As we laugh, someone walked into the hotel. It was another human. I was surprised that another human has entered here.
"Thanatos!" The man, who looked like he's in his 50s, wearing a black suit and tie, cheerfully yelled.
"Sero!" Thanatos yelled back.
"How are things here in the hotel?" The guy, who Thanatos called Sero, asked.
"Things are doing great now!" He replied. "We finally found someone who will help the ghosts around here!"
"Really? That's great!" He looks at me and smiled. "That's you, right?"
"Ah, yes sir!" I bowed as I say. I reached for a handshake. "Kazuya Shinozaki, sir! Call me Kazu."He accepts the handshake. "Sero Yamada. Nice to meet you, young man."
Thanatos placed his arm around Mr. Yamada's shoulders. "Sero here is the only human I've ever interacted with ever since I became a death angel, up until now."
"Ohhhhh. How long have you guys known each other?"
"I think about ten years now." Mr. Yamada replied.
"Yeah, and he's the reason why this building is still up! This guy is a wealthy company president and he bought this place so we could still run it."
"That's amazing!" I marveled. "What type of company do you run, Mr. Yamada?"
"My company produces food products such as salt, sugar, flour, sardines, noodles, and such. Anything related to food."
"Ohh, I see," I replied. "Is no one questioning why you bought this building but it's still run down?"
"Not really," he replied. "I own the casino next to this building, so they are probably thinking that I'll extend the place someday."
"Ah, yes. I think I've heard that rumor before." People have talked about this, but it isn't really a big deal. It's just a billionaire buying an old building. They just thought that he's going to open a new establishment.
"Well, looks like everything here is up and running pretty well," He says as he looks around the building. "I got to go, there might be another gambler in the casino causing trouble for everyone. And kid, you'll receive your paycheck by the end of every month."
I shot up a surprised look. "Wait, you're paying me?"
"Well, yeah. This hotel is basically my property and you're working in it. Besides, this is not an easy job. It's not some job that anyone can just do you and tell others about."
I bowed down in front of him. "Thank you, Mr. Yamada!"
He chuckles and pats and rubs my head. "Don't mention it, kid."
As he was about to walk out, the Kotengu approached Mr. Yamada and stares at him. "Uhh, who is this guy?"
"Oh, it's just a Yokai that Kazu captured," Thanatos replied. "He's now Kazu's Shikigami."
"Oh, you also practice Onmyodo?" Mr. Yamada asked.
I shake my head and motioned my hand in a way that is saying 'no', and explained nervously. "No, no, not really. It was accidental. It's a long story."
Mr. Yamada laughs. "You can tell me about it later once we meet again, alright?"
I smiled and cheerfully replied, "Okay, sir!"
As Mr. Yamada walks out, Cerby walks up to Kotengu and barked at him. Kotengu crouched and took a good look at Cerby. He barked once again. Because of this, Kotengu let out a screech, but it's not an ear-piercing one this time. As Kotengu screeches, the three heads of Cerby licked the face of Kotengu. This caused unease to Kontengu and he starts to fly around the building. Cerby barks and chases him.
Thanatos and I chuckled. "What even is happening?" I asked, slight laughter escaping my mouth.
"Just two yokai bonding."
"By the way, where did you find Cerby?"
"Actually, I witnessed their death."
There was a sudden change of mood in the conversation.
"Their?" I asked.
"Yes. Some cruel humans put these three puppies in a bag and threw them in the trash. Once the trash collectors picked them up, they brought it to a place where they recycle trash. Some of the process....." He can't seem to finish his words. "Was brutal. Crushing, burning, all kinds of stuff,
and they all went through it."
Pure frustration was visible in his face. " After that horrible series of unfortunate events, the dogs turned into a Yokai, giving birth to Cerby."
I can't believe that this cute dog had such horrible backstory.
"The damn humans didn't even notice that there were live dogs there! I could've done something if I was allowed to interfere."
I pat his back. "It's okay Thanatos. There was nothing you could have done. At least, you were there to take care of the puppies when the humans can't. You're more human than any of the other humans here."
Thanatos smiles. "Yeah. Thank you, Kazu."
I smiled back. "No problem."
"Well, let's go to my office. Your first ghost is right there as we speak."
I nod with determination and followed Thanatos.