A Courier's Strange Day
I bumped into Vera while out for a light jog in the morning on my day off.
...She was in her usual delivery outfit, even on her day off.
Oh, Captain! Good morning!
You're up already? The sun's not even out yet!
Look who's talking.
Ehehe, well, I've got work today.
I'm on my way to pick up a delivery job from the Courier Guild.
Courier Guild?
Yup! The brave and bold Courier Guild of Lavistar.
If you're registered and pass the screening, they assign you delivery jobs.
And the rates are better on holidays. Like a fever time bonus!
But if you're not there early, there's no chance you'll get a job...
Mind if I tag along?
Huh? You, Captain?
Well, I guess there's no rule against it...
But it's probably not that fun to watch. It might be kinda boring...
That's fine. I just want to see how you work.
...Ehehehe.
Okay then! Let's do delivery runs together!
Thank you for signing! Have a good day!
And you keep up the good work, dearie!
I will, thank you! This was Vera, delivering with heart!
The sender is...
Oh, looks like it's from your daughter!
Haha! Told you, didn't I? My kid never forgets her old man!
Ehehe, just like you said. I bet you're really happy!
Oh! I'll take my leave now.
Thank you! This was Vera, delivering with heart!
You never seem to lose your smile, Vera.
Really?
Ehehe, when I see people light up, I can't help but smile too!
...
If I look gloomy, I get complaints saying that I'm unfriendly...
Sounds like there's more to being a courier than I thought...
After that, I followed Vera around, going door to door.
Most of it went smoothly, but...
...Ah!
Captain... something's off about this house...!
What do you mean?
Cracked windows, weird marks on the floor, a half-broken door...!
Something feels really wrong.
...
Just in case, Captain, please stand back a bit.
What is it...?
Vera gulped and slowly stepped toward the door.
Uh, hello? Just leaving a letter in your mailbox—
*Crash*
I knew this would happen!!
I-it's a dog!
Vera, this way, run—
Hyaaah!
Just as she started to run, Vera whirled around and stroke a weird pose.
She had one hand to the ground, and the other out wide.
...Strangely enough, it worked.
The big, scary dog froze, then started watching Vera from a distance.
...
...
......
......
After a beat, the dog tucked its tail between its legs and went back!
...I'll quickly drop off the letter now, and...!
Run, Captain!
O-okay!
That... shaved a few years off my life...
You handled that like a pro.
Weren't you scared?
Scared? I was terrified!
Is it that hard to put up a "Beware of Dog" sign?!
Doesn't matter how careful you are—some days you just get bit! Still, better to get bit on the butt than on the hand!
...Want to take a break?
Ugh, I really, really do, but...
We've already spent too much time. If I want to finish deliveries today, I gotta keep moving...
I'll have to pick up the pace.
If you're okay...
Keh heh, what's a dainty girl like you doing in a back alley like this?
That bag looks heavy. Want us to lighten it for you?
Uh, m-me?
I-it's not that heavy, actually...
Get behind me, Ver—
S-sorry, I'm in a rush! Excuse me!
Hey, where you think you're go—
...Did she just run up the wall and over us?!
Is she the Treasure Bunny?
Treasure Bunny?
She's pretty famous, actually.
Always loaded with shiny parcels...
When you try to grab her, she goes 'Eek! Hyaa!' and then she's gone in a flash.
Ugh, we blew it.
Hey, do you have anything on you?
Yeah, I got something for you.
...After having a little "chat" and calling the town guard, I caught up with Vera.
A few more incidents happened after that, big and small.
And yet, even when startled or flustered, Vera always handled things just fine.
Vera... might be more capable than she looks...
Maybe she's secretly kind of a badass.
Whew, that's the last one for today! Thanks for all your help!
Vera... you're kinda scary...
...
...Huh?