"I need money."
That's what I've been thinking about lately.
I can't keep relying on other people's money—I still have some dignity left.
So I have to find a job, any job, to support myself.
"Why not try becoming an adventurer? You can make tons of money!"
My teacher's voice echoed in my head.
You'd have to be insane to do that. I'm nowhere near ready to fight monsters.
...Because, you know, every time I heal from an injury—no matter how small—the pain comes back twice as bad. No, ten times worse.
It hurts like hell. I really don't want that.
So I decided to do something like manual labor, or whatever I can find. Who knows?
"Uah!!"
A loud thud followed by a painful cry.
A small yellow ball rolled to my feet.
"Huh?"
I picked it up and looked toward the person who had fallen, surrounded by a bunch of similar balls.
She's... a jester?
Short black hair, a brightly colored outfit, and a white mask covering her face.
'Kinda short, like average Asian girl height,' I noted, as I dropped the ball back into her cardboard box.
"Ah... Thank you."
"No problem."
I scratched my head while watching her gather the rest of the balls into the box.
I heard working in a circus is tough too.
You've gotta entertain kids and always keep a smile on your face.
And she's wearing a mask—
Pretty sure she's not great at smiling... just guessing.
Plus, look at her outfit.
It's a little dirty.
She probably hasn't had the best day.
Uhhh… Say something to cheer her up, maybe?
It'd be kinda rude to just ignore her…
"Uh, well, I hope you keep making people laugh."
"Huh?"
She looked at me. I immediately walked off.
Why the hell did I say that?! That was so cringe!!!!
I covered my face, the shame squeezing every inch of it.
After walking off, I looked over at a construction site. People there were struggling with a few things.
"Why not try getting a job there? Might toughen up my body too."
Convincing myself, I headed over and asked for work.
"Pfft, you? With that body? Are you trying to make me laugh?"
"I can do it. I need the money."
"No really, I'm not trying to be mean or anything, but you won't last with that scrawny frame of yours. Don't act like one of those main characters in system novels who prove everyone wrong and slap me in the face for underestimating you or some crap."
"Ugh…"
Seriously? I used to do this kind of work before I ended up in this damn world.
I had no choice but to walk away and look for another job.
"Uhhh, I don't hire young people."
"Sorry, not taking anyone right now."
"We're full, no room for new hires."
"I only let girls work for me, sorry."
"Ew, a guy? I don't hire dudes. Get lost." (Wtf?)
What the actual fuck—finding work here is hell!
Don't tell me… I actually have to become an adventurer or something…?
"Oh? Isn't that Kai?"
A voice called out—familiar, but I couldn't quite place it.
"Ah! You forgot me, didn't you?! It's me! Violet!" She pointed to herself, raising her voice.
"Violet? Who the hell is that?"
"What?! You really forgot me??" She slumped over dramatically, acting all hurt.
"Drama queen," I muttered, annoyed.
"Whatever! Just look at me closely, maybe you'll remember!" she beamed and stepped in close.
I took a good look—white hair with a few pink strands.
...Oh, right.
"You're that girl who talked all flirty with the fat teacher."
"Oi!! Is that really how you see me??"
"I guess?"
"How rude! I was actually gonna invite you on a little dungeon run!"
My ears perked up.
"You were gonna invite me to a dungeon? For what?"
"You'll find out when you come. But I'm mad now! Not inviting you anymore!" She puffed her cheeks and turned away all cutesy-mad.
Too bad it just looked super childish to me.
"Is that so? Well, bye then. I was planning to say no anyway." I started walking off, which clearly caught her off guard.
"W-Wait?! Why are you turning me down?? I thought my act would at least do something!"
"Too childish. I'm not into it," I replied and kept walking.
Desperate, she ran up and hugged my leg.
"Don't gooo!! I'm begging you!"
"Hey, where's that mysterious vibe from last time?"
"Mysterious is just 'cause I thought it looked cool! This is the real me, okay?! Look into my eyes—they're basically crying already!"
She was so annoying.
"If you come with me, the party leader will pay you enough to live for three months!"
I froze and turned to look at her.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously!"
"You sure?"
"Absolutely!"
"What if you're lying?"
"I'm not!"
"No, say you'll pay me for three years if you're lying."
"YOU MONSTER!"
What? She's asking me to go dungeon diving and risk my life—I've got a right to be cautious.
"Why me, anyway?" I asked suspiciously.
"The leader thinks you'd be a good fit for the team and wants you to join."
"Hold up, she knows me? I thought you were the one who wanted to invite me?"
"Me and the leader saw you fight those Class B students in the cafeteria. She got interested."
"..."
That… sounds like something a side villain would say. Not comforting at all.
"...Is there insurance?"
"Huh?"
"Insurance. You know, in case I lose an arm or something?"
"Erm… I didn't think about that, but I can ask her."
"Do it. Now."
She pulled out some wristwatch-looking device, and it started playing music.
Then, a woman's voice came through.
[Violet?]
"Oh Irilia! Um, about—"
[I get it. Insurance, right? I already bought some ages ago.]
"Oh, okay! Bye now!"
Hold on, what kind of insurance?! That sounded shady as hell!
Right before she could hang up, I leaned in.
"Uh, just to be clear—what kind of insurance are we talki-"
[Death insurance. If you die, your family gets the money. Don't worry.]
"Huh??"
The device cut off, leaving me in stunned silence.
"Uhh… So, you coming?"
I looked at her, smiled sweetly—
"Yeah… I'll come kick you in the face is what I'll do!!!"