First Encounter
I dropped by Candle Square to meet a new Journey member, following Lisa's advice.
However, I couldn't find anyone who fit the description.
As I looked around the area...
Hm? Who's that...? Is he the new recruit?
Now that I think about it, wasn't the cleaning orientation scheduled for today?
Hmm. I believe so.
You there. Rookie. Over here. Sit down.
Hmm...?
What are you just standing there for? Sit!
Something felt off, but I decided to sit down to be safe.
I am Emily, Senior Maid of Candle Square. I manage everything related to cleaning.
That includes training new maids like you.
So for today's Field Cleaning Operation, I'll be leading you myself.
Cleaning is a fundamental virtue for any maid.
And of all the areas a maid must tend to...
Cleaning a high-traffic area like Candle Square is a duty that requires intensive training.
You must be fast. Efficient. Precise. Just as you would be...
...In combat!
Cleaning is combat!
You will locate every trace of hidden dust, eradicate it, and then clear the operation zone.
Understood?
Very well. Then let us commence Operation: Clean Sweep!
Today's operation zone is the East Hall corridor!
Wait, me? I'm the one who has to clean?
...Are you talking back to me?
...Should I be the one cleaning, ma'am?
...Why are you stating the obvious?
Wait, hold it right there.
You're heading onto the battlefield without your gear?
And that outfit is completely out of regulation.
Why aren't you wearing your standard-issue maid uniform?
You're lacking the basics!
There's no time to change. Just throw on this apron for now.
In a flash, I was shoved into an apron...
And somehow, I found myself holding a spray bottle, a cleaning cloth, and a broom.
Good.
Detergent level! Check.
Spray angle! Check.
Calibration!
Check.
Bristle condition on combat broom and duster! Check.
Excellent. Commence operation.
Somehow, wires had clearly been crossed.
Before I could say anything, Emily grabbed my hand and pulled me toward what she called the operation zone.
After that...
Dust on the window frame... a particularly troublesome enemy.
For targets like this, fold your cleaning cloth into a narrow point.
Then drive it straight into the enemy's core... and scrub with all your might!
I did my best...
That's not how you sweep with a broom!
Watch me. Hold it near the top, and control it with your wrist. Like this.
And carried out the operation...
Your spray output is too weak.
That's what happens when the nozzle gets clogged.
Always keep your personal weapons in peak condition to avoid this!
...To the very end.
Oh, Emily, there you are.
Have you seen the Cap—
...?!
Fufu, Ms. Claire.
I've just finished the new maid's orientation.
His discipline was lacking, so I made sure to whip him into shape.
Ms. Claire, is something wrong?
...The new maid? Who exactly are you referring to?
That would be the one over there, sweeping—
Have you not forgotten anything?
Don't you remember what you had scheduled after assisting with today's lunchtime training?
Hmm. If I recall correctly...
Ah, yes.
The Journey Captain was supposed to arrive today.
He's quite late, that one.
Have you not considered that... the new maid might actually be the Captain?
Hey there. I'm the Captain, reporting for duty.
...
...
*Cough* There's a lot of dust here. Pretty sure I've swallowed a handful of it by now.
M-my apologies! I shall discipline myself at once for this!
Commencing disciplinary drill!
I barely managed to stop Emily from dropping into a push-up position.
That was my first encounter with Emily.
Our first meeting left quite the dusty impression.