episode_0028

What is crucial in the service industry?

While numerous answers could be given to this question, what I believe are ‘smiles’ and ‘kindness.’

Treating customers like kings is fundamental, even among basics.

Unless it’s ancient or medieval times… In the 21st-century modern society, if you handle guests carelessly, you might encounter significant obstacles on your path to success.

That’s right! No matter how much you scratch beneath the surface, the other party is still a guest.

I needed to adjust to Pixie’s mood right in front of me.

You might feel as frustrated as if you’ve eaten dozens of sweet potatoes, but what can you do?

Fiction is fiction, reality is reality.

With a perplexed expression, I promptly sought forgiveness from Pixie.

“Sorry, guest. Upon further thought, Pixie seems better than a vampire.”

A swift change akin to a character in some AOS game.

Though I silently begged for this to pass, Pixie was not an easy guest to deal with.

“I don’t sense any sincerity in your apology… Well, remember what you said earlier? May I ask why you think that way?”

Are they trying to find fault, or are they genuinely curious?

While I couldn’t discern their intent, being in a position where I had to attend to the customer, I couldn’t just remain silent.

Glancing at Pixie, instead of answering, I swiftly turned to Nero, the mascot baking bread nearby, and brought him over to Pixie.

And then…

“Pixieeeeek!!!”

Pixie, taken aback, hastily hid behind another customer.

Seeing this, I returned Nero to his original spot and rewarded him with a treat as a gesture of appreciation.

“Nyaang~”

If there’s anything you need, just call me again; I’m already feeling reassured?

Anyway, back in place, Pixie pouted at me with inflated cheeks, lodging a complaint.

“Why did you suddenly bring that monster here! I thought my heart stopped!”

“Monster? Oh, you mean Nero? So, Pixie is scared of cats…”

“E-ek…!”

Well, maybe you should have just let it slide when apologizing.

Was I silently mocking Pixie with a flushed face while tapping my foot in annoyance?

The little fairy soon adopted a determined expression and began rummaging through the bag she brought.

…I’m a bit uneasy. Is it okay to just stand by without intervening?

As I gazed solely at Pixie to avoid acknowledgment, I cautiously began to calm her down.

“Guest? Could you please put down that dreadful item first before we talk?”

“Dreadful? What’s so scary about a cylinder containing millet?”

“…Do you really have to go this far?”

“You were the one who brought a cat and caused offense.”

Offense? You were just startled by a cat, that’s all.

Despite the harsh truth rising to my throat, I managed to swallow it and humbly bowed my head first.

As mentioned earlier, causing friction with customers in the service industry isn’t ideal.

“Apologies, guest. I made a mistake due to my lack of knowledge about Pixie. I would appreciate your forgiveness.”

“…Be cautious next time. You never know what pranks a startled Pixie might pull.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

A scratch deeply etched with pride.

Suppressing the boiling rage with crushed ice, I awaited the opportunity for revenge that would come shortly.

And it would be a tremendous chance to inflict bitter defeat upon that darn Pixie.

“Phew, I’ll take off now, boss. It was fun today.”

“Huh? The guardian didn’t come with you today?”

“I can handle myself now. Well then, goodbye. Will I see you again next time, sir?”

“Take care.”

After nodding farewell to Pixie and the boss, I hurriedly ran to the restroom to request a chance.

“Boss? I’ll just quickly use the restroom.”

“Sure, hurry back. It’s almost time for customers to start pouring in.”

“Yes, understood!”

The restroom at the cocktail bar where I work is located outside, not inside.

As I emerged from the cocktail bar, I immediately transformed into bat form to track Pixie and soon spotted the staggering flying Pixie.

“Looks like it’s your unlucky day, Pixie.”

Daring to hurt my pride? I won’t let you off that easily.

Of course, in bat form.

You are no match even for this bat form.

…Getting caught would be troublesome.

*Snap.*

When I sent out an ultrasonic wave, there happened to be something nearby perfect for ‘that.’

I smiled contentedly and grabbed that item with my hind legs.

Perfect timing.

Alright, Pixie.

Just 9 seconds.

I’ll finish you off within that time.

I swiftly hurled the teddy bear I had been holding with my hind legs at Pixie.

“Teddy bearrrrr!!!!!”

“…?!”

Once the shadow of the teddy bear loomed over her head, escape was already impossible.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Pixie found herself pinned under the hefty body of the teddy bear, unable to move.

Glancing down briefly at the pathetic fairy who couldn’t even whimper, I taunted her with what seemed like mocking cries, then pushed the teddy bear aside and left.

I could have tormented her more, but I chose not to.

As the boss said, customers would be arriving soon, and my goal was simply to demonstrate the difference in power.

“A pathetic race that loses to a bat is better than vampires, Pixie.”

They may be chased by pigeons, but we catch pigeons and count their feathers, right?

Oh, well.

Both seem pretty lame, don’t they?

Anyway, vampires are better than Pixie.

—–

Was it because the first client I took care of left a strong impression on me?

Although the clients I’ve had since then have been quite exceptional, none have been as memorable as Pixie.

Honestly, to leave an impression like Pixie, I’d probably need to bring in a lunatic elf I saw back in school.

Of course, I’d decline serving him as a client.

“Another tough day…”

Listening to the stories of the clients, the end of the shift approached much faster than when I was busy working.

After tidying up neatly, I left the cocktail bar with Jaehyuk.

“Heard any interesting stories today? You seemed quite entertained.”

“Just matching their pace, that’s all. Still, there were a few interesting ones.”

“No ordinary customers, huh. By the way, did you really go to the restroom earlier? You came back quite late.”

Suspicious eyes scanned me as if sensing something fishy.

In response, I met his doubtful gaze with a stern look and offered a suitable excuse.

“W-Well, yes?! You also take more than 10 minutes sometimes, dude. What unnecessary suspicions you have.”

“Is that so? I thought you went to confront that client we argued with earlier.”

…That’s why I dislike friends who are too perceptive; they’re always onto something.

However, with no concrete evidence, I crossed my arms and brazenly retorted.

“I’m not that violent of a vampire!”

“True, you’re always getting into fights wherever you go, but I guess you wouldn’t do that. Sorry for doubting you.”

“If you’re sorry, then tonight’s snack bill is on you… Oh, right. You bastard, when are you going to pay back from that bet? It’s been over a week already, you punk!”

“Ah, this is annoying.”

With a disappointed expression, Jaehyuk immediately turned on the food delivery app to order some late-night snacks, grumbling about the high delivery fee. Then, as if suddenly remembering something forgotten, he spoke to me again.

“By the way, aren’t you having midterms soon? Are you studying properly?”

“…If someone overhears, they might think you’re my parent.”

“So, are you studying properly or not?”

“…No.”

A piercing gaze that seemed to penetrate my very being.

I answered in a gloomy voice, shaking my head.

No, this is really unfair.

Honestly, my schedule was too tight to study properly.

For the past three weeks, I was practically a superhuman without exaggeration.

At 4:30 p.m., which in human terms would be like waking up at 5:30 a.m. to study cocktails.

Spending roughly two hours making cocktails non-stop until 7 p.m. and then heading to work, finishing at 4:30 a.m.

So, returning home at 5 a.m., quickly showering, spending an hour chatting online, and then straight to dreamland.

See, I’m busy beyond belief!

I admit the last part is a bit strange, but honestly, it’s unavoidable!

How can a person… no, a vampire work without any rest, huh?

Sure, if there’s no stress from work, fine, I get it.

But you know… this job, you just can’t avoid stress, you know?

Of course, the majority of customers are normal.

But when the real troublemakers show up, especially if they’re drunk…

It’s a disaster, truly.

So, scrolling through the community for an hour before bed is for recharging.

It’s not because I’m lazy!

As I glared at Jaehyuk with eyes full of injustice, he sighed and spoke up.

“Okay, fine… but don’t forget the original purpose. I suggested living together because of school. If your grades tank, what was my suffering during these four months of cohabitation with you for?”

“I’ll work hard, so stop nagging, dude.”

“If you don’t want nagging, then behave yourself, punk.”

“Ugh, seriously!”

Despite my protests, his ominous warning made me realize I had no choice but to study over the upcoming weekend.

“Oh, and if your GPA is below 3.75 this semester, expect a cramming party in front of you, so look forward to it.”

“You crazy bastard.”

Is he even human?

More like a devil.

Suddenly, the fear of the end-of-term exams started creeping in.