You finding a part-time job

A/N: Finally back to the MC.

Both your mother and Elwur returned from the holiday trip completely refreshed and beaming with delight. In fact, you've never seen your mother this radiant in forever, a stark contrast to her exhausted, overworked self of the past.

"That was such a great trip! If only we had more such tickets for free..." Yutsuko said.

"Such free gifts never come forever, or many times," Elwur pointed out.

"I know, I sometimes wish that trip never ended," Yutsuko said, "Although I have to wonder what my workplace will be like, now that we have new management."

"It is a good company, no need to worry," Said Elwur.

"You and your self-assurance," Yutsuko said, "Anyway, let's go take a shower. I'm quite tired after that long trip."

"Mm."

And of course, you were left shaking your head in exasperation.

"Of all the unlikely miracles Kami-sama blesses us with, I see my mother in love once again, and with a foreigner Elf who speaks Japanese, who is a formidable fighter, and effortlessly intimidates others with his presence," You monologue to yourself, "And I have yet to find a girlfriend, lucky me."

You heave a sigh.

"Speaking of which, I better find a part-time job soon," You said, "Not getting much pocket money these days."

You go to your room and switch on your computer, searching for job openings. You find one for a Hotel receptionist with a flexible schedule that favoured your circumstances, and with good pay for a part-timer.

"Bingo."

You apply and schedule the appointment, and soon you got the email, and make preparations.

The hotel at which you applied for a job was a modestly sized traditional Japanese inn, built upon an old traditional Japanese mansion whose previous owners sold the house. However, the hotel owners were not doing very good and their children had no interest in taking over the family business. Thus, the old hotel remained closed for at least a year until the new ryokan chain bought the building and renovated it, and as it happens, you were hired just days after the grand opening.

The Hanazono Ryokan's staff welcomed you into the hotel premises, where you showed up in a smart-casual attire of long trousers, sports shoes and a grey shirt, and you greeted the Ryokan's proprietress.

"Hajimemashite. I am Kunieda Isono, Proprietress of the Hanazono Ryokan," The woman greeted, "You are Tokunaga Toraemon?"

"I am," You nodded, "I applied for a receptionist job."

"Yes, that's right," Said Isono, "Let's start with a few questions. First, do you have any experience working this type of job, or in the hospitality industry in general?"

"I have worked as a cashier before, but this is my first job taking a job at an actual hotel," You answered.

"I take that as a no, then."

"Yes."

"Alright. Second, how long have you worked as a cashier?"

"Roughly six months or so."

The stream of questions continued, and you answered each of them to the best of your ability. Then the interview ended with Isono shaking your hand, a smile of satisfaction on her face.

"You're hired, Toraemon," She said, "When can you start work earliest?"

"Thank you, Okami-san [1]. I can start work this coming Monday."

"Very good, please report here at 8.30 AM tomorrow," Said Isono.

"Of course. See you tomorrow, Okami-san," You said as you took your leave.

Once you were gone, Isono took out a single locket, engraved with the symbol of a laurel-wreathed lion stamped on the gold. Opening it, she looked at the picture of her family: Her, her husband, and their toddler son, happy and ignorant of the world's woes. On the other side of the locket, she read the engraved inscription in Dark Elven script.

"Unity in Life, Unity in ****."

She mouthed those words, fondly running a finger along the lines, before closing them.

"My son is staying at the Tokunaga household, isn't he?" She muttered, "Maybe I should ask Toraemon about him whenever I can."