Pro Part-Timer
This quest was... to explore newly discovered ruins on the outskirts.
There were no issues with the report. Good work.
By the way, how much is that monster we took down worth?
It was a rare one, so there isn't an established market price yet, but...
We've handed the remains you brought back over to an appraiser. The valuation should be ready shortly.
Fine. As long as they give us a fair price.
Good work, Captain.
Same to you.
Quite some time had passed since I started the Journey with Mina.
We'd had our rough patches, but just as I thought things were finally settling into place...
There's nothing else scheduled for today, right?
I'm going to step out for a bit.
...Huh? You're asking where I'm going?
I'm just off to handle some personal business. Don't worry about it.
Lately, Mina had been slipping away whenever she had free time.
At first I thought it'd last only a few days, but...
So you're worried she might be getting involved in something shady?
Hmm... It's not unheard of.
She could've gotten mixed up in a scam-ridden gambling scene, or started messing with psychoactive substances...
Those examples are way too specific!
Mina might act cold, but I don't think she'd go that far.
Of course, that's what I think too!
...But it wouldn't hurt to make sure.
"Even a bridge you crossed yesterday deserves another knock!" That's the Town Guard' rule of thumb.
...And so, after following Mina, I ended up at...
A cafe?
There's no one watching me, right...?
Whew... Okay. Let's do this.
After glancing around, Mina slipped in through the back door.
Her suspicious behavior immediately put bad thoughts in my head.
...This isn't some illegal gambling den disguised as a cafe, is it?
I'd better check...!
I put on the [novelty disguise glasses] from Annah and charged in.
As long as I have these on, even being caught won't expose who I am...!
Welcome! Woof-woof!
Woof-woof?!
Mina! We got a customer!
...W-welcome.
Hmm...?
Oh dear, greeting customers like that will scare them off!
I was being as gentle as I could...
Come on, put some love into it and smile nice and wide!
Welcome! Woof-woof!
W-welcome...! Woof-woof!
That's it! Perfect!
Show our dear customer to his seat. I'll make the drinks.
For some reason, the look she shot me suddenly got a lot sharper...!
What do you want?
...I mean, what would you like to order?
Watching Mina fumble like that, a thought crossed my mind.
This might... be an opportunity!
Then I'd like a heartfelt woof-woof from you!
What's your deal? You think acting like a jerk is gonna work?
I had a feeling, but did I push it too far?!
Mina, you're scaring the customer.
But I even dressed like this—what more do you want…?
Woof-woof is how we stay in business. If a customer wants it, we deliver.
How about this? I'll raise today's pay by 15%.
15%?! That much?
Of course! You've got the looks and the body for it!
If only her personality were a little better...
Hey. You wanna keep yapping?
Oh! You really know your stuff, sir!
You heard that too, right, Mina?
Let's add a "woof" at the end of each sentence! That'll make you even cuter
Alright, I'm counting on you!
Seeing Mina left alone like that brought a smile to my face.
Right now, she was surrounded by enemies everywhere she looked.
No allies. No backup.
Why's my order taking so long?
W-woof...
Not enough love!
Kgh... This jerk...
Woof-woof...!
With a big, warm smile!
Would you knock it off already?
The muzzle against my forehead was ice-cold...
I'm sorry...
One iced coffee, please.
Should've said that sooner...
Mina returned shortly with a cup of iced coffee after taking the order.
…Not in the waitress uniform she'd been wearing, but in her usual outfit.
Here, one iced coffee.
...
What?
It's nothing.
Be glad you didn't get kicked out—it's only because of the manager.
If you get it, just finish it quick and get out—
...Wait. That voice sounds familiar.
Haven't we met somewhere before?
I-I-I don't think so?
Th-this our first time meeting!
Really? What's your name, then?
M-Mason!
John Mason!
...What? I know that name. That's the mercenary guy's name.
You're definitely suspicious. Where did you get that name?
Mina, there you are!
L-Lisa?
Why are you here?!
Honestly, I spend all day searching all over NOA to find you!
Did you hear? The monster you brought down is going to sell for a fortune!
Wait, seriously?
Yes! With that money, the newly released limited [Moonlight Essence] isn't just a dream!
Moonlight Essence...? So it's basically beauty products.
You want me to spend my hard-earned money on something that pointless?
Pointless?!
[Moonlight Essence] is a treasure that will absolutely prove vital during this [Journey]!
Get it, and the Journey will be smooth sailing!
I don't really get it, but is it really that good?
Yes! With that, you and I will become NOA's—
No, Lavistar's next rising stars!
If we don't hurry, it'll sell out! Let's go buy it right away!
...No.
Huh?
Absolutely not!
Don't fall for it!
Captain?!
Kgh...! I never expected an ambush in a place like this!
W-wait, Captain, that was you?
You were the one making me bark earlier...?!
Wait, I'm an ally! Don't fire!
...You followed me because you were worried I'd get into trouble?
What? I'm not a kid. That's ridiculous.
I'm sorry.
I let myself get carried away.
No, you don't need to apologize.
I was just surprised, that's all.
It just caught me off guard... realizing there's someone who worries about me.
The look on Mina's face as she said that seemed a little lonely.
You'll definitely see your coworkers again.
That's what this Journey is for.
...Yeah. You're right.
I can't help thinking about them, though.
Even after all this time, I still wake up thinking about going to work.
Why were you doing part-time work?
It's... just for personal reasons.
You could just earn money through quests, couldn't you?
Money earned from quests is for the [Journey].
You could say it's the same excuse I used with training, but...
I can't stay here forever.
If I'm going back, I need to settle things like this properly.
In that case, I understand.
As long as it's nothing bad.
...Okay. I should get back to work.
Oh, right. Captain.
They hold a festival here when the new year comes around, right?
You mean the New Year's festival?
It's famous for the fireworks.
Well... do you want to go see the festival together that day?
The festival?
If you don't want to, forget it.
That's way too half-hearted for someone making the invitation!
I mean, I can't force someone who doesn't want to go.
I'll take that as a yes, okay?
On my way back, I wondered why she'd invited me to the festival, but couldn't find an answer.
But...
She'll have to go back, eventually.
...That much, at least, was certain.