Ch.8Triviality

# 8. Trivialities

What a fucking idiot.

‘I was so happy about figuring out one thing that I missed the second.’

Food, clothing, and shelter were major concerns.

Among them, we had clothes to wear, but we were hungry and needed a place to sleep. That was stating the obvious.

I tried to understand the differences from the game, yet failed to grasp the immediate problems facing me. Even worse, I had a guild member to take care of. How stupid, how incredibly stupid.

“Eden Guard is a city with good public safety, right? If worst comes to worst, we could sleep outside.”

“No way, absolutely not.”

Sleeping outside on the first night? Do you know what could happen? If we had absolutely no options, that would be different, but we weren’t quite there yet. I just don’t want to be an incompetent leader from day one.

“Seon Se-yeon.”

“Yes?”

“Given the situation, we’re heading to a tavern.”

“…What? A tavern?”

Tavern, a place that serves as both a pub and an inn.

Though the atmosphere and names varied by region, there was always at least one such establishment where you could buy various foods including local specialty drinks, and there were quite a few residents who gave quests.

When I spoke to the painter, a modeling part-time job quest appeared, and when I spoke to the general store owner, a quest to deliver a message to the blacksmith appeared. So why wouldn’t some kind of quest appear if I spoke to the tavern owner? Besides, it was natural for taverns to operate from evening onwards.

“But which tavern are we going to? Looking at our current state, Animus seems like our only option.”

“How about Honor?”

“Honor? Um… won’t we be turned away at the door?”

In the game, Eden Guard had three taverns:

Animus

Gloria

Honor

Animus was a common tavern, while Honor was an upscale one. Gloria was somewhere in between. This applied to the liquor they served, the exterior and interior of the buildings, and the level of residents who gave quests. Naturally, the prices and rewards were all higher accordingly.

Currently, even in the best light, we looked like “foreigners with unusual attire,” and in the worst case, we were at the level of “wanderers with nothing.” So Cutjukyeora’s concern was generally more valid.

“Seon Se-yeon. We haven’t had a chance to talk properly yet, but we agree that while we have a lot to prepare, it’s better to get a head start on climbing the tower, right?”

“Yes. If we’re not planning to live here forever.”

“Then, if you’re into games, you know how actions in the very early stages can create a big snowball effect.”

“So you’re saying if we’re going to take on quests, we might as well go for the ones with better rewards?”

“Exactly. It’s a bit hazy since it’s been a while, but I know the quest rewards at Honor are at least twice those at Animus. Plus, taverns typically double as inns, so we might easily solve our sleeping arrangements too.”

This plan was based on the premise that this world was similar to the game, but it seemed doable since our appearance, while unusual, was still neat, and the city’s atmosphere wasn’t particularly exclusionary. Eden Guard was, according to the setting, a low-level zone with established rules and order.

Perhaps it wasn’t a coincidence that Eden Guard appeared on the first floor of the tower. Regardless of the memories and experiences in my head, my body itself was brand new.

“But leader. It’s been a while since I’ve been here, so I don’t remember well…? I’ll follow you since you’re the leader, but are you confident?”

“Don’t worry.”

“As expected!”

“People are people, whether here or there, right?”

“…What?”

I was being a bit inconsistent, thinking realistically one moment and relying on game settings the next… I’ll just rationalize it as being in a transitional period of local adaptation. For now.

“Let’s just go and see.”

“Hey! Leader!”

**

[Quest ‘Temporary Face of Honor’ has been updated.]

[Quest content – Become the face of ‘Honor’, one of Eden Guard’s taverns (1 day, repeatable)]

[Reward upon success – One private room with accommodation (free for 1 day), 250 gold coins]

[You have accepted the quest.]

“I didn’t expect to wear a serving uniform before armor and a sword.”

“That’s life.”

“Not every saying applies to every situation.”

“Anyway, it worked out well, didn’t it? The reversed day and night schedule is a problem, but we can quit anytime on a daily basis and repeat it if needed.”

“That’s true. But still.”

Note to self:

Regardless of era, culture, or country, possessors of excellent looks get halfway in the door automatically.

Of course, I’m not referring to myself, but rather to Cutjukyeora.

Fortunately, Honor’s master had a universally sound aesthetic sense, and when I casually gave off the vibe of “I’d like to work here with this woman,” the quest window immediately appeared.

The job involved greeting and serving.

Nothing difficult. The customers who frequented this place were more “well-behaved” compared to those at Animus or Gloria.

“Why are you so fidgety?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Are you unhappy with this?”

“No! That’s not it. It’s just… how should I put it.”

“Just what?”

“That my first part-time job is not there but here. And in a tavern, no less. It feels awkward and strange.”

Ah. Hmm.

Hmm.

Sigh. Did I push too hard?

“Ah. It’s not that you did anything wrong, so don’t make that face. It’s just, well. It’s entirely about my mindset. I agreed to this too, for the sake of moving as efficiently as possible. I was just surprised, that’s all. So don’t think anything strange. I’ll work hard. It’s not like we’re comfortably playing a game in a room. Besides, you’re in the same position as me.”

Indeed, Cutjukyeora is truly an angel who lost her wings. I was foolish to have doubted her, even momentarily, thinking she might be a devil. Despite my position as leader, I was somewhat inconsiderate. It’s disrespectful to compare her to colleagues and peers I had to deal with for nearly half a day. And her appearance speaks for itself.

My sense of responsibility deepened.

“I really mean it! Thinking about it, I was being spoiled. My friend told me decent part-time jobs are hard to come by these days, so experiencing this might not be bad.”

“…Once we get past the early stages, you won’t have to earn money directly like this.”

“That’s good, but why are you looking at me with that expression? I’m really fine!”

I spotted a customer raising their hand and moved first, wearing Honor’s uniform. I’ll move as quickly as possible to minimize Cutjukyeora’s workload. It was my way of showing gratitude to her for trying to adjust her mindset in such a short time for our common goal, trusting me.

“Did you call, customer?”

“One bottle of Eden Guard Year 14, and two recommended dry snacks.”

“One bottle of Eden Guard Year 14 and two recommended dry snacks, order received.”

At Honor, which was more like a bar than a tavern, nothing unusual should happen.

I checked the time as I delivered the order inside.

Six hours left.

**

‘I said something stupid.’

How pathetic must the leader think I am. As if never having done a part-time job is something to brag about. Of course, I’ve earned money before through scholarships, tutoring, and even some modeling, so it’s not like I’ve lived a princess-like life without ever earning my own money.

Besides, it’s the leader’s decision. It’s an order based on respect for us and belief in our abilities.

The situation isn’t great, but I’ve known for over a year that the leader’s orders are what they consider the best course of action. The leader is human and makes mistakes too, but it was the leader who quickly came up with the idea of tavern work as a means to solve our accommodation while earning money. I agreed to it, so why did I say such strange things? What if the leader thinks I’m a weird and useless woman?

‘Ah. This is uncomfortable.’

Why is this so tight across the chest…

If I wear a larger size, it’s too big to wear. This one shows off my figure too much. Ugh.

Thankfully the tavern is overall dimly lit, considering the stares that all converged on me the moment I came out in uniform…

‘No. It’s better than being ugly. Better than looking the same from front and back. Yes. Don’t complain. Think positively. It’s not like we’re staying here long anyway.’

Look at the leader over there. Moving two or three times for every one move I make. It must be because of my unnecessary comments. And that woman who just lowered her hand after ordering, casually brushing against the leader’s behind, and the leader just smiling it off as if nothing happened…?

‘What did I just see?’

It must be a coincidence, right? Or did I see it wrong? Right?

No, I didn’t.

I clearly saw that woman raise her hand over the table and deliberately touch the leader’s behind, the same spot, as she passed by!

Once could be a mistake, but twice using the same method on the same spot?

That crazy woman. If you come to a tavern, just drink your alcohol and leave.

This is annoying.

She’s insane.

I found myself moving before I knew it, but…

“It’s okay.”

The leader, having finished taking orders, quickly approached and stopped me.

Looking into my eyes steadily, as if telling me to stay calm.

Why? The leader was the one who got touched, so why is the leader stopping me?

“It’s a trivial matter.”

“Leader?”

“She didn’t completely cross the line, and we still have about five and a half hours left.”

“…”

It felt like being doused with cold water.

Was I only thinking from my own perspective? If the leader hadn’t stopped me, what would I have done? Would I have confronted her, asking what she thought she was doing?

I’m not sure.

I moved because I was momentarily shocked and annoyed, but could I really have confronted that customer? I don’t think I have that kind of courage or boldness.

Maybe if it were a character I was controlling, but not me. I couldn’t even speak up to fellow college students when I disliked something.

‘Right. It’s a trivial matter. In a tavern, that level is trivial…’

“Oh, but if someone touches your behind, scream immediately.”

“What…? You just said it was a trivial matter.”

I had just resolved not to be surprised by “trivial” things compared to our goal, but then the leader tried to pat my shoulder, hesitated, stepped back a bit, and shrugged.

“Well, your behind and mine aren’t the same. It’s not like I enjoy letting it slide. But I’ve seen and experienced all sorts of things, so it’s trivial for me, but not for you. Besides that, I’m the leader and I’ve taken responsibility for you… Ah, anyway, just remember that. If you think you’re about to be touched, either avoid it in advance or call me. Got it?”

You said you were just an ordinary office worker who likes games. What kind of life have you lived, leader?

“Answer me.”

“…Yes. I understand.”

“As expected. We’re on the same wavelength. Ah, the snacks are ready. I’ll go. Take a rest, even if just for a moment.”

Besides that, I’m the leader and I’ve taken responsibility for you…

Yes.

It’s trivial.

It’s trivial… so I won’t deny it for now.

At least until the next order comes in.