The incredibly loud cracking noise from a whip on a wooden carriage knocked me out of my daze as I noticed the world that was around me.
European style housing? Horse drawn carriages? Cobblestone roads?
It's true! I'm in a fantasy world! This isn't an illusion! I can't stop myself from laughing!
Some people seem to be staring at me because of my sudden bout of laughter.
"Mommy, why's that man laughing?" asked a little girl as she pointed at me.
"It's rude to stare, honey." A woman declared while grabbing her the little girls hand.
I'm really in the world of my dreams! My harem fantasy is waiting for me!
Alright! First thing's first: I need to figure out my current situation. Let's do some checkpoints.
The first thing I need to do is find a way to stay alive. Staying alive will involve me fulfilling my three basic needs of food, water, and shelter. The only way I am going to be capable of securing those things is by getting money… which I have none of.
I need money.
I can't just become an adventurer immediately. I have no equipment other than my bare hands and I seriously doubt I'm going to be killing slimes or goblins without a sword or magic. This is, of course, ignoring the fact that I'm in no physical shape to go out fighting for my life right now.
I'm beginning to think I didn't think this through enough.
This is bad. I don't know anyone I can ask to lend me money nor do I know any way to get income here in the first place. Judging by the position of the sun, I think it's around nine in the morning, but considering this is another world I could be entirely wrong.
The words of my mother echoed in my head. "You need to get a job!"
Even in a fantasy world I am being mentally scolded by my parents.
Considering my current situation, I need to gather a mental map of my surroundings and understand my current location as well as my current options. From the way the chill in the air feels right now, it stands to reason that it's currently the middle of fall if not the early parts of winter.
I mentally gathered myself. It's time to work. I can't sleep outside tonight or I will probably freeze to death. I have a time limit that is counting down fast. I need to explore my current location to get an idea of what to do.
As I began to walk, I observed the signs of buildings near me as well as the people I was surrounded by.
The building's signs didn't seem to have words usually. Most of the time, buildings had a symbol like a lizard or a bird instead of letters. The buildings that did have words written on them usually read things like "audit" or "bank."
Although I wanted to know why there weren't any letters on signs, I couldn't just ask any random person on the street. Asking people questions that would be obvious to a local would paint a target on my back for unsavory people and I can't afford to risk that right now.
As I walked, I came across many different styles of buildings. Some made of pure stone, some made of wood, I even came across a building with stained glass.
The most interesting building I found was incredibly tall, standing at over 4 stories from what I could tell. The foundation was made of stone but the higher up it went the more it was made of wood. Many muscular individuals with weapons ranging from swords to staves were coming and going from that place, so it's probably safe to assume that that's the adventurers guild, or whatever the equivalent was.
I tried to walk down a certain road and was stopped by someone that seemed to be guarding it. Though they didn't look like they were a town guard, I didn't want any trouble, so I turned around and went a different way.
After walking for longer than I ever had to before, I had gathered a few important pieces of information. First, I learned that the city is surrounded on 3 sides by walls and the fourth side has no wall, but instead is open to a port to a large lake with rivers that connect to the ocean.
One of the other important things I learned was that there are things other than humans living in this city. While I was walking, I bumped into a man that resembled a lizard.
"What do you want? Sss…" The lizard… person...? Asked me. Their tongue, which resembled a snakes, flicked around in the air for a moment when they spoke.
I felt like I was in danger so I just walked away without saying anything. I ignored him calling out to me as I quickly shuffled away.
I also saw a shorter than normal man who stood at around only a meter in height as I walked around, but I'm fairly certain it would be offensive if I pointed that out.
After a long period of what seemed to be forever, I eventually came across a building with a sign in the window. The sign read "Hiring full time worker" which was exactly what I needed.
I only realized after I had read the sign that the language was absolutely not Japanese, but instead resembled some strange symbols. To better explain the language, it was as if one were to mix arabic with chinese. I could naturally read the sign despite the fact that the language seemed very foreign to me. Actually... Now that I think about it, I haven't talked at all yet, either. Can I speak? I should probably practice a bit before I try a job interview.
After a minute or two of thinking, I turned around and walked up to a market stall. Someone that works here would probably know what this building that's hiring is.
I walked up to the closest stall which seems to be a fruit stand of some type. Behind the counter I could see the owner as he shouted out towards people that were shopping.
The owner looks to be in his thirties. Burly with a dark brown beard and short hair. His eyes are rather large and his nose is also big. The owner is wearing what appears to be a red vest with no undershirt and some baggy pants as well as some sandals to tie it all together.
"Oh, hello sir!" He turned to look at me as I approached. His smile was wide and held a distinctly youth-filled energy to it. "Do you want to buy some igripps? I sell bundles of 3 for only 10 juns!"
I'm just standing here in silence. I don't know what to say.
"Um, are you alright?" The man was staring at me uncomfortably.
"...H-Hello…" I was able to let out meekly.
I only just now realized that the language I have been thinking in this whole time was not Japanese but instead this other world's language. I have to hand it to God, this transition was seamless.
"Uh… son, are you going to buy anything?" The stall owner kept pestering me. It seemed like he was becoming increasingly frustrated.
I've decided to bite the bullet and just start talking. What's the worst that could happen?
"Yes!" I stepped forward. "I was wondering what that shop over there with the sign is." I pointed to the left towards the building I had looked at before. "Do you know?"
I did it. I can talk in the language of this world normally.
As I congratulated myself, the owner seemed to be rather displeased. "Huh? Buddy you've been standing outside my stall for a minute without saying a word and that's what you finally decide to say?"
It seems that I've made the wrong decision.
"I'm sorry I was just…" I stopped myself.
I'm not very good at making up things on the spot. What do I do? What do I do? Uh oh this guy looks muscular. I don't want to get my face punched.
Quick just say something!
"ADMIRING YOUR PRODUCE!" I shouted out.
Good one, Kenji.
The stall keeper seemed to panic when I suddenly shouted out. Multiple people began to stare at us.
"Hey hey, what the hell do you think you're doing?" He slammed his hand on the counter and leaned forward towards me. "Are you trying to make a crowd or something? You starting trouble?" He looked me up and down. "From how big you are and the fancy looking clothes I thought you were a noble or something, but now I can tell you're just an idiot."
Don't react or he'll beat me up. Don't react or he'll beat me up. Don't react or he'll beat me up. Don't react or he'll beat me up.
"Hey, I'm talking to you!" The stall owner shouted out. It seemed like he was at his limit.
"I'M SORRY I WAS JUST ASKING A QUESTION!" I suddenly shouted out. I'm not very good with people yelling at me suddenly.
An "Urgh!" noise came from the stall owner after I shouted once again. People seemed to be watching. I'm about to get beat up. Uh oh I'm gonna get beat up.
"T-That's the general store that belongs to old man Biars! Now go away!" Jutted out the shop keeper as he made a shoo-ing motion.
"Oh, thank you Stall Man-san!" I said as I walked away and waved at the stall.
"For crying out loud, why did I get the crazy guy?" I heard the shopkeeper mutter as I walked away.
I entered the general store. A quiet ringing noise came from a bell that was attached to the door. My feet creaked against the wooden floorboards that lined the building.
On the walls there were shelves which were stocked with various things, many of which I have never seen before. Some objects were lying out on their own while others were jarred. Various labels sat under each grouping of items, each stating a name and a number next to them.
"Welcome, I'll be there in just a moment!" I heard a gruff voice shout out from somewhere I couldn't see.
Jarred goods, wooden walls and floors, a side door to a place unknown, and signs with words I could understand yet didn't know the meaning of. This place was the definition of foreign for me.
"Hmph!" I heard a strange grunting noise as I saw an older man standing up.
The man appeared to be in his late fifties with short gray hair and faded muscles. I can tell he used to be rather burly, but time has withered him as evidenced by his sunken eyes and tired face. The man's shirt was fairly thin and covered the majority of his body except for his arms. His dark pants were faded from age and his shoes appeared to be simple leather.
"Welcome sir, how may I help you today?" The older man asked me while walking over to the counter.
Okay... How do I do this?
I've never applied for a job before and I don't know this person. Do I just request the job and see how it goes? Is he going to ask me for a form of identification? Oh God what if I need something like a social security number? What if he demands that I fight him to prove my worth? We're in a medieval society after all! Can I take this guy in a fight? Probably not but he is an old man. What if he-
"Um, are you alright son? Can I help you with something?" The older man asked me out of concern.
Maybe I'm overthinking this.
"UM, hi! Haha! I saw the sign on your window and was wondering if I could maybe possibly perhaps potentially be hired by you?" I looked towards the sign on the window and pointed towards it awkwardly.
Nailed it. Mental high five.
The old man stared at me for a moment.
"You can read?" The old man asked me.
What kind of question is that? Do I really look that stupid? I've never had a great sense of style but I don't think the clothes I'm wearing are that bad.
Oh, it seems like the man is waiting for my response.
"Yes... I can. Is that a problem?" I backed up a little before he could answer my question.
"No, of course not! You want a job here and you can read? That's perfect!" The old man announced while clapping his hands together.
"Honey!" He shouted to the side room. "Someone wants to work here, and they can read!"
I heard the sound of quickened steps coming from the side room and then saw an older woman come out of the side room door. The woman appeared to also be in her late fifties. Wearing a thin work shirt, the woman seemed to have an air of aged dignity about her. She had long gray hair and a skinny, short body. Age also seems to have withered her. I can tell that in the past she may have been quite attractive.
The woman is staring at me as if analyzing my worth. I'm rather uncomfortable right now.
"Well... Nobody is here right now. How about we close for a moment and interview him?" The woman asked the older man.
"Sounds like a plan!" Announced the older man as he walked to the front door and locked it.
"Please, come with us to the side room. We'll interview you there. Would you like some tea?" She walked towards me as she placed a hand on my shoulder, walking me around.
Ah, a free drink. I'd be a fool not to take up this offer. "Yes, please, if it isn't a bother." I replied quietly.
The older woman simply smiled in response as she led me into a small room with 2 sofas and a table between them.
The older man followed closely behind us and took a seat on the sofa farthest from the door.
"Please, sit!" He said as he motioned towards the other sofa.
Now that I think about it, I've been standing and walking for what felt like hours. My feet hurt.
"Thank you." I nodded my head as I sat on the sofa opposite of the older man.
We both sat in silence for a while until the older woman came into the room with a small tray. On the tray were 3 tea cups, each steaming slightly.
"Here you go." The woman said as she placed the tray on the small table.
I looked at the teacups as the older man and woman each took a one for themselves. Out of politeness and thirst I took the last remaining teacup in my hand and took a sip. I swished the liquid around in my mouth, savoring it for a moment.
...Well, I've had worse tea before. There's next to no sweetness. Did the woman add any sugar? Honey? Sweetener of any kind?
Oh, I forgot I got this for free. I better act like I like it.
"Mmm! Very nice!" I said with a forced smile on my face.
"Thank you dear." Replied the woman. It seemed she was proud of herself for making the tea.
"Alright. Well let's start the interview!" The old man declared while slapping his hands on his legs.
I forgot what I came here for. Thankfully I was reminded.
"Well, first thing's first: introductions. I am Biar and this is my wife Reese." He pulled the woman closely to himself with his large arm. "We've lived in this city for our entire lives and we have a son who is in the army in the capital fighting the demon king." The man named Biar declared.
Already something difficult. My name is definitely not normal here and I doubt most people here have a family name like I do. Should I tell them my family name too? What about where I'm from? "Japan" probably isn't an option because if they ask further I will sound like a crazy person. Worst case scenario there is a city named "Japan" that is run by the Demon King and I will get arrested and executed on the spot.
What do I say…?
"My name is Kenji..." I began, deciding to forgo my family name. "I am 17 years old. I am from a city that is very far away. I have lost contact with my family."
I decided to tell them the truth, or at least, a specific version of the truth.
The couple was watching me intensely.
"Kenji, huh? I've never heard a name like that before. Where exactly are you from?" Asked Biar, leaning over and sipping his tea as he did so.
Oh no. They're asking more questions about me. Should I just say "Japan" and be done with it or should I tell a lie?
As I was thinking, Reese whispered something to Biar. I focused my hearing as best I could in order to hear her.
"It's best not to ask too much, my guess is his home was overrun by the demon king's army, the poor thing." Reese stole quick glances at me as she whispered. I felt like I was being pitied which isn't something I really enjoy. Unfortunately for me, I don't exactly have the luxury of doing what's comfortable right now.
I've just been given a light in this dark tunnel.
I pretended that I didn't overhear them and looked to the side acting as if what I was just asked was painful.
"The truth is… I was recently driven out of my home…" I quietly proclaimed. I made sure to look like I was sad.
"Oh you poor thing." Muttered Reese as she covered her mouth with her hand.
Biar crossed his arms and gave a small nod with closed eyes while frowning. It seems like refugees from villages attacked by the demon king's army were common. What a perfect excuse to not talk about where I'm from.
"Well… we won't ask you any more about that. Hmm..." Biar opened his eyes and looked directly at me. "Why do you want to work here?"
"I need money." I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't have any and I need to be able to take care of myself."
I decided to tell them the truth. I feel a bit bad about lying to this couple already and decided to try to stay as honest as possible.
"Hmph, Naturally." Biar knocked against his own head softly as he said this. "Anyone in your situation would say the same. Sorry for asking such a question."
Score number 2! This is going really well so far.
"Do you have any experience working at a store like this one?" Biar asked me.
Do I say no? Do I say yes? What if they test me on my knowledge? What if they deny me the job if I have no experience?
"I… don't personally have any experience, but I sometimes helped my friend manage his father's store some times." I declared. This wasn't entirely untrue. My friend Shinji's father ran a convenience store when we were in middle school. Sometimes I would come hang out with Shinji at the store, though that was mostly because I would get to play video games in the back room.
...It's probably best not to tell Biar and Reese about that last part.
"Hmm... Alright, I suppose that works." Biar shrugged his shoulders. Reese also nodded her head energetically in agreement.
Score 3! This is going great! I'm such a genius!
"Why did you come here specifically?" Biar asked.
Ah, this question may actually be fairly difficult to answer.
This was just the first place I saw that was hiring… would be my honest response, though that would probably not be good enough. Do I say that I wanted to work here specifically? Maybe I was guided by fate. What do I say…
Wait… What if I…
"I wanted to find a place that required me to read. I don't want to get rusty while I'm in this city." I declared. This is my gamble and I'm going all in.
"Oh!" exclaimed Reese as she clapped her hands together. It seems like I made the right choice.
"Wonderful!" Proclaimed Biar. The old man was smiling. It seems like I have just said exactly what they wanted to hear.
"When could you start?" Biar leaned forward, staring straight into my eyes as he did so.
This is the question I was waiting for.
"As soon as possible." I replied. I couldn't prevent myself from smiling.
"Could you start today?" Reese asked as she finished her tea.
YES! I did it!
"Yes, I could. Do you need me to?" I happily replied.
"That would be wonderful! Do you have any questions for us?" Biar asked me as Reese leaned onto him.
Time to open the floodgates.
"Yes, I wanted to ask a few questions if that's alright with you. I hope that none of this sounds rude to you as I am just trying to obtain some information." I led into my actions as lightly as possible.
"Well of course, whatever you need to know I'll do my best to answer it." Said Reese. She's probably going to be frustrated in a minute so I had best enjoy her smile now.
"Alright. First, how much will I be paid and how often?" I held up one finger. I need to keep track of how much I ask.
"Starting out we'll be giving you 400 juns per week of work. You do not make commission." Biar began putting the teacups back onto the tray while he spoke.
It seems that juns are the currency of this world. I have no idea how valuable one jun is compared to a yen, but judging by the fact that 3 of whatever that fruit at the stall earlier was only 10 juns, 400 is potentially a sizable sum.
Of course, I could be entirely wrong. I have no idea how much money is worth here.
"What will my hours be?" Finger two went up.
"You will begin work at 7 A.M. stocking shelves and end at 7 P.M. by closing and doing inventory. You will work every day of the week. Sundays your hours will be shortened to 7 A.M. to 3 P.M." Reese took the tray into the other room as Biar continued answering my questions.
12 hour days 6 days a week and one 8 hour day a week with no days off. I think it's safe to say that unions don't exist in this world.
"What will my job consist of, exactly?" The third finger went up. I began to settle myself into the couch more since I have relieved my stress.
Biar began to count off on his fingers. "Let's see... You will help stock the shelves, run the counter, do inventory, prevent shoplifting, and also help clean the store on occasion."
This sounds pretty standard. I doubt I need to worry about these things. The only part that worries me is preventing shoplifting. Will I need to get into a fight while I work here? What if it's an adventurer? I doubt I can take on a muscular person on my own.
"Is this place stolen from often?" I looked around the room for anything that appeared particularly valuable.
Biar shrugged his shoulders. "No, but it's nice to have some extra security anyway."
I guess I can't argue with that logic.
"Why were you looking to hire anyone in the first place?" Reese returned to the room and sat back down next to Biar. "Surely with two of you the place has plenty of employees."
"We're getting older and Biar's back isn't as good as it used to be." Reese leaned back in her seat, crossing her legs as she did so. "Standing all day and bending over often is hard for him so we needed the extra help."
Though that makes perfect sense, I get the feeling that something isn't entirely right with that answer. Perhaps I can push this a bit more?
"You mentioned you had a son... Why is he in the army and not helping you run the store?" I raised my eyebrows as I watched their reaction.
"That… He…" Biar began, but Reese stopped him and interjected, holding a hand on Biar's leg as she spoke. "He had dreams of glamor as a soldier fighting back the demon king. I swear he has to grow up one day, but I don't know when he'll do it... Honestly, that boy…"
I feel like I've touched on a sensitive topic. It's probably best to not dig into this much more.
I thought over why they were so eager to hire me in the first place before I recalled what made Biar immediately try to interview me. "Why did you want me to know how to read?"
"Ah! That's because we need someone capable of maintaining the ledger and being able to read the labels!" Biar motioned towards the door behind me as he explained.
I can't argue with any of the logic these people are giving me since I don't really have any knowledge of this world. From what I know right now, however, is that they are sympathetic older people that have a son. Perhaps I can play upon this? I should go for broke here, literally.
"Um, this is a bit embarrassing..." I began, scratching at my cheek. "But... Do you know anywhere I could sleep tonight? I don't really have a place to go..."
"Oh dear!" Reese stood up, placing a hand over her mouth in shock. "You don't have a place to go tonight? Oh you poor thing!" She exclaimed. I could feel my cheeks getting hotter by the moment.
"You just work today and I'll see what I can do." She fervently nodded her head.
SCORE! Sympathy points get you places!
"Well." Biar clapped his hands together. "Time to get to work!" He made his declaration as he stood up and showed me back into the store room.