha stared at me as if she’s trying to peer into my soul.  After a few moments of awkward silence, she relented and went back to her paperwork as if nothing happened.

 

“How much are you going to pay me?”

 

“Huh?” I was startled by what she said.  I didn’t have a single coin with myself, so how could I possibly cover the cost of re-issuance?

 

“Not you.” Misha snapped at me and pointed at Sir Osmond, “I’m talking to him.”

 

“Hey, come on now, Misha!” Sir Osmond pleaded, “It’s just one additional paperwork.”

 

“And I’m the one doing it.  It’s not for free, you know.”

 

“Err…I guess, I should go back some other time then.” I offered to back down, but Sir Osmond stopped me.

 

“Okay, how about this, Misha?” Sir Osmond came out with a proposal, “You do his identification papers, and you and I are going to a date—buuu!”

 

Misha interrupted him at mid-sentence by throwing a pile of papers on his face.  That’s got to hurt.

 

“I love you too, Misha!” Sir Osmond said as he fixed the scattered files.

 

You understand that, man?  Moreover, stop flirting in front of me, for god’s sake.

 

“…”

 

Well, at least the girl named Misha began working on processing my identification papers.  She told me it would take some time, but asked for my fingerprints, which were taken using a ‘magic orb’.

 

“Ah, thanks for the help, Sir Osmond.” I bowed in gratitude, “I’ll be able to repay you someday.”

 

“Don’t mention it.” Sir Osmond winked, “After all, you’re a friend of Eris.  Would you say ‘hi’ to her for me?”

 

“Sure, why not—”

 

“Buu!” Another pile of papers flew straight to Sir Osmond’s face.  It’s from Misha, of course.

 

I’m thinking that it is her expertise.  The way she throws those papers and how they fly in unison straight to her victim’s face, that’s some talent for you!

 

“Don’t worry, darling!  You’re the one I love!”

 

You really can understand her through the way she throws at you?  That’s some talent as well, Sir Osmond!

 

Hmm…I guess I’d pick up the finished document after going around the town.

 

 

So while I was waiting for my papers, I started my quest to find a job in this town.  Although Eris had explained to me before that this place was a premiere spot in Chersea, I still couldn’t adjust here compared to what I was used to on Earth.

 

I mean, Arles is a small place compared to the gigantic shopping malls my old world has.

 

Well, I knew that this town had a complete set of stores to cater to your everyday needs, like several bakeries, few meat shops, some fruit stalls, a couple of armor smiths, and weaponsmiths.  Nevertheless, I miss my old Earth…

 

“…”

 

Ah!  Anyway, this wasn’t the time to think about that.  I needed to refocus myself on my goal, which was looking for a job.

 

On my way around, I came across a familiar place—the ‘Holy Frills Diner’.  Though I initially hesitated to come inside, I decided otherwise.  I thought of talking to the owner, Mister Ricardo.  Maybe he could help me with my search.

 

“Welcome to the ‘Holy Frills Diner’!” Mister Ricardo immediately greeted me upon entering his restaurant.

 

“Hello, Mister Ricardo!”

 

“Oh!  It’s the boyfriend of Eris!”

 

“Err…I’m not her lover though.” I corrected him.

 

“Ah, it would end there anyway.” Mister Ricardo quickly dismissed my protest, “So, you came alone today?  Want to try our special set?”

 

“Ah, no…” I’m embarrassed to refuse his offers, but I got no money anyway, “Actually, I’m here to ask for help from you, Mister Ricardo.”

 

“Hm?  Want to borrow money?”

 

“Err…it’s not that, sir.  I’d like to ask if you know some places here where I can get a job.”

 

“To prepare for your wedding to Miss Eris?”

 

“Ah no!  It’s not like that!”

 

“Well, it’ll come anyway.  So, I can somehow understand you.” Mister Ricardo dismissed my objections once again.  

 

Seriously, does he even listen to corrections?

 

“A job, huh?” Mister Ricardo seemed to ponder for a while, “Well, if it’s work you’re looking for, I could use an extra hand in my restaurant.  Do you know how to cook?”

 

Oh great!  A lucky strike on my first try, huh?  

 

“I do.” With a proud grin on my face, I even boasted, “Back in my world, I used to cook for myself since I live alone.”

 

“Huh?  ‘Your world’?”

 

“Oh, I mean, my old country.”

 

“I see…”,

 

Crap!  It casually slipped from my mouth.  I should be careful about letting out my secrets in this place.

 

“Ah, anyway, what’s your name?” Mister Ricardo asked.

 

“It’s Kuro, sir.  I was having my identification papers re-issued at the militia headquarters as of this moment, but that’s my name.”

 

“Okay then.” Mister Ricardo replied, “Well, I usually pay my employees 50 bronze coins at the end of every season, provided the work quota was met.  And an extra five bronze coins for every work done outside the quota.  Sounds reasonable to you?”

 

“I guess so, Mister Ricardo.”  Well, I didn’t know the standard wages in Chersea, so I guess I’d just agree in the meantime.  After all, everyone would start at the lowest possible level.

 

“However, there’s still one more condition I have for you, Mister Kuro.”

 

“Yes, sir?”

 

“You know, since I’ll have you work in the kitchen for most of the time, I don’t think you’ll have to wear the famous frills of this diner.  Is that alright with you?”

 

“Yes, thank you very much, sir!” I immediately answered in relief.  Now that I recall, this place was the ‘Holy Frills Diner’.  I almost had myself wear that embarrassing dress like the owner, but I guess I evaded that stupid fate.

 

Ah, thank you, my lady luck!